Actually, the short-haired Hungarian pointing dog is a hunting dog. But recently it has become more and more common to see this dog as a family or companion dog in public. No wonder – he is elegant, easy to train and lead, fits in splendidly with the family and actually only needs enough work and exercise to lead a fulfilled life.
What many people do not know, however, is that this dog breed is also called “Hungarian Vizsla”.
Character of the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog
This dog is a hunting dog through and through. It is versatile and always proceeds professionally. In addition, he is always goal-oriented. Because of his family friendliness and his love for children, he is often taken into the family as a family dog.
However, one should be careful with this. Not because of this character trait. But it should never be forgotten that the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog is a hunting dog. If this dog is not used to its full potential through hunting or adequate activity on the dog sports field.
It is remarkable that he is a real sensitive dog for a hunting dog. Without a dog’s mind, it does not work for the owner. This dog seeks a close relationship with its main caregiver.
He likes to be guided and steered by this person. It is necessary to proceed sensitively. This applies to all actions that are undertaken together with the dog. Even the commands during the hunt he wants to be told in a pleasant way so that he does not feel oppressed.
The historical background of the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog
The history of the Magyar Vizslar goes back to ancient times. There, people already knew about the different abilities of the various hunting dogs. Some lie down quietly to point with the muzzle in the direction of the discovered game or they stay pointing towards the game with the muzzle and lifting the foreleg to indicate the discovery of the game.
Because of this behaviour, all dogs that point in this way are called “pointing dogs”. Of course, the skills have evolved over the centuries so that every pointing dog today can do more than just track and point.
Originally, the ancestors came to Europe around 900 and were crossed there with the Pannonian hunting dogs. It is assumed that the yellow-brown coat colour was left over from the Turkish hunting dogs.
Unfortunately, breeding collapsed at the end of the 19th century. It was not until 1916 that the first attempts were made to save the short-haired Hungarian pointing dog. In 1920, a first relaxation in the breeding could be noticed. In 1936 the official recognition by the FCI followed.
A renewed slump after the Second World War could only be recovered with difficulty. Therefore, this dog was considered an insider’s tip among hunters for a long time. Only since 1977 has breeding picked up again. At present, about 200 puppies per year can be expected.
The colours of the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog
This dog shows the typical yellow-brown colour. The short coat is absolutely easy to groom. Sometimes a coarse or wire-haired variety occurs. But even this can be groomed quickly and easily.
What are the demands of the short-haired Hungarian pointing dog?
Even though you would not expect it from a hunting dog, this dog is extremely sensitive. For this reason, it seeks close contact with its handler. If possible, he does not leave his side. That is why it is absolutely not advisable to keep it in a kennel.
In spite of all his sensitivity, experience, consistency and expert know-how are needed for his upbringing. He is willing to perform and is only too happy to use his intelligence and his very alert senses at work.
But it is the handler’s job to channel these skills into the correct channels when training the animal. When walking this dog, care must always be taken. Because it reacts to the smallest stimulus of a wild animal. Without a leash and appropriate training, he would immediately rush after it.
Basically, whether there are children in the household or not, it is important that hunting or sporting activities are guaranteed in order to create a balanced environment for the dog. For the owner, this means setting aside a lot of time each day to work with the dog. Jogging, cycling, dummy work and if possible hunting are absolutely necessary.
Therefore, it is an advantage if several family members can share this work with the animal. Another possibility to do justice to this dog is to join a dog rescue team. With his abilities, he is ideally suited for this task and can use his potential to the full in an adequate environment.
The short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog and his health
Basically a robust health can be assumed. The prerequisite for this is the origin from a serious breeding. The health level can be kept at a high level because there are strict and very strict breeding regulations. These stipulate that bitches must be at least 18 months old before they are allowed to become pregnant. In addition, it is desired that they do not successfully become pregnant more than 4 times.
Due to the small breeding pool, there is a tendency to hereditary diseases, which are, however, tackled by breeding means.
Advantages and disadvantages of the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog
The sensitivity and the working zeal of this dog call for a person who has a lot of dog sense and dog experience. While the sensitivity makes living together with him very harmonious, sometimes somewhat affectionate, the working zeal ensures that the owner should either be an active hunter who can work with the dog daily in the hunting ground. Or active membership in a rescue team or dog sports club is recommended. An unused short-haired Hungarian pointing dog can easily become gruff.
Due to its sensitivity, this dog breed is increasingly becoming a family dog. In this regard, however, it should be a prerequisite that one or more dog sports are carried out so that the animal’s workload is available. Otherwise he is wonderfully uncomplicated in handling.
The perfect person for a short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog
- owns a house with a garden in a rural area or near the forest
- is a hunter and can therefore work closely with this dog every day
- is a member of a dog sports club and trains with the dog every day with different tasks on the dog training ground.
- is aware of the responsibility to treat this dog with a watchful eye at all times, otherwise it could be one step ahead of the handler with its intelligence
- has sufficient expertise to be able to train this dog lovingly yet consistently and at the same time integrate it into the family.
- has sufficient daily time to be able to do justice to the dog’s urge to move and work.
Buying the puppies of the short-haired, Hungarian pointing dog.
The very first task in this point is the most difficult: finding the right breeder. No, this is not just about finding a breeder who is affiliated with the VDH. It is much more about the chemistry and the way of breeding.
The serious breeder strives to provide as much information as possible voluntarily to the interested party. On the other hand, he is naturally anxious to accommodate his puppies in the best possible way. He will therefore inform himself about the living conditions of the prospective buyer. Breeders are also happy to come and check after taking over the animal whether everything is going well, whether the puppy has settled in well. Of course, this depends on the local circumstances.
In principle, the registered breeder will not miss the opportunity to answer every conceivable question concerning the adoption and keeping as well as the training of the animal.
First equipment for the short-haired, Hungarian pointing dog
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, in addition possibly a drag line
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean
- Dog bed / blanket for lying on
- comb / lice comb
- Soft dog brush
- Dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the short-haired, Hungarian pointing dog
The problem-free nature of the dog extends to its diet. Once again, the only tip that can be given to those interested is that the quality of the food is important. If you have found a high quality food that the dog will gladly accept, it is irrelevant whether it is wet food, dry food or home-cooked food (you can read this article about the differences here). What is important is the composition of the nutrients. As long as the dog is provided with everything it needs for a healthy life, it is up to the owner to decide which form of food is best for him.
The breeder, the veterinarian / veterinary practitioner or even the specialist advisor in the feed shop will be happy to provide detailed nutritional advice and reveal the best sources to use.
Conclusion
Do you have dog sense and dog experience? Are you an active hunter, a member of a dog rescue team or a committed member of a dog sports club? Do you have a family, a house with a large garden and would like to have an affectionate, additional family member? Then the short-haired, Hungarian pointing dog is right for you. Be good to him, because he is really sensitive!
FAQ
How much does a short-haired Hungarian pointing dog cost?
A purebred dog is not available for little money. This is also true for this dog. Surely you will be able to find different prices on the net. Please be aware that it always costs money to get purebred puppies from a healthy breeding couple. Many reputable breeders are a bit cagey about the price of their puppies. Therefore, it is not easy to give a meaningful average price for this breed of dog. Assume that a minimum price of £1,350 is quite reasonable at present, and the trend is upwards.
Where does the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog come from?
The country of origin of this dog is, as the name suggests, Hungary.
How old does the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog live?
The life expectancy of the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog is between 12 and 15 years. It goes without saying that to reach this high age, it needs to be kept as species-appropriate as possible.
What is the size and weight of the Shorthaired Hungarian Pointers?
The males of this dog breed are between 58 centimetres and 64 centimetres tall. The bitches are still 54 centimetres to 60 centimetres tall. Height is measured at the withers.
The weight of an adult male will be between 20 kilograms and 30 kilograms. The females are much lighter at 18 kilograms to 25 kilograms.
How many puppies does the short-haired Hungarian Pointers have?
The average litter size for this dog breed is 4 to 6 puppies.
Is the Shorthaired Hungarian Pointing Dog a hunting dog?
Due to the classification of this dog in FCI group 7, the group of pointing dogs, it is certain that it is a hunting dog. As a hunting dog he is very good in the forest, in the field as well as in the water. He shines with the following characteristics: firm pointing, distinct sense of scent, excellent retrieving behaviour as well as the ability to follow a swim track. Whether difficult terrain or extreme weather conditions, this dog is ready for action at any time.
Is the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog a family dog?
It is his adaptability that enables the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog to integrate optimally into a family. He is very sensitive. Therefore, it is not surprising that he does not want to leave the side of his main caregiver. In a family with children, this person has the task of ensuring that the children are as sensitive and careful with the dog as the dog is with them. Roughness in any form, whether in training, living together or giving commands while hunting, is difficult for this dog to bear.
But there is another prerequisite for a good family life with this dog: it must be mentally and physically exercised. Thus, long walks or being carried along on a bicycle are the least this dog needs in order to be able to cope with its daily urge to move. If this condition is fulfilled, nothing stands in the way of a harmonious family life with the short-haired Hungarian Pointing Dog. If, for some reason, hunting tasks cannot be pursued, it is necessary to find an adequate compensation in one of the many dog sports.
By the way, the short-haired Hungarian pointing dog has been enjoying increasing popularity as a family and companion dog for quite some time. Often this dog and its main reference person can be found very often in the dog park as well as in the dog run, so that it can live up to its temperament.
Can the short-haired, Hungarian pointing dog be kept in a (city) flat?
To be able to answer this question, we have to split it in two. Because this dog never ceases to amaze us with its uncomplicated nature and great adaptability. So as long as his urge to move is taken care of, it is no problem at all to keep him indoors.
The second part of the question, however, should be answered with a clear no. Certainly a visit to the city, here and there, is no problem at all for this dog. However, he should not be offered a home in the city. It is acceptable for him, but in the long run it is too restless, too crowded and populated with far too many people. You would not be doing him any favours.
