Breed History
The Vizsla originated in Hungary during the late Dark Ages, or approximately the 9th century AD....
The Magyar tribes who settled in this area had used hunting dogs for centuries, and Hungarys pastoral fields would greatly influence the evolution of the Vizsla into the breed we recognized today. Hungarian art from this period features dogs resembling the Vizsla, and manuscripts from the 14th century detail the dogs uses. Throughout the Middle Ages, Hungarian nobles favored the Vizsla for its exceptional nose as well as its ability to point and retrieve in dense groundcover. These desirable qualities made the Vizsla a popular choice for breeders looking to modify other dogs, and traces of the Vizsla can be seen in such modern breeds as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Weimaraner. After a thousand years of faithful service in central Europe, the Vizsla began to decline during the 19th century. The breed was seemingly forgotten amid increased use of newer, more specialized breeds, many of which were partially descended from the Vizsla. The breed was teetering on the brink of extinction during the early 20th century but it managed to resurge, thanks in large part to Hungarians fleeing their homes during World War II. The Hungarian exodus introduced the Vizsla to the world, and it was not long before the breeds numbers were on the rebound. The Vizsla was brought to the United States in 1950 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960. Today, the Vizsla is a popular choice for both hunters and families looking to add a loving pet to their home.