Hungarian dog breeds in a difficult situation

The maintenance and development of the group of nine Hungarian dog breeds declared to be Hungarikums are helped by the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, thanks to which issuing pedigree certificates for the puppies born becomes essentially free for breeders. The reduction of breeding costs contributes to the growth of the population of purebred Hungarian dog breeds.

The nine Hungarian dog breeds in question are: the Short-haired Hungarian Vizsla, the Wire-haired Hungarian Vizsla, the Transylvanian Hound, the Komondor, the Kuvasz, the Hungarian Sighthound, the Mudi, the Puli, and the Pumi. The purebred, registered population of these breeds has declined in recent decades.

Breeding activities require significant investments, the return on which may be uncertain because of the presence of non-certified animals on the market, born in uncontrolled conditions.

The new legislative amendment makes it possible to reduce the cost of breeding by reimbursing the breed society for the costs of issuing a certificate of origin for the animals, thus exempting breeders from paying it. From 1 January 2021, breeders may submit their application for the preferential service at the breeding organisation of which they are a member.

The amount of support is HUF 7,000 per certificate of origin issued.

Regarding the nine Hungarian dog breeds, an average of two thousand animals receives a certificate of origin every year. However, this reproduction rate only serves to maintain the current stock level.

According to the hopes of the Ministry of Agriculture, “by reducing the breeding costs, we will be able to improve the breeding spirit and increase the number of purebred Hungarian dogs”.