NOVEMBER 2015 DOG OF THE MONTH
This beautiful dog, KONA, is our November Dog of the Month. Kona (on the left, pictured with her best friend Sarah)is a Vizsla and this is the first time we have told you about the Vizsla, so we will all learn something new! The Vizsla is also known as a Hungarian Pointer, so you know the breed is a hunting dog. They are energetic and need to run and combine the characteristics of both a hunter and a retriever. But, first, more about Kona!
Kona began coming to Central Bark in October of 2014, as a three-month old puppy. Right from the start we knew was a party girl. She joined our Puppy 1 class because she had a serious “nipping” problem. This was aggravated by the fact that she is a voracious eater. If you held a treat, she would attempt to devour both the treat and your hand! Jim and Caitlin, human parents, were eager to train their beautiful puppy.
Jim is more the disciplinarian than Caitlin, but they both worked hard and Kona passed her S.T.A.R. puppy test and was on to Puppy 2 class. As she matured, she became a better student and with effort from the parents, Kona graduated and moved on to another class where she earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen title! Way to go, Kona!
Kona is a great friend to the other dogs and loves to play, but can keep controlled when necessary. Because of training, she also has very good manners. Kona goes non-stop all day at Central Bark and then runs for miles with Jim in the evenings!
Historically the Vizsla is older than most breeds and its existence was known in 10th century. As the breed was developed centuries ago, we have no definite information as to its ancestry. We would have difficulty in determining “Who’s Your Daddy”. It is known that these ancestors were companion hunting dogs of the many Asiatic tribes that swept through and invaded Central Europe in the 10th Century.
It has been recognized that the history of the Vizsla is closely related to that of the early Hungarians or Magyars. These were herdsmen who fought and lived in the great Carpathian basin, one thousand years ago. Primitive stone etchings, estimated at over 1,000 years old, clearly show the Magyar huntsman with his Vizsla.
The high energy is typical of the Vizsla. The breed is popular in both the field and show ring due to its attractive golden rust coat and its power and drive while hunting. Early training assists in making this intelligent breed a wonderful family pet. The Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that knows its need for daily physical exercise that is necessary for the dog to have a successful day.
Now you know a bit more about the striking Vizsla breed…and more about one of our favorite Vizsla, Kona, the November Dog of the Month. Congratulate her and parents, Jim and Caitlin, when the opportunity arises!
