| Sixty Years In The USA, Fifty Years In The AKC A Chronology Of Vizsla "Firsts" |
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| Year | Event |
| 1950 | Sari and 2 puppies (Shasta and Tito) arrive in Kansas City; Emmett Scanlan of US State Dept. co-owns with Frank Tallman. |
| 1951 | Rex arrives in US, and Emmett Scanlan of US State Department gives him to Frank Tallman. Sari, Shasta, and Tito are first exhibited at Heart of America Kennel Club in miscellaneous classes by Frank Tallman, with special permission from American Kennel Club (AKC). Jack Baird, President of Dog Writers, asks Frank Tallman to form a national Vizsla club on June 21. (Source: Diana Boggs) |
| 1952 | Sari and Rex, bred by Frank Tallman, produce the first Vizsla litter in the US on March 23. Coffman, Versatile Vizsla, 10. (Source: Diana Boggs) Gelse V. Schloss Loosdorf wins first AKC Obedience High in Trial at Twin Cities Obedience Training Club Trial in MN (Novice B, score 199), owned by William A. Olson of Minneapolis, handled by Marly Whiting, bred by Ferdinand Piatti, Austria. Gelse V. Schloss Loosdorf wins first Vizsla CD title at Minneapolis Kennel Club (3rd place, Novice B, score 196). Owned by William A. Olson of Minneapolis, bred by Ferdinand Piatti, Austria. The Magyar Vizsla first becomes eligible to compete in AKC Miscellaneous Classes. (There is conflicting data: Diana Boggs, "Arrival in US," and an official AKC document.) Rex Del Gelsomino wins first documented water and field trial. (Source: Diana Boggs) |
| 1953 | Magyar Vizsla Club of America is incorporated in Missouri by Frank Tallman. First officers: Frank Tallman, president; Emmett Scanlan, vice-president; Jeno Dus—vice-president; William Olson, vice-president and treasurer; Jack Baird—secretary and executive director. Dr. Ivan Osborn gets first 5-generation pedigreed Vizsla stud, Brok Olca, from Czechoslovakia. |
| 1954 | First Magyar Vizsla Club meeting is held on January 1; Vizsla News begins publication. Chauncey Smith places first ad for Vizslas to appear in Field and Stream. Fifty-one adult Vizslas in the US. First 6-generation pedigreed USA Vizsla litter born in Minnesota. (The Field Dog Stud Book completes collecting the necessary pedigrees for registration on November 17. It is officially announced in the American Field on December 10. (Source: Diana Boggs) |
| 1955 | Romanze von Trutzhof imported by Frank Houksy, Monterey, CA from the Austrian breeder, Elfrede Glaser and Ch Akil von Grombach from breeder Haida v. FisCher-Csomor produce one litter, which includes Ch Sandor von Debretsin ("Tag") who is the top-producing sire for 1960-1970. Tag's daughter, Ch Besa von Debretsin is the first Vizsla bitch to be #1 winner and #1 producing dam. Romanze, Akil, and Sandor are registered with the AKC as foundation stock. |
| 1959 | First Vizsla registered with the AKC is Rex Z Arpadvar on July 26. Owned by Marvin Marsh, bred by Tom Pratt and R. L. Davison (The American Kennel Club: A Source Book 1884-1984, AKC, 1985, p. 264) "Vizsla: America's New Golden Gun Dog" by Dr. I. S. Osborn is published. (Source: www.vizsladogs.com) Ch Annavolgi Arany is the third Vizsla, first bitch and first import to finish her Championship. Owned by Charles and Joan Hunt, Olny, TN, bred by Istvan Borbely, Jr. Budapest. (Decade of Vizslas, 61, 73, Source: Diana Boggs) |
| 1960 | The Vizsla is recognized as the 115th breed by the AKC. The Magyar Vizsla Club Changes its name to Vizsla Club of America at the request of the AKC, and is incorporated on November 26. (Source: Diana Boggs) Elisabeth Mihalyi is the first VCA membership card holder. |
| 1961 | "Congenital Hip Dysplasia and Its Ramifications" by Dr. I. S. Osborne is published. The VCA approves a resolution to X-ray breeding stock. Ch Miklos Schloss Loosdorf wins the first AKC Championship title in California. Owned by G. H. Warholm of Long BeaCh, CA, bred by William Olson. (Decade of Vizslas, 165) Remy V Hunt wins the first CDX at the Staten Island Kennel Club (Open B, Score 192, first place). Owner/handler is Fernand L. Gerin. Ilsa Mira Pala is the first Vizsla bitch shown in conformation at the Vancouver Kennel Club, WA on January 29. Owned by Dr. and Mrs. Be. E. Potts ("Show and Trial Awards," Pure-Bred Dogs, American Kennel Gazette, Vol. 78, No. 3, MarCh, 1961, page S80) Prince Rick Selle is the first Vizsla to place in conformation on February 5 at the Muncie Kennel Club, Muncie, IN. Owned by F. C. Hecker. ("Show and Trial Awards," Pure-Bred Dogs, American Kennel Gazette, Vol. 78, No. 4, April, 1961, page S4) Ch Duchess of Shirbob CD is the first Vizsla bitch born in the USA to become an AKC Champion. Owned by Walter Campbell, Anaheim, California; bred by Robert Foster, Bremerton, WA. Elwain Minu Siresht is the first Vizsla to earn a TD. Owned by Irene McElwain Pantzer of Franklin, New Hampshire. ("Show and Trial Awards," Pure-Bred Dogs, American Kennel Gazette, Vol. 78, No. 4, April, 1961, page S97) |
| 1962 | The VCA holds its first national AKC field trial with points November 3-4 in New Sharon, IA, open to other breeds, 5 stakes, 44 entries, Open Limited and Open Gun won by Ripp Barat. Owned by Betty Kenly and handled by Paul Sabo. Vizslas are shown for the first time at the Westminster Kennel Club, BOB was Ch Ripp. Owned by George and Jean Yovan, Fairfield, CT. A column on Vizslas begins in Popular Dogs magazine. |
| 1963 | The first Vizsla Sporting Team wins the Sporting Group at the Chicago International Dog Show. (Source: Diana Boggs) |
| 1964 | The first VCA sanctioned "A" match is held April 19 in Erie, PA. Brok Selle wins the first Vizsla AKC field Champion title. Owned by Don Anderson of Denver, CO, bred by Dr. I. S. Osborn of LeSeur, MN. Ch Piros of Mile High wins the first BIS in North America at the Mexico City Kennel Club. Owned by Ann Debarr of Mexico City, bred by J. R. Holcomb, Englewood, Colorado. Jan Bodri V Barrington CD, UD becomes the first Vizsla to win obedience high in trial with a score of 198 with 60 dogs competing at the Worchester County Kennel Club trial on December 13. |
| 1965 | The second VCA sanctioned "A" match is held January 30 in Chicago, IL (Decade of Vizslas, 16) The first VCA national specialty show is held in Chagrin Falls, OH as part of the Chagrin Valley Kennel Club show. Winner is Gypsy's Bronze Bomber owned by Harriet Anderson, bred by Mr. and Mrs. John Kenly and handled by Jack Funk. Ch Glen Cottage Diva owned and bred by John X. Straus and Joseph F. Cunningham, and Ch Glen Cottage Max Selle owned by John X. Straus and Joseph F. Cunningham and bred by Dr. I. S. Osborn, are the first Vizslas to place in a Sporting Group brace at the Westminster Kennel Club. DC Futaki Darocz becomes the first Vizsla Dual Champion. Owned and bred by Bela Hadik of Chester, NH, handled by Chauncey Smith. Ch Gypsy's Bronze Bomber wins the first Vizsla Group One at the Kokomo Kennel Club, October 24. Owned by Harriet Anderson, Chicago, IL, bred by Betty Kenly, Phoenix, AZ. The first VCA national field trial restricted to Vizslas is held in Greenup, IL. (BC Boggs, 32) Kipmiks Hungarian Rhapsody is the first UD, owned by Howard B. Rossiter, Security, Colorado. |
| 1966 | Ch Sandor von Debretsin owned by Art and May Carpenter, Carmel, CA and bred by Frank Housky, Monterey, CA, and Ch Besa von Debretsin also owned by Art and May Carpenter, bred by Virginia Griffin, Merced, CA, win the first Best Brace in Show in Canada. |
| 1968 | The VCA National Field Trial held at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, Harpster, Ohio has the first catalog with advertising. Bernard C. Boggs was field trial secretary. (Source: BC Boggs) Ch Sandor Barat is the first western Vizsla to take BOB at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York City. Owned by John and Marge Mehagian, bred by John and Betty Kenly. (Source: M Mehagian) |
| 1969 | The first VCA field futurity is held following the national field trial at Bong Recreational Area in Kansasville, Wisconsin, October 12-13. First place winner is Redstone's Skol owned by Harold Wingerter, Muscatine, IA. The first VCA show futurity is held at the national specialty show in Chagrin Falls, OH, August 24. Magyar's Lady Patricia owned by John C. Blair is Best in Futurity, Oury's Alfi Staraza owned by Harvey and Carolyn Oury, bred by Lou and Peggy Magyar, is Best of Opposite Sex in Futurity. The first breed book in a series to include the Vizsla is published in US by TFH Publications—How to Raise and Train a Vizsla by Ernest H. Hart. |
| 1970 | Ch Szekeres' Kis Szereto becomes the first Vizsla Dual Champion bitch Owned by Carole Smith and handled by Chauncey Smith, Chester, NH, bred by John and Pat Carter, Winchester, NH. (Decade of Vizslas, 32) The first and only Vizsla-hosted sanctioned water trial is held in Ohio. AM, CAN, MEX Ch Napkelte Vadasz Dalos becomes the first BIS Vizsla in the US at the Terry-All Kennel Club in Colorado. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. William Totton, bred by Phil Wright in Canada. Ch Debreceny Dezso is the second Vizsla and the first US-bred dog to gain BIS under Judge R.M. Kibler at the Ventura County Kennel Club in California. Owned by Gary Carpenter, bred by Art and May Carpenter, all of Carmel, CA. (Source: Sandra Parady) |
| 1971 | DC Behi's Csinos Csiny becomes the first Vizsla Dual Champion with an obedience title. Owned by Bernard and Hilda Boggs, Springfield, OH, bred by Robert and Nancy Perry, Acton, MA. (B.C. Boggs, 33-4) DC AFC Amber's Windy Autumn HOF is the first Vizsla to win both the FC and AFC titles. First Vizsla AKC Amateur Field Champion and first sporting breed to get AFC. Owned by Phil Rosenberg of Illinois; bred by Anthony Lucas. Ch Napkelte Vadasz Dalos is the first Vizsla to win Best in Show in three countries—Canada, US, and Mexico. (Hungarian Review, Fall, 1971 on Mira Vizslas website) On September 14, the VCA becomes officially affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the national parent breed club, with 393 members from 40 states, thanks to work by Bud McGivern and May Carpenter. |
| 1972 | Dr. Bernard E. McGivern becomes the first VCA delegate to AKC. |
| 1973 | Your Vizsla by John X Straus and Joseph F. Cunningham is published by Denlinger's, Fairfax, VA. The Vizsla by BC Boggs is published by the Glenbrier Publishing Company, Jackson, OH. Esterhazy Tizsa is the first Vizsla to qualify with a Prize III in Natural Ability in a NAVHDA sanctioned trial in California in March. Owned by William B. Mutch, bred by Joseph H. Nadeker, both of Redding, CA (Vizsla News, July, 1973, p. 27.) |
| 1974 | Decade of Vizslas 1960-1970 is published and copyrighted by the VCA. |
| 1975 | Ch Taunee's Loki Santana (Bear) set a record for Vizsla males of 7 BIS that was to last for 25 years. Bear was co-owned by Marion Coffman and Linda Greenfield, also the breeder. The first AKC VCA National Championship (field) is held in Baldwinsville, NY—the Championship was withheld (the only time it ever was). Judges: Ken Marden and Carl Richey. |
| 1976 | DC AFC Brook's Willie Whompum became the first VCA National Field Champion. Owned, handled and trained by Tony Lucas. (BC Boggs, 2nd, 327) The first VCA Annual Obedience Trial is held in conjunction with the VCA 12th Annual Specialty Show and Field Trial at Medford, New Jersey. High in trial was Dorratz Ramriver Beethoven from the Novice A class, breeder/owners Paul and Doris Ratzlaff of Oakland, New Jersey. |
| 1977 | The first AKC VCA National Amateur Championship Stake and the third National Championship are held at Fort Ord, California, October 21-23 (Source: M Carpenter and L Worth-Smith). Mehagian's Peppy Paloma is the first VCA National Amateur Field Champion. Owned and handled by Marge Mehagian. (BC Boggs 2nd, 328) |
| 1978 | DC Futaki Darocz owned and bred by Bela Hadik, of Chester, NH, and FC AFC Jodi of Czuki Barat, owned by Lewis and Sharon Simon of Antioch, IL, bred by Richard M. Olsen become the first Hall of Fame Vizslas. |
| 1980 | Ch Cariad's Kutya Kai Costa becomes the first Vizsla Obedience Trial Champion, first Vizsla triple Champion and first triple Champion of any breed. Owned by Marianne and Robert Costa, handled by Bob Costa, bred by Marion Coffman. Ch Firebrand Constant Comment becomes the first Vizsla BIS bitch in the US at the Newtown Kennel Club under Judge H Roling in Connecticut. Bred by Pam Pierce and owned by Betty Anderson. Killion's Brown Sugar is the first Vizsla to earn a NSTRA (National Shoot to Retrieve) Championship on June 15 in Adel, Iowa. Owned by Norm Killion (VCOI Bulletin July/August, 1987 from Diana Boggs, Email June 9, 2009, Mira Vizslas website reprint from Vizsla Field, September, 1980) |
| 1983 | Ch Harann's Tulipann is the first, and, to date, the only Vizsla to win the Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York City. Owned by Charles Spalding and Anne Denehy. (Westminster Kennel Club website, "Records and History: Sporting Group") |
| 1985 | The VCA holds a 25th Birthday Silver Jubilee celebration of AKC recognition at the National Specialty in Hightstown, NJ. Winners were BOB Ch Harann's Tulipann, NFC FC Sam's Starbuck, and NAFC FCH AFC Rebel Rouser Smokey's Bandit. Show Chair was Linda Promaulayko. (Source: L Promaulayko and L Worth-Smith) The first Vizsla Field Champions Classic field trial is held at Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area, Harpster, OH sponsored by Glenbrier Publishing Company (until 1989). (Source: B.C. Boggs) |
| 1986 | AKC collaborates with VCA to produce a film about the breed called The Vizsla. (Mehagian VCA correspondence files, AKC Library catalog, WorldCat) |
| 1987 | DC AFC Askim MH HOF is the first male and the first Vizsla who also field trialed to earn a NSTRA (National Shoot to Retrieve) Championship in 1987. Bred by Sharon Schroader, Louisville, KY. Owned by Jim and Linda Busch (Source: VCOI Bulletin July/August, 1987, Diana Boggs, and Sharon Schroader) Heather Christie is the first and only Junior handling a Vizsla to win Best Junior Handler at the Westminster Kennel Club. She handled Ch Willo Runn's Bold Brigadier. (Source: Rachel Romano Kelly) Weedy Creek Pharaoh earns the first Vizsla JH. Owned by Jane and Bud Graff. (Hunter's Whistle, May/June, 1987, 4) |
| 1988 | Ch Titus Vespasian of Tomel earns the first SH on September 12. Owned by Wayne Taylor. (Hunter's Whistle, May/June, 1988, 11) Three Vizslas became the first finished Master Hunters in the breed on April 17: (1) DC AFC Semper Fi Chesty Puller MH owned by Al Lucas, handled by Terry Lucas, bred by Marge Mehagian; (2) DC AFC Randy Bee's Ramblin Man MH owned by Joe Manning; and (3) DC Am/Mex/Can/Int'l Ch Golden Empire's Beauregard Am. CD, Mex/ Int'l P. C. owned by Michael W. Parks, bred by Michele Coburn and June Paine (Source: Marge Mehagian, Michel Berner, and Rhonda Johnson) Am/Can Ch Lone Junipers Count Barat becomes the first owner-breeder-handled multiple BIS winner on November 28, 1987 at Spokane Kennel Club, WA and on November 25, 1988 at Lewis and Clark Kennel Club. Owned, bred, and handled by E.S. (Buddy) Toadvin, Shreveport. LA. (Source: Jane Toadvin) |
| 1990 | UCD Deacon's Starburst UD, TDI, CGC receives her AD from he USDAA's first sanctioned event on May 6, the first Vizsla in the US to earn the title. Owned and handled by Marilyn Arwe. (Source: M Arwe) VC Titus Vespasian of Tomel is the first Vizsla to become a Versatile Champion in NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) on September 9. Owned and handled by Wayne Taylor, bred by Melodie Mattson. (Source: Adele Neupert) MBIS BISS Ch Penlee's Cutter UD HOF is the first BIS Vizsla to get an obedience utility title on December 8. Owned by J. W. and Joy Lyons, Okeechobee, Florida; bred by Betty Anderson, Bradenton, Florida. (Source: Joy Lyons) |
| 1991 | The VCA establishes the first rescue committee. Rick Davis is appointed the first Breed Rescue Committee Chair. The VCA becomes the first recognized AKC breed club to establish breed standard qualifications at their national field events to ensure that all the VCA national Champions have no disqualifying faults according to the breed standard. Vizslas entered must receive a QOL (qualify on line) number. (Source: L Worth-Smith) |
| 1992 | The Magyar Vizsla Society is incorporated in the State of New York July 7 by Crimmons and Rysdyk, Riverhead, New York. Its purpose: 1) To encourage and promote the breeding of pure-bred Vizslas and the elimination of genetic defects; 2) To provide methods for breeders and owners to Check their dogs for genetic defects and improper matings; 3) To protect and advance the interests of pure-bred Vizslas and to educate its members and all others with an interest in the breed; 4) To fund research efforts in molecular biology, such as research regarding molecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), to determine parentage, breed, and genetic defects; and 5) To provide a registry of Vizslas which have been tested for parentage, breed, and/or genetic defects of owners and breeders. (Source: BC Boggs) Nitro's First Class Act (Classy) is the first Vizsla in breed history to win an American Field Championship against all breeds beating 19 Pointers and 4 Setters to win the Region 11 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship on February 22, at Porterville, California. Owned by Cal Monfort, Bruce and Lisa Hale; handled by Bruce Hale; bred by Cal Monfort. (Source: Ray Cooper) |
| 1994 | The first Internet Vizsla listserv is started by Grace Anne Lawson and Lisa Clowdus. (Source: L Clowdus) Ch Huntwyck's Woodland Cooper CD TD, JH (Cooper) is the first Vizsla to achieve a Perfect 200 Score in AKC Obedience Trial. Cooper won High Scoring Dog in Trial at the Rio Grande Obedience Dog Club in El Paso, TX, on May 7. Owner/Handler, Melissa Thomas, bred by Jim and Tommie Skrintney, Louisiana. Kelsey earns the first FM (Flyball Master) for a Vizsla on October 16. Owned by Teri Batton. (Source: Diane Blackwood) |
| 1995 | The VCA establishes the first Standing Health Committee. Anne Denehy is appointed the first Standing Health Committee Chair. |
| 1996 | NAFC FC AFC Viesoo's Red Fox Express is the first Vizsla to win the one hour AKC VCA National Gun Dog Championship. Bred and handled by Jacqueline De Roo, owned by Han Koch. (Source: J DeRoo) Agility is added to the VCA National Events. Under auspices of the VCA Health Committee, the first health study of members' dogs is conducted. Coordinated by Health Committee Chair Anne Denehy. (Source: A Denehy) The VCA Public Education Committee begins; Lynn Worth-Smith is first Chair. The first VCA breed pamphlets are created. (Source: Sandra Parady) Prairie C'Cruiser Pistolpete NA NAJ is the first Vizsla certified in Search and Rescue for wilderness, cadaver and drown victim recovery with SAR group CASAR K-9. Owned and handled by Sharon Malnar, bred by Lu Hart. (Source: S Malnar) U-AgII Semper Fi Tripoli CD CGC TT JH AD OAJ AX V-NATCH is first Vizsla to earn a title in four different agility organizations: USDAA/AD October, 1996, NADAC/NAC May, 1996, AKC/NA October, 1995, UKC AGI September, 1995. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Annapolis, MD, bred by Terry and Al Lucas, Midland, VA. (Source: M Meharg) |
| 1997 | DC and AFC Legacy's DeChartay CDX, MH becomes the second Vizsla Triple Champion and the first Vizsla Triple Champion bitch Owned, trained and handled by Jack Sharkey, Alexandria, VA; bred by Diane Shearer, Pennsylvania. The VCA Public Education Committee produces the first breeders' directory. Ch Huntwyck's Woodland Cooper UD TD JH MX OAJ (Cooper) is the first Vizsla to earn one of the Master level agility titles (MX), April 26, 1997. Owned by Melissa Thomas, El Paso, TX, bred by Jim and Tommie Skrintney, Louisiana. |
| 1998 | Citadella Krisztina, CD, is the first Vizsla to earn a TDX title. Owned by Arline and Charles Lovette, bred by Arline Lovett and May Carpenter. The VCA sets up its first website. Kallmee Vizcaya's Sassy Dax becomes the first Vizsla certified as a forensic evidence and body recovery canine. Owned by Rita Martinez, bred by Nancy Edmunds. Ch Huntwyck's Woodland Cooper UD, TD, SH, MXJ, MX, VC is the first Vizsla to earn an Agility Excellent Jumpers (AXJ) on June 27. Owned and trained by Melissa O Thomas, El Paso, TX, bred by Jim and Tommie Skrintney, Louisiana. Miska earns the first FMCH (Flyball Master Champion) and the first ONYX (requires 20,000 points) on February 15. Owned by Rob Berger. (Source: Diane Blackwood) |
| 1999 | AM MEX INT'L Ch Equinox Sassafras CGC TDI MH VC NA NGC, NAVHDA UT, AM & MEX CD, CAN FD, Hungarian CACT, CACIT, Res. CAC is the first American-bred Vizsla to win in a Hungarian International FCI field trial. Owned by Tom and Cindy Pescod, Sonoita, Arizona. |
| 2000 | The VCA Board of Directors established the VCA Welfare Foundation as a charitable and educational 501(c)3, non-profit foundation to serve the health, rescue and education for the pure-bred vizsla. The first Board of Directors consisted of Tom Pescod (President), Pat Carnes (Treasurer), Lynda Ruffini (VCA Health Committee Chair), Steve Shlyen (VCA Breed Rescue Committee Chair) and Lynn Worth-Smith. TC AFC MACH Legacy's Dechartay UDX MH is the first Vizsla and first dog of any breed to earn five AKC Championship titles in the organization's 116-year existence. Owned by Jack Sharkey, Alexandria VA; bred by Diane Shearer, Pennsylvania. Prairie C' Cruiser Pistol Pete NA, NAJ is the first Vizsla Internationally Certified in Human Remains Detection in 2000. Owned by Sharon Malnar, bred by Lu Hart. (Source: S Malnar) Poquito's Vida Cielo Azul, CGC becomes the first Vizsla certified in Search and rescue as a disaster dog. Owned by Jim Frazee. (Source: J Frazee) Golden Glows Hurricane Calvin is the first Vizsla to earn a NATCH in NADAC in 2000. Owned and handled by William Gignac. (Source: Madeline Meharg) |
| 2001 | Ch Barben's A Star is Born CD, TD, AX, AXJ is the first Vizsla to earn a VCD1 when she completed her TD at the Tidewater Tracking Club trial in Yorktown, VA on February 4. Owned by Doris D. and Clyde R. Erskine. (Vizsla News, May/June, 2001, p. 32) Ch Poquito's Chile Sandia Verde VCD2 AX AXJ is the first Vizsla to earn a VCD2 when she completed her TD at the Tracking Club of El Paso in El Paso, TX, on February 11, 2001. Owned by Melissa O. Thomas and Maria F. Zucconi of El Paso, TX, bred by Maria F. Zucconi, Las Cruces, NM. (Source: Vizsla News, May/June, 2001, p. 32; John Brading, AKC Special Services; and M Thomas) U-AgII Semper Fi Tripoli CD CGC TT JH AD OAJ AX V-NATCH is the first Vizsla to earn a Veteran NATCH (NADAC Agility Trial Championship) on May 27, in Arnold, MD. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Annapolis, MD; bred by Terry and Al Lucas, Midland, VA (Source: M Meharg) Ch OTCH Titan's Vintage Promise, UDX (Tess) is the first female Vizsla to get a score of 200 and the first Vizsla to get three 200's in obedience. Co-owned by Anne Standen and breeder Peggy Schmidt. (Source: A Standen) Prairie C'Cruiser Pistolpete NA, NAJ (Pete) receives the first Vizsla AKC ACE (Award for Canine Excellence) honorable mention for Search and rescue work at the World Trade Center after 9/11. Owned and handled by Sharon Malnar, bred by Lu Hart. (Vizsla News, November/December, 2001, 6, 9-11) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil SH MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn an AKC Master Agility Championship (MACH) in Bonita, CA on April 1. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow. (Source: Melissa Thomas) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil CD SH NF MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn a MACH 2 on May 27. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow, bred by Barbara J. Fraus. (Source: M Thomas and S Glasgow) BIS BISS Ch Jnek's King Ralph JH ROM is the first Vizsla to win Best of Breed, Best Bred-By and Sporting Group 3 at the AKC Eukanuba Invitational. Owner/breeder/handlers Kathy, Jeff and Christine Engelsman, Handled by Christine Engelsman who also placed 4th in Junior Showmanship. (Source: K Engelsman) |
| 2002 | BIS BISS Am/Can Ch Bowcot Pekogait One Man Band MH became the first vizsla Master Hunter (MH) to win an AKC All-Breed Best In Show at the Union County Kennel Club, in May 27, 2002. Owned by Saul and Kim Himmelfarb; bred by Dr. Robert D. Shapiro. (Source: K Himmelfarb) Christine Engelsman is the first Junior Handler with a Vizsla (BIS BISS Ch Jnek's King Ralph JH ROM) to place (4th) at both the Westminster Kennel Club and Eukanuba Invitational shows. (Source: K Engelsman) Paudons Gunner of Sansouci is the first Vizsla to be on the podium at an agility Championship—Pre-Elite 2nd Place at NADAC in September. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Maryland, bred by Paulette Kilmon (Source: M Meharg) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil CD SH NF MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn a MACH 3 on November 30. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow, bred by Barbara J. Fraus. (Source: S Glasgow) The first Vizsla (Roy) is added to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration's National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program and works at the Atlanta Airport. (Letter from TSA Freedom of Information Act Office, July 30, 2009). |
| 2003 | BISS NFC DC INTL Ch Csardas Lakeside Zephyr SH CDX RA VC is the first Vizsla NFC to obtain a BISS at the Vizsla Club of Northern California show, Antioch, CA, on June 7. Handled by Roy Smith, owned by Nancy Staley, bred by Marian Sears, Nancy Colwell and Robert Studer. (Source: George Noren and N Staley) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil CD SH NF MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn a MACH 4 on September 6. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow, bred by Barbara J. Fraus. (Source: S Glasgow) |
| 2004 | Ch Sansouci Czudar Panni MH is the first Vizsla to go from JH to MH with straight qualifies. Owned, handled and bred by Linda Pruitt, Onancock, VA. (Source: Linda Pruitt) MBIS MBISS Am/Can/Mex/Intl and World Ch Renaissance Lord Of Th' Dance JH is the first and only Vizsla to win both the US National Sweepstakes and the Canadian National Sweepstakes in the same year. Handled in Canada by Linda Clark and in the US by Linda Durham, owned and bred by Linda Durham, Oklahoma. (Source: Linda Durham) Paudons Gunner of Sansouci is the first Vizsla to earn a NADAC NATCH 2 on June 6 and the first Triple Triple Superior on May 30. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Maryland, bred by Paulette Kilmon (Source: M Meharg) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil CD SH NF MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn a MACH 5 on November 7. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow, bred by Barbara J. Fraus. (Source: S Glasgow) |
| 2005 | FC AFC Valley Hunter Divine Edition UD RAE MH AX AXJ OF VC (Edie) is the first Vizsla to earn the Rally titles RA (February 12) and RE (February 27). Owned by Lisa Durham, Tallahassee, Florida; bred by Betty Anderson and Jean Matmor, AlaChua, Florida. (Source: Lisa Durham) Cougar Ch RU Redi for a RePete JH, RE, VC is the first Vizsla in Search and Rescue to become an AKC Champion in 2005. Owned by Sharon Malnar and Lu Hart. (Source: S Malnar) Paudons Gunner of Sansouci is the first Vizsla to earn a NADAC Versatility NATCH on June 12, also a first NATCH-2 on June 6, a first NATCH 3 on April 23, and a first NATCH 5 on September 18. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Maryland; bred by Paulette Kilmon, Onancock VA. (Source: M Meharg) |
| 2006 | FC AFC Valley Hunter Divine Edition UD RAE MH AX AXJ OF VC (Edie) was the first Vizsla to compete in all five venues at a National Specialty Show, rally, obedience, agility, conformation and field trial. Owned by Lisa Durham, Tallahassee, Florida; bred by Betty Anderson and Jean Matmor, Alachua, Florida. (Source: Lisa Durham) Ch CT JNEK'S Teacher's Pet JH VCD2 UD TDX AXVST is the first Vizsla to earn an AKC tracking Championship title on May 21. Owned by Mel Lloyd, Mt. Morris, IL, bred by Kathy and Jeff Engelsman, Glen Ellyn, IL. (Source: K Engelsman) DC AFC Bitteroot Semper Fi Cutter wins the Inaugural All-Star Review at the VCA National Specialty in Dover, DE. Owned by Clinton and Valerie Sails, Midland, VA; bred by Paul Jay Bernhart of Kellog, ID. Paudons Gunner of Sansouci is the first Vizsla to earn a NATCH-5 in NADAC on June 18. Owned and handled by Madeline Meharg, Maryland; bred by Paulette Kilmon. (Source: M Meharg) |
| 2007 | Effective January 1, 2007, a DNA number is required to enter all VCA National Events. MBIS MBISS Am/Can/Mex/Intl and World CH Renaissance Lord Of Th' Dance JH is the first US-bred Vizsla to win the World Champion title and the Sporting Group at the World Dog Show in Mexico City. Owned and bred by Linda Durham, Arcadia, Oklahoma. (Source: Linda Durham) Beverly and Ed Wanjon are the first Vizsla breeders to be voted AKC Sporting Group Breeder of the Year. (Source: B Meadows) Ch MACH 6 Jasper The Tazmanian Devil CD SH NF MX MXJ is the first male Vizsla to earn a MACH 6 on February 3. Owned and handled by Susanne Glasgow, bred by Barbara J. Fraus. (Source: S Glasgow) |
| 2008 | MBIS MBISS Am/Can/Mex/Intl and World Ch Renaissance Lord Of Th' Dance JH is the first Vizsla to win 16 Best in Shows and 17 Specialty Best in Shows setting a new record for the breed. Owned and bred by Linda Durham, Arcadia, Oklahoma. (Source: Linda Durham) MACH (11/2008), ADCH (9/2007), NATCH (2/2005) Vizland's Spy Keyser Sozze RN becomes the first Vizsla to gain Championship titles in all three national agility organizations. Owned by Vanessa Mortarino, bred by Amy L. Holland. (Source: V Mortarino) Ch UJJ Laszlo's Botond Junior/senior II became the first Vizsla to earn a title in dock diving from the UKC with a United Junior Jumper on April 12, 2008 at the Cincinnati Pet Expo. Owned and handled by Thom Hadfield, bred by Janet Brooks Carney, Michigan. (Source: T Hadfield) |
| 2009 | Repete Bigrocks Somewhat Saintly (Agnes) is the first Vizsla to complete the National READY TO READ! Literacy Assistance dog title on MarCh 3rd, just a few days shy of being 7 months old, the youngest dog to have currently earned the title. Owned by Sandra Crumrine, Bedford, VA: bred by Sharon Malnar and Mark and Carla Greisen, all from Cabot, AR. (Source: S Crumrine) Repete Bigrocks Somewhat Saintly (Agnes) becomes certified as the first Pervasive Developmental Disorders Assistant Dog, the youngest dog to do so, and only the third to be certified nationally as a PDD dog for private treatment programs/sessions. Owned by Sandra Crumrine, Bedford, VA, bred by Sharon Malnar and Mark and Carla Greisen, all from Cabot, AR. (Source: S Crumrine) Repete Bigrocks Somewhat Saintly (Agnes) at 10 months becomes youngest Vizsla to get a Rally Novice title on June 21, 2009 in Richmond, VA. Owned by Sandra Crumrine, Bedford, VA, bred by Sharon Malnar and Mark and Carla Greisen, all from Cabot, AR. (Source: S Crumrine) MACH ADCH-Bronze Sun Meadow's Summer Knight LAA-Bronze TM-Platinum JCH-Bronze GCH-Silver SACH-Bronze SCH-Silver RCH-Bronze OF CD RE CGC (Austin) is the first Vizsla NDAA Tournament Master. Owned and handled by Melanie Miller, Raleigh, North Carolina; bred by Leah and Mark Clayton, Edmond, Oklahoma. (Source: L Clayton) Ch USJCH Laszlo's Botond Junior/Senior II is the first Vizsla to earn a Championship title in dock diving with a United Senior Jumping Championship on June 12, at the UKC premier in Kalamazoo MI in Kalamazoo. Owned and handled by Thom Hadfield, bred by Janet Brooks Carney, Michigan. (Source: T Hadfield) |
| 2010 | GCH Kezdet's Grand Mark Gedeon became the first Grand Champion for the vizsla breed on May 30, 2010. Gedeon is owned by Natalie Russo, Slingerlands, New York, and bred by Judy Saddlemire, Scotia, New York. Two weeks later, at the Greenwich Kennel Club, under Judge Pluis Davern, Gedeon became the first Grand Champion vizsla to win Best-in-Show. |
| 2011 | As of April 18, 2011, there are 166 Dual Champion vizslas of record. As of April 24, 2011, the VCA Membership rolls show 1284 members, 1010 voting members (including 6 lifetime) and 274 non-voting members. In May, Redford (AM/CAN CH Russet Leather Wild Sundance RN CA) becomes the first vizsla to earn a Coursing Ability (CA) title. The Coursing Ability Test was put into place for non-sight hound breeds to run lure coursing. Redford is co-owned by Rhonda Johnson, Springfield, Oregon, and Jamie Walton, Claremont, California; bred by Jamie Walton, Carol Dostal Keller and Beverly Wanjon, all of California. |
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Timeline
The Vizsla (a Hungarian word that means "pointer") is considered one of the oldest known hunting dogs. Selectively bred by Hungarian noblemen over the centuries, the breed was near extinction after two World Wars. After World War II, the first Vizslas were imported into the United States and became part of the foundation stock with The American Kennel Club. The Vizsla is a superior canine companion—devoted family friend and versatile in all areas of canine competition. Originally used to hunt with falcons in ancient times, the breed today not only produced the first Triple Champion, but the first Quintuple Champion in AKC history. It is one of the top three breeds used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), worked in Search and Rescue at 9/11, and is used successfully in Seeing Eye programs.
Mrs. Elizabeth Mihalyi of Omaha, Nebraska, noted portrait artist, was responsible for Panni XV being saved from the Russian Armies. Read her account of helping save the Vizsla 
(PDF - 80kb)
The table below was compiled by Mary K. Chelton, originally for the VCA National Specialty, 2000. Revised and updated for publishing on the VCA website, 2011.
Sources And Acknowledgements
Besides the following written and website sources, a great many people were contacted directly or volunteered information, among them (in alphabetical order): Marilyn Arwe, Michel Berner, Diane C. Blackwood, Bernard C. Boggs, Diana Boggs, Julia Bonar, May Carpenter, Leah Clayton, Marion Coffman, Ray Cooper, Sandy Crumrine, Anne Denehy, Linda Durham, Lisa Durham, Judy Edman, Kathy Engelsman, Jim Frazee, Susanne Glasgow, Thom Hadfield, Kim and Saul Himmelfarb, Lu Hart, Rhonda Johnson, Arlene Lovett, Linda Kelly, Martha Lacko, Trudy Lanman, Joy Lyons, Peggy Magyar, Sharon Malnar, Rita Martinez, Betsy Meadows, Marianne Megna, Marge Mehagian, Melanie Miller, Vanessa Mortarino, Susan Mulley, Ed and Adele Neupert, George Noren, Sandra Parady, Linda Promaulayko, Linda Pruitt, Clinton Sails, Sharon Schroader, Jack Sharkey, Anne Standen, Meghan Tallman, Jane Toadvin, Melissa Thomas, Jacqueline Veillette, Lynn Worth Smith and members of the VizslaTalk Internet list.
Special thanks go to Barbara Kolk, AKC Librarian; Bernard C. Boggs for his books, multiple emails and careful proofreading; and Diana Boggs for research assistance.
"All-Breed Fixture Set at Ladentown," New York Times, August 31, 1952, p. 56. Retrieved from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times 1851-2005).
Boggs, Bernard C., The Vizsla. Jackson, OH: Glenbrier Publishing, 1982.
Boggs, Bernard C., The Vizsla. 2nd rev. ed. Springfield, OH: Behi Publishing, 2000.
Carpenter, May, "History of the Vizsla Club of America, Inc." in Decade of Vizslas—1960-1970. Vizsla Club of America, 1974.
Chagrin Valley Kennel Club. Show Catalog (Sunday, August 29, 1965): 31-34.
Coffman, Marion, "Beginnings—Dr. Ivan Osborn," Vizsla News (MarCh/April, 2000): 24, 26.
"Beginnings—Rex Del Gelsomino," Vizsla News (January/February, 2000): 26-28.
"Beginnings—The Story of Sari," Vizsla News (July/August, 1999): 30.
Coffman, Marion I., Versatile Vizsla. Loveland, CO: Alpine Publications, 1991.
Decade of Vizslas—1960-1970. Compiled by Barbara BerlenbaCh, Connie Johnson and May Carpenter. Vizsla Club of America, 1974
Fletcher, Walter R., "Honors for Dog Hero," New York Times, August 3, 1961, p. 20. Retrieved from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851-2005)
"Memories—Vizsla Firsts, " Vizsla News (January, 1973): 13.
Records and History, Westminster Kennel Club. Retrieved from http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/history/sportwinners.html
Rendel, John, A Different Kind of Kennel Club," New York Times, April 14, 1960, p. 43. Retrieved from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851-2005).
Rendel, John, "Vizsla Becomes Official Dog Breed," New York Times, December 8, 1960, p. 50. Retrieved from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851-2005).
Rosenberg, Alec, "Ancient Finds: Forensic Dogs Sniff 13 More Remains," The Argus, (April 6, 2000) reprinted in Vizsla News (July/August, 2000): 46.
Straus, John X. & Cunningham, Joseph F., Your Vizsla. Compiled and edited by William W. Denlinger and R. Annabel Rathman. Fairfax, VA: Denlingers, 1973.
If information is missing or incorrect, please write or email Mary K. Chelton, 35 Mercury Ave., East Patchogue, NY 11772. Email: mchelton@optonline.net