by Keri Nadeau

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

When walking with my 6-year-old vizsla, Piper, I often get stopped. People want to know what breed she is- often mistaking her for a smaller, red version of a Weimarainer. More often, they want to know if she is still a puppy, and are quite surprised when I reveal her true age. She is a striking girl- red fur, long legs, regal in appearance. She prances along on her walk, bounding from side to side, looking for small prey, but more often, mistaking lumps of grass for small prey. Her exuberance is contagious.

Vizslas, also known as Hungarian Pointers, are medium-sized hunting dogs, distinguished in both appearance and bearing. Although they are robust, they are also rather lightly built. Coats are short and vary from golden-rust to deep mahogany red. They are highly affectionate and intelligent, and, although at times willful, still very trainable. Their energy level is high and they require regular, strenuous exercise. When left to their own devices, they can be mischievous.

My husband and I have had occasion to trade vizsla stories with several other owners we have met over the years, and even more than the appearance, the temperaments seem to be similar. Without exception, the breed is highly energetic and loves being with its people. Every family that we know that has one has shared at least one funny story of mischievousness- whether it be the infamous counter surfing' that the breed is known for, or their penchant for sleeping in bed with their owners, burrowed deep under the covers.

I remember the first day that we met Piper. My husband and I drove 3.5 hours southwest from our home in Minneapolis, MN to the small town of Ashton, IA to pick her up from the breeder. Our first encounter with her was as a small red bundle of fur and energy, fearless as she bounded out the back door of the breeder's house and down the stairs, running over the top of her smaller and more timid brothers. As she has gotten older, that fearlessness has faded to caution, but the energy is still as high as it was that day.

Piper is an amazingly loving dog. I have never felt more welcomed then when I come home from work. I hear her squeaks of excitement from the upstairs window as I turn the key in the lock. Shortly, she is bounding down the stairs, running circles around me as if to say "where have you been all day?" Once she has had the opportunity to shake her sillies out', she is a cuddle buddy, laying on the sofa or bed, snuggled in, content as long as she is in contact with

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