Dog Breed

Vizsla

SpeedsterMischievous
Primary image of Vizsla dog breed
Full Name
Vizsla
Alternate Names
Hungarian Pointer
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Life Span
10 - 14 years
Weight
50 - 65 pounds
Description

The Vizsla, a sociable and clever dog, demands a lot of physical exercise and human connection. They are prone to separation anxiety as well as a dread of loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks. Because of their sensitive and physically demanding nature, they need an owner who is willing to put in the exercise with them, and who is willing to have a dog that is always by their side.

Given their hunting heritage, Vizslas don't fare well in kennels and prefer to be with their owners in the outdoors. They are quite clever, and they require activities to keep them engaged in order to avoid harmful behaviors like biting and digging. They want to please their owners, and as long as they have an owner who is willing to put in the work, they will be rewarded with an incredible dog.

Origin
Hungary
Bred For
Pointing and trailing
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Vizsla good with children?

    Yes, the Vizsla is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Vizsla naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Vizsla friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Vizsla is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Vizsla is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Vizsla friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Vizsla is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Vizsla is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Vizsla like to cuddle?

    The Vizsla likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Vizsla like to play?

    The Vizsla will almost always be ready for play! The Vizsla is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Vizsla make a good service dog?

    The Vizsla is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Vizsla good for first-time owners?

    The Vizsla would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Vizsla be trained?

    The Vizsla is about average when it comes to training potential. The Vizsla can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Vizsla shed a lot?

    The Vizsla does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Vizsla easy to groom?

    The Vizsla requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Vizsla need a lot of exercise?

    The Vizsla needs a daily exercise partner! The Vizsla is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Vizsla?

    The Vizsla is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Vizsla bark? Does the Vizsla bark too much?

    The Vizsla barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Vizslas - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Vizsla a good guard dog?

    The Vizsla is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Vizsla good at staying alone? Is the Vizsla independent?

    The Vizsla considers their owner part of the "pack" and hates being left behind. This can be a good thing for someone looking for an emotional support dog who is loyal and always by their side, but bad if the dog will need to be left at home alone for extended periods.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Vizsla a good apartment dog?

    The Vizsla is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Vizsla?

    The Vizsla is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Vizsla tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Vizsla?

    The Vizsla can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the Vizsla can do well in hot climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Vizsla tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Vizsla?

    The Vizsla can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Vizsla try to run away?

    It is natural for the Vizsla to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Vizsla a healthy dog? The health of a Vizsla should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Vizsla is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Vizsla high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Vizsla?

    It seems like the Vizsla never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Vizsla is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Vizsla for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Vizsla drool?

    The Vizsla drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Vizsla have a large prey drive? Does the Vizsla like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Vizsla has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Vizsla may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Vizsla atheltic?

    The Vizsla is a true athlete. The Vizsla is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
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  1. Sporting
  2. Pointer
  3. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a purebred dog that belongs to the Pointer sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Pointer sub-group: The Pointer is graceful, and serious while it is "working." For centuries, the pointer has been "pointing" to ducks and other hunting game for hunters. They have excellent instincts, high energy and speed, and can be trained very well. This makes them the perfect hunting dog, but in today's age more commonly an excellent family dog to an active family- the perfect runner’s companion. The pointer is friendly, and can be trained well, but still is not ideal for a first time owner due to their high energy and demanding nature. They need a firm owner who they can respect, and who can keep them busy.

Vizslas for adoption

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