Vizsla

Vizsla vĭzhˈlə [key], breed of large sporting dog introduced into Europe by the Magyar invasion of the 10th cent. and perfected in Hungary over hundreds of years; also called Hungarian pointer. It stands between 21 and 24 in. (53.3–60.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 lb (18.1–27.2 kg). Its short, smooth coat may be various shades of solid rusty gold or sandy yellow. Its tail is docked. Developed to exhibit the caution and alertness necessary for hunting on the plains of Hungary, the Vizsla is particularly suited for hunting in flat, open country. It is used on a variety of upland game and waterfowl and can be trained to point and retrieve on both land and water. See dog.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Dogs