Two Vizsla dogs standing in the water and high grass.

Vizsla

Height
22 - 25"
Weight
48 - 62 lbs
Type
Sporting
Life Expectancy
12 - 15 years
Area of Origin
Hungary
The Hungarian Vizsla is a good natured and very loyal dog breed. They have a distinctive look, featuring a rust-colored coat, large folded ears, and slender, sporty body. Vizslas are medium-sized, with a higher energy level than most of their canine peers. This is a breed that requires lots of exercise and is best suited for an active family. Vizslas are affectionate and gentle, but because of their exuberance, they do not always make the best apartment pets and may suffer from separation anxiety.
Energy Level
5
Playfulness
4
Friendliness to dogs
4
Friendliness to strangers
4
exercise requirements
5
affection level
5
friendliness to other pets
4
watchfulness
2
Grooming Requirements
1
Vocality
5

Where Are Vizslas From?

The origin of the Vizsla is not well known, however, there are ancient etchings in stone found in Central Europe that resemble the breed. 14th-century Hungarian literature also featurings drawings that bear a resemblance to this hunting dog.

These energetic animals were originally known for their pointing and retrieving abilities on land and in water, but have primarily taken on the role of companion in contemporary times. The Vizsla was imported into the United States in 1950 and was recognized in the American Kennel Club in 1960.

Caring for a Vizsla

What Kind of Diet Does a Vizsla Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Vizsla Need?

Since the Vizsla was bred for hunting, they have a well-muscled physique and require a balanced and nutritious diet. They should be fed puppy food for the first year of their lives to ensure that they get the nutrients needed for bone and muscle development.

The breed is prone to skin allergies, so it’s best to consult their veterinarian if hair loss or excessive itching is noted.

How Much Grooming Does a Vizsla Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Vizsla Need?

Monthly bathing and weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep a Vizsla happy and healthy, since they have a short, smooth coat that only sheds in the spring and summer months.

Are Vizslas Healthy Dogs?

Are Vizslas Healthy Dogs?

Despite their general health, Vizslas do suffer from a few common conditions and diseases.

Gastric dilation volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists inside the abdomen cavity and fills with air. If you ever observe abdominal swelling and/or your Vizsla appears to be choking or retching, immediately contact your veterinarian. Vizslas should also be screened as puppies for orthopedic diseases.

The breed has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Vizslas are predisposed to: gastric dilatation volvulus, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, epilepsy, hemophilia, and von Willebrand’s disease.

How Much Training Does a Vizsla Need?

How Much Training Does a Vizsla Need?

The Vizsla breed is extremely intelligent and thrives on pleasing their owners. This makes training enjoyable for them, and they commonly excel in field and agility exercises.

Positive reinforcement training and early socializing are also ideal for this breed, since they tend to be rather shy.

How Much Exercise Does a Vizsla Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Vizsla Need?

This high-energy, sporting dog requires frequent exercise. They have a tendency to become destructive when bored, and are not ideal for apartment living or lazy days on the couch. They need a family that is “on the go” and always ready for a walk, jog, or game of fetch. However, after their energy has been drained, Vizslas love to cuddle up and snuggle with their people.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Vizsla?

How Big Are Vizslas?
The average weight of a Vizsla is anywhere between 48 and 66 pounds, and they typical stand between 22 and 25 inches tall at the shoulders. They are medium-sized, with an athletic build and graceful appearance.
What Color Eyes Do Vizslas Have?
Vizslas have soft, brown eyes that resemble their coat color. Their heads are lean, but muscular, with a skull that is slightly wider between the ears. They also have wide nostrils and a brown/pink nose.
What Does a Vizsla Look Like?
The Vizsla has an air of sophistication, likely attributed to a lithe, but muscular, body and smooth coat. They have a deep barrow chest cavity with a slim waist and impeccable posture.
Are Vizsla Tails Docked?
Typically, Vizsla tails are docked to about 30% of their original length between 2 to 5 days of age by a veterinarian.
Vizsla Front Legs
The forelimbs are long and lean, but well-muscled. The front legs should be parallel with each other and have a graceful and smooth gait when moving at a fast pace.
What Color Coat Does a Vizsla Have?
The Vizsla coat is golden rust or dark yellow in color, and hair can be smooth or wiry. They may also have a splash of white hair on the chest or toes.
Vizsla Back Legs
Hindquarters have a medium angulation, though they are straight when viewed from the back. The thighs are well-muscled, and the hocks are parallel to each other.
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Vizsla Facts

The Vizsla is one of the 10 fastest dog breeds in the world, running up to 40 miles per hour.
A Vizsla named Chartay was the American Kennel Club's first quintuple champion, earning the designation in 2000. Her awards included the Triple Champion, Amateur Field Champion, Master Agility Champion, the Utility Dog Excellent title, and Master Hunter.
The Weimaraner was developed from the Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds.
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Other Breeds to Explore

Redbone Coonhound
Weimaraner
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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References

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