Vizsla

Vizsla Temperament

Gentle, affectionate, and loyal, the Vizsla is quick to form connections with its owner as well as children and strangers. Sometimes referred to as a “Velcro” dog, Vizslas like to be close to their owners. This means these canines should not be kept outside and should live in the house to avoid feeling neglected.

Personality-wise, the Vizsla is intelligent and energetic. Owners should be prepared to provide this dog with a high level of mental and physical activity. When left without stimulation or exercise, these canines will get bored and can become destructive.

Natural hunters that are quick to adapt to training, Vizslas are not only excellent pointers but are adept at retrieving on both land and in water. This gorgeous breed is an exceptional swimmer and will thrive when allowed plentiful exercise.

Appearance

Purebred Vizslas are medium-sized dogs with muscular, lean bodies. They are easily recognized by their solid coat color, which is described as Golden Rust or Russet. Their eyes and nose blend in with their coat color. They have long silky ears, but their coat is short and sleek with no undercoat.

Males stand at around 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter at 21 to 23 inches. Typical weights for the Vizsla breed range from 55 to 60 pounds for males and 44 to 55 pounds for females.

Vizsla Dog Breed History

The Vizsla dog traces its origins back to Hungary where it was originally used as a sporting dog. Pronounced “VEEZH-la” or “VEESH-la,” the name literally translates as “searcher” or “tracker.”

When the Magyar barbarians left the Urals for Hungary in the 9th century, hunting dogs closely resembling the Vizsla were brought along. The breed was soon adopted by Hungarian nobility. Hungarian Vizslas were first recorded in 1357 in the Illustrated Vienna Chronicle, which was created by the Carmelite Friars at the request of King Louis I of Hungary.

Although the breed has faced extinction over the years, it managed to survive the Turkish occupation, the Hungarian Revolution, and both World Wars. During the Great War, they were used to deliver messages.

During the 19th century, the breed was nearly overrun by German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers. By the end of World War II, there were only about 12 Vizslas left. From this remaining stock, breeding intensified, and the population started to climb.

Vizslas were also bred in Austria, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. In the late 1940s, the breed was imported to the United States. In 1960, Vizslas were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Vizsla Club of America was formed in the early 1950s and provides resources for owners, including help with finding breeders and rescues. Over the years, the Vizsla was used to help develop other breeds, including the Weimaraner, the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Vizsla Crossbreeds

The Vizsla has been mixed with other dog breeds over the years. Here are eight of the most popular mixes with short descriptions:

• Vizsla Poodle Mix: friendly and loving companion
• Vizsla German Wirehaired Pointer Mix: intelligent, obedient, and alert
• Vizsla Pitbull Mix: powerful and intelligent
• Vizsla American Staffordshire Terrier Mix: jovial personality with lots of energy
• Vizsla Weimaraner (Vizmaraner): energetic but trainable and intelligent
• Vizsla Dachshund Mix: affectionate and playful dogs that enjoy sitting on its owner’s lap
• Vizsla Lab Mix: excellent retrievers
• Vizsla Transylvanian Hound Mix: large and athletic with the appearance of a Rottweiler

Vizsla vs Weimaraner

The Vizsla and the Weimaraner look almost identical and are often confused for one another. However, they are two separate breeds. The Vizsla is an ancient breed, whereas the Weimaraner is much newer.

Both breeds are hunters with a high prey instinct and plenty of energy. The Weimaraner has a notably more dominant personality and is better off living with owners that have previous experience with dogs, whereas the Vizsla is suitable for all types of dog owners.

The Weimaraner stands between 23 and 27 inches and can weigh between 55 and 90 pounds—making them somewhat bigger than the Vizsla.

Grooming

This smooth-haired dog requires very little when it comes to grooming. Once a week, use a firm bristle or rubber curry brush to brush the dog’s coat. This will ensure skin oils are evenly distributed and the coat retains its sheen. It is not necessary to bathe Vizslas often. Once every three months should be ample. Other grooming needs include cleaning and drying the ears, brushing the teeth, and trimming the dog’s nails as required.

Training

A Vizsla puppy is easily trained. Positive reinforcement should be used as this breed needs to be encouraged rather than reprimanded. At times, Vizslas can be sensitive, so be sure to reward the dog whenever it responds to a command in the correct manner.

Exercise

Bred to be hunting dogs, Vizslas need a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, with some dogs requiring more. Most will need a chance to run hard without a leash on a regular basis. They also require mental stimulation to keep from getting bored. These canines can be excellent running or jogging companions and will do best in active households.

Health Concerns

A generally healthy breed, the Vizsla lifespan is 12 to 15 years. As with all dogs, Vizslas should receive all core vaccinations (such as those for rabies and parvo) and should receive preventive medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.

Possible health concerns associated with the Vizsla breed include:

• Epilepsy: A disorder that causes seizures and can be managed with medication.
• Canine Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition that occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit correctly in the hip joint. This can lead to lameness and pain in both hind legs. This condition can be treated with surgery.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative disorder that affects the dog’s eyes, often resulting in blindness.
• Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland produces abnormally low levels of hormones, a dog may become obese, infertile, have irregular heat cycles, and have low energy levels. This can be treated with ongoing medication.
• Lymphosarcoma: A common cancer found in dogs may appear in the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and liver. It can be treated using chemotherapy and has an 80% remission rate.

Where to Find a Vizsla

Although it is possible to find Vizsla puppies for sale, it is far better to adopt a dog than to buy one. Due to their high exercise needs, many Vizslas end up in animal shelters, meaning there are always plenty of dogs looking for a good home. When looking to rescue a Vizsla, opt for a local no-kill shelter as they will never euthanize a healthy dog.