MyDogBreeds
Vizsla is originated from Hungary but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Vizsla may grow 29 cm / 11 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Vizsla and Portuguese Water Dog are having almost same weight. Vizsla may live 5 years less than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Vizsla and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same litter size. Both Vizsla and Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance.
The Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is a hunting dog developed in Hungry. It is the smallest of the pointer-retriever type breeds. They are loyal family dogs and hunt fowl and upland game. It was rare for a hunting dog to also be a companion and family dog, but the Vizsla is. The first time the Vizsla came to the attention of anyone outside its area was 1357 in a publication written for King Louis I of Hungary. They were kept mostly by barons and warlords and preserved without any interbreeding for centuries.
Through all the occupations, revolutions and world wars, the Vizsla survived. Still there were some points in their history where they were almost extinct. In the 1800’s English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers almost replaced them. After World War II they were almost extinct again with only a dozen or so left in the country.
Breeders across Hungry brought them back again. They were also bred in Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania. They came to the states after the war and quickly were embraced. The Vizsla Club of America was formed so that they could be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This happened in 1960 and the Vizsla quickly became a champion in several AKC specialties.
The Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointers, the Wirehaired Vizsla and other pointers were developed from the Vizsla and then used to re-establish the breed following World War II.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.
He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.
Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.
They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.
The golden/rust colored Vizsla is easily distinguished from other breed. They are a medium sixed pointer with a lean frame and light on their feet. They have long ears that are silky to the touch and well defined muscular structure. Their nose is a red color blending in with their coat color. Their eyes and nails also blend in with the color of the coat.
For the most part they are some shade of golden-rust, but today there are also some solid rust dogs as well. Officially the coat can be russet gold, copper-brown, or dark sandy gold. It cannot be mahogany red or pale yellow. The coat is dense, smooth, short and without an undercoat. They have docked tails as well.
Standing at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.
It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.
The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.
It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.
These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.
With training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.
He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.
The Vizsla have few health issues but the ones they do have are quite serious. They include:
• Cancer (Mast cell, Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma) – as will most dogs it can be treated but is still likely to kill the dog.
• Hip dysplasia is rare, but cases have been noted. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis.
• Sebaceous adenitis – rare skin disease found more often in cats or birds than in dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.
This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.
This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.
Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.
Feeding the puppy This is a very active dog and he need a high calorie diet as a puppy. Feed 4-5 cups in 3-4 smaller meals per day.
2.Feeding the adult Feed the adult high calorie food if you exercise her enough. Feed 3 cups of food twice a day.
4. Exercise They love to run but don’t’ overdo it until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. They stay very playful their entire lives and excel at AKC competitions. They are good at agility, field trials, scent work, obedience, conformation, dock diving, rally, lure coursing, track and barn hunt.
Your Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.
Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.
Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.
Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.
Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.
There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.
Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.
A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.