Unique Traits of the Hungarian Pointer Dog Breed

The origins of the Hungarian Pointer dog breed are very difficult to trace. It is thought that they accompanied the Magyar tribes that migrated from the steppes of Asia as early as the ninth century. These populations used these dogs for hunting. Initially, these tribes used a single species of dog, but over time, larger dogs were selected for herding, especially for guarding, and smaller, more agile dogs for hunting.

Its ancestors were crossed with the Pannonian hound, from which it took many morphological characteristics, and also with the German pointer, the arabian greyhound and the Turkish yellow dog. These crosses were made between the 14th and 15th centuries. The aim was to create a dog that could hunt even in particularly hostile environmental conditions. In fact, this is precisely the aspect that best characterises the Hungarian pointer today.

This breed was almost completely extinct during the two world wars, when it was crossed with other breeds in an attempt to further improve its hunting skills, and the true breed risked disappearing. Fortunately, after the Second World War, some dog fanciers maintained the breed, which spread to England, the United States, Germany and especially Hungary. In Italy it is still a little-known breed. The Hungarian Pointer is also known by the name Vizsla.

Character of the Hungarian Pointer dog breed

The Hungarian Pointer is characterised by its sweetness and affection, especially towards its owner. At times it even becomes morbidly attached, always seeking physical contact. It is also considered one of the most well-balanced of the stationary dogs. It is very intelligent and loves to please its owner, so it is a very easy breed to educate.

However, it is mainly taken to hunting, so although it is a dog that also gets used to being indoors, it would need to be busy and be physically and mentally active. So it is a dog that would have to have a hunter owner to be completely satisfied.

However, it is also an exceptional companion in everyday life, where it fits quietly into the family environment and also proves to be a great playmate for the little ones. It has also proved very suitable for pet therapy.

The Hungarian Pointer is also an excellent guard dog, and is never shy or aggressive and only barks when necessary. However, it needs daily outings, even quite long ones, so that it has the chance to let off steam; a garden where it can spend a few hours a day would be preferable to a flat alone. It gets along well with felines and if socialised from an early age also with dogs.

Appearance of the Hungarian Pointer dog breed

The Hungarian pointer is a medium-sized dog, the height at withers for a male is between 58 and 64 centimetres, the weight is around 30 kilograms, it is morphologically classified as a pointer type.

It is very elegant in its movements, with a lean musculature; it has a natural aptitude for running, and is suitable for all types of hunting. There are two versions: a short-haired one and a hard-haired one, which is much rarer.

The long, agile paws are webbed, so the Hungarian Pointer is also an excellent swimmer. The tail is narrow and long.

The skull is broad while the muzzle, a little longer than the head, is tapered. The light brown eyes, matching the coat colour, are oval, with an intelligent expression. The ears are set slightly back and flattened under the cheeks. The truffle is large and of the same colour as the eyes and coat. The coat is short, light brown in colour. The colour is various shades of golden wheat, but always uniform.

Short-haired specimens have a close-fitting coat, rough and hard to the touch, without undercoat. Strong-haired ones have a coat known as ‘wirehair’ well spread over the body, tight and matted with a dense, waterproof undercoat.

Health and care of the Hungarian Pointer dog breed

The Hungarian pointer is generally a very robust dog, does not suffer from any particular diseases and has an average life span of around 13 years.

As far as its health is concerned, it may suffer from hip dysplasia, but this malformation is to a lesser extent compared to other pointers. He is prone to stomach torsion and epilepsy.

For its health, it is important to maintain a slim line, both through movement and diet, which must be cared for and balanced according to the dog's activity type.

The coat should be brushed at least once a week and on occasion a bath with dog shampoo is all that needs to be done to maintain a shiny coat.