The Vizsla (pronounced as if spelled VIZH-LA) is of Hungarian origin, where various records indicate its history as going back many centuries. It was the companion hunting dog of the early warlords and landed aristocracy who used it for general-purpose hunting. It was known in Hungary as the "Yellow" Pointer. In North America it is used primarily as an upland bird dog, where its excellent scenting and retrieving characteristics have been widely acclaimed. It is a strong swimmer and also retrieves well from water.

General Appearance

The Vizsla is a short-haired, medium-sized sporting dog. It conveys the impression of an alert, muscular, well-balanced animal with a distinctive and aristocratic appearance.

Temperament

The Vizsla is intelligent, calm, obedient, and easy to train. It is a sensitive dog which becomes attached to its owner and develops a strong but not overly aggressive protective instinct. In the field, the Vizsla is an eager, happy hunter which is at home on land and in the water.

Size

The standard size, measured at the withers, for the Vizsla is 23 in. (58 cm) for males and 22 in. (56 cm.) for females. A dog of good bone and substance in this size range shall weight from 50-65 lb. (22 - 29 kg). A bitch weighs about 10 lb. (5 kg) less. The length to height ratio should be approximately 1:1.

Coat and Colour

The hair of the Vizsla should be short and dense and lie close to the skin. Each hair should be thick and elastic and the coat should have a glossy sheen. The correct colour is a golden-rust, sometimes described as the golden colour of a bread crust. In some strains slightly lighter or darker shades may predominate. A white mark on the chest under 2 in. (5 cm) is permissible but not desirable.

Head

Skull should convey an impression of being lean and muscular, with a median line down the forehead. The topline of the skull should be straight. The skull tends to be comparatively narrow in relation to its length, with that of the male being slightly wider. The occiput is slightly visible. The stop should be slight and sloping rather than abrupt. Muzzle: the muzzle should be approximately the same length as the skull. It should be narrow, end squarely, and have clean straight lines. Mouth: the jaws should be strong, and well-developed teeth meeting in a scissors or even bite. The lips should be smooth and well developed and cover the teeth tightly. The lips extend in a level line 3/4 of the length of the muzzle. Eyes: they should be almond shaped, bright and intelligent in appearance. The colour is in harmony with or darker than the colour of the coat; they should be moderately deep set. The eyelids close neatly and cleanly with no overlap. The nictitating membrane should not be overly exposed. Ears: the ears should be thin, silky and moderately tapered with rounded ends. They should just meet under the jaw, or reach to the corner of the mouth, but should not extend as far as the canine teeth. They should be set about 1/2 inch (1 cm) below the level of the skull and hang close to the cheeks.

Neck

The neck should be of medium length in proportion to the body, it must be well muscled, with a definite arch at the nape and widened to blend smoothly into the forequarters. The skin of the neck should be smooth and tight.

Forequarters

Shoulders: the shoulder blade should be of medium length and must be tightly held in place. The angle formed by the shoulder blade (scapula) and the humerus should be approximately 90 degrees. The musculature should be firm, smooth and clearly defined. Upper-arm (humerus): the bone structure should be heavy, smooth and well covered by strong firm muscles. The skin should be firm, pliable and smooth. The upper-arm should be equal in length to the shoulder blade (scapula). Lower-arm (radius and ulna): strong big bones with good muscles. The legs should be straight whether viewed from the front or side. The angle at the elbow joint should be approximately 135 degrees. Pasterns: the angle that the pastern makes with the lower leg should be nearly straight (about 175 - 180 degrees). Paws: the paws should be cat-like with tightly closed toes and big rough pads. The feet should be webbed. The nails should be short, firm and well curved, and their colour similar to that of the eyes, nose, and coat. Dewclaws should be removed.

Body

Topline: the topline should be broad and smooth and is slightly arched over the loin and croup to the base of the tail; there is a slight depression at the juncture of the withers and the back. Chest: the chest should be deep, reaching down to the elbows and moderately broad. A cross-section of the chest is oval with well spring ribs, narrowing between the elbows to permit free and easy leg movement. Width of the chest between the forelegs is at least 6 in. (15 cm) for a male and 5 in. (13 cm) for a bitch. Loin: it should be broad, strong and well muscled. Croup: it should be heavily muscled and smoothly rounded to the base of the tail. Abdomen: the abdomen should be trim and neat with a moderate tuck-up.

Hindquarters

Hip bone (pelvis): this is the framework which forms the basic support for the hind legs. These pelvic bones should be wide and strong. The musculature attaching to these bones should be very well developed and gives strength to the hindquarters. Upper thigh (femur): this bone should be heavy, straight, round, and smooth. Muscle attachments should be very powerful, broad, and evenly distributed. The angle at the hip joint should be 90 degrees. Lower thigh (tibia and fibula) should be well muscled. These bones should be longer than the femur. The angle at the stifle joint should be 110-120 degrees. Hocks: the angle at the hock joint should be from 125 - 130 degrees. Paws: same as the front.

Tail

The tail-set is lower than on the other continental pointing breeds. In motion it is carried outstretched, at or above the horizontal level. A portion is docked, approximately 1/3 so that the tip of the shortened tail is level with the juncture of the upper and lower thigh. It should be thicker at the base than at the tip.

Gait

Viewed from the front, the dog's legs should appear to swing forward in a free and easy manner, with no tendency for the feet to cross over or swing wide. Viewed from the rear the gait should be true-tracking. The topline is level when dog is in motion, while the head is carried high and the tail "flags" constantly at the proper level.

Faults

1. Very nervous dogs should be heavily penalized.
2. Very dark or very light colour coat.
3. Hare feet.
4. Light yellow, green, blue or "Pop" eyes.
5. Throatiness.
6. Dogs 10 lb. (5 kg) over or under the standard weight.
7. Dewclaws not removed.
8. Roached, hollow or camel backs.
9. Too steep a croup.
10. Undershot or overshot bites.

Disqualifications

1. A dog 2 in. (5 cm) or more over or under the standard height.
2. White markings over 2 in. (5 cm) on the chest or white markings anywhere else other than the chest.