Any shorthaired or wirehaired Hungarian Vizsla with a pedigree recognised by the FCI that have met the requirements of the breeding regulations in force beforehand, and have completed the Field and Water Trial may be entered.

Hunting in the field

- Work before shooting

Hunting time: 15 minutes.

In field work two vizslas work at the same time during the whole run. The two handlers advance 30 metres from each other – if possible upwind - and work with their dogs.

The two vizslas may not disturb each other’s work. The handlers should work as discreetly as possible, with as few commands and as little direction as possible, so that they do not disturb the work of their fellow-handler. Vizslas working independently, to few commands should be appreciated more. If the judge finds that the too much direction of a handler disturbs the work of the other vizsla, he should indicate this to the handler.

The faults committed by the dogs in the first minute of hunting are not to be taken into account, except for wild chasing. In the case of restarting, beating out the game to the right or left or omitting game is not a fault until the first change of direction.
 

1. Scenting ability and its use (6)

The scenting ability of the dog is to be evaluated during the "hunting in the field" and "searching for shot game using air scent" tasks.

Judging should take into account: the distance the dog perceives the game and the tracks from; the carriage of head during running; the use of the wind and terrain conditions.

The clearest signs of a good nose (scenting ability) are: longer distance where the dog perceives the game from and self-confidence in indicating and pointing the game. The dog’s reaction to tracks where it does not see the game jump or flee should be taken into account. The omission of rabbit or hare does not necessarily mean that the dog has a bad nose (scenting ability). The distance from which the dog points the game does not have to be taken into account here.

A good usage of scenting ability is expressed in the dog’s usage of the wind, in choosing the style of hunting and the turns according to the circumstances. In the case of a good usage of scenting ability the vizsla always uses the wind and adapts its speed to the scenting possibilities and the given terrain. The vizsla that holds its head horizontally during hunting has always a better nose than the one that is constantly scenting the ground.

Faults:

·                     Approaching the game to a short distance by good wind.

·                     Omission of game.

·                     Staunch pointing on the track, trail, resting-place, etc.

·                     Unsuitable carriage of head.
 

Evaluation:

 The marks of the "hunting in the field" task:                 - scenting ability,

  -  use of scenting ability

The task "searching for shot game with air-scent": - evaluation of scenting ability.
The average of the three marks gives the final mark for nose quality (scenting ability and its use).

 2. Quartering style (6)

Quartering should be active, intelligent, systematic and adapted to weather and terrain conditions. The dog should work independently, most of the time with the persevering, even-paced, ground covering gallop - but at least a trot - characteristic to the breed, with a high head carriage, showing constant scenting.

Movement should be characteristic of the breed. The direction of quartering (the swings) is determined by the direction of the wind. The style should always show that the dog perceives the direction and strength of the wind, the scenting possibilities and takes these into account.

The breadth of quartering (the distance of the lateral swings) is determined by the conditions of the terrain and the wind. Broader quartering is better, but the dog should be able to keep contact with its handler at all times. At turns the dog must always take into account the direction of the wind. Forward advancement is determined by weather and terrain conditions (scenting possibilities), but – taking into account the direction of the wind – the dog should always stay inside the range (of shooting).

The dog should search the assigned area through and take every opportunity to find game. It should indicate the tracks and resting places in the area, but this should not result in fragmented, halting quartering. Game should not be omitted, but in evaluating occurring omissions the judges should take into account the circumstances and possibilities.

Faults:

·                     unsystematic, not purposeful or not independent quartering,

·                     if some parts of the area are not covered,

·                     quartering without scenting and passion

·                     too much advancement compared to the scenting ability,

·                     incorrect turns.
 

3. Speed (4)

The speed of the vizsla depends on the vegetation, the direction of the wind, the weather and the density of game. In vegetation that allows free movement an animated gallop is desirable.

Faster hunting is preferable as long as the tempo is in harmony with the conditions, and speediness is not achieved at the expense of efficiency (finding the game).

Faults:

·                     too fast, self-serving running without searching,

·                     slow work without animation.
 

4. Stamina during hunting (4)

The vizsla should use well the allowed 15 minutes; it should work continuously at a consistent tempo, with constant interest. Evaluation should take into account extreme weather conditions, the different terrain conditions and the vegetation.

5. Indicating the game, approaching, stalking (4)

During quartering the dog must indicate the perceived game unambiguously and with confidence.

After the indication, depending on the situation and the behaviour of the game, the dog either points immediately or cautiously approaches (in Hungarian: ráhúz) the game with slowing movement and afterwards points staunchly.

After pointing, if the game runs in front of the dog, the dog must stalk (relocate) it in a way that allows the handler to follow. During stalking the dog should always work in front of the handler if possible, independently, expressively, with confidence. It should always stay in contact with the game, adapting to the speed of the fleeing game. Distant (long) stalking is good if it is energetic, confident and efficient. Trailing is acceptable only if the game is fleeing with back-wind.

It should be appreciated if the dog overtakes the game and fixes it with pointing.

The handler may not overtake the dog, search for the game or move between the dog and the game, except when the judge orders the rousing of the squatting game. Encouragement to stalking with voice signals or hushing the dog is acceptable.

The handler may not touch the dog during approaching, pointing and stalking.

Faults:

·                     not independent stalking, or stalking only on the command of the handler, or too fast stalking,

·                     inefficient stalking,

·                     rousing the game without command,

·                     refusal to stalk.
 

6. Pointing (5)

The vizsla should always point the squatting game staunchly and figuratively, until the game flushes or is roused. The height of the head - nose usually indicates the distance of the game and points in its direction. The dog may only indicate tracks, resting places (with a very short pointing).

If the dog points game staunchly and in different directions without result more than three times, this should be taken into account in the evaluation of scenting ability (while paying close attention to the circumstances). However, if the pointing are directed at fleeing game, and in the end the vizsla staunchly points the game, this should be appreciated.

Faults:

·                     short or not confident, not sufficiently expressive pointing,

·                     flushing the game too early,

·                     empty pointing,

·                     refusing the game,

·                     if it points on command,

·                     if it does not point.
 

If it can be proved that the dog has omitted game three times during the running or failed to point game two times, the dog is disqualified.
 

7. Backing (honouring) (2)

Optional task.

The backing dog is pointing the vizsla on point. The two dogs should not disturb each other in any way. Respect for the pointing of the fellow competitor is obligatory; therefore the dog may not disturb the other by approaching, and should not run between the dog on point and the game under any circumstances. For this reason, if one of the dogs is on point, the other - if it is not backing - should be ordered to lie down or put on the leash by its handler.

If the dog on point jumps in because of the interference of the other, this should be not considered as a severe fault. The backing dog should be put on the leash at the orders of the judge after the backing has been recognised.

A spontaneously backing dog should be evaluated more highly.
 

8. Reaction to flushing (3)

At the flushing of the game the vizsla should drop, but at least stay steady (only a single movement may be acceptable). Any command is a fault. If the dog stops only on the first command (after maximum 3 meters) it may only receive a "3" mark. Repeated commanding entails the subtraction of a half grade. In the case of a continued chase, the dog receives a "0" mark.

It is not a fault if the dog moves in on a flushing hare or rabbit during quartering, but turns back within a few metres on the command of the handler.
 

9. Reaction to shooting (3)

The game should not be shot; the vizsla has to stay during shooting. Evaluation according to point 8.
 

10. Contact, control (4)

The vizsla should hunt independently, but it should keep in contact with its handler, so that it may immediately execute any command given by the handler with hand, whistle or spoken signals. Repeated commanding reduces the mark.

If the dog is out of control for more than one minute, it receives a "0" mark.
 

B) Work after shooting – retrieves

11. Searching for shot game using air scent (retrieving without command) (5)

Time limit: 15 minutes

The aim of searching using air scent and retrieving without command is that the dog should pick up and retrieve without command the cold (dead) game, found anywhere.

The task of the vizsla is to retrieve and correctly present two game within the time limit.

The handler sends his dog to search from the point indicated by the judges, at least 100 metres from the game, without command to retrieve. When the handler is about 50 metres from the game, the judges stop him, while the dog should continue searching without stopping. When the dog is near the game the handler may not give any command whatsoever to pick up or retrieve the game, otherwise the work may only be evaluated with a "1" mark. The dog should fetch the found game first, and then it should be sent for the second one immediately. If the dog, having found it, does not pick up the game, it should receive a final "0" mark, already at the retrieve of the first game.

The vizsla should work independently, with as little direction as possible. The dog receives a "4" mark if it completes the task with the speed that might be expected under the circumstances. Is its willingness to hunt diminishes, it has to be stimulated repeatedly, the dog may not receive a mark better than "2".

If the dog finds only one game within the time limit, it should be awarded half of the mark it would have received otherwise.

The mark received for retrieving counts in point 13 and 15.

During the task scenting ability of the dog should also be evaluated, according to the instructions in point 1.

12. Searching for pheasant using trail (4)

Time limit: 10 minutes. The length of the trail should be 300 paces (yards) with two breaks.

13. Retrieving and presenting pheasant (3)

Correct retrieve is required. It should be evaluated during tasks 11 and 12, and the average of the two marks gives the mark for this task.
 

C) Work in water
 

14. Hunting in reed (4)

Time: 5 minutes

The aim of the task is that the dog should search the assigned area through so that the hunter may shoot the flushed game.

The dog, on the command of the handler, has to work through the reeds willingly, systematically and in suitable breadth and depth (including the parts of the reed that are in deep water). The dog should work independently, while staying in contact with its handler. Stimulation and quiet direction of the dog are not to be considered as faults. The handler may follow the work of the dog from the edge of the reeds. If the dog comes out of the reeds, on the handler’s command it has to return immediately.

A separate stretch of reeds should be provided for each dog

Faults:

·                     not independent work,

·                     too frequent or too loud encouragement,

·                     if the dog gets out of control and does not keep contact with its handler,

·                     if it does not search the assigned area through.
 

15. Searching for live duck (6)

Time limit: 15 minutes.

The aim of the task is that the dog should take up the scent trail of the duck, follow it, and if possible, bring the hiding game for shooting. The task should be completed according to the instructions in point XII/2 of the Hunting Dog Test and Trial Regulations.

The handler starts his dog from the point indicated by the judge. The dog should work independently, follow the trail, find the duck, and either catch and retrieve it or chase it with perseverance. Catching the live duck is not a requirement.

The duck swimming in front of the dog should be shot if possible, for this reason the judge should take the first opportunity to give permission to shoot the duck after having evaluated the following of swim trail.

Scenting ability, following the trail and the dog’s perseverance will be evaluated. Weather and circumstances should be taken into account during the evaluation of the work.

If the vizsla finds the duck, leaves it after a short chase and does not continue chasing even on the handler’s command, it should receive "0" mark. However, if there is no possibility to shoot the duck even after a persevering chase, the judge should give permission to recall the dog.

If the vizsla stops the chase because of the shooting, the mark should be reduced by one grade. If the dog does not turn back to the duck even on the command of the handler, it should be disqualified.

16. Control in deep-water (5)

Time available to complete the task: maximum 5 minutes

During the task the vizsla has to swim about 20 metres in the area and direction specified by the judge. The dog should work in deep water in a way that his handler may send it in any direction with a hand or whistle signal.

After the evaluation of control, at the order of the judge an assistant throws a duck into the water, if possible, near the dog, which has to retrieve and correctly present it.

17. Retrieving and presenting water game (3)

Time: 5 minutes

The judge throws a wild duck about 15-20 metres far into the deep water. The dog may see the throwing of the duck. While the dog is in the water, swimming towards the duck, a shot should be fired on the water beside the duck. The dog should retrieve the duck and present it correctly.

If the dog turns back because of the shot, does not go for the duck even on the handler’s command, and comes out of the water, it should be disqualified.

It should be evaluated in every water work task, and the average of the marks gives the final mark.
 

D) Work in the forest

18-19. Stalking and down stay (2+2)

The task should be completed stalking path or in a tight glade. The handler walks stealthily, the vizsla follows off leash, closely heeling or behind the handler. After 30 paces the handler has to stop and survey the area. During this the vizsla has to lie calmly.

After a short while they continue stalking, and after about 20 paces the handler orders his vizsla to drop. The dog stays and the handler stalks for another 10 paces, then orders the dog to come with a hand signal, to which the dog goes to the handler with caution, without noise. Here the handler orders the dog to "down stay", then walks on a few paces and turns into the thick of the forest, so that the dog cannot see him. After waiting three minutes he fires two shots. Meanwhile the vizsla has to stay down calmly. One minute after the shots the handler returns to his vizsla. If the dog lifts its head to the shots, shows interest but stays down in its place, it is not a fault.

Faults:

·                     the vizsla does not follow the cautious movements of its handler during stalking,

·                     moves away from the handler and starts searching independently.

·                     If the dog leaves moves more than one metre from its place, task 19 should be evaluated with a "0" mark.

·                     If the dog sits one, if it stands 2 grades should be subtracted from the mark.
 

 20. Blood tracking on lead (6)

Time limit: 20 minutes

In lead-work a lead of at least 6 metres should be used, which has to be let out to its full length during work. The handler cannot walk in front of or beside the dog, and cannot use the lead to direct the dog.

The vizsla has to follow the track in a slow, calm, not running tempo. During work the handler may encourage his dog with quiet words, order the dog to stop, down then to move on. It s not a fault if the vizsla shortly leaves the track and correcting itself takes it up again.

The vizsla may be repeatedly put on the right track three times. A repeated putting on the track is ordered by the judge. The dog has to be put back on the track at the orders of the judge if the dog leaves the track to such an extent (about 40 paces) that, in estimation of the judge, it would not be able to find it again on its own, or it endangers the neighbouring tracks. It is not to be considered as a repeated putting on the track, if the handler himself notices that the dog has left the track and puts it back on the right track. However, the insecurity of the dog should be taken into account during the evaluation.

During the evaluation of blood tracking work the complete work of the dog has to be taken into account. It is a fault if the dog is not interested in the blood track; if it changes to a foreign track and has to be put back in the right direction; if the handler tries to direct the dog using the lead as a rein; if the handler does not let out the whole lead (keeps it rolled up); or if, looking back, he watches the markers placed for the judges. (In this case, at first notice, the mark should be reduced by one grade, if it happens again, the evaluation of the task should be "0".

21. Elective tasks:

The judges give permission to the beginning of the elective task if up to that point the mark for work on lead is at least a "0". 

a.  Barking to dead game (4)

Time: 10 minutes

At the handler reporting the elective task, the third judge – in order to observe the vizsla, and taking into account the direction of the wind – takes up his place hiding at the end of the track.

Correct barking to dead game means that the dog, tracking off leash, from the last resting-place moves close to the game (within 10 metres of the game). Afterwards he barks – with short breaks – until his handler and the judges reach the place.

The handler lets the dog off the leash at the second resting-place and sends it to follow the track off leash. The handler and the judges wait at the resting-place until the dog starts barking. The dog has to bark at the dead game for 5 minutes with short breaks, starting not later than 5 minutes after being let off the leash. After five minutes of barking the handler may start walking to the dog in the direction of the barking. The dog may take hold of the game or lick it; this is not a fault. If the dog does not bark and returns, it has to continue working on the leash.

Instructions for marking:

Correct barking within five minutes after being sent ahead for the first time: mark ’4’.

Within 5 and 10 minutes: mark "3".

If the dog does not bark in 10 minutes the mark is "0".

The dog that does not continue working on the leash within the allowed 10 minutes, from the second resting place to the game, receives a ’0’ mark for work on leash as well, because it has not found the game.

Any barking that is from more than 10 metres from the game may not be accepted.

If the dog has not completed the elective task, its work on leash may not be better mark "0".
 

b. Leading to the game (3)

Time: 10 minutes

Correct leading to the game means that the dog working off leash from the second resting place moves close to the dead game. After this the dog has to return to the handler and lead him to the game in the method specified by the handler. The handler of the vizsla has to state to the judges the method of the leading to the game before the beginning of the work. 

The dog is on leash until the second resting-place. Here the handler lets the dog off the leash and orders to lead to the game. From here the dog searches for the game off leash, and has to return within 5 minutes to its handler, who is waiting at the second resting-place together with the judges. The judge near the game signals with a horn-call that the dog has found the game and turned back. The judge gives the signal when the dog has moved at least 50 metres away from the game. If the dog does not succeed at the first starting, it may only continue working on the leash. It is not a fault if the dog licks the game or tries to retrieve it.

If the dog has not completed the elective task, its work on leash may not be better mark "3".

Instructions for marking:

Correct leading, completing the task within 5 minutes: mark "4".

Completing the task within 5 and 10 minutes: mark "3".

If the dog does not bark in 10 minutes the mark is "0".

The dog that does not continue working from the second resting place to the game within the allowed 10 minutes, receives a "0" mark for work on leash as well.

Leading to the game with a signal-object (apport) should be completed in the following manner:

Before starting the handler attaches the signal-object to the collar of the dog, and places the dog on the track. At the game the dog should take the signal-object in its mouth, and holding it in its mouth, returns to his handler; then the dog leads its handler to the game in the way stated in advance.

If after the sending, the dog appears at the game already holding the signal-object in its mouth, and returns that way, the judge at the end should signal this with two long horn-calls. This method may not be accepted as leading. If the dog drops the object anywhere and does not pick it up again, the leading work may not be accepted.

22. Tracking fur game in the forest (4)

Time limit: 20 minutes

The drag should be laid using rabbit or hare; the track should be 300 metres long, with two obtuse-angled breaks (changes of direction).

23. Retrieving and presenting rabbit or hare (3)

A correct retrieve is required. It has to be evaluated during tasks 11 and 22, and the average of the two marks gives the final mark for this task.

24. Hunting for vermin (in Hungarian: dúvad) in thick cover (4)

Hunting time: 5 minutes

The vizsla has to search through a thick, bushy, shrubby terrain. Style is not to be expected here, only the thorough, systematic pervasion of the area, perseverance and passion. The handler should advance slowly, along the edge of the area to be searched

A fox or a preparated (stuffed) fox, weighing at least 3 kilograms, should be placed at the end of the area (so that the dog should reach it in about 3-4 minutes). The vermin should be in a place that is easily penetrated, about 10 paces from the road. The dog has to retrieve the vermin, if possible, without a command to retrieve. Each command that suggests retrieving entails the subtraction of one grade from the mark.

It is not a fault if the vizsla comes out from time to time to keep up the contact with the handler, but it has to continue working to a single signal. It is not a fault if the dog tries to strangle the game or shakes it.

25. Behaviour in shooting position (2)

The competitors stand beside each other in a line, 6-10 metres from each other. The vizsla should be off leash, in down stay 3 metres in front of the handler. The „beaters” walk away in front of the competitors, with at least two guns. There is a gunman advancing behind the competitors as well, firing a shot instead of each competitor

Until the end of the beating the vizsla must lie calmly, it should not frighten off the game with barking, whining, and baying. Each command entails the subtraction of a half grade. Sitting reduces the mark by one grade, standing by two. Dogs that leave their place, bark or bay continuously receive a "0" mark.

(If the dog is sitting during stay – this has to be stated to the judge beforehand – and stays sitting, its behaviour is acceptable without subtraction of grades. These dogs should be placed at the end of the beating line.)

26. Retrieving vermin from an enclosure (3)

Time: 5 minutes

Different types of enclosures may be used in the task. It may have 70 centimetres high fence on all the four sides, or fence on three sides and with the fourth side consisting of a 1 metre long and 80 centimetres deep ditch. The ditch may be filled with water. A fur vermin should be provided for the task. The handler orders the vizsla to down stay at least 5 metres from the enclosure, then throws the vermin into the enclosure. He returns to his vizsla and sends it to retrieve.

The vizsla should run to the enclosure on the command of the handler, taking the shortest way, jump in, pick up the vermin, and jumping out of the enclosure retrieve it to the handler. Correct retrieve is evaluated within the overall performance here. Each repeated command reduces the mark by one grade.

Faults:

·                     If the vizsla circles around the enclosure,

·                     if it is unwilling to pick up the vermin, only does so on the handler’s command,

·                     if it is not holding the vermin correctly and drops it during the jump,

·                     or the retrieve is not correct.

The vizsla receives a "0" mark if it does not bring out the vermin within 5 minutes of the first command.

Evaluation of the trial:

Maximum number of points: 380 (+ 8 + 16) points

                               I. prize:  340-380 points

                               II. prize: 285-339 points

                               III. prize:  191-284 points