The Hungarian Vizsla — also known as the Magyar Vizsla or Hungarian Pointer — is one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe, with origins tracing back to the Magyar tribes who settled the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. Hunting dogs of this type appear in manuscripts and stone engravings dating to the 14th century.
The breed nearly disappeared during and after World War II, but dedicated breeders preserved the bloodlines. Today the Vizsla is recognized worldwide as an outstanding versatile hunting dog and beloved companion, prized equally for field performance and its affectionate, gentle nature.
FCI Classification: Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 (Continental Pointing Dogs — Braque type). With working trial.
A medium-sized, elegant dog of noble appearance. The body is well-muscled yet lean; the overall impression is of a lively, intelligent, and athletic animal. The skin is tight, without wrinkles. Sexes are clearly differentiated: males are distinctly masculine, females distinctly feminine without weakness.
Important proportions: The body length is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The depth of chest is approximately half the height at the withers. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull.
Lively, gentle-mannered, loyal, and obedient. The Vizsla is extremely sensitive to its owner's moods and very trainable. It is above all a hunter with an excellent nose and natural pointing instinct, adaptable to all types of terrain — particularly water and marshland.
Affectionate with family, including children. Not aggressive; can be reserved with strangers but should never be fearful or shy. Excessive nervousness or shyness is a fault.
Skull
Moderately wide, slightly domed. The median furrow is slightly visible. The occipital protuberance is slightly developed. The stop is moderate.
Muzzle
Strong, blunt, and square at the end. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nostrils are broad and well-developed. Nose colour matching the coat — ranging from dark flesh to dark brown.
Eyes
Medium-sized, almond-shaped, of slightly darker shade than the coat. Eyelids tight-fitting. Expression intelligent and lively.
Ears
Set on moderately low, hanging close to the cheeks. Rounded tips, medium length. Thin, silky texture — not folded.
Teeth
Strong, complete scissor bite. 42 teeth per FCI standard. Pincer bite tolerated but not desired.
Neck
Medium length, muscular, without dewlap. The arch of the neck is graceful and well-defined. Skin tight to the throat.
Back
Strong, level, and firm. The loin is short, broad, and well-muscled. The croup is broad and slightly sloping.
Chest
Moderately broad, deep, and long. The forechest is well-developed. The ribs are well sprung. The sternum reaches at least to the elbows.
Belly
Slightly tucked up. Flanks short and tight.
Forequarters
Shoulders long, sloping, and muscular. Upper arm at approximately 90° to the shoulder blade. Forearms straight, strong, and lean. Pasterns slightly sloping.
Hindquarters
Well-muscled, with good angulation. The thighs are broad and strong. The hocks are well let-down and firm. Dewclaws should be removed.
Feet
Cat-like, rounded, compact. Toes well-knit and arched. Strong nails, preferably dark. Pads firm and tough.
Set on medium height, moderately thick at the root, tapering towards the tip. In countries where docking is permitted, the tail is docked by one-third. In countries where docking is prohibited, the tail is carried straight or slightly saber-shaped, never curled over the back. In motion the tail is carried horizontally or raised slightly above the backline.
Short, dense, smooth, and close-lying — no undercoat. The skin is tight. The inner side of the ear leather is covered with shorter, silkier hair. The tail has slightly longer hair on its underside. The coat must never be long, wavy, or woolly.
Golden rust (russet gold) in all shades. The nose, eye rims, lips, paw pads, and nails are all of the same basic colour, blending harmoniously with the coat.
Small white patches on the chest or feet are tolerated but not desired. Any other colour combination — including white other than as described — is a disqualifying fault.
Males
58–64 cm
20–30 kg
Females
54–60 cm
18–25 kg
Heights and weights follow the FCI standard. Several registries that register many Vizslas do not use the FCI standard (e.g. AKC, KC, NZKC, CKC), so their accepted limits — and the "under/above standard" labels used elsewhere on the site — may differ.
Minor
Serious
Disqualifying
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.