Let's talk about the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer, a breed that is far from unknown in Italy. We explore what remains of its history and examine the breed standard, to get acquainted with its character and gain an understanding of its physical characteristics.
Origins and History of the Breed
The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer has a history that we do not fully know — lost in time and space and now impossible to recover. If we were to rely solely on its appearance, we would be vaguely directed toward the German Shorthaired Pointer, were it not for its lighter build. What we do know for certain is that its origins are intertwined with those of the dogs that migrated westward alongside the Indo-European peoples, towards the Danubian regions.
Those dogs were loyal hunters and herders of cattle and flocks during seasonal migrations. It is very likely that the Pannonian Hound derives from there, and is certainly an ancestor of the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer, from which it has inherited much of its physical appearance — possibly with the influence of the yellow Turkish dog. In the 18th century, the first specimens appeared with the physical characteristics they retain to this day, and they are known in Hungary as the Vizsla. Extremely popular in its homeland, as well as in the United States from the early 1900s, it was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1960, and today it is reasonably well known in Italy too, thanks to the interest shown by Jolanda di Savoia.
Breed Standard
The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog of extraordinary beauty and elegance. It is morphologically of the pointer type and perfect in its proportions and movement. An adult male standing approximately 61 cm at the withers reaches a maximum weight of 30 kg, perfectly distributed with no trace of excess fat. The slightly elongated back is firm and supple, the moderately broad chest is deep at least to the elbow, and the light, rounded croup slopes gently towards the tail. The legs are long and strengthened by well-toned, powerful muscles; they are perpendicular to the ground and capable of great movement thanks to strong, flexible shoulders.
Tail, Neck and Head
The tail is set low, with a broad base tapering to a fine tip. It is carried slightly raised at the tip and generally held level; if the tail's appearance meets the standard it is left intact, otherwise it is slightly shortened and proportioned to the overall figure. The neck is long and well-muscled, fitting perfectly into the chest and very mobile, with taut muscles and no dewlap. The dog's head is well proportioned, with an elegant and noble profile. The skull is broad between the ears and the stop is moderate. The muzzle is broad and not elongated, the nose large and very open, matching the coat in colour.
Eyes, Ears and Coat
The eyes are oval in shape and large, wide open and level with each other. Their colour matches that of the coat, preferably in a slightly darker shade. The ears are set moderately high and slightly back on the skull, shaped like an inverted triangle with a rounded tip. They are of medium length, carried flat against the head and covering the ear canal completely. The taut skin is covered by a short coat that lies close to the body, smooth to the eye and firm to the touch. On the belly and ears the hair is shorter and finer. The official colour is sandy gold, beautifully uniform. Small white markings on the feet and chest are permissible, provided they blend in well and do not detract from the overall appearance.
Care of the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer and Nutrition
The health of the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is excellent, and its physical fitness translates into great resilience to both climate and fatigue. The dog's diet should be varied and of the highest quality, with no artificial supplements added. The coat is easy to keep clean, naturally shiny and particularly lustrous when you pay close attention to its diet.
Character of the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer
The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is a dog with a wonderfully gentle character, blessed with legendary physical and psychological balance. In its work it is fast and efficient, aided by exceptional intelligence and a remarkable sense of smell. It bonds deeply with its owner and the whole family, which also makes it an excellent companion dog. Its adaptability and the ease with which it learns and respects rules make it well suited to home life too, provided you have good open spaces available for it and the time to take it out every day.
Breeders and Price of the Hungarian Pointer
The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is a dog of many talents, from hunting to pet therapy, from swimming to companionship. Its training is within everyone's reach — the important thing is not to overlook socialisation. In Italy, despite the breed being well established, there are not yet many breeders dedicated to it, and the number of specimens is still growing. For information on purchasing a dog, it is advisable to contact an ENCI-recognised breeder, and always insist on guarantees of purity and good health for the puppy.
