In 2024 Magyar Posta is issuing a For Youth miniature sheet entitled Hungarian Hunting Dog Breeds. Of the hunting dog breeds, the smooth-haired and wire-haired Hungarian vizsla, the Transylvanian hound and the Hungarian greyhound are featured on the stamps. Magyar Posta devotes the proceeds of the surcharge on the miniature sheets sold, totalling HUF 150 per sheet, to supporting youth stamp collecting. The miniature sheet of four stamps was designed by the graphic designer Glória Hefelle and produced by the Pénzjegynyomda Zrt. printing company.
There are two Hungarian vizsla breeds among the Hungarian hunting dogs: the smooth-haired and the wire-haired Hungarian vizsla. While the smooth-haired Hungarian vizsla acquired the characteristics of its appearance today in the second half of the 1800s when it was interbred with several other hunting dog breeds, the wire-haired Hungarian vizsla was bred in the 20th century to better tolerate the cold. The breeds share the ability of pointing at small game lying flat. They are excellent retrievers but can also be used for tracking. They are highly intelligent. The smooth-haired Hungarian vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a golden russet coat and an obedient temperament. It is elegant in movement and gentle mannered. The colour of the wire-haired Hungarian vizsla ranges from sandy yellow to golden russet. It is a well- proportioned, medium-sized dog with a lean build. Its movement is robust and its bone structure is strong.
The Transylvanian hound is an ancient Hungarian hunter created for special climate, terrain and hunting conditions and is used for big game. It is excellent at driving, but also at pointing. Its base colour is black, with tan markings on the eyebrows, muzzle and legs. A calm, good- natured dog with a determined and spirited temperament.
The origin of the Hungarian greyhound is disputed, some sources claiming that it dates back to the time the Magyars conquered Hungary. A fast runner, its movement is supple and elegant. It is mainly used for coursing hares. It is somewhat reserved by nature but can be trained to be a true companion through good handling. It has a wedge-shaped head. The ears are folded on the neck in repose. It has a noble neckline, a straight back, and long, muscular legs. Its short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colours, stripes on a brown base, black, tan or buff, but it can also be spotted.
These four Hungarian hunting dog breeds are part of the country’s national heritage.
On the stamps of the series, the smooth-haired and wire-haired Hungarian vizsla, the Transylvanian hound and the Hungarian greyhound are shown in profile and during their typical activities. The miniature sheet is framed by the species of game typically hunted with the help of these breeds of dog. The special cover features a smooth-haired Hungarian vizsla. The imprint of the postmark on the first day cover shows a stylised drawing of a smooth- haired Hungarian vizsla.
