Understanding the General Appearance of the Vizsla

For many Breed Standards, there is a General Appearance description of the breed in the written standard for the purpose of providing an overall “look” of the dog. These descriptions are usually designed with a general framework or boundary that would encompass any dog meeting the breed’s general description, regardless of a dog’s specific structural qualities.

Often, these descriptions are rooted in the dog’s history and purpose. There are certainly variations between dogs that fit the description, but all dogs should fit within this general description. The Vizsla Standard has such a description, but we would like to bring attention to the adverbs as well as the adjectives in the description in order to help frame the general appearance of the breed.

This article focuses on two areas of the general description; robust but lightly built and coat color.

ROBUST BUT LIGHTLY BUILT

The Vizsla Standard General Appearance states: “That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded golden rust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile and energetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. It is strongly emphasized that field-conditioned coats, as well as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The requisite instincts and abilities to maintain a ‘dual dog’ are always to be fostered and appreciated, never deprecated.”

The goal of this General Appearance description is to help define the true purpose of the breed, which is a hunting dog, as it relates to structure. The breed is built for hunting in many types of field conditions and should be able to do so for hours at a time with their hunting companion. This means the dog is moving for long periods of time in the field. Unlike some breeds with a single purpose (i.e., retrieval of game), the Vizsla needs to be able to locate, maintain, and retrieve game for their hunting partner.

These complete hunting dog elements are key to the general description of the breed, describing a robust dog, yet it must be lightly built in order to maintain the endurance needed to complete its task in the field. Proper structure, including skeletal and muscular condition, coupled with the innate hunting abilities, are mandatory in order to be able to perform in the field.

The General Appearance in the Standard goes to great lengths to reward dogs that fit the athletic dog, and penalize dogs lacking in such athleticism. Hunters need a dog that has the stamina and structure to efficiently cover ground in the field. A dog that can effortlessly navigate the show ring will be able to transfer that ability to the field. A dog that appears to be lacking in structure in the show ring may find the field difficult.

Ask yourself when examining the dog, “Does it look strong and healthy, and can it efficiently navigate rough terrain and hunting environments and pick up a downed pheasant and bring it to its hunting partner?” A Vizsla of proper structure and movement is one of the most elegant things to witness in the field.

Invite yourself to any of the Vizsla Club of America’s two national field events (VCA National Field Trial and VCA National Gun Dog Championship) and get a first-hand look at how form follows function in this versatile, athletic breed.

UNDERSTANDING COLOR

A Vizsla on point in the field in full view of the morning or afternoon sun is an incredibly striking visual. The Vizsla Standard calls for a golden rust coat color. As with many colors, there are varying hues. The best way to evaluate color in the Vizsla breed is to think about a color scale or wheel. Ask yourself, “How far to the left or right is too far away from the central description of golden rust?”

The Vizsla breed will have dogs ranging in coat color (see coat color examples above) and all are perfectly acceptable. Pale yellow and mahogany brown are most likely outside the desired color boundary for the breed and should be faulted.

The Vizsla Color Standard states: “Golden rust in varying shades. Lighter shadings over the sides of the neck and shoulders giving the appearance of a “saddle” are common. Solid dark mahogany and pale yellow are faulty. White on the forechest, preferably as small as possible, and white on the toes are permissible. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest is a disqualification. When viewing the dog from the front, white markings on the forechest must be confined to an area from the top of the sternum to a point between the elbows when the dog is standing naturally. White extending on the shoulders or neck is a disqualification. White due to aging or scarring must not be faulted. The Vizsla is self-colored, with the color of the eyes, eye-rims, lips, nose, toenails and pads of feet blending with the color of the coat.”

As with any breed, there are things that are allowed by the Breed Standard—but less of some things that are allowable is the preference. Coat color in the Vizsla is no different. While white is acceptable when within the approved boundaries, less white is the preference when all other attributes are equal. However, white as a result of aging should never be faulted.

Also, it is common in the breed for the Vizsla to have a saddle, which is a lighter coloring around the shoulder area. This is perfectly fine and should never be faulted. The nose color blends with the coat, so that a darker dog should have a darker nose and a lighter dog can have a lighter nose. It is a brownish-red or brownish-pink color, not quite liver or dark brown and never black. Noses that are chapped, freckled or discolored from the sun, field work or age are not to be penalized. However, a black nose is a disqualification in the breed.

As always, if you want to get more information or clarification on the breed, reach out to any of our breed mentors or visit our breed’s Illustrated Standard at: http://www.vcaweb.org/download/VCA_Illustrated_Standard.pdf

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Britt Jung

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

I grew up with Vizslas; my Father brought home our first one when I was four and my family has never been without one, even though I have also owned Pointers. My Mother took me to the St. Hubert’s Kennel Club match show when I was 11. It was just down the road from where we lived and she thought it might be fun. The second year we attended that same match show, but that time I’d figured out that lots of people knew something I didn’t know. So, I told my Mom that I wanted to learn how to do what the other people knew how to do. My Mom found Fred Olson’s handling class and that’s how it all started.

2. How many years in dogs? In your breed?

So, that makes over 50 years with Vizslas.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

I do attend handling classes, especially when I have young dogs or we need a tune-up! I’ve attended seminars as well.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Try it all and figure out what works for you, but what’s been most useful to me is to bring a specific problem to a handler I respect and ask for their help. Tim Thomas, Carissa Shimpeno, Ania Kelly—they taught me things that I’ll never forget. I recently bought a handling lesson with Valerie Nunes-Atkinson as part of a fundraiser at my National. How fun will that be?! I enjoy watching handlers, and as a judge, I get to really witness up close the best of the best of handlers.

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

I do compete in the NOHS, but not all the time. Depending on how we do in the Breed ring, showing in two Groups can be a lot. Rankings are a double-edged sword. They are motivating, but they can also create some unintended consequences and motivations that aren’t positive. If I win the breed, sometimes I decline the OH ribbon to give someone else an opportunity to show in the NOHS Group.

6. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)?

I mostly show in Bred-By or BOB, depending on what my dog is eligible for. I don’t think anyone wants to be known as being “good for an Owner Handler.”

7. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

My dear friend, Ida Kavafian, and again, the people I mentioned above. You need people who can watch and video you and give honest feedback. Several years ago, I was at a National and suddenly had to show a bitch I bred. I had never shown her before so I took her to a handling class that Alessandra Folz was leading the night before I was to show her. Alessandra looked over at me and said, “You’re not going to win with her doing that!” and I thought, “Oh, wow, I’d better step it up!” The next day we won Winners Bitch at the National.

8. What are the benefits of competing with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler?

Our grooming is simple. That’s a huge advantage. At the same time, conditioning is really important and I take it seriously. There’s nothing to hide, so make sure you do whatever you can to be prepared and don’t give a judge any reason in your control to look negatively upon your exhibit.

9. How are you encouraging new exhibitors to participate in the sport?

I try to help people I see who may be intimidated or struggling. I’m a Juniors judge as well, so I try to encourage young people, especially those who are novices. I’m a former teacher, so I honestly love mentoring more than showing. So, if you see me at a show, don’t hesitate to ask me for help.

10. Are there any suggestions you’d like to pass along about the presentation of your breed(s).

Conditioning, both physical and mental, are so important. If you have an inexperienced or unsure dog, walk them around the showgrounds for at least 30 minutes, do 50 down and backs, ask 10 people to go over them, play games—all before you go in the ring. If you have a bored dog, make sure they are not sitting ringside for an hour before the ring time. It’s so hard to watch a young dog come in the ring that hasn’t been set up for success.

11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

I’ve never won a Best in Show.

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as an Owner Handler?

Oh, gosh, I am having the most fun when I’m at a show with friends. On more than one occasion, I forgot my suit or forgot an article of clothing and had to borrow a suit or shirt from a friend. Make sure you meet people at the shows; make friends; offer to help handlers. You too will forget something at home one day and you’ll learn so much!

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Very Versatile Vizsla

Ask any Vizsla owner what was the first AKC TRIPLE CHAMPION and they will proudly tell you, “A Vizsla.” Ask them what was the first AKC QUADRUPLE CHAMPION and they will also tell you, “A Vizsla.” This elegant, rust-colored breed came to the US in the 1950s after their homeland, Hungary, had been torn apart by Russian, German, and Communist invasion and control. Beauty combined with brains soon had the Vizsla gaining a respected place as an all-around sporting dog, adaptable and comfortable in a variety of tasks. His easy care and eager willingness to please make him an ideal companion. A close-working natural retriever, pointer, and a hunting companion that worked on upland game birds, the Vizsla soon made an impression on the field trainers and trials.

He is a beauty to watch quartering the field and suddenly go on a staunch point for a bird. He points by instinct, has an extrasensory nose, a soft mouth, and a keen willingness to please. The breed has over 150 dual Champions, and responsible breeding programs have promoted the original use of the breed as a companion in the field. The Vizsla has also gained popularity in the conformation show rings with his eye-catching coat, far-reaching gait, and dignified carriage. He stands out in a sporting group just by his attitude alone and has garnered many top awards. He is a joy to exhibitors and spectators and loves the applause and attention. He is a top choice for owners who want an all-around breed and is a favorite for trainers in Obedience and Agility where his skills at jumping and retrieving always draw an enthusiastic, supportive crowd. He enjoys showing off to an audience and always displays a sense of humor while performing given commands and exercises.

But he is sensitive and soft, and a hard hand or a harsh voice of any kind will shut him down. Flyball is a game played by highly energized dogs that are ball-crazy, and the Vizslas love the noise, enthusiasm, and excitement. Rally trials are the bridge between regular obedience trials and the Canine Good Citizen and are a good confidence builder for the young Vizsla because it is a close bonding exercise between the dog and his owner. From a loving, affectionate, protective companion in the home, to becoming a gentle and sensitive therapy service dog visiting nursing homes and the ill and lonely, helping disabled, blind, hearing impaired, and comforting disturbed or handicapped children, this breed has provided physical and emotional benefits to not only healthy individuals but also the sick and emotionally ill.

He can sit quietly in a classroom of children and listen as they read to him, while equally enjoyed by families as a hiking, swimming, boating, jogging, and camping companion. The list of fun things to do with your Vizsla is endless. He does not do well as a kennel dog but only as a companion in the home and a member of the family. In the last 20 years, the Vizsla has been increasingly used at airports for drug or bomb detection, mold sniffing, and as a search and rescue dog for cadavers and live bodies in times of disasters. But this breed is not for everyone. He will become bored and find mischief on his own, so he needs early crate and obedience training. With his above-average intelligence, ability, and willingness to learn, consistency is a must. He is a problem solver, a thinking and creative dog, and understanding the breed is important.

That intelligence will be both a joy and a challenge. The standard calls for him to be “demonstratively affectionate,” but more than anything he is needy. A very socially oriented breed, he needs to sit in your lap, chair, and bed. He needs to be hugged, praised, and rewarded. Your life will be different when you own a Vizsla because he will have to be a part of everything you do. Vizslas are very adaptable to almost anything, even apartment living. But they do need daily exercise. A walk around the block twice a day is not usually sufficient for a young dog, so he will need a park or a dog run as often as possible. A tired dog does not get into mischief, and his energy has to be channeled into correct behavior patterns in order for you to keep control over a dog that is a wonderful “con artist.

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Judging the Vizsla

The Vizsla is a joyful creature with a charming way of making a fool of itself and us. The breed is an intelligent, good worker who responds to kindness and can be ruined by a heavy hand. The Vizsla is a personal gun dog and companion and it is well suited for that purpose in size, character, and silhouette—a short-haired dog of golden rust color, proud and lively, with an elegant and distinguished appearance. This is not an easy breed to judge—subtle in the attributes that distinguish it from the other smooth-coated pointers—it can be as difficult to understand as it is to get your hands on a wiggly Vizsla puppy. This is a gentle and affectionate breed with a well-developed protective instinct—they are sensitive but cheerful; shyness and timidity should be penalized.

The Vizsla is moderate in all aspects: size, angulation, and overall substance. The silhouette of the Vizsla is a series of continuous curves—from the beginning of the nose to the end of the tail, your eye should never stop. Follow the arched neck down over the moderately laid back shoulders, past the ribcage, which is carried well back to the muscular fullness over the short loin, following to the set on of the tail, which is slightly below the level of the croup. The tail should not offend the eye and is carried near the horizontal, in length it should reach to the bend of the stifle. A docked tail is preferred. Carriage, which is an extension of the structure, should be judged rather than length which is man-made. The outline should be of a dog who appears square and is neither tall and leggy, nor long and low.

The chest, moderately broad and reaching to the elbow, flows through the slight tuck up and on to the well-muscled thigh and moderately angulated rear. On examination, the hand should move smoothly over the curves without feeling any abrupt changes in direction. The standard calls for a dog who is “robust but rather lightly built”, meaning it should be well muscled and have substance, while being an agile mover. The Vizsla should never seem slight nor heavy, but there should be some appreciable substance to the breed. It is the smallest of the smooth-coated pointers, which is an important part of its breed character.

The ideal size is 21-23 inches for bitches and 22-24 inches for dogs. There is a disqualification in the standard for any dogs measuring less than 1½ inches under or more than 1½ inches over the ideal size. If in doubt, do not hesitate to measure—a good Vizsla temperament will not be disturbed by applying the wicket. In keeping with its function of a multipurpose gun dog, the Vizsla’s gait is far-reaching, light-footed, graceful, and smooth. The movement should be appropriate to the moderate angulation and size of this breed. The Vizsla should have balanced reach and drive with no wasted or excessive motion. It is important that the dog cover plenty of ground while maintaining a steady topline. Restricted movement, a reflection of less than moderate angulation, is detrimental both to form and function, and excessive movement is a misuse of energy.

One of the most unique features of the Vizsla is its self-coloring—golden rust from head to toe with matching eye color. The dogs will often have lighter shadings on the sides of the neck and shoulders, with a darker saddle on the back. Solid dark mahogany as well as pale yellow are faulty. A black nose is a disqualification and black anywhere else is a serious fault. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere except the forechest is a disqualification. Please note that freckles due to aging or sun exposure and white due to aging or injury are not faults. The lovely color is accented by the short, smooth coat. A distinctly long coat (setter-like in texture) is a disqualification. Even though the head is addressed first in the standard, the primary importance of the head is as a compliment to the outline of the Vizsla.

The noble head must not be too heavy with excessive flew or dewlap, nor too small and snipey so that it disturbs the silhouette of the elegant Vizsla. It again is moderate in size and shape. The thin, fine ears are neither too low nor long—the dog will have a houndy appearance—nor too high and small—as they will spoil the gently rounded outline. When lifted gently, the ear will reach to the corner of the mouth. The ears, when alert, create a frame for the face. Eyes should have a soft expression and be moderate in size and shape and blend well with the coat color. The muzzle is equal to or slightly shorter than the skull, it is neither down-faced nor dish-faced.

The standard calls for a strong jaw with a scissors bite. Breeders do an excellent job of maintaining the multiple talents of this breed. In order to compete in National Field Trials, dogs must be certified by an AKC judge to be free of disqualifying faults. When judging, you may encounter a dog in field condition who could appear gaunt and have scars. A field-conditioned dog, although thin, will have hard muscles, correct conformation, and exhibit correct movement. Do not penalize field conditioning, as the hunting and working abilities of the Vizsla should be preserved. In this breed, the field dog in silhouette, size, and color is easily recognizable and exemplifies the dual dog in temperament and type. In the 9th century, the Magyar tribes settled in the Carpathian basin, in an area that was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is now modern Hungary.

They brought with them a yellow dog that in both form and function clearly resembles the modern Vizsla. Historically, the Vizsla belonged to the nobility who developed the versatility of the dog for hunting, pointing, and retrieving upland game birds, rabbits, and waterfowl; tracking wounded game; falconry; and as a companion. The Vizsla has been on the brink of extinction many times, most recently after World War II, but each time the breed has been saved by passionate breeders and owners. Recognized in 1960 by the AKC, the Vizsla has thrived in the United States, becoming ever more versatile, maintaining its distinct silhouette, personality, and hunting abilities while adapting to present day. The Vizsla excels in agility, obedience, dock diving, and life in suburbia; hunts on the weekends and sleeps on the bed.

The standard’s call for moderation reflects not a call for a lack of any attribute, but rather that the writers have placed the standard in relation to like breeds and found that the Vizsla is moderate by comparison to the other shorthaired pointers both in form and function. As such, exaggeration in any aspect is a departure from the standard which repeatedly calls for moderation. Unlike some of the other standards, the standard for the Vizsla gives a range of what is acceptable. Judging this breed well is the art of knowing the outer limits of what is acceptable and being able to reward dogs of varying style that all fall within those limits.

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The Hungarian Pointer: Vizsla

Historically, this breed came from the Carpathian basin in what is now Hungary. The basin is a huge, grassy plain, requiring a dog to cover large amounts of ground in search of game. The Vizsla is only a moderate-sized dog, the smallest of the smooth-haired pointers. So how does a dog that is of moderate size and moderate angulation cover lots of ground? The answer is with energy and a robust, but rather light build combined with a unique topline that allows the Vizsla to be far-reaching.

The flexible topline allows the dog to gallop, gathering and then extending to cover the maximum amount of ground while leaping above the grasses, ears flying with an expression of pure joy. Despite the fact that the Vizsla is the most moderate of the smooth-haired pointers, there is nothing moderate about the consternation caused by trying to understand the Vizsla topline. It is by far the topic that comes up most often among students of the breed, “Now explain the topline for me.” So let’s try. Imagine the line running from the base of the skull to the tail. It is made of gentle curves with no abrupt changes of direction.

The line comes down the arched neck, passes smoothly over the high withers with their prominent muscling, and blends smoothly into the level area over the thoracic vertebrae. Moving past the last rib, there is a definite muscular fullness over the loin, creating a slight rise, which ends at the pelvic crest. The croup is ever so gently rounded to the set-on of the tail, which is carried at or near the horizontal. Remember, nothing should break the flow of the line from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Let’s be clear about what is not a good topline. A flat topline lacks the characteristic rise over the loin and often has a high tail set. Conversely, another problem is a rigid, roached topline with a steep croup and a low tail set.

Both these toplines, in their own way, contribute to inefficient movement. Remember to evaluate the tail set rather than just the tail carriage. High tail carriage or excessively curved tails spoil the continuous curve of the Vizsla topline. In the field, when the Vizsla is on point, follow the line from the tip of the tail out the nose, and you should be able to locate the bird. Now that we’ve described the perfect topline, the dog should maintain that same picture while trotting, having neither a sloping topline nor one that runs downhill. The movement should be light, far-reaching, and effortless. There should be no excess motion, which would be a waste of energy.

A Vizsla that is both moderate and well-balanced will be light on its feet and cover ground with amazing efficiency while maintaining a level topline with a rise over the loin and a gentle rounding to the croup. “What about tails?” That is another question that is frequently asked. Our standard says a docked tail is preferred. Tail length is a decision made by the breeder when a puppy is three days old. Docking is part art and part science, the desired result being a tail that reaches to the bend in the stifle. Much more important is correct croup angle and tail set because they affect movement and function. Let’s put the perfect topline into the ideal outline. Why is there such a size range? Historically, this differentiation in size is attributed to the variety of terrains among regions of the Hungarian Empire, not only the plains but also the mountainous area of what was Czechoslovakia.

The ideal male is 22 to 24 inches and 21 to 23 inches for the bitches. The allowance outside the ideal range is anything but moderate with a one-and-a-half inch allowance on either end for both dogs and bitches. The Vizsla should appear square. However, when measured from point of breastbone to point of buttocks and from the highest point over the shoulder blades to the ground, the Vizsla is slightly longer than tall. It should never be leggy and shallow-chested, nor long and low. The withers are high, the ribcage carried well back, and the tuck-up slight. There should be perfect balance between the moderately angulated front and the moderately angulated rear. This is important because with a short-backed breed, there is no room underneath the dog to compensate for mismatched angles. The angles must be moderate and perfectly balanced to obtain a far-reaching gait.

While this is an area where Vizslas are having difficulty—exaggerated rears paired with short, straight upper arms—the answer is not to match the straight front with a straight rear but rather to strive for a dog that is moderate on both ends. This breed should be moderate, not mediocre. Finally, the Vizsla is set apart from other breeds by its golden-rust color, which is thought to have been chosen by the original Hungarian breeders to blend with the grassy plains in the Carpathian basin

The Vizsla is self-colored with the color of the eyes, the pigment of the eye rims, lips and nose, and the toenails all blending with the color of the coat ranging from russet gold to dark sandy gold. And for a last bit of history: those lighter shadings over the sides of the neck and the shoulders that give the appearance of a saddle are named for Count Esterhazy, one of the people responsible for preserving the breed in Hungary. There is nothing moderate about the amount of joy and boundless energy a Vizsla brings to life. Thank you to all the preservation breeders who care about the health of the Vizsla and who have maintained the characteristics of the breed so that the Vizsla today is recognizable as a descendant of the dogs pictured in the 650-year-old Illustrated Vienna Chronicle.

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I live with my husband, Matt, and three Vizslas in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Dog sports are a family affair and I am often joined by my daughter, Aislyn, and niece, Katie, who recently started competing in Junior Showmanship. Together, they enjoy competing in Dock Diving, Fast CAT, Lure Coursing, Hunt Tests, Rally, and the Canine Good Citizen program.

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Bethany Stinson: I’ve been around dogs my whole life, mostly rescues, with the exception of a Cocker Spaniel we had when I was a child. We were introduced to the Vizsla when my husband and I became close friends with a couple who had two Vizslas—Max and Victor. We fell in love with the breed, and once we bought our house and were ready for a dog, we knew it had to be a Vizsla! Unfortunately, their breeder had retired. Finding a good breeder was a lot more difficult than I expected, since there are an unfortunate number of puppy mills near us. Thankfully, we decided to visit a “Meet the Breeds” event put on by the Berks County Kennel Club and, although we did not meet any Vizslas that day, some helpful members put us in touch with several local breeders and educated us on what to look for. We chose a breeder who turned out to be only 15 minutes away from us! We had to wait over a year but decided it was worth it to have someone so close—and we loved her other dogs. After we brought home our first Vizsla, our breeder invited us to come see them at the National Dog Show and we were hooked! Since then, we’ve gotten involved in a lot of different dog sports that I did not even know existed; Dock Diving, Rally, and Lure Coursing, just to name a few!

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Bethany Stinson: We got our first purebred in 2017 and her breeder showed her for us. I brought home my heart dog, Mr. Tea, in 2018 and decided to try handling him myself. Our first show together was a Beginner Puppy Show at the Winter Blast Cluster. I went on to finish his championship and grand championship myself. There is nothing better than that feeling of accomplishment when you finish your first Champion! I bred my first litter just three years ago and the puppies have been exclusively breeder/owner-handled!

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Bethany Stinson: I am very fortunate to have not one but two handling classes nearby! We have attended classes almost every week and those classes gave me the confidence to decide to give handling a try. I feel that having two different classes really helps the dogs learn to adapt to various situations. I was able to attend Greg Strong’s “Only 15 Points to Go” seminar last summer with a working spot and found it to be incredibly helpful. The hands-on experience provided a lot of valuable feedback that helped me improve as a handler.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Bethany Stinson: The virtual tools became invaluable during the pandemic, when access to in-person resources was nearly impossible. I discovered Will Alexander’s “Dog Show Tips & Tricks” YouTube channel at that time; The No Fuss Stack was a game changer for me! I attended several virtual handling seminars at the time and enjoyed watching the AKCtv’s recording of George Alston’s handling seminar. I still find webinars and online classes to be a valuable resource in training for “all the things.” The Fenzi Dog Sports Academy covers such a wide variety of topics, including behavior and ring-readiness, that they are a regular resource for me.

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Bethany Stinson: I have participated in NOHS since I started as an Owner Handler. At the beginning, I was too busy learning how to handle to worry about rankings. Now that my Bred-By dog, Jafar, has matured, he’s three-quarters of the way to his NOHS Bronze and I think we are ready to find our own place in those rankings! The most important thing to me is still having fun with my dog!

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Bethany Stinson: I love that the AKC is promoting breeders, and most judges have commented on the quality they see in the Bred-By ring. It was very important to me to finish my dog from the Bred-By Class and the medallion we earned for it has a special place in his championship shadow box. I also appreciate the AKC’s decision to split the class into Puppy and Adult. It is nice that exhibiters do not have to choose now between earning their Puppy of Achievement or the Bred-By Medallion.

I love Specialties and look forward to our club’s specialty every year! I believe it’s important for the breed, for preservation and diversity, since Specialties draw dogs that may not regularly compete in the same area. I think it’s about more than just winning, it’s about the future of the breed. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded owners and breeders, a wonderful chance for puppies and veterans to get out there, and the opportunity to provide further education.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Bethany Stinson: There are a lot of talented professionals in our breed. Many of them also own and breed Vizslas themselves. While it can certainly be daunting to compete with someone who does this for a living, many of the Owner Handlers who are willing to put in the time and training and give it their best are very successful. I also appreciate the judges who take the time to provide tips and feedback to help Owner Handlers succeed.

8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

Bethany Stinson: My breeders, Susan and Berkeley Thompson, have been very supportive and are an integral part of my journey as a handler. I knew nothing about showing dogs before meeting them, so Susan had to walk me through all the fine points of entering, ring procedure, counting points, and choosing where and when to enter. They are the breeders of my first two Vizslas and they co-bred my litter. There was a lot of hand-holding and late-night texting through that litter, plus my bitch decided to whelp during a tropical storm! They have been an excellent example of how the right breeders will not just sell you a puppy but inspire new owners to get involved in the aspects of dog sports that appeal to them, whether it be Conformation, Companion, or Performance!

The teacher at All Good Dogs, Sue Bani, has also been a great mentor, providing training and advice (not just at class) and cheering us on. I’ll never forget the biggest hug she gave me when I came out of the ring after finishing my first champion!

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Bethany Stinson: The Breeder/Owner Handlers are integral to the sport. They are the most passionate about the preservation and advancement of the breed! We make an effort to get educated about our breed and we know our own dogs’ strengths and weaknesses best. We know what we want to improve and it’s personal for us, not just about the rankings and the wins! I believe that we’re also more likely to prove our dogs all-around, not just in the show ring. My dogs and I have earned multiple titles in Companion and Performance sports, including those outside of AKC like Dock Diving and Barn Hunt. It’s also a wonderful way to grow as a team!

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Bethany Stinson: Research! Research! Research! Breeding is not for the faint of heart nor is it for everyone. It was at least two years of learning and planning before we took the plunge. Your breeder is the best source of information and mentorship. If that is not an option, reach out to respected and experienced breeders in your area, or preferably through your breed club. I also joined several Facebook groups dedicated to breeding as part of the research process and read books on puppy rearing. Although it was a lot of long hours and hard work, it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done.

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Bethany Stinson: We are currently working on Jafar’s Bronze both for GCH and NOHS. We’re also working on adding that Best in Specialty Show to his resume! We have not earned a regular Group placement yet, but we hope to remedy that soon!

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Bethany Stinson: I’ve had the usual wardrobe mishaps, of course—running out of my shoe, hair clip coming undone halfway around the ring, dog snagging my hose right before I enter the ring, etc. Showing can be very humbling, for sure! I was showing my Special while also finishing my young dog, so my daughter often came along with me to assist and take Winners back in for Breed if needed. The very first time she took him back in, she was super-nervous because it was her first time ever showing. She proceeded to show him to his very first Best of Breed from the classes! She has never let me forget that she got Best of Breed her first time in the ring! My Special was awarded Owner-Handled BOB, so I had the unique experience of showing one dog in the regular Group and the other one in the Owner-Handled Group.

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Vizsla: Meet the Breed

The Vizsla

A thousand years ago, the Vizsla hunted with Magyar nomads before settling in what is now Hungary. Primitive stone etchings depict tribal hunters with their Vizslas. Centuries later, the Vizsla became the premier sporting dog and a lively, affectionate family member of Hungarian aristocrats. Today, photos in homes worldwide illustrate the extraordinary connections between Vizslas and their families.

The Vizsla Form

The Vizsla was built to hunt vast upland fields with proficiency and grace. They are medium-sized, short-haired sporting dogs of rust-gold color, conveying elegance and readiness. Structurally, they appear balanced in height and length. In motion, they glide effortlessly over the ground with smooth movement. In the field, they are swift and careful hunters with superb noses and exemplary pointing and retrieving skills. At home, they exhibit a gentle, sweet, and sensitive demeanor.

The Vizsla Lifestyle

The Vizsla is more than a dog—he is a lifestyle. The modern Vizsla thrives as an active family member. They are physically active and emotionally attentive, known for their “Velcro®” quality. They want to be outside with you and inside with you. Many Vizsla owners admit they no longer go to the bathroom alone! Your canine friend will gladly fill the role of hiking buddy, hunting partner, and agility qualifier or tracking expert. He is a superb athlete and supreme snuggler, always looking for the next opportunity to curl up next to you on your couch at home.

The Vizsla Choice

The Vizsla is a great choice for someone wanting an athletic dog that will become a significant part of their life. Similarly, they are a poor choice for someone wanting a dog that is expected to be content with a daily pat on the head and a walk around the block. Vizslas require significant engagement on a daily basis. So, be warned, an unhappy Vizsla will produce an unhappy Vizsla owner.

The Vizsla Family

A Vizsla properly raised with children will be their best friend. Families with children should strongly consider their ability to commit to the requirements of this breed. Furthermore, parents should be careful to always manage the behavior of their children toward this sensitive breed that may not always tolerate improper behavior such as poking, prodding, and hitting.

The Vizsla Puppy

A Vizsla puppy comes ready to be sculpted by caring hands. He is exuberant and eager to learn. He is smart but sensitive. He will take to positive training but can be ruined by a heavy hand. The Vizsla was designed to cover ground, so it should come as no surprise that he will be energetic and ready to run. Be prepared to engage your puppy in frequent periods of on-leash and off-leash activity. Regular physical exercise will help settle your Vizsla for a successful day. Regular mental exercise will help boost your connection with your puppy.

Tricks and obedience skills will not only dazzle your friends but also teach your puppy to work for your attention and praise. Socialization is important for all dogs and Vizslas are no exception. Daily positive experiences will help your puppy grow up to be a well-adjusted, confident dog that loves humans and dogs large and small.

The Vizsla Health

Vizslas are commonly very healthy with a lifespan of 12 or more years. The breed has some cases of hip dysplasia, cancer, and epilepsy, but careful breeding has helped control these problems. All puppy buyers are encouraged to research the pedigrees of their prospective puppy to reduce the risk of these rare health issues. Puppy seekers are also encouraged to find a breeder who is breeding for the right reasons. Look for a breeder that loves this breed and strives for excellence in temperament, health, capability, and beauty. And, above all, avoid purchasing a puppy from a pet store, a puppy mill, or a puppy farm.

While the Vizsla was built to be a great hunting dog and a grand companion, the modern Vizsla has developed into a truly versatile dog. They can compete successfully in multiple AKC venues including conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, hunt tests, and field trials. This adaptability has extended their role into transportation security, search-and-rescue, seeing-eye, and therapy programs.

The Vizsla Club of America

The Vizsla Club of America (VCA) is dedicated to the maintenance of the Vizsla breed. Our members are owners and breeders who are committed to preserving and enhancing the characteristics of this noble and classy sporting dog. The VCA sponsors three national annual events that include a National Gun Dog Championship, a National Field Championship, and a National Specialty including Conformation, Agility, and Obedience. The VCA has also established a “Code of Ethics” for its members defining requirements for dog ownership, competitive sportsmanship, and breeding practices. To learn more about the VCA and regional Vizsla clubs, please visit www.vcaweb.org.

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For the first time in 20 years, the Vizsla Club of America headed to New England for its 2024 National Specialty and Companion Events. As I think is the way with many Specialties these days, host clubs and locations are getting harder to come by, and so with just over a year before the show date, we pulled together a committee of people from all over the country—the only requirement was a “let’s make it work” attitude!

Every once in a while, necessity truly is the mother of invention. Because of the relatively short time we had to work on the National, we dramatically shifted how we fundraised and had to think differently about everything—from some of the social events we usually hold to what our catalogs looked like. Also, because we cobbled together a committee rather than working off of an existing club, we were able to “persuade” the very best people with years of experience to join in. It truly was an amazing group of extremely committed members of our fancy that made the whole week possible.

There were over 1,000 entries across all the events, making for a fabulous and highly competitive week. One of the hallmarks of our breed that we are most proud of is the Vizsla’s versatility—the first AKC Quintuple Champion was a Vizsla named Chartay—and this week was brilliant proof of that strong legacy. In honor of our legacy of versatility, we have two different competitions over the week that celebrate the very best of us: The Iron Dog competition (which tracks points over the week for dogs that compete in all or most of the events), and The All-Star Review (which is an evening competition that is devoted to inspiring the preservation of the true working Vizsla. All entrants must have a Show Championship combined with either a Field Championship, Amateur Field Championship, Master Hunter, or NAVHDA Utility Prize I.

Having never been the Event Chair for the National, there are a couple of things I wish I had known ahead of time. The most useful would have been a more creative “bingo card,” because there just wasn’t anything to prepare me for some of that week.

Sunday, everyone was arriving in New England except for one exceptionally important member of our plans. Our National Show Secretary, Show Chair, Obedience Chair, Rally Chair, and Ring Steward was unable to travel. Admittedly, a couple of those roles weren’t hers originally, but life had happened and she had graciously accepted a couple of extra assignments. So, it turned out that our eggs were, by and large, in one basket. One Basket. A basket that was 3,000 miles away. You know what that was? NOT ON MY BINGO CARD! But in amazing fashion, with help from our AKC Field Rep, through luck and a little arm twisting, by Sunday evening we had all of those roles filled. Which is how we barely noticed that the half of the catalogs with all of the Agility, Scent Work, advertising, and general information hadn’t shown up yet…

The competition began on Monday with a Vizsla-only Agility Trial held at American K9 Country in Amherst, New Hampshire—the premier destination for Agility competitions in the Northeast. And it did not disappoint! The flooring was amazing, the staff was excellent to work with, and they provided all of the services that we could possibly have needed, including a great judge, Nick Carleton. High in Trial was the three-year-old bitch, CH Menny’s Swift Winged Monster CD BN RA MH FDC MX MXJ MJB MFB T2B3 FCAT SWN CGCA CGCU TKA VC, owned by Jessica Vetter.

Meanwhile, back at the host site, Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, Massachusetts, a small group of us were setting up for Obedience, Rally, and Conformation. Four thousand rolls of duct tape and eighty-eight king-sized sharpies later, a crating room (which ended up being three times the size we needed) took shape. Pioneer Valley Kennel Club graciously rented to us all of their ring gating and Obedience and Rally equipment. The ring gating, it turned out, took three hours, five people, and two virtual consultations to figure out. It probably would have been easier had we tried to put it together after the cocktail hour, but we prevailed! It was at this point that we noticed the shortcomings of any bingo card we might have previously dreamt up.

Speaking of cocktails, we tried something new to our club this year—we had our Annual Awards with our Welcome Party rather than with a sit-down banquet. It seemed to be a well-received change (the theory being that people could go after the hors d’oeuvres to have a lovely meal of their choice rather than an increasingly expensive, less than inspiring banquet meal) and it seemed to give everything a more relaxed vibe. Other changes included offering an off-site dinner at the historic Concord Colonial Inn, so people had the opportunity for a cultural activity, as well as having a Friday evening social.

On Tuesday were the Obedience and Rally Trials. It seemed like it all went off well. The judges were both excellent with our breed (which can, occasionally, have a little too much joie to be extremely well behaved), and were very kind to our exhibitors. For our Rally Trial, the Highest Triple Score was RACH Nosam’s Aspen Fall Forest CDX PCD BN GN RM3 RAE3 RC DCAT CGCA CGCU TKN ATT, and our Highest Combined Score was RACH Menny’s Monster Of Fish Lake UD VER RM2 RAE2 JH AX AXJ XF BCAT CGC TKA. For our Obedience Trial, the Highest Scoring Dog in Regular Classes was CH Thornbird’s Fabulous Roxy Lady UD RN MX MXJ XF, and our Highest Combined Score was RACH Menny’s Monster Of Fish Lake UD VER RM2 RAE2 JH AX AXJ XF BCAT CGC TKA. And since I find it challenging to walk and chew gum, it was something spectacular to watch these dogs work.

Wednesday was our Scent Work Trial and Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes. We had set up for Scent Work on Monday, and it was fairly amusing trying to keep sections of the hotel that we were all living in roped off and not heavily scented. I did overhear someone yelling, “Oh Gawd! Keep your stink out of there!!!” And it was all worth it. I don’t think I’ve heard as much giggling anywhere as there was in the lines waiting for Scent Work. There is something just deeply fun about a sport that isn’t overtly competitive.

The Sweepstakes were judged by Ms. Erin Crowley. If the name seems familiar, she is the daughter of the late Sporting breed handler, Ms. Patty Crowley. And even though Erin didn’t have hot water that morning, she persevered and did a bang-up job, with Southwick Shikari Aran You Oni Love Twice winning Best in Sweeps, GCHG Pagliacci Kizmar Wicked Suspense At Zenith winning Best Veteran Dog in Sweeps, and GCH Szizlin’s They Call Me Citori winning Best Veteran Bitch in Sweepstakes.

Now, by Wednesday the cracks were starting to show a little in our living situation, and the grounds were starting to be a little messy with people not picking up after their dogs. It might have been partly because we lost our Grounds Chair a few months ago and hadn’t quite replaced him! Solution? Have excellent friends, Candice, Shawn, and Grant Gibson, who came to the rescue. They pointed out that the grounds were covered by CCTV, and that a very bored member of our new grounds crew was more than willing to go through the hours of video to find out the identity of the offending parties. Like a super-weird episode of CSI. We have, in fact, never had cleaner grounds, and the hotel even asked to have us back!

Thursday brought the discovery of our very own kindness fairy who anonymously sprinkled joy and unicorns around the place. It was deeply satisfying as well as being adorable, which was helpful to me, emotionally, when we lost our Non-Regular Class judge to illness. (In fairness, though, losing a judge to illness is always on the bingo card.) Within minutes, however, the intrepid Mrs. Judy Harrington had agreed to come the next day and stepped graciously into the breach.

The regular classes were judged by Mr. Dana Cline who “insisted” on having, of all things, a plain glazed donut from Dunkin’ every morning and a cranberry juice. In truth, he just looked so excited by the idea of this donut that we could hardly deny him, and we did have a great hospitality team willing to go the extra mile. (Which is something that was later tested on a reptile.)

We were pleased this year for our health clinic to be able to help out the OFA Blood Bank. We enlisted Vet Techs Kathleen Morrison and Tanya Duvall to draw blood, and we are so proud of our community’s efforts. We surpassed our goal of 125 invaluable blood donations for future research on our breed.

Friday evening was one of our new events, the Pup Cup Social. There were made-to-order cups of biscuits and whipped cream with Saint Rocco’s sprinkles for the dogs, Maple Cotton Candy for the people, and four different heirloom varieties of apples for all involved. Now, buying whipped cream for an event you’ve never done before is hard, and for some reason, there wasn’t anything worse we could think of than running out of whipped cream. Which is why we bought CASES of whipped cream. And then had cases left over, which nearly all ended up going home later with one couple who seemed to have quite the naughty glint in their eyes.

Conversely, our Hospitality Chair, Ann Moses, strikes you as a proper New England woman. Super-kind, soft-spoken, and seemingly without a flair for the dramatics. Which made this particular incident all the more surprising…

A handler came over during judging and said, “Now I don’t want anyone to panic, but…” Who starts a sentence like that?!? There was a quiet panic that ensued, obviously. “But there’s a snake over there.” Words that I don’t think would ever be on a dog show bingo card for any reason. After inspection, it was determined that there was, in fact, a snake at the edge of the room. And not a tiny snake either. A mid-sized snake. More snake than should be at a dog show, anyway, and much more snake than anyone was comfortable with. Except then here came Ann, swooping in like an eagle. She said, “Oh, I love snakes.” She picked it up and carried it outside (with it writhing in her grip) like it was this season’s fashion accessory. I suppose it is true, still waters run surprisingly deep.

Another person we are fortunate to have amongst our Vizsla community is a world-famous violinist, Ida Kafavian. She spent the week playing increasingly intense and complicated versions of the Star-Spangled Banner for us each morning, and by the time we got to Best of Breed day, we were all in tears at the sheer beauty of her raw talent.

For the last day of judging, we made sure that Mr. Cline had several dozen donuts, you know, just in case. First up were the Pee Wees, and honestly, there’s never been anything as adorable. Juniors followed, and the depth of quality of the handling skills with these young people is remarkable. In the end, Best Junior went to Ryan Markey.

The quality in the Best of Breed ring at the National, while over my lifetime it has ebbed and flowed, always reminds me how far this breed has come. And this year was no different, with Dana Cline’s Best of Breed going to the young bitch, GCHB CH Renaissance N Brittania’s Changing The Game JH.

It isn’t until the bitter end and the points have been calculated that we ever know the winner of the Iron Dog Competition, and this year’s Gold went to Jessica Vetter’s CH Menny’s Swift Winged Monster CD BN RA MH FDC MX MXJ MJB MFB T2B3 FCAT SWN CGCA CGCU TKA VC.

We closed out the week by hoisting up our Best of Breed winner, toasting her with champagne, and munching on some well-earned Boston Cream Pie. And so, another Vizsla National is in the books. I want to thank our Sponsors (including the ever-generous SHOWSIGHT Magazine), Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club and Vizsla Club of New England, and everyone who traveled to be with us for the week. And I especially want to thank the most surprising and hilarious committee in recent history. May your bingo cards be ever full.

Veteran Lineup Photo by Ashley Uffman (1)

Pup Cup Kids - Photo by Sosanna Folz (1)

Pup Cup Lickers - Photo by Sosanna Folz (1)

Seaside Buoys - Photo by Jim McClintock (1)

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