Vizsla
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Find Vizsla BreedersGet to Know Vizslas
- Olympic-Level Energy: These dogs were bred to run all day. Some Vizslas need 2+ hours of exercise daily to stay content.
- Velcro Dogs: Vizslas are famously attached to their people, often called “Velcro dogs” because they like to stay physically close at all times.
- Natural Hunters: They’re one of the few breeds that are natural pointers and retrievers, making them extremely versatile hunting dogs.
- Silent Workers: Vizslas are known for being quiet hunters in the field, using body language and focus instead of barking.
- Minimal Odor: Their short coat and clean habits mean Vizslas have very little "doggy smell", making them pleasant indoor companions.
Breed History
The Vizsla is an ancient hunting breed originating from Hungary, with roots tracing back over a thousand years. Bred as a versatile gun dog, the Vizsla was prized for its ability to both point and retrieve game across Hungary’s varied terrain. Nobility and aristocrats favored the breed for its speed, endurance, and close working style, which made it ideal for hunting on foot or horseback. Vizslas nearly went extinct after both World Wars, but dedicated breeding efforts preserved them. They gained recognition in the U.S. in the mid-20th century and are now admired both as hunting companions and affectionate family dogs.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loving & People-Oriented: Vizslas are extremely affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. They bond closely with their family and dislike being left alone for long periods, often becoming anxious or destructive if isolated.
- Energetic & Enthusiastic: This breed is always ready to move whether it's running, hiking, playing fetch, or learning new tricks. Their enthusiasm for activity is matched by their mental alertness, making them both fun and demanding companions.
- Sensitive & Attuned: Vizslas are emotionally sensitive and respond best to gentle, positive reinforcement. Harsh training or rough handling can cause fearfulness or withdrawal, so they do best with patient and encouraging owners.
Care
- Exercise: Vizslas need a lot of exercise, ideally 1 to 2 hours of activity per day, including running, off-leash play, or agility work. A simple walk isn’t enough for this breed. In addition to physical activity, Vizslas need mental enrichment such as scent games, training drills, or puzzle toys to prevent boredom and misbehavior. They thrive in homes with active lifestyles—runners, hikers, or hunters are ideal companions for a Vizsla. Apartment life can work only if their exercise needs are met consistently.
- Grooming: Vizslas have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, a quick brush once or twice a week is usually enough to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. They do shed year-round, but not excessively. A rubber grooming mitt can help keep hair under control. This breed naturally stays quite clean and typically doesn’t have a strong odor. Baths are needed only occasionally, unless they roll in something dirty.
- Training: Vizslas are intelligent and respond well to positive, reward-based training. They enjoy learning new commands and are often quick to pick up skills. Harsh corrections can discourage or frighten a Vizsla. They need calm, patient trainers who build trust and encourage cooperation. To develop into confident adults, Vizslas should be socialized early and often, especially with strangers, children, and other animals. This helps reduce anxiety and excessive shyness.
Vizsla Summary
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Lifespan
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Vizsla Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation after 24 months of age with the results submitted to the OFA for recording. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory - It is recommended that the test be repeated annually up to 8 years of age. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional) Congenital Cardiac Exam - Specialist or Cardiologist exam is recommended and preferred. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam - Specialist or Cardiologist exam is recommended and preferred. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | (Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| Sebaceous Adenitis | (Optional) Sebaceous Adenitis evaluation by an approved dermapathologist. Results registered with OFA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Vizsla Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Vizsla is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Vizsla
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Vizsla puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Vizsla, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Vizsla is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
