Vizsla: temperament, size, care and health

About the Vizsla

The Vizsla is a slender, graceful dog of medium size, with a lean, muscular frame, silky ears and a coat of golden rust that covers the whole body, including the nose and nails. Its short single coat is smooth and glossy. In Hungary it was bred as a pointing and retrieving hunter for open fields and wetlands, and it still works in that role.

Many Vizslas live with owners who do not hunt. They are loved for their strong attachment to their person and are sometimes nicknamed "Velcro dogs" for it. They are also a breed that expects to run, hunt and be involved in everything that goes on.

Temperament and family life

The Vizsla is gentle, affectionate and sensitive. It does best when it lives inside with its family, sleeps close to its people and goes with them on outings. Most are friendly with children, though their exuberance and size can overwhelm a toddler. They typically get on with other dogs, but a high prey drive makes small pets a risk.

The breed does not tolerate being alone or being ignored. Separation anxiety, whining and destructive behavior are common when a Vizsla lacks company or exercise. Some are anxious or noise sensitive. Harsh handling usually causes a sensitive Vizsla to freeze or sulk, so patient guidance works far better.

Exercise and training

Vizslas are among the most energetic sporting breeds. Adults need at least 90 minutes of hard exercise a day, such as running beside a bicycle, hiking, swimming or hunting. A short walk will not do. Without a real outlet the dog will find its own entertainment, often at the expense of furniture.

They learn quickly and respond best to positive, upbeat training that includes games and praise. They are mature slowly and may act like adolescents until age three. Good candidates for field events, agility, tracking and obedience, they also do well as running partners once their growth plates have closed. Crate training can help with calm behavior at home.

Grooming and shedding

Grooming is simple. A weekly rub with a rubber mitt or soft brush removes dead hair, and a bath only when it is dirty. The coat sheds lightly to moderately, and the fine hair clings to fabric.

Because the coat is thin and there is no undercoat, Vizslas feel cold and may need a jacket in winter. Their light skin is also prone to sunburn on the nose and belly in intense sun. Keep nails short, particularly on a dog that runs on soft ground, and check the ears after outings.

Health

The Vizsla is generally athletic and sturdy, but several conditions occur. Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, allergies and sebaceous adenitis, a skin disease, are reported. Cancers, including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, appear in some lines. Bloat can affect deep-chested dogs. Responsible breeders screen hips, eyes and thyroid, and may test for known genetic conditions. The above is general information about the breed, not advice for one dog, and a veterinarian can answer that.

History

The Vizsla is generally traced to Hungary, and it survived the Turkish occupation and both world wars. After the Second World War a search found only about a dozen true-type Vizslas in Hungary, and dedicated breeders rebuilt the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Vizsla in 1960. A wirehaired type developed separately and is now its own breed.

Is the Vizsla right for you?

A Vizsla suits someone who runs, hikes or hunts and who is at home a great deal. It does well with an owner who enjoys training and wants a close, loyal companion. It is a poor choice for those who work long hours, live in a small space or cannot provide serious daily exercise.

The Wirehaired Vizsla offers a rougher coat that handles cold and brush better. The German Shorthaired Pointer is similar in size and drive with a bit more independence. The Weimaraner is larger and can be more strong-willed.