Vizsla

Height: 21 to 24 inches at shoulder

Weight: 45 to 65 pounds

Coat: short and smooth

Life span: 10 to 14 years



Created in Hungary to work as a pointer and retriever, the Vizsla has an aristocratic bearing. All he really wants, though, is to be loved. He's a super companion for an active family who can provide him with the exercise and attention he craves.

His Velcro nature has to do with his past: the Vizsla was developed in Hungary to be both a pointer and retriever who would work close to the hunter, never ranging too far away. That trait is still seen in today's Vizsla, who prefers to be leaning against your leg or serving as a footwarmer. If having a dog shadow you all day would annoy you, choose a different breed.

Despite their penchant for sticking close to their human pals, Vizslas are versatile and hard-working dogs who are happiest when they have a job to do. In a family, that job can be hunting companion, therapy dog, or jogging buddy. Give him at least an hour of exercise per day, and the Vizsla will be your best friend.

If you're interested in dog sports , your Vizsla would probably be happy to compete. The Vizsla is the first and so far only breed to produce a quintuple champion--in conformation, field, obedience. His superb scenting skills make him a natural hunter. Vizslas have also been guide dogs, drug-detection dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs, and have competed in falconry, flyball, tracking, and hunt tests.