At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense, smooth, with winter undercoat
A strongly built, elegant sighthound with sturdier bone and muscle than a Greyhound and a body a little longer than it is tall. The short, close, rather coarse coat grows a thicker undercoat in the cold months.12
Personality what they are like
Calm and affectionate with its family, a little reserved with strangers, and quick to learn. It has a stronger watchdog streak than most sighthounds, yet it is protective without being aggressive, and it usually gets along with children and other dogs when well socialised.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A true endurance runner that needs daily walks plus regular chances to gallop in a safely fenced area; lure coursing and long-distance racing suit it well.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance, wash-and-wear coat; a weekly rub with a grooming mitt is usually enough, with a little more attention when the winter undercoat sheds.2
Home where they are happiest
Best in a home with access to secure open space for running; the thicker winter coat makes it more comfortable in cool climates than many short-coated sighthounds.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A quality complete diet suited to a large, lean, athletic dog, portioned to keep it in fit running condition.1
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its household and enjoys company, including other dogs when introduced early.2
The story where it all began
The agár is thought to have travelled with the Magyar tribes into the Carpathian Basin around the 10th century, and archaeological finds support its long presence in Hungary. For centuries it ran beside mounted hunters after hare and deer, and in the 19th century some breeders added Greyhound blood to increase speed.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Hunters expected these dogs to keep pace with riders for roughly 30 to 50 km in a single day.2
- 2
It is not as quick as a Greyhound over a short sprint, but it has more staying power over long distances.2
- 3
Calling it the 'Hungarian Greyhound' is technically a misnomer; 'Hungarian sighthound' is the more accurate English name.2
- 4
A smaller type kept by farmers, known as the Farm Agár or hare catcher, has since disappeared.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 240, Group 10 Sighthounds, Section 3 Short-haired Sighthounds. Definitive acceptance 29.03.1963; current standard dated 06.04.2000; no working trial.3
- UKC / ARBA
- Eligible to compete with the United Kennel Club and the American Rare Breed Association, and at North American coursing events.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Magyar Agár. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Magyar Agár, and at what times?
Feed your Magyar Agár at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. A quality complete diet suited to a large, lean, athletic dog is best, portioned to keep it in fit running condition. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for the ideal schedule. Consistent meal times help with digestion and routine.14
What should a Magyar Agár eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A quality complete diet for a large, lean, athletic dog is recommended, portioned to maintain a fit running condition. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you have any concerns about specific foods.15
How often should I bathe a Magyar Agár?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Since the coat is short and low-maintenance, you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the skin healthy.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Magyar Agár need brushing?
A weekly rub with a grooming mitt is usually enough, with a little more attention when the winter undercoat sheds. Furry Diary's plan also recommends brushing every 7 days. This keeps the short, dense coat healthy and reduces shedding around the home.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Magyar Agár's nails, and how often?
Furry Diary suggests trimming nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside the nail). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Magyar Agár need?
This breed is a true endurance runner that needs daily walks plus regular chances to gallop in a safely fenced area. Lure coursing and long-distance racing suit it well. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play, so aim for at least an hour of activity each day with opportunities to stretch its legs.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Magyar Agár's teeth and ears?
Brush your Magyar Agár's teeth two to three times a week, ideally daily, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer part with a vet-recommended solution.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Magyar Agár live?
The Magyar Agár typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups, many enjoy a long, healthy life. Senior years usually start around age 7, so adjust care as needed.2
Is a Magyar Agár good with children and other pets?
Yes, when well socialised, the Magyar Agár is calm and affectionate with its family and usually gets along with children and other dogs. It has a protective but not aggressive nature. Early introductions and positive experiences help build those bonds.12
Can a Magyar Agár be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its household and enjoys company, so it may not be happy left alone for long periods. It's best to provide companionship or gradually train it to be comfortable alone. If you must leave it, ensure it has a secure space and plenty of mental stimulation.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 240 Magyar Agár fci.beused for origin, classification, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Magyar agár en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, lifespan, history, fun facts
- FCI nomenclature: Magyar Agar (240) fci.beused for recognition dates
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.