What kind of dog will you be getting?

Some folks have been asking the above question, so I figured I would do a post about the breed:

Vizsla

Background & History

To get an in depth overview of Vizslas from the most trusted source on the web (right, G$?) – check out the Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla

For those who want the abridged version:

Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially Pointer in type, although he combines characteristics of both pointer and retriever. An attractive golden rust in color, this "dual" dog is popular in both the field and the show ring due to his power and drive while hunting and his trainability in the home. The Vizsla’s ancestors were hunters and companions for the Magyar hordes, a tribe that settled in what is now known as Hungary. A favorite of early barons, Vizslas are depicted in etchings as far back as the 10^th Century.  Nearly extinct by the end of the World Wars, the Vizsla gradually regained popularity and began to be imported into the United States in the 1950s.

From: http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/

How We Heard About It? 

As many of you know, I used to live across the street from the dog park in Clarendon.  G$ and I would watch the dogs from my window or as we were walking by.  We always like the looks of the Weimaraners that were there.  Back in September 2008, we were in Hawaii – yes 4835 miles away from DC – and were reading through the free newspaper at our hotel while jetlagged.  I was perusing the Dogs For Sale section and saw what I thought looked like a Weimaraner in a picture.  Upon reading the blurb, found out it was actually a Vizsla, a breed we had never heard of, which prompted us to Google it.  After reading about the breed, we found out that it has a similar build as a Weimaraner, but smaller with “golden rust” colored fur.  The smaller size appealed to us as one of G$’s dog conditions is not having a dog that can “take us.”  You know, never know when a dog is going to start a fight with his owners… :)

Why We Chose It?

G$ started researching the breed and we were initially attracted to the fact that they were excellent hunters.  Ok, not really.  But the fact that they were easily trainable was a huge perk.  Mostly, we decided on a Vizsla because we love the way the look and love their temperament – which Wikipedia describes as: “very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as "velcro" dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.”

Unrelated to the dog search…

We had a great Easter weekend – Saturday at my parents’ house for an afternoon out on the deck then a delicious steak dinner and then Sunday at G$’s parents’ house for a cinnamon roll-filled Sunday brunch (yum!) and an Easter Egg Hunt.   Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures…  Something I guess I need to start doing.  But since I don’t have any – why not another cute Vizsla puppy picture:   

Wrinkly face and big ears!!! :)

 <3

K$