Their incredible hunting ability and lean athletic build make the Vizsla perfect for more than just dog shows. Since its incarnation, the Vizsla has had a display of skills that were soon put to the test in point score competitions that both he and his owner could enjoy. Since the early 1970s when they were first introduced into Australia, their popularity has exploded. Thus, point score competitions are very prevalent there as well as the States, both places being outside of the native land of the Vizsla, which is Europe.
In Australia, Point score competitions are held where female and male Vizslas do not compete against each other and they have to compete within age categories. A Vizsla is crowned champion once she/he accumulates twenty-five points. And the Vizsla also competes against other so called "gundog" breeds, and then ultimately other entirely different breeds. A competition dubbed the Royal show is the biggest agricultural show in any given region in Australia. This is a big production consisting of crafts, livestock and fruits in addition to show dogs on display.
In the States, the South Louisiana Vizsla Club (SLVC) conducts various trials and tests annually that puts on display a Vizsla's skill and talents and rewards her/his owner with a plaque. The Field Trial consists of categories for puppies as well as adult dogs. The goal for the Vizsla during this portion of the contest is to show the joy he takes in hunting by covering large distance quickly and by heeding the commands of his owner readily.
The Obedience Trials test a Vizsla's skill at tackling a pre-set group of exercises. The Tracking test examines whether or not a Vizsla has an easy or difficult time of following a scent, a human one in particular. The Vizsla is known for its superior sense of smell, and this event is to check for the best in sniffing ability. The Hunting test is to analyze a whether or not a dog is independent and courageous enough to go after a prey. He must do so quickly and showing cunning in the manner he flushes out a game bird.
Finally, an event at the SLVC held competitions that can be enjoyed by any pet owner, no matter the breed, age or condition is the Rally. In Rally is an event in which the dog and owner run a course together. There is no time limit on how fast the obstacle course in run. But each stop along the course heightens in difficulty as levels progress. Each of these stops has posted instructions regarding the next skill that is to be. It has rules that are bit more lenient than the other events. This is one for an owner and his Vizsla to enjoy together.
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