Facts & Origin
What is the origin of a Magyar Agár?
With the migration of peoples in the period from the 4th to the 6th century, oriental breeds of greyhounds came to Hungary. In the year 890 the warlike equestrian people of the Magyars carried Borzoi with them. By crossing the existing sighthounds with the borzoi, an independent breed was created. The nobility used these Hungarian sighthounds for hunting for centuries. In the 19th century the Hungarian nobility tried to improve the Magyar Agár by importing English Greyhounds. However, the breeding attempts failed and were subsequently abandoned. A few years later the breed found its way to the rural population. There it was used as a meat procurer and guard dog. Thus it survived the war years and could be recognized by the FCI in 1966. The Magyar Agár breed is listed under FCI group ten in section three.
| Alternate Name | Hungarian Greyhound |
| Origin | Hungary |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Short-haired Sighthounds |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
What are the typical characteristics of a Magyar Agár?
It is an extraordinarily resistant and independent dog, which is also used in dog races because of its speed. At first sight it seems to be reserved without being shy. In family life it is a loyal and intelligent companion, who protects house and yard due to his instinct without becoming aggressive. This pleasant housemate is adaptable and calm in the home. Despite his loving affection towards the family, it always appears confident with strangers.
What should be considered when keeping Magyar Agárs?
They are so-called "sight hunters" and go hunting on their own. Therefore you have to consider carefully if you let your dog run free. In addition, you cannot expect unconditional obedience from this centuries-old breed. Nevertheless, through loving and consistent training, your dog will adhere to the established rules.
Its passion is and will remain running. A lot of exercise promotes his health and well-being.
There are a number of ways to do this.
These include:
- Sighthound sports
- Exercise on the bike or horse
- Bikejöring
- Canicross
- Agility
- Mantrailing
In summary, the Magyar Agár is a robust sighthound that is easy to care for and not very prone to injury.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
What are typical diseases of Magyar Agárs?
This original dog breed is considered to be very robust. Nevertheless, eye diseases, epilepsy and hypothyroidism have been detected in some dogs.
Magyar Agár breeding - where, how, what?
Hungarian breeders today try to emphasize the differences to the Greyhound by consequent selection of breeding dogs. The German Sighthound Breeding and Racing Association e. V. (DWZRV) has published a list of breeders. There you can inform yourself about the different breeding sites.
What are the breed characteristics of a Magyar Agár?
Its general appearance is original and elegant at the same time. The musculature and the bone structure are well developed. The height at the withers is slightly less than the length of the body. The bridge of the nose is half the length of the head. Its medium sized dark eyes and rose ears give it a lively expression. When excited, it raises its ears. It carries his tail hanging down when at rest and raised to the topline when in action. Its ground covering movements are parallel and characterized by an elastic trot.
Appearance and coat of the Magyar Agár
The coat is short and coarse and lies smoothly on the body. In winter he develops a lot of undercoat. All known colours except blue, brown, black with tan, blue-white and wolf-grey occur. All colour combinations except tricolour are possible.
How big does a Magyar Agár grow?
Adult females grow to a height of 62 - 67 cm. Their male counterparts are 65 - 70 cm tall. This makes it one of the largest dog breeds.
How much does a Magyar Agár weigh?
The weight is between 22 and 31 kilograms.
How old does a Magyar Agár become?
It usually becomes 12 to 14 years old.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | - |
| Ear shape | Tilt-ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | slim, dainty, sporty |
| Size ♀ | 65 - 70 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 22 - 31 kg |
| Size ♂ | 62 - 67 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 22 - 31 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Colors
Known Diseases
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in dogs where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a slowed metabolic rate, weight gain, fatigue, hair loss and other symptoms.
Epilepsy
Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart.
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
