With an instinct for hunting and a compassionate disposition, the Vizsla (also known as the Hungarian Pointer) is a natural retriever and lover of water sports.The Vizsla's lively mannerisms, intelligence, and eagerness to please make this breed a welcome addition to an active family.Vizslas require regular off-leash exercise and may become nervous or destructive without vigorous daily activity.
The Vizsla's well-muscled, lean body is covered with a smooth, silky rusty-golden coat.Growing up to 26" tall, Vizslas are medium size sporting dogs that weigh between 45 and 55 pounds. The Vizsla is a well-built athlete ready to retrieve on land or water.
When World War II broke out in Europe, the breed's future was jeopardized.By the end of the war, this gentle breed was near extinction.Since owning a Vizsla was a sign of aristocracy, Hungarian breeders were afraid that Vizslas would be killed by the Russians when they took control of Hungary.Consequently, they were smuggled out of Hungary to ensure continuation of the breed and entered the United States in the 1950's.
Clifford the Big Red Dog, the popular children's book character, is a giant cartoon version of the popular Vizsla.
Your Dog's Health
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick borne disease affecting dogs and some other mammals, including humans.First diagnosed in humans in Old Lyme, Connecticut, in the early 1990s, Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by the deer tick.New research is showing that other types of ticks can carry and spread the disease as well. As of 2008, Lyme disease has been documented in all 50 states.
Dogs are very susceptible to contracting Lyme disease and rarely exhibit symptoms other than limping and a fever. Despite the lack of symptoms, this is a serious disease that can be causing unseen damage to the heart, brain, internal organs and joints.
The Lyme disease vaccination, along with a topical tick preventative, is the best prevention available at this time. Since no vaccine is 100% effective, an annual blood test is recommended even if your dog has been vaccinated.If a vaccinated dog becomes infected, it has a better chance of recovery because of the immune response provided by the vaccine.Treatment with antibiotics should begin right away.
Early diagnosis and treatment is very important to avoid progression of this potentially fatal disease.
