The Vizsla is a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog. Also known as the Hungarian Pointer, the first Vizsla came to the United States in the 1950's. The Vizsla is a natural hunter, endowed with a good nose and above average ability to take training. The Vizsla is lively, gentle-mannered, affectionate and sensitive, though fearless with a well developed protective instinct. To read the Vizsla Standard, click here.
The Vizsla is not the dog for everyone. Before considering a Vizsla, we recommend that you purchase and read "The Vizsla" by B.C. Boggs, and "The Versatile Vizsla" by Marion Coffman. It is also recommended that you call your local Vizsla club for a breeder referral. Never buy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder! The Vizsla is truly a versatile breed. Below are just some of the AKC training and competitive events that Vizsla owners can excel in with their dogs.
Field Trials
An AKC Field Trial is an event at which championship points may be awarded for dogs in competition in various stakes with specific requirements. Field Trials may be horseback handling, a walking event, or a combination of the two. Dogs can be awarded the titles of Field Champion and/or Amateur Field Champion after meeting the criteria set forth in the Field Trial Rules for Pointing Breeds. You can find more information on the AKC website.
Hunt Tests
The AKC Hunting Tests evaluate the hunting abilities of dogs and grades them against written hunting standards, under simulated but near-natural hunting conditions, without competition. The hunting test program is a program of certification; it seeks to identify and officially recognize those dogs that possess the abilities that enable them to serve effectively as personal hunting companions. Certification is provided on three levels in the form of the official AKC suffix titles Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter and Master Hunter. You can find more information on the AKC website.
Agility
In agility, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other objects. It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise for both, which might explain why it’s so enjoyable to watch and has become the fastest growing dog sport in the U.S.! You can find more information on the AKC website.
Obedience
In obedience competition, a handler and his/her dog demonstrate the usefulness of a dog as a companion to humankind. It is a sport with rules, regulations, judges, conditioning, training, placements and prizes. Each level of obedience competition (novice, open, and utility) requires mastering a specific skill set, which increase in difficulty, before advancing to the next level. It is not only a rewarding experience for handler and dog, but a bonding one as well. You can find more information on the AKC website.
Conformation
The primary purpose of AKC conformation shows is to facilitate the evaluation of breeding stock for use in producing the breed's next generations. A standard is written as a description of the ideal specimen of a that specific breed. The parent clubs of each breed write, maintain and own these standards. At a conformation show a judge, while applying his/her interpretation of the standard, awards placements through his/her opinion of the best dog on that particular day. The breeds are divided into seven groups. The Vizsla is part of the Sporting Group. The AKC Vizsla standard is here.
