Vizsla Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

18-29 kg

Height

53-64 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Vizsla

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Smart, friendly, loyal, and top-class athletes, Vizslas have a great love for the outdoors, using their boundless energy to run or hunt.

Read on to learn more about living with these friendly dogs and what makes them so special!

What is the history & origin of the Vizsla?

The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Vizsla or Hungarian Pointer, was documented as early as the 10th century in ancient artwork, as well as in 14th-century literature.

This unique breed is considered one of the world’s oldest hunting dogs that were commonly bred to hunt hares, game birds and even falcons.

By the 19th century, the Vizsla was distinctly known as a point and retrieving dog, prized as the perfect hunting companion for their ability to trace a scent and work alongside their handler.

Did you know that in World War II, Vizslas were used for delivering important messages?

Today, this incredible breed is still known for its intelligence, work ethic and scenting ability – being commonly used as guide dogs, drug detection dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs.

What is a Vizsla breed?

The Vizsla can easily be recognised by its sleek, golden-red coat, long, silky ears and lean build.

This distinct breed possesses great stamina; whether it’s for working a long day hunting in the field or going for a vigorous run alongside their owner – they are always eager to take part in activities.

For centuries, the Vizsla has played a big role in Hungarian dog sports – gracefully excelling at various sports and tasks, as well as being a great hunting companion.

Vizslas share a very tight bond with their human family members and hate being left alone. When they aren’t at work, they are sensitive and loving, making for an excellent furry friend.

Who is a Vizsla best for?

Vizslas are sporting dogs, so they make the perfect match for an owner who enjoys the great outdoors and likes to get regular exercise – whether it’s long walks, runs, hikes, swimming, or even hunting excursions.

If you’re looking for a lazy ‘couch potato’ dog, the Vizsla won’t be the right breed for you.

This active dog will do well on a farm or a large property that has lots of space for exploring and running around.

On the other hand, Vizslas can also be suitable for apartment living as long as you dedicate a lot of time to taking them on walks and runs to explore the neighbourhood.

These friendly, people-oriented dogs make for an awesome addition to the family, as they are very loving, caring and just want to please. They get along especially well with kids.

Vizsla Grooming & Shedding

Another reason (of many) why people choose Vizslas over other dog breeds is that they don’t require much grooming.

The Vizsla has a short, sleek, single-layered coat.

Do they shed?

Yes, so you’ll need to keep up a regular brushing routine to keep those little red hairs from sticking to your clothes. A rubber grooming brush is very helpful for this.

You can also keep your four-legged friend clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth. A full bath is only really necessary if they’ve gone and rolled in the mud or something smelly.

Other important grooming requirements for Vizslas are to:

Trim their nails when needed
Check and clean their ears for dirt or wax build-up
Brush their teeth regularly

Do Vizslas bark a lot?

The Vizsla dog breed is known to be relatively vocal – communicating with barks, howls, grunts and moans.

They are good watchdogs that won’t hesitate to bark when they sense danger.

When it comes to strangers, Vizslas are friendly, well-socialized dogs.

On the other hand, excessive barking is usually a sign that the dog is bothered or poorly trained – which should be addressed as soon as possible.

What is the average weight & height of a Vizsla dog?

Typically, the Vizsla is a lightly-built, medium-sized dog, standing between 53-64 cm tall at the shoulder.

On average, they weigh around 18 to 29 kg, with females being smaller.

Are Vizslas easy to train?

Vizslas are relatively easy to train when using consistency and the right methods, starting from puppyhood.

They respond well to positive training techniques since they thrive off the attention they receive during training.

With that being said, Vizslas are also very smart, curious, and manipulative if good behaviour isn’t enforced properly.

Early and ongoing socialisation with other dogs and people is essential for the sensitive Vizsla breed to ensure they have the confidence to enjoy a range of activities.

How do Vizslas behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Also known as the “Velcro Vizsla” or the “Versatile Vizsla”, this breed’s tendency to follow their owners around the house (yes, even to the bathroom) and demand love and attention is certainly apparent.

Even at bedtime, a Vizsla will always take the opportunity to lie on top of your feet or even next to you on your pillow if you allow them to!

Besides being the most loving family pet, the Vizsla is an extremely intelligent dog and noticeably talkative – whining, moaning or making other noises to grab your attention.

These active dogs need a lot of exercise to get rid of their boundless energy and to prevent them from getting bored – making them the perfect running and hiking partner too!

Does the Vizsla have any common health issues?

If you take good care of your precious pooch, you shouldn’t worry about health issues, but it’s still good to be aware of the conditions this breed is prone to.

Some of the health problems that commonly occur in Vizslas include:

Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joints don’t fit properly, leading to pain and arthritis.
Entropion: A painful condition where the eyelids turn inward, causing irritation.
Seizures and Epilepsy: Neurological conditions that can lead to convulsions.
Cancer: Various types can affect this breed, requiring vigilant monitoring.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like hypothyroidism can occur, impacting overall health.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU): A condition that leads to stone formation in the bladder.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disorder that can result in blindness.
Haemophilia: A bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting.

What is the lifespan of a Vizsla?

The Vizsla dog breed is generally healthy, with a high life expectancy.

The typical lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, which is pretty long compared to other dogs!

How much does a Vizsla need to be fed?

As with all dog breeds, Vizslas thrive on high-quality food – whether it’s home-prepared or commercially made.

It’s important to consider the dog’s age and individual nutritional requirements. For example, a young active Vizsla might require 4 or 5 cups of high-calorie foods daily, while an older, more sedentary dog may need only half of that quantity.

As a Vizsla owner, the best thing to do is consult with your vet. This will ensure that your furry friend lives a long, healthy life!

How much can you expect to pay for a Vizsla in Australia?

On average, the price of a purebred Vizsla puppy from a reputable dog breeder will is anything between $1,000 and $1,800.

On the other hand, a top-quality pup from a specific bloodline can cost anywhere from $2,500 and up!

Factors that cause price variations include their age, gender, pedigree, quality and the breeder you purchase your puppy from. In terms of health Vizslas are genetically predisposed to some conditions, including PRA, so you need to ask your breeder for a health certificiate.

Vizsla FAQs

Is a Vizsla ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Getting a dog for the first time? A Vizsla is an excellent choice if you consider yourself to live an active lifestyle!

They will happily be your favourite walking, running, and hiking companion since they need a lot of regular, vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

These loyal companions get on particularly well with young families and small children (even newborns) due to their gentle, friendly and caring personalities.

As long as you’re committed to training your Vizsla (which is very easy!), this dog will be a great fit for an inexperienced dog owner.

Do Vizslas suffer from separation anxiety?

The Hungarian Vizsla is extremely loyal, and they thrive on constant love and attention from their owners.

However, this also makes the people-oriented Vizsla very needy and highly likely to become anxious when left alone.

On top of that, they are also very curious dogs. As you can imagine, curiosity and anxiety are not a good combo for a dog left unsupervised. (You might come home to a torn-up couch, or holes all over your new lawn).

If you tend to be away from home all day, a Vizsla might not be a good fit for you.

Are Vizslas hypoallergenic dogs?

If you’re prone to allergies, you might want to think twice before introducing a Vizsla into your home.

By definition, they are not hypoallergenic – since they do still shed their loose hair lightly. But some people do consider them hypoallergenic because their coats are short and easy to manage.

Consider spending some time with a Vizsla to see how your body reacts before you make your decision.