The Hungarian Vizsla is an expressive, gentle, and loving breed that needs daily mental stimulation. This breed needs a patient, firm hand, or it will become stubborn and walk all over you. Luckily the folks at know what they are dealing with when it comes to Zoli and Bela, this week’s Pooches of the Week.
Zoli and Bela are quite the combo. Add into the mix, and you’ve got a daily TWB party! These three musketeers are constant figures at TWB, for which the staff is extremely grateful.
Interesting tidbit about the Vizslas: after World War II when Russia took control of Hungary, it was feared that the breed would become extinct. Luckily the Hungarians took control of the situation and smuggled some of the dogs to America and Austria. Thank goodness the Hungarians took action, because my day is not complete without seeing these two knuckleheads.
The Watering Bowl did not have any Vizslas at daycare for the longest time. Then Zoli and Bela arrived and made quite a first impression. First off, their owner insisted on carrying Bela, even though he has to be close to 60 pounds. He is his baby, though, and he wanted all of us to know that and treat him as such.
Once Zoli and Bela got out into the playroom, they continued to intrigue the staff. These boys do not have a mean bone in their body, but they get very loud and rambunctious with one another. You can’t help but smile when watching them play.
Zoli and Bela share the same mother, but were born in different liters (Bela is a couple years older). They live together, but you wouldn’t know that by watching them interact. They play as if they haven’t seen each other in the longest time. They truly are best friends. It is rare, but every once in a while, one will come in without the other. They just are not the same on those days, appearing withdrawn and anxious. They need to be with their brother!
When their dad comes to pick them up at the end of the day, they hoot and holler as if they haven’t seen him in ages. It is an everyday occurrence, and even though I know they are going to react this way, it takes me by surprise everyday. These boys aren’t spoiled one bit!
More and more Vizslas continue to show up at TWB and this beautiful breed appears to be gaining popularity in the St. Louis area. While there isn’t a huge Vizsla rescue group in the St. Louis area like there is for Weimaraners, Show Me Vizsla Club Rescue operates out of Kansas City. Check them out if you are interested in adopting one of these ravishing red dogs.
