The Vizsla has an ancient and noble heritage. This breed is a medium-sized dog that ticks the box and then some, with the added bonus of being loving, easy to groom and cute as a button with long limbs and high-class colouring. Many experts believe the Vizsla descended from the hunting and companion dogs of the Magyars, a people that settled what is now Hungary more than a thousand years ago. Vizsla, breed of sporting dog whose ancestors were probably brought to Hungary by the Magyars more than 1,000 years ago. Vizsla History and Background. The name Vizsla means “pointer” in Hungarian. The Vizsla, as […] A Brief History of the Hungarian Vizsla Dog Breed. The Vizsla always lived with the family, and was as much a part of the family as the children. Vizslas have European ancestry dating back to at least the eighth century. These names give a hint to their history and origins. This is why they are often referred to as the Magyar or Hungarian Vizsla. The warriors existed in a time where being fast on horseback was key. The Vizsla belongs in dogdom's aristocracy; he shows it in dignified bearing and proves it in recorded history. Brief History of the Vizsla: Originating in Hungary, with mild winters and abundant habitats for game birds certainly contributed to the desire for the people of this area to own such a breed as the Vizsla. Brief History of the Vizsla: Originating in Hungary, with mild winters and abundant habitats for game birds certainly contributed to the desire for the people of this area to own such a breed as the Vizsla. In an attempt to date this material, a member of the Vizsla Club of America, Thomas DeRoo, concludes it was probably written in 1955. It is believed that their origins can be traced as far back as the 8th century. Originally used to hunt with falcons in ancient times, the Vizsla today not only produced the first AKC Triple Champion, but also the first Quintuple Champion in AKC history. They wanted them to be fast, agile, and tough. Dr. Osborn, DVM, was one of the most prominent breeders from the early 1950's to 1970. As late as World War II, the Vizsla enjoyed protection in selective breeding, as only the remnants of the aristocracy and the large estate owners were permitted by custom to breed the dogs. Developed on the open plains of Hungary, it was bred to be a swift and cautious hunter, wary of alerting its quarry. The desire for a Vizsla family dog should not be discussed without a thorough understanding of the breed. Looking for a smart cookie of a pooch that’s quick to learn tricks? While the Vizsla is new to the Western World it is perhaps the oldest bred of the great European Vorstehund group of shorthaired pointing and retrieving dogs. It has been said that the Vizsla must live with the family if the family is to benefit (deserve) the loyalty and affection the Vizsla has to bestow.