Hungarian greyhound

Overall description of the breed

The origins of the Hungarian Greyhound are extremely ancient, dating back several centuries. It was already present alongside the Magyar people, the ancestors of today's Hungarians, and became a true national emblem in Hungary.

According to legend, these dogs were imported by nomadic peoples from Asia in the 9th century, and the Magyar Agar thus made its home in Eastern Europe. Swift, intelligent, and tenacious, it proved to be an exceptional hunter, especially for hunting large game such as deer or wild boar. For many centuries, it remained relatively undomesticated until the 19th century when it was crossed with Greyhounds to improve its speed and with local domestic dogs to temper its primitive and less docile nature.

Although not widely found outside of Hungary, its popularity within the country remains strong. As an ancestral breed, it was officially recognized by the International Canine Federation (FCI) on March 29, 1963, and its current standard was published on April 6, 2000.

The Hungarian Greyhound belongs to the category of medium-sized dogs, but it shares many characteristics with all greyhounds: it is tall on its legs, slender, and has a light gait. Its morphology resembles that of its close cousin, the Greyhound. Its body is almost square, with a fine but solid build, well-defined bone structure, and well-developed musculature, while maintaining a very smooth gait.

Despite its compact appearance, it hides an impressive speed. Primarily used for deer and wild boar hunting, it distinguishes itself with its swiftness rather than endurance. It has a deep and narrow chest, with a well-rounded ribcage and an elevated abdomen. Its chest is broad, with well-developed shoulders.

The line of its back forms a curve, unlike its straight and clear withers, a common characteristic in greyhounds. Attached high on its loins, its tail is of medium length and tapers gradually towards its tip.

Its head is elongated, fine, and deep, giving it a dynamic profile. Its narrow muzzle ends in a point, with a slightly marked stop. Its ears, larger in proportion to its skull, are triangular in shape and gracefully hang over its temples. Regarding its coat, its fur is short and tight all over its body, with all colors and combinations of shades accepted according to the breed standards.

Like most greyhounds, the Hungarian Greyhound has a discreet and reserved temperament, although it is slightly more demonstrative than some of its counterparts. It enjoys the company of its master and humans in general, showing its affection when the opportunity arises.

Due to its selection over many generations, it possesses incredible energy and is always ready for walks or sports activities, but it remains calm and discreet indoors, almost invisible.

Not very destructive, it tolerates solitude well but prefers to stay close to its master while maintaining some distance to avoid being intrusive. Although not very vocal, it does not excel as a guard dog. It is wary of strangers and avoids unusual situations. It is attached to its family and shows bravery in protecting them in times of danger.

Training the Hungarian Greyhound is not easy, but using rewards and a positive approach can yield good results. With its reserved and discreet nature, reprimands or physical constraints are entirely counterproductive with this breed.

Due to its strong hunting instinct, it is recommended to socialize it from a young age, especially with small animals. Overall, it is a pleasant, peaceful, and playful dog, making for a wonderful life companion for those who enjoy tranquility at home but are also active outdoors.

As an adult, it generally weighs between 25 and 30 kg (55 to 66 lbs), with a height at the withers of approximately 65 to 70 cm (25.5" to 27.5").