Vizsla

Hungary’s pride and joy for good reason, Vizslas are beautiful, loyal and protective, with a lot of energy that can turn into mischief if they are not given enough exercise and play. Vizslas can be quite “talkative.”

Personality

• People-oriented, lively and obedient
• Affectionate, outgoing and friendly
• Vizslas are a protective breed as well as a vocal breed so they tend to “talk” via a combination of howling and barking

Size

• 44-66 pounds
• 21-25 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

• Extremely loyal to their family, they are natural guards without aggression
• Requires an active lifestyle; would not be a suitable match for a sedentary family
• Suitable with children and other pets (medium to larger size), but may mouth arms and legs as a way of showing affection
• Vizslas are a protective breed as well as a vocal breed so they tend to “talk” via a combination of howling and barking

Training

• Obedient dogs that respond best to patient, disciplined training; given their sensitive nature, rough handling or shouting will not work
• Tend to be late bloomers in terms of maturity and development, so training may take a bit more time as opposed to other breeds

Exercise

• These high-energy dogs need a large amount of exercise to remain fit as well as calm
• Need on-leash walks as well as free runs in enclosed parks or yards (but need supervision since they can easily jump a 6-foot fence)
• If they do not receive enough exercise, they can be both mischievous and destructive

Coat

• Russet-colored, smooth coat that requires only a weekly brushing with a firm-bristle brush to remove dulled hairs

Health

• Generally healthy, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, joint problems, tail defects and a sensitivity to anesthesia
• On occasion might also be genetically inclined to blood problems and epilepsy

Lifespan

• 12 years or longer

Rescue

Contact the Vizsla Club of America for information about adopting a Vizsla