Breed Standard
Head: From the top and sides, resembles a long triangle. Relatively broad skull. Slight stop. Powerful muzzle. Strong jaws. Strong cheeks.
Ears: Set on fairly high, medium-sized, not too thin, semi-pendulous, V-shaped.
Eyes: Medium-sized, preferably brown.
Body: Long, muscular. Neck not very long, well-muscled. Relatively wide brisket. Chest deep, not too flat. Slightly curved loin. Slight tuck-up. Firm, fairly broad, straight back. Broad, slightly sloping croup.
Tail: Long, not too thin, slightly curved at the tip, always carried below the topline.
Hair: Close-lying, not too fine. Thick in winter.
Coat: All colors are allowed, solid, spotted or brindle.
Size: Dog: 65 to 70 cm (25,5-27,5 in).Bitch: slightly smaller.
Weight: Dog: approx. 30 kg (66 lb).Bitch: approx. 25 kg (55 lb).
History
The Hungarian Greyhound is believed to be descended from Asian Greyhounds brought to Hungary in the ninth century by the Magyars and probably crossed with local hounds. In the nineteenth century, crosses were made with the Greyhound to make the breed faster. Originally named the Hungarian Greyhound (agar means "greyhound" in Hungarian).
Behavior
This breed is affectionate and docile. They are unlikely to bite or be snippy with people, although they have a much stronger guarding instinct than some other sighthound breeds. They are usually well behaved around children and also with other dogs. They are somewhat reserved but should not be overly shy. They are intelligent, easy to train and faithful. As with all dogs, early socialization is a must.
Magyar agárs are very adaptable and can live comfortably in apartments as well as outdoor kennels as long as they are provided with adequate exercise and human interaction. If kept inside, they are very easy to housebreak and make wonderful house pets. During the day they will spend a good portion of their time sleeping, but they are by no means "couch potatoes" and do require daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Long walks, free running and trotting next to a bicycle are the best ways to exercise Magyars since they are not usually too keen on ball-chasing as are other breeds.
Although they can live peacefully with cats and other small animals inside the home, it is important to remember their coursing heritage. They are an excellent coursing dog, and are still employed for such purposes in Hungary. As such, they will tend to want to chase down anything that resembles prey. However, with proper introduction and supervision, they can coexist very well with cats and small dogs.
It can live in the city but needs regular opportunities to run. As with other sighthounds, it should be kept away from cattle. It does not like cold (although it can tolerate lower temperatures.)and must be brushed twice a week.
Function
In addition to making fine companion animals, the elegant appearance and wash-and-wear coat of the Magyar agár make it very suitable for conformation showing. Although rare outside of Europe, a small number of Magyar agárs do reside in the United States. North American Magyar agár owners do have opportunities to show their dogs in United Kennel Club, North American Kennel Club/Rarities, American Rare Breed Association, and International All Breed Canine Association conformation events. In addition, the Magyar agár is eligible to compete in LGRA and NOTRA amateur racing events and ASFA lure coursing events.
Health
No negative reports outside the norm for sighthounds.
