The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog which probably descended from two ancient breeds: the Transylvanian hound, and the Turkish Yellow Dog (now extinct). In more recent times, the blood of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pointer has been added to the Vizsla. After World War II, the breed was nearly extinct. Hungarians saved some dogs and built the breed up again. After World War II, when Russians took control of Hungary, the native Hungarians feared all the Vizsla would be killed by the Russians, because owning a Vizsla was a symbol of aristocracy. Some devotees smuggled Vizslas out into Austria and to other countries, including America. The name "Vizsla" in Hungarian means, "Pointer". The Vizsla is a fine retriever with an excellent nose, and is a good small game and bird hunter and pointer – even on marshy terrain. They have also been successful obedience competitors. The Vizsla's gentle, friendly disposition makes them well-suited to their role as a family companion dog.

Appearance
The Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog, with a distinguished appearance and bearing, and a docked tail. They are rather lightly built, but robust. The coat of the Vizsla is an attractive golden rust. This is a dog of power and drive in the field, yet is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. Field-conditioned coats, as well as a brawny or sinewy muscular condition, and honorable scars, indicating a working hunting dog, are never to be penalized. The qualities that make the Vizsla a “dual dog” are always to be appreciated, not depreciated.

Character
The Vizsla is a friendly and loving dog breed that adapts well to family life. Alert and responsive, the Vizsla makes a good watchdog. The owner of a Vizsla should be an active and energetic leader because if not given enough exercise, the Vizsla may become destructive. The Vizsla can live outside in warm climates, given adequate shelter, but should sleep indoors on cold nights. The Vizsla needs a soft bed.
 

Temperament
Vizslas are lively, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as "velcro" dogs because of their loyalty and affection. The Vizslas are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.

The Vizslas are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training. Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, making the most of their natural instincts. Vizslas are excellent swimmers and often swim in pools if one is available. Like all gun dogs, Vizslas require a good deal of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Thirty minutes to an hour of exercise daily in a large off-leash area is optimal. Vizslas are one of only seven breeds recognised as having all three HPR (Hunt, Point, Retreive) skills.

The Vizsla thrives on attention, exercise, and interaction. It is highly intelligent, and enjoys being challenged and stimulated, both mentally and physically. Vizslas that are under-stimulated can easily become destructive or hyperactive. Under-stimulated Vizslas may also become gluttonous, stealing food off of counter-tops and tables or raiding trashcans. However, because Vizslas are so active, they are unlikely to become overweight. But don't let the active nature fool you, Vizslas are very gentle dogs that are great around children.

The Vizsla prefers to be close and interacting to its owner whenever possible. It is totally unsuited to being kept in a kennel, as it needs to be around its family as much as possible, and many Vizslas will sleep in bed with their owners if allowed, burrowing under the covers with their heads on the pillow if at all possible. They are self-cleaning dogs and only need to be bathed once or twice a year, and are somewhat unique in that they have no noticeable "dog smell" detectable by humans.

Exercise/Training
The Vizsla needs a lot of strenuous exercise every day. This is an active breed that cannot be expected to meet its energy requirements with a short walk or within a small yard. The Vizsla needs to be jogged or allowed to run in a large enclosed area. Otherwise, its needs are minimal. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Vizsla will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The coat of the Vizsla is an attractive golden rust color. The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color. Small white marks on chest and feet, though acceptable, are not desirable.

Grooming
The coat of the Vizsla requires little care except an occasional brushing to remove dead hair. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Vizsla as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Vizsla should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.