The Vizsla is a hunting dog or gun dog with noted abilities as a pointer and retriever. This breed looks quite similar to the Weimaraner. But the Vizsla has a distinctive golden rust coat color and a reddish nose. This sporting dog breed is typically known as an active partner and a very affectionate home companion. Might this be the dog you are looking for? Find out more about the Vizsla in this post.
Vizsla Dogs and Puppies
What is a Vizsla?
A Vizsla is a medium-sized dog bursting with energy. It loves to be outdoors and engage in vigorous, athletic activities. But it is definitely not the kind of dog you can leave outside on the porch. This dog sticks to its family like Velcro—it is highly affectionate, loving, and loyal. With all these traits, one can say the Vizsla is an interesting mix of an active, outdoor breed and a typical home buddy.
What does a Vizsla look like?
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a light, lean and sinewy build. A male Vizsla stands between 22 to 24 inches and a female Vizsla at 21 to 23 inches. This dog weighs around 18 to 30 kg.
Breed standards indicate this breed has these traits:
- A short, smooth and dense coat
- Coat colors come in a variety of golden rust shades. The color must not be too dark or too light.
- Very small white markings may appear on the chest and toes although Vizslas typically have a solid color
- The color of the eyes, eye rims, nose, toenails, etc. are reddish or in a tone matching the color of the coat
- Long, thin ears hanging close to the cheeks
- A docked or undocked tail that is thick at the roots (Docking is illegal in some countries.)
- Slightly domed skull, wide between the ears
Where does the Vizsla come from?
The Vizsla comes from Hungary. It is believed the Magyar people used the Vizsla or dogs similar to the breed for hunting bird and hare. Evidence of such practice can be found in ancient artifacts—like a stone etching depicting a Magyar huntsman with his falcon and Vizsla.
Warlords, nobles, and aristocrats favored the Vizsla as a hunting dog. Through the centuries, the prized hunting breed was eventually developed into a pointer and retriever dog.
The Vizsla might have been the hunting dog among the wealthy. But this breed was also used a service dog in World War. Its primary task was to deliver messages. Sadly, dark times fell on the breed especially after World War II. The Vizsla was almost extinct by then. Only a dozen, purebred Vizslas were left in the country.
Dog enthusiasts and breeders began working to maintain the breed. It became popular again especially when it was introduced in the U.S. around the 1950s.
What are Vizsla dogs like?
Vizslas are generally pleasant-natured dogs. They are loyal, caring and very affectionate. These dogs get on well with children who are a bit older. Younger children or toddlers might get overwhelmed by the Vizslas’ exuberant playing. Vizslas get along with other dogs and pets as well although they may get ‘excited’ around smaller animals.
Their affection sometimes leans towards being clingy. Vizslas are considered sensitive and they tend to have ‘separation anxiety’ when left alone.
Vizslas are very energetic and typically require a good hour’s worth of daily exercise. When they lack mental and physical stimulation, they tend to be destructive and chewy.
These dogs also require proper obedience training. They are mostly pleasant. But their independent streak sometimes kicks in and they become stubborn.
When does a Vizsla mature?
Vizslas may reach their full height in 6 to 8 months and continue to fill out a few months after. They get to their full size in about a year, more or less.
But Vizslas can be slow to mature. Some reach maturity or ‘settle in’ in about two years. Others take as long as three years. Even more.
Are Vizsla dogs expensive?
Vizslas can be expensive. But other dog breeds have, more or less, the same price range as a Vizsla. Puppies of this breed can be sold between USD $1,000 to $2,000. But other breeders may sell a Vizsla puppy for less than $1,000.
Selling prices vary depending on the quality of the puppy’s line and the reputation of its breeders.
The maintenance needs of a Vizsla may cost relatively less than other breeds. This breed does not require so much grooming because it has a short coat.
Is the Vizsla hypoallergenic?
No. The Vizsla is not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. This breed has a short coat but it does shed regularly, which means it produces dander, a common trigger among allergy sufferers.
But considering a Vizsla has a short hair, it might still be easier to manage compared to long-haired breeds that are not hypoallergenic.
The Vizsla might not be hypoallergenic but it has one noteworthy trait. This breed does not smell as much as other dogs—it does not have that deep ‘doggy’ smell because it cleans after itself quite well.
Are Vizsla puppies easy to train?
Vizsla puppies do have the potential to respond well to training. This breed has a stubborn streak but it is relatively easier to train compared to other pointer dogs.
It is better for both the owners and the puppies if the training begins early. Vizsla pups are sensitive and they are more responsive to calm, positive, and consistent training methods.
Are Vizslas good family dogs?
Yes, the Vizsla does have the potential to be a good family dog. It is a generally easygoing breed with a sweet, playful, and affectionate disposition—traits ideal for a home with a family.
This dog breed tolerates, even loves, the presence of children. But younger kids or toddlers might not be able to keep up with a Vizsla’s rough play. Still, a Vizsla can be a wonderful pet for kids, especially if it’s trained and socialized properly.
