Hard work and feats of courage were usually rewarded with a head scritch and the words, “Jó kutya,” not exactly the praise one would think the breed known as the “Gift of Kings” would get, but it was enough for the dogs.

If you recognized the words, “Jó kutya,” (translation: “good dog”) as Hungarian, then you are halfway to guessing that the breed known as the “Gift of Kings” is a Hungarian breed. It is, in fact, the Viszla.

Vizslak**** were rarely allowed to leave Hungary except when presented to foreign royalty such as the queens of Italy and Spain, which explains the moniker. When Hungary became occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, this privileged status changed, often tragically. Eighty to ninety percent of the breed was wiped out, most of them shot by the Soviets, a few killed by their owners who could not take them along as they fled the country.

Happily, some Hungarians did manage to get out with their dogs, and between those dogs and the ones that survived in Hungary, the breed was rebuilt and now enjoys healthy numbers.

***To make a plural out of a Hungarian noun, add the letter “k.” Puli —–> Pulik
Mudi—–> Mudik
Komondor —–> Komondorok
Alma (apple) ——> almak

Image: Viszla by Dottie Dracos
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