Date of issue: 9 May 2007

The wire-haired Hungarian vizsla appeared among the national hunting dogs of Hungary barely half a century ago. The thought that prompted the creation of the breed was that the short-haired Hungarian vizsla with its excellent quali-ties deserved a “protective coat” for snow and water in bitter winter weather, just like the German wirehaired pointer. It is a lively, friendly, well-balanced dog which is easy to train and makes strong bonds with people.

The komondor is an ancient Hungarian sheepdog of Asian origin. Its sturdy body is entirely covered by thick long shaggy fur that is inclined to become matted. By day it likes to lie for long periods watching over its territory. By night it moves persistently. It has a lively temperament. It does not have a friendly nature and is naturally suspicious. It is absolutely loyal to its owner, but is also highly independent with a strong character. It attacks boldly without a sound.

The Transylvanian hound developed in historic Hungary. The Hungarians in Transylvania bred and used these hounds for hunting. The style of drive hunting required persistence and courage, and a keen sense of smell, excellent memory and sense of direction make these hounds ideal for spooring. They are goodnatured, brave, calm and well-balanced, yet determined and lively.

According to some sources, the kuvasz came to Hungary when the Magyar tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin. Due to its large build, it was used to watch over and protect livestock. Its white, wavy fur and pleasing appearance radiate nobility and strength. It can run long distances without tiring. Its extraordinary intelligence is a consequence of selection by the shepherds. It learns with ease and does not forget. The pumi developed from the spontaneous crossing of the Hungarian breed puli and a terrier-like sheepdog of French origin, as besides large sheepdogs minding the flock smaller sheepdogs were also needed. A clever and loud breed with a pushy nature and a keen sense of smell, its fur is shorter than the puli’s and does not get matted. It never tires and can be taught to do almost anything that its strength and build allows.

In the frame and the stamp design of the block a wire-haired Hungarian vizsla is depicted as part of a graphic composition recalling its usual environment. In the denominations of the set of stamps typical Hungarian breeds are shown. As in the block, the graphic designs have a coloured background and motifs referring to the surroundings associated with the dogs. On the stamp designs, in order of face value, the following breeds are shown: the komondor, Transylvanian hound, kuvasz and pumi. The special cover features a scene showing a flock being herded. The special postmark is a stylised drawing of a kuvasz. Source: www.magyarallat.hu

Order codes:
block: 2007070030011
FDC: 2007070060012
set: 2007060050411
FDC: 2007060060012

Date of issue: 9 May 2007
Printing method: offset printing
Printed by Pénzjegynyomda Zrt.
Designed by Kálmán Székely
Face value of the block: HUF 600
Total face value of the set: HUF 632  
Number of copies: 150,000 numbered blocks
Number of copies: 450,000 sets  
Trimmed size of the block: 90 x 60 mm
Perforated size of stamp: 40 x 30 mm
Perforated size of stamps: 40 x 30 mm