A Doggie Dog World - A Guide to Hungarian Dog Breeds

With Summer venturing just around the corner, walking through Budapest is becoming more and more like a zoo with every new ray of sunshine, as dogs of every breed from Chihuahua to Great Dane roam the streets of Budapest (accompanied by humans, of course). As hundreds of breeds and mixes cross my path, non stand out so much as the Hungarian dogs themselves... 

Dog lovers out there, prepare to fall in love with the 9 top Hungarian dog breeds, starting of course, with the wonderfully mop-like Puli.

Puli

Originally a livestock guardian used by the Hungarians almost 1000 years ago, the Puli is an extremely agile, medium-sized breed known for its long, corded coat (pretty much dreadlocks). The Puli is virtually waterproof as its tight curls are tangled so intensely, meaning any drop of water practically slides past!

Surprisingly enough, these dogs are extremely agile, and can jump incredible distances, change direction at a moments notice, and are incredibly fast... this is why they come first in many agility competitions around the world.

Komondor

This is, in essence, a giant Puli... Almost twice the size, Komondors have a natural guardian instinct and ability to guard livestock. An athletic dog, the Komondor is fast and powerful and will leap at a predator to drive it off or knock it down. It can be used successfully to guard sheep against wolves or bears.... yes... bears!

The Komondor is a protected national treasure in Hungary, which means it cannot be cross bread or 'modified' in any way..! They have become hugely popular in the United States to protect against predators such as coyotes, cougars, mountain lions and bears.

Kuvasz

Often mistaken as a common labrador, the Hungarian Kuvasz is an extremely intelligent dog and is often described as having a clownish sense of humor which can last throughout their adolescence and into adulthood. They are intensely loyal yet patient pets who appreciate attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, as well as thoroughly cunning, particularly with strangers.

Hungarian shepherds purposefully bred the Kuvasz to have a light colored coat so that it would be easier for the shepherds to distinguish the Kuvasz from wolves that would prey on the livestock during the night.

Magyar Agár

The Magyar agár is a sighthound of elegant yet rugged stature, and often aliased as the 'Hungarian Greyhound'.

Primarily hunting dogs, the MA was used to chase deer or even catch rabbits, and are still used in Hunting today, as a well trained Magyar Agár could keep up with a Horse for up to 30km.

While they bear some resemblance to Greyhounds, there are a number of significant differences in conformation between the two breeds. Magyar agárs are longer in body than they are tall, and have a heavier bone structure than Greyhounds. Their heads are more wedge-shaped, with substantial jaw muscles and shorter snouts, giving them a less refined appearance than most Greyhounds.

Mudi

The Mudi is a rare Hungarian dog which is so versatile that it can easily hunt, exterminate rodents and act as a capable herding dog and flock guardian. Although the breed is much less popular than the better-known Puli and Komondor in Hungary, owners of the Mudi claim that it is incomparable for its versatile talents and pleasant      disposition.

Pumi

What happens when you breed a herding terrier with a Hungarian Puli? You get a Pumi of course!

In the early 17th century, these guys were used to herd not only sheep, but pigs and cows as well... now their lives are a little different, as these dogs are great of their feet, and are often used in doggie - dancing competitions...! Nice... :P

Transylvanian Hound

These dogs are absolute beasts... in the ancient times, they were used to hunt wolves and bears...! I mean, in Ireland we have Irish Wolfhounds, which are pretty intense... but I have to admit hunting bears is not a small feat...!

This breed was kept by Hungarian Kings and princes for hunting various game (i.e. foxes, boar, etc.). Sadly, in the beginning of the twentieth century, the breed was nearly extinct and in 1968 new efforts began to save it. The only area outside of Hungary where it exists is Romania.

Vizsla (pronounced Veesh-la)

Vizlas are, without a doubt, my favorite Hungarian breed, and I am not alone on this. The utter sense of pride when talking to any Hungarian about Vizslas (whether they are dog-lovers or not) is astounding. Hungarians love them, the world loves them. 

They are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, while also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct. I have never seen a more loyal dog than the Vizsla that I have encountered during my stay here. The obedience in a well-trained Vizsla is above any dog I've ever seen, and something my pup could and should learn from..!

Internationally loved, they are now in the Top 50 dog breeds in the world, and many celebrities across the globe have been seen with one of these lovely companions by their side.

Wire Haired Vizsla

The Wire-haired Vizsla was developed in the 1930s by the interbreeding of the Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer to get a dog with a more substantial frame and a heavier coat, suitable for working in the colder weather.

Extremely friendly, perfect for families while at the same time the perfect hunting/working dogs, the Wire Haired Vizsla was only officially recognized as its own breed in 1970.

So there you have it..! 9 of the best Hungarian Dogs..! I would LOVE any comments etc below, let me know what you think...?

Do you have one of these dogs? What is your favorite? 

Comment below! :)

And hey, it wouldn't be right unless I included a picture of my best canine friend - the beautiful Irish Setter X Siberian Husky who I brought all the way from Ireland to be with me here in Budapest! Everybody say hi to Hobbes..! 

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a comment! :)

Ciaran Jackson