Vizsla
Working dogs are some of the most popular breeds, and the vizsla is no exception. With a history of hunting and sportsmanship in Hungary and beyond, these slender, medium-sized animals are exceptionally intelligent, capable companions, and equally clingy. So how do you know if a vizsla is right for you?
Breed Profile
Height
Males: 22-24
Females: 21-23
Inches
Weight
Males: 55-60
Females: 44-55
Pounds
Life Span
10-14
Years
Health
health
Epilepsy
What is it?
Canine epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain, causing seizures.
Epilepsy could be inherited or developed later in life by brain problems or unknown causes, but overall it is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs of any breed.
Clinical signs:
Seizures, including:
Spasmic, involuntary movements
Limited awareness
Uncontrolled expulsion of urine, saliva, or feces
Twitching of the face
Abnormal chewing movements
Paddling limbs
Unusual fear or attention-seeking
Vomiting
Salivation
Dilated pupils
Lowered awareness
Sudden loss or increase in muscle tone
Treatment:
AED (Anti-epileptic drugs), including
Phenobarbital
Potassium bromide
Levetiracetam
Zonisamide
Other risks:
There are still many unknowns when it comes to canine epilepsy. Research is ongoing.
Drugs prescribed can vary widely, as can costs.
Other potential health conditions:
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lymphosarcoma
Eligible vet bill
$160
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
How well do vizslas get along with their owners?
Perhaps the strongest personality trait of most vizsla is their closeness to family. The breed’s nickname, "The Velcro Dog," is no surprise to anyone who has had a vizsla in their family before.
Are vizslas aggressive towards strangers?
Vizsla love to make new friends. Proper socialization at a young age is important for all dogs, but this breed tends to be very friendly from the get-go.
How well do vizslas adapt to new situations?
Vizsla can easily adapt to a diverse range of living spaces, from small apartments to large homes, with any size family. As long as you have access to sufficient outdoor space for your pup's exercise needs, it's easy to adapt the vizsla to your situation.
Adapting may be more difficult if your schedule involves leaving your pup home alone for long periods. The vizsla is very attention-needy and does not do well isolated for extended amounts of time.
This breed can also adapt to a range of temperatures, but their lack of undercoat can make them susceptible to cold weather. Have warm clothes ready for your vizsla if the temperature drops into the low 40s or lower. Temperate environments are the easiest for this breed.
Do vizslas make good guard dogs?
Vizslas are intelligent sporting dogs, but they aren’t instilled with a watchdog nature, nor does their physical build make them well-suited to guarding jobs.
Will a vizsla be a fun dog to have around?
Thanks to their affection and athleticism, vizsla can be incredibly fun for an owner who wants to have a close bond and lots of playtime with their dog.
From cuddling to commands and tricks, the vizsla just wants to be close with their family.
Are vizslas good with children?
The friendly disposition of the vizsla extends to younger humans as well. These dogs are great with children, although you should never leave any breed unsupervised with kids.
How are vizslas with other dogs?
Vizslas get along with other dogs with ease, although introducing a cat may require more careful oversight — remember that these are hunting dogs at heart, after all.
Lifetime Care
Coat:
Vizslas have a short, smooth coat with a single layer. It’s reminiscent of the coat of a Weimaraner. Coat colors include: Golden Golden Rust Red Red Golden Rust Rust Golden Sandy Yellow Markings can include: White Markings
Colors:
Hypoallergenic:
No
Grooming:
Daily brushing, occasional bath, regular nail trims
Training:
Easy to train.
Are vizsla hypoallergenic?
While vizsla shed less than many dogs, they are not truly hypoallergenic.
How often do vizslas have to be groomed?
Grooming needs for this breed are relatively low. Standard bathing and brushing suffices – approximately once monthly and once weekly, respectively.
Clean your dog’s ears regularly and keep their nails short. Dental cleaning needs are standard for a vizsla, as with other breeds.
How to be the best pet parent for a vizsla?
Each dog breed has its own unique needs, quirks, and instincts. Understanding them is one of the best ways to help set yourself up for success in terms of pet parentage.
Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we’re excited to go along that journey with you. You can read more informative guides on an array of topics on our Blog.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your vizsla
Vizsla are highly intelligent dogs that are not only trainable but excited to train!
Training for a vizsla is far more than ensuring good habits around the house. It's a core means of mental stimulation, bonding, and satisfying their attention needs.
Use these tips to help your vizsla excel as you train them in different areas.
Vizslas are eager to please and only slightly stubborn.
This breed's sensitivity levels are high, so remain gentle but confident with your training.
Give your vizsla a chance to get comfortable with your daily routine; the breed is prone to some separation anxiety and may need a lot of time to get used to you coming and going.
Positive reinforcement and gentle correction of wrong behavior should be enough, while intense correction (such as a raised voice or physical domination) should never be necessary.
Incorporate games and mentally stimulating activities into training. Don’t be afraid to teach complex tricks and commands.
Try agility or rally sports if you are up to it!
What types of foods should vizsla never eat?
Certain foods are toxic to dogs, even if humans can eat them without issue. You should always double-check before giving your vizsla a new food. In general, stick with dog food over human food.
Exercising tips to keep your vizsla staying fit and healthy
Vizslas have a high energy level, both physically and mentally. Enough exercise and play sessions are needed (an hour of daily exercise is recommended), while vizslas need more intense exercise occasionally.
Whether that be an off-leash sprinting session in a secure yard or an on-leash run or hike at your side, let your vizsla burn their energy. If a vizsla isn't given the stimulation and exercise they needs, destructive behaviors like chewing and digging are likely to occur.
Vizsla life stages
Puppy: 1 - 2 years
Adult Dog: 1 - 10 years
Senior: 10 years - end of life
Conclusion
A vizsla would be so excited to join your family, and we hope you are as excited about them as well!