The Hungarian Vizsla

Having a dog is definitely part of the Hungarian culture.

In the countryside most people have a dog, and even in Budapest you’ll be surprised by the high number of people you’ll see (especially in the morning or late at night) giving their dog one of the walks of the day. Although you’ll see dogs of all kinds and shapes, it is pretty easy to spot the Hungarian (or Magyar) Vizsla, thanks also to their coat color, defined as golden-rust or copper-brown.

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We’re talking about a very special, and sometimes demanding dog here. Wikipedia describes the temperament as “very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate”. They are “natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training”. If you see a Vizsla inside a home you might think it’s a potato coach; but bring it outside and you’ll realize how this is a proper hunting dog, wishing to chase most of the moving objects in sight. It is said that normally a Magyar Vizsla needs 2 to 3 hours a day of outdoor activity. That’s enough to turn every Vizsla owner into a fit person!

One interesting definition for the Vizsla found online is “velcro” dog. Vizslas are extremely affectionate and tend to attach themselves physically to their owners; as a consequence they tend to suffer of separation anxiety if left alone for long period of times, not properly looked after or stimulated. In these cases they can become hyperactive or bored (and destructive as a consequence, usually chewing everything available).

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Another curious story about them is that apparently they used to be symbols of aristocracy, and were smuggled out of the country and into Austria and other states, including America, when the Russians occupied Hungary after WW2. You can find this together with 9 other Vizsla’s facts on 10facts.com.

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It must be something about the curious way they point those big ears to the source any noise, or the fact that they are so playful, but it’s difficult not to stop and have some interaction with a Vizsla when you see one on the streets, and being in Hungary, that happens very often!

Day at the Budapest Zoo

We went to the Budapest Zoo last week with our two daughters. When the sun is shining there isn’t a much better way to spend an afternoon with kids in Budapest.

Part of what makes the Budapest zoo so great is how different it is from zoos back home in the USA. We are used to standing 30 feet away behind a 15 foot high fence, but at the Budapest Zoo you get up close and personal with the animals. Sometimes too close…the thin sheet of plexiglass between my 2 year old and a tiger was a little too scary for her. Some of the  cages are a little small and run-down, but the zoo has really cleaned up since the first time I came two years ago. Restoration on the Zsolnay ceramic tiled Elephant House turned out especially well. Speaking of elephants, this was the highlight of the day for my daughter. She is still talking about when she got to feed the elephant an apple. Again, not too many zoos will let you feed the animals, and whether or not that is a good or bad thing, let’s just say the kids love it.

Other highlights include the petting zoo (where a goat chewed off my shoelace), the Giraffe House, and the flavored cotton candy. If you’re in Budapest with kids this is a must-see.