breed of sporting dog whose ancestors were probably brought to Hungary by the Magyars more than 1,000 years ago. The vizsla can generally work both as a pointer and as a retriever. Developed on the open plains of Hungary, it was bred to be a swift and cautious hunter, wary of alerting its quarry. It is a graceful, pointerlike dog and has a short, smooth, reddish gold or sandy-yellow coat. It stands 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) and weighs 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kg).

Selected breeds of sporting dogsSee the table (Selected breeds of sporting dogs) of selected breeds of sporting dogs for further information.