Vizslas: The Velcro Dogs

Hello and welcome to Doggone History - the history of dogs, one breed at a time. I’m your host, Rich Napolitano. 

Today we are going back in time, way back in time, for a look at an ancient dog: the Viszla. To understand the Hungarian, or Magyar Vizsla, we have to go back more than a thousand years to the open plains of Central Europe.

Around the 9th century, the Magyar people migrated into the Carpathian Basin, in the area we know today as Hungary. These were semi-nomadic people. Horsemen and hunters, moving with the seasons, deeply tied to, and reliant, upon the land. Over time, this society had become partners with a slender, medium sized dog of the region; dogs that became essential to their survival, and companions in their communities.

These early Magyar dogs were working animals, prized for their alert and quiet nature, but most notably, their speed. These sleek and agile dogs were proficient in the hunting of game across vast open terrain and worked in perfect harmony with their human partners.

Medieval art and literature depict these ancestors of the Vizsla as slender, light-colored hunting dogs, striding proudly alongside mounted hunters. What stands out to historians about these depictions is that even a thousand years ago, these dogs never strayed far from their human pack. They didn’t run ahead, trail behind, or become distracted by things far afield. They were mindful of their people, and remained by their sides, even while watching the open fields for game. That close human bond, which is so familiar to Vizsla owners today, was already being shaped.

Throughout the long history of the Kingdom of Hungary, the Viszla continued to evolve, even when hunting found a respectable place among the nobility. Hungarian nobles placed a high importance on a dog that could do many things well: point game birds, retrieve on land or water, and remain calm and obedient when not working. And these characteristics were chosen and encouraged through selective breeding.

The Vizsla became known as a versatile hunting companion. Athletic and speedy, but also gentle. It was responsive rather than stubborn. Unlike some breeds developed for independence, the Vizsla was bred to check in often and pay close attention to its master.

A dog that vanished into the distance was not of much value. Hunters wanted a partner they could trust at their side, obey commands, and be docile when needed. 

The first recorded reference of the Viszla appeared in the Illustrated Vienna Chronicle in 1357. Over generations, this careful breeding refined the Vizsla’s appearance: a lean, muscular body, long legs built for endurance, and a warm golden-rusty coat that blends into the colors of the fields and forests.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, as hunting styles changed across Europe from a matter of survival to that of tradition and sport, Vizsla breeders introduced other hunting breeds, most likely pointers and setters, to encourage heightened scenting ability and stamina. These were carefully done however, so the Vizsla would not lose its cherished characteristics of its intelligence and attentiveness to people.

War has often been a scourge for dog breeds, and the Vizsla is no exception. The Turkish occupation of the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in a heavy decline, and The Hungarian Civil War of 1848-1849 reduced the breed to only about a dozen animals. From just those limited remaining dogs, its numbers were replenished. World War I ravaged Hungary, making resources scarce. Breeding programs collapsed, and many dogs were lost.

World War II proved equally as impactful. Hungary’s borders constantly shifted through changing governments and occupiers. The Hungarian traditions of hunting were thrown into chaos, and dog breeding was simply impossible, as well as not a priority. By the end of the war, the Vizsla stood on the edge of extinction, with only a small number of true breeding dogs remaining.

It is likely the Vizsla was saved from extinction by a single person - Mrs. Elizabeth Mihalyi.

During World War 2, Hungary was an ally of Nazi Germany and part of the Axis Power.  The Soviet Red Army invaded Hungary in 1944 causing many noble families to flee for their lives out of fear. Many were captured and imprisoned, but one of those who escaped was Elizabeth Mihalyi. She fled to Austria along with her family, and their Vizsla, named Panni the fifteenth. Elizabeth was introduced to the Hofbrauer family of Vienna, who were also enthusiasts of Vizslas and Panni was bred with a dog named Betyar. This created the Panni-Betyar Austrian line of the breed, and the foundation of Vizslas in Europe and North America.

Every Vizsla alive today descends from Elizabeth Mihalyi’s narrow escape.

On October 7, 1950, two crates arrived in Kansas City, Missouri in the United States, from Rome. In one crate were two Vizsla pups, a male named Tito, and a female named Shasta, and in the other crate was the pups’ mother, named Sari. The dogs were imported by a local businessman named Frank J. Tallman, an avid enthusiast of Vizslas, and Emmitt Scanlan, a member of the US State Department.  He showed the dogs at the International Dog Show in Chicago  spreading the popularity. A male named Rex was imported soon after, and additional litters were born. 

Vizslas increased in popularity throughout the US, and Frank Tallman founded the Magyar Vizsla Club of America in 1953. Vizslas arrived in the UK starting in 1953, but was considered a Rare Breed until 1971.

Physically, Vizslas are built for movement. They have lean muscles, long strides, and remarkable endurance. Vizslas are medium sized dogs, typically 21 to 27 inches, and between 45 and 60 pounds. Their coat is smooth and short with a beautiful golden-rust color, which does not shed excessively. A wirehaired variety of Viszla was recognized by the AKC in 2014, and it has similar features, but has a denser, wiry coat. Their color has been described as yellow, orange, copper-brown color, russet gold, and dark sandy gold, and sometimes have a small white patch on their chest, neck, or tail. Its distinctive nose has a reddish-brown color that matches its coat. The Viszla’s coat and overall appearance sometimes leads to the breed being confused with the Redbone Coonhound and Rhodesian Ridgeback. To see a Viszla pointing, with its body rigidly focused ahead, and its tail sternly held horizontal to the ground, is an impressive sight! These dogs were bred to find and hunt down their prey, and look good while doing it. 

Now it’s time for Bad Dad Jokes!

Why did the Vizsla sit next to the coffee?

Because it wanted to be a latte closer to you.

The lifespan of a Viszla averages thirteen and a half years. While typically a healthy and robust dog, these dogs have a small chance of developing certain medical conditions such as lymphoma, epilepsy, and hemophilia, especially within smaller breeding populations.

As mentioned, these dogs are incredibly affectionate and attentive, and are wonderful family dogs. They are outstanding with children, and love to run alongside as we jog or ride bicycles. Vizslas are also very open and friendly, and interact well with other dogs and strangers. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable and obedient, and they will want to please their masters. Vizslas are eager to learn, and highly sensitive to tone and emotion. This makes them wonderful companions, but also means they don’t respond well to harsh training.

A Vizsla left alone too long doesn’t just become bored, but incredibly lonely. Their emotional need for human attention is extreme. These dogs are high energy and require consistent exercise, play, and mental stimulation. Vizslas thrive on companionship and should not be ignored or left alone for long periods of time.  When those needs are met, they are calm, gentle, and deeply devoted family dogs. But without regular stimulation and attention…well, let’s just say they will find projects to work on. But if you like a dog that will sleep under the covers with you, the Viszla is for you! There’s a reason Viszlas have earned the nickname, “The Velcro Dog.”

If you’ve ever encountered a Vizsla, you probably still remember the feeling. Vizslas are extremely affectionate and personal. They will lean into you, rest their heads on your lap, and snuggle up close to you. Their desire to be in close proximity to people is an instinctual urge, and humans form close bonds with their dogs. Anyone who owns a vizsla knows they may never be able to use the restroom alone again.

In our modern society, Vizslas still hunt, and many excel in field trials and sporting competitions. But they’ve also found roles in search-and-rescue, therapy and emotional support dogs, and agility, obedience, and scent-tracking work. From its ancient beginning until today, these noble dogs remain a proud symbol of Hungarian identity. 

The American Kennel Club ranks the Vizsla at number 36 in terms of popularity. The wirehaired vizsla has recently seen a jump in popularity, going from number 159 to 130. Vizslas aren’t often seen in pop-culture, but there are a few notable examples. British fashion photographer and film maker Sean Ellis published a photography book called Kubrick the Dog, featuring his Viszla, named, coincidentally, Kubrick.

Comedian Drew Lynch, who speaks with a stutter or stammer, was often seen with his Viszla, Stella until 2022, and together, they hosted a YouTube series called "Dog Vlog".

NBA star Kevin Love often features his Vizsla named Vestry on his social media channels, and sometimes accompanies him to games and team events. And a Hungarian animated series called Frakk features a vizsla getting into zany hijinks with two cats. 

But more importantly, Viszlas are our companions; perhaps the most perfect companion dog for an active family. Vizslas will truly be a best friend, and reward its owner with a heartfelt bond of lifelong affection.

If you are interested in owning a Vizsla or adding any pet to your home, please contact your local SPCA, Humane Society, rescue organization, or other animal shelter near you. Millions of adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to find their forever home. And please, spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the homeless animal population.

Now, it’s time to announce the next dog to be featured on Doggone History…I’ll start the randomizer, and here we go…the French BullDog! 

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Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by me, Rich Napolitano. Original theme music is also by me. All episodes, show notes, and more can be found at doggonehistory.com. 

Please join me again next time. But until then, say hello to your dog for me, won’t you?