Vizsla: Breed Temperament, Exercise Needs & Health

(Hungarian Vizsla)

Group: AKC Sporting, KCGB Gundog

AKC Ranking: 43

Also Known As: Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Short-haired Pointing Dog

About Hungarian Vizsla

Origin and History of the Breed The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog descended from the Transylvanian hound and the Turkish yellow dog. More recently the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pointer have been added into the mix. The name ‘vizsla’ in Hungarian means ‘pointer.’ The Vizsla is a retriever and scent hound that is used for finding small game and birds. A General Appearance of the Dog The Vizsla is a medium-build, muscular hunting dog with a sleek coat and a wedge-shaped head with a long, tapered muzzle and long ears that hang from high on the head.

The most striking feature of the Vizsla is how powerfully muscular it is. One-third of the tail is docked. Dew claws on both front and back are removed.

When it runs, it covers a great deal of ground but in a graceful and smooth movement.

Coat Color

The Hungarian Vizsla has a solid rusty-gold coat in shadings with no markings or other colors. (A bit of white on the chest or toes is sometimes seen.)

Coat Type

The Vizsla coat is short, smooth, and dense. It lies against the skin. There is no undercoat.

Height

Male: 22 to 24 inches
Female: 21 to 23 inches

Weight

Males: 46 – 60 lbs
Females: 40 – 55 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Vizsla is a natural hunter whose nose is great and whose desire is equally great. He is lively but gentle and affectionate.

He has a well-developed sense of protectiveness in regard to his family and his possessions. The Vizsla enjoys family life and gets very excited with more activity. They generally do not get along well with other animals as they see them as prey – do not get a Vizsla if you have rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.

Vizslas are very energetic and athletic and need a great deal of exercise or they become destructive and neurotic.

Vizslas need good socialization, especially with a variety of people and noises.

The Vizsla needs to start training early with someone who is patient and firm. He distracts easily so short, intense training sessions are needed. He wants to please his owner but sometimes does not seem to understand exactly what he is to do. Without training, he is difficult to handle. He can be willful (stubborn). He probably will cause problems with chewing.

Spend some time with this breed and with a variety of dogs in this breed before getting one. Ask a lot of questions of those who have or raise them. Many tend to be very high strung and excitable. Many are stubborn and hard to handle. Be sure you know what you are getting before taking it home!

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Vizslas will want to be in the house, but may drive you crazy with their constant movement. They need plenty of outdoor activity.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

They are gentle and reliable with children. They love to play with older children. They may be too excitable and energetic for toddlers and young children. This is definitely not a calm dog except when he is sleeping. He can be quite nervous, prancing all around and stepping on children and toys without meaning to do it.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Vizsla is a very active breed. It is not recommended for apartment life. It is active indoors as well as outdoors and needs daily runs. It may drive you crazy with its constant movement.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

These high energy, high stamina dogs are always in motion. They absolutely need at least a couple of daily long, brisk walks. They would prefer long jogs or runs. Do not allow them off leash outside of a fence or you may never see them again.

They need a yard with a tall, secure fence.

Without sufficient exercise they become very nervous and destructive and display a wide variety of behavioral problems.

Grooming

The short coat of the Vizsla is easy to groom. Use a firm bristled brush about once a week. He may need a bath occasionally.

Nails should be trimmed monthly. They may not like this, so handle their feet often when they are young, using a firm touch.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Vizslas are prone to hip dysplasia.

Breeding the Dog and any Cautions

This breed often needs help in the form of a Caesarean section when whelping.

Life Span: The life span of the Vizsla is 12-15 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – Hungarian Vizsla Club - http://hungarianvizslaclub.org.uk/
US –The Vizsla Club of America - http://clubs.akc.org/vizsla

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.atftc.com/rescue.html