The extensive geographical area of the Carpathians, the area where present-day Hungary is located, saw the birth of a great variety of dog breeds that have evolved physically and behaviorally to become the dogs we have today in day. Most of these dogs were used centuries ago by the ancient inhabitants of the area for hunting, defense and herding tasks and, although most Hungarian breeds were on the verge of disappearing as a result of the wars, many of them still remain today.
In this article on our site we present eight dog breeds of Hungarian origin, that is, 8 Hungarian dog breeds, all of them recognized by the International Cinological Federation (FCI), and we tell you everything you need to know about their origins, appearance and temperament.
Vizsla or Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer
Considered Hungarian national breed, the vizsla is a dog that was born with the aim of accompanying falconers on their hunts for the Hungarian plains and collect the pieces that the falcons shot down. During World War II, the breeding of these dogs was affected to the point that the vizsla was on the verge of disappearing completely. However, the breed resisted and from the fifties began to be exported to other countries in a notorious way.
Through crosses of other hunting breeds such as the pointer or the Weimaraner, the vizsla standard was modified until it became in an extremely athletic and resistant dog, very versatile and with an unbeatable sense of smellToday, there are two varieties of vizsla, the short-haired and the wire-haired. Both varieties are represented by dogs of medium/large size (between 25 and 30 kilos in weight), thin and strong constitution, coppery and uniform color, large hanging ears, long tail and generally honey-colored eyes. The wire-haired vizsla is slightly larger and has a coarser and longer coat, highlighting the presence of beards.
The vizsla has a friendly temperament, it is a curious, intelligent and somewhat independent animal, although it is also affectionate and protective of its family. It does need, however, a lot of physical and mental stimulation, as it is an energetic dog and a born athlete, which makes it the ideal companion for those who enjoy taking long walks in nature or going out to exercise frequently. If you're wondering how long a vizsla dog lives, the answer is that he lives around 12 to 15 years
Don't miss the complete file on the Vizsla or Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer in the following article that we recommend.
Komondor
The Komondor, also called the Hungarian Shepherd, has an unmistakable appearance that makes it unique in the canine world. This breed has been used for centuries to guard and protect herds from attacks by wild animals and, in fact, its physical appearance is said to have been modified with the aim of increasingly resembling these dogs with sheep and, in this way, making them go unnoticed among them.
The komondor is a giant dog as it can weigh more than 60 kilos and reach a height of 80 centimeters up to the cross. His body, as well as his limbs, are strong and muscular. Its nose is dark in color, as are its eyes, and it has two floppy ears that it barely raises when alert. But, without a doubt, the most remarkable physical characteristic of the komondor is the long ivory fur that covers its entire body.
The inner layer of the mantle is made up of fine, shaggy hair, while the outer layer is in the form of tangled tufts that give the impression that the dog is covered in dreadlocks. Obviously, a lot of time must be spent keeping your hair in good condition.
Bearing in mind that this breed has historically been bred to defend herds, it is not surprising that we find ourselves before a very brave, independent and resolute dogwho tends to distrust strangers and to be protective and territorial with his family and his environment. It is not a suitable dog for inexperienced people but, if it is properly socialized and educated, it is a very calm and affectionate animal and a great companion for children.
Kuvasz
The origins of the next Hungarian dog, the Kuvasz, go back to the Magyares, nomadic tribes from Asia who settled long ago more than ten centuries in the territory that today corresponds to Hungary. These tribes moved with large herds of sheep and used the ancestors of the Kuvasz to defend their animals from attacks by wolves and bears
In the fifteenth century, during the reign of Matthias Corvinus in Hungary, this breed began to be used as a hunting dog and today, although in some places you can still see Kuvasz dogs accompanying the livestock, these dogs are trained mainly to work with the Hungarian army and police, although they have also become popular as a companion and guard animal.
Kuvasz breed dogs are very large and strong animals, with a robust head, a well-developed jaw, nose and black lips, drooping ears and a long, curved tail covered with a lot of hair. Its beautiful coat is completely white, thick and wavy and its adult weight ranges between 45 and 50 kilos. They are very resistant and can easily adapt to different climates and environments.
As in the case of the Komondor, the Kuvasz is a guard dog, which makes it a somewhat suspicious animal with strangers, very brave, sure of himself and protective of his family and his territory. Despite its size, the Kuvasz is very agile and active, enjoys being outdoors and needs a lot of stimulation, so it is not a suitable dog for people without experience or who do not have enough time or space.
Check out the next post on our site about the Kuvasz.
Mudi
The Mudi is a little-known dog breed that emerged in Hungary and was originally used to accompany shepherds and guide the flock, whether it was sheep, goats or cows. However, its incredible versatility, its marked intelligence and its great capacity for adaptation have made the Mudi today a dog that stands out in many areas, and not just in herding.
Without going any further, we can find specimens used for:
- Hunt.
- Search and discovery tasks.
- Guard and defense.
- Dog sports: like agility or canicross.
- Animal companion.
The mudi is a small/medium-sized dog whose weight ranges between 10 and 15 kilos. Its body is very proportionate and athletic, and it has erect, fur-covered ears that give it a lively and always attentive appearance. Its tail is covered with long hair and when the animal is in motion it is usually curved on its back. On some occasions, can be born anuran specimens, that is, without a tail. The mudi's coat is characterized by being wavy, shiny and between 3 and 7 centimeters long.
Accepted colors are:
- Bay
- Brown
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Blue Merle
This canine breed is particularly intelligent and has an incredible capacity for learning. You need to be busy and have physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis to ensure your well-being. He is also energetic, courageous and very faithful making him the ideal companion for dynamic people with experience in dog education and training.
Puli
At first glance, the puli looks similar to the komondor, but is much smallerbecause their adult weight ranges between 13 and 15 kilograms. The origins of the puli also go back to the time of the Magyares, nomadic shepherds who settled in Hungary centuries ago and who used these dogs as support to control and guide the herds.
The puli has a well-proportioned body and a small, rounded head from which two drooping V-shaped ears grow. Its nose is dark in color, as are its eyes, and it has a short, long tail. high set that is hidden between its dreadlock-shaped coat and As with the komondor, the puli is not born with its characteristic cords, butIt forms them as it grows and, although it is not complicated, it is essential to spend time keeping its coat in good condition. In the case of the puli, the color of the coat can be white, black, fawn or greyish.
Regarding his temperament, he is a very energetic, agile and resistant dogwho loves to exercise and play. Although somewhat reserved with strangers, the Puli is generally an affectionate animal and, if properly socialized, very patient and tolerant of children and other dogs. In addition, he has a remarkable intelligence and is a fast learner, so it is quite easy to teach him tricks and commands.
Pumi
Currently, the pumi is a Hungarian dog Quite unknown outside Hungary This breed was born from the cross between Hungarian pulis and terrier-type dogs from erect ears, coming in most cases from France and Germany. Originally, it was used mainly as a herding dog, but today most pumis live at home as companion dogs
The appearance of the pumi is very peculiar and its erect ears whose end falls forward stand out The head is reminiscent of that of terrier-type dogs as it is robust and ends in a fine and elongated snout. The pumi has very wavy and bushy hair, shorter on the face than on the body. The hairs on its ears are rougher and stiffer, which gives it the characteristic and nice appearance of going "disheveled" The specimens can be white, black, gray, cream or fawn. Its adult weight ranges between eight and fifteen kilos.
This breed has a cheerful character and is always ready for action It is very lively and energetic making it the ideal dog for sports tutors who have an active lifestyle or people with experience in canine education. He also stands out for being very brave and protective, he mistrusts strangers easily and can become quite a barker.
Hungarian Hound
The Hungarian Hound, also called the Transylvanian Hound, is a very old breed of dog Originally from Hungary, since the Middle Ages These dogs, with their great sense of smell and resistance, were used to follow trails and bring down prey during hunting days.
Because the Carpathian area has very varied terrain characteristics, two varieties of Hungarian Hounds were selectively bred:
- El grande: used for hunting big game on flatter land.
- The little one: used for hunting small game in areas with a lot of vegetation and difficult access.
Today, although there may be some size variation between specimens, only the large variety of Hungarian Hound remains.
This dog is strong and athletic, very brave and resistant, so he needs to exercise frequently. He has small brown eyes, floppy ears, and a long, muscular tail. Its hair is short, thick and hard and its coat is shiny black with some areas in shades of fire, especially on the snout, chest and distal area of the legs. The weight of an adult Hungarian Hound is around 25-30 kilos.
This breed stands out for being very persevering at work, brave and determined It has great decision-making capacity, so tends to be somewhat stubborn and independent. However, it is also a cheerful, faithful, sociable and playful animal, especially in its adolescent stage.
Hungarian Hound
The original name of the Hungarian greyhound is "Magyar Agar", as its origins go back to the time of the Magyares, tribes that conquered the Hungarian lands hundreds of years ago. This breed remained unchanged until the 19th century when, as a consequence of the popularization of greyhound racing, they began to Hungarian greyhounds with English greyhounds, with the aim of increase the speed and resistance of the former.
This canine breed can reach 31 kilos in weight and 70 centimeters in height at the withers. Its appearance is typical of sighthounds: slim and athletic build, narrow head, fine snout, long limbs, ears with drooping tips and a strong tail curved at the end. His hair is very short and rough to the touch and his coat can come in a great variety of colors and combinations
The Hound is one of the fastest dogs in existence, surpassing even the Greyhound over long distances and for this reason, there are those who use these dogs to chase and kill rabbits and hares in the field. As a companion dog, the Hungarian Hound is a very suitable breed for different guardian profiles, because although it is a born athlete, it is also a calm, intelligent animal, affectionate and sociable. It is important, however, to get him used to different stimuli from a puppy and always educate him in a positive way, since he is a very sensitive and reserved dog.
