Vizsla At a Glance
Country of Origin:
Hungary
Breed Group:
AKC (Sporting); ANKC (Gundogs); CKC (Sporting); FCI (Pointing Dogs); KC (Gundog); UKC (Gun Dog)
Size:
Large. Weight: 44–66 lbs Height: 21–25 inches
Coat:
Short and smooth.
Color:
Shades of Golden Rust
Life Span:
11 to 15 years
Breed Profile
Affection Level
Barking Tendencies
Cat Friendly
Cold Weather Tolerance
Exercise Needs
General Health
Grooming Needs
Hot Weather Tolerance
Intelligence
Kid Friendly
Playfulness
Shedding Level
Social Needs
Watchdog Ability
Did You Know?
This dog breed is sometimes called the Hungarian Pointer.
Vizsla Overview
The Vizsla has its origins with the Magyar, a nomadic tribe that traveled around present-day Hungary. The dogs worked as both hunters and companions and were believed to be a mix of Transylvanian Hound and Turkish Yellow Dog. As the breed progressed, Pointers were added to the mix, giving the dog breed much of the look it has today. He is prized for his great hunting skills and sturdiness in all types of weather.
Vizsla Characteristics
This dog breed features a coat and body shape very similar to other Pointer breeds such as the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, he carries the characteristic red-gold coloration. Tails are sometimes docked, however, a longer, more natural tail is becoming popular as the breed moves from purely hunter to companion.
Vizsla Temperament
This dog breed excels both as a hunter, tracking, retrieving and pointing as well as a companion. The breed is very energetic and does well with a family that is as outgoing as he is. The Vizsla is extremely athletic and can run up to 40 mph. These dogs require a lot of activity and owners that are as active as they are.
Vizsla Care
His lifespan is 11 to 15 years, slightly above average for a large breed dog. Health concerns include eye issues such as ectropion, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy, skin allergies, sebaceous adenitis (a skin issue), hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and von Willebrand’s disease. Preventive care and treating issues as they arise can help them to live a long and happy life.
Vizsla Coat
Their short coat is extremely easy to care for. Rubbing down with a soft brush or grooming glove will help remove dead hairs and stimulate the skin. Some of the dogs are prone to skin allergies, so care should be taken to keep the skin healthy and in good shape. No professional grooming is needed.
Vizsla Training
This breed is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. They do well both as hunters and outside the hunting arena. They also do well in dog sports such as agility and obedience, as these help address their high energy needs. However, their high energy also means they can get easily distracted, so short, focused sessions are key.
Vizsla Activity
They are dogs that are extremely athletic and require activity and owners that are as active as they are. If not allowed to hunt in large areas or practice other hunting skills, they should be given long hikes, walks, jogs or be enrolled in dog sports such as agility trials. Failure to meet their extreme energy needs may lead to a dog that becomes bored and destructive, opting to put his energy into chewing or digging instead.
