Rise in Hungarian Vizsla Theft and Breeding in Western Europe
The Hungarian vizsla has become a highly sought-after breed in Western Europe, with purebred puppies fetching a price of EUR 2,000. This popularity has unfortunately led to a rise in dog thefts, with criminals targeting shelters to steal these valuable puppies. Recently, three Hungarian vizsla puppies were stolen from a shelter in Türingia, Germany, and left near a road, presumably abandoned by smugglers.
According to reports, the criminals specifically targeted Hungarian vizsla puppies, showing the high demand for this breed in the region. Attila Szabó, an animal rights activist, noted that illegal breeders have capitalized on this demand, leading to a proliferation of illegally bred vizslas in the market. These actions not only harm the reputation of the Hungarian vizsla but also pose risks to the species’ gene pool and the credibility of legal breeders.
The illegal dog market in Western Europe, particularly in countries like Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, has seen an influx of Hungarian vizsla puppies from illegal breeders. These puppies are often sold without proper documentation, such as a chip or a register, making it difficult to trace their origins.
While a purebred Hungarian vizsla puppy can cost EUR 2,000 legally, the black market offers these puppies at a fraction of the price, albeit without proper documentation. However, acquiring a puppy from the black market poses risks and may not come with the same guarantees as a legally bred dog.
The Hungarian vizsla is known for its hunting abilities and loyalty, making it a popular choice among professional hunters. Trained vizslas can fetch prices upwards of EUR 20,000 due to their exceptional skills and reliability in the field. Despite the high demand for these dogs, it is essential to support legal breeders and ensure the ethical breeding and treatment of Hungarian vizslas in Western Europe.
