The look of the sleek golden-rust coat makes Vizsla easily recognizable.
Originating in Hungary, these dogs were bred to work in field, forest and make excellent swimmers.
The long, silky ears frame a facial expression that is sensitive and loving around the house and intense when at work.
This breed is moderately popular, ranking 43rd among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.
They are also called the Hungarian Pointer.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Avg. Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Avg. Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Dog Group: Sporting Group
Colors: Golden, Rust, Russet Gold, and Dark Sandy Gold
At A Glance
- Size (3/5)
Male’s size is 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder; females are smaller at 21 to 23 inches tall.
Their bodies are muscular and well proportioned.
This breed reaches their full size around 6 to 8 months.
- Affection Level (5/5)
Vizslas are genuinely loyal, soft, and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs towards their handlers.
They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and considered as a great therapy dog for those in need because they bond closely.
- Apartment Friendly (1/5)
Vizsla is a breed not recommended for an apartment lifestyle.
They usually like to be outside in the garden, or you must walk them for a few hours every day.
- Cold Weather Tolerability (1/5)
Highly recommended that a Vizsla not be left outside for extended periods in the winter and should be brought inside at night.
You’ll also want to buy your Vizsla a coat (or two) to deal with harsh weather conditions if you live in cold or rainy climates.
- Hot Weather Tolerability (4/5)
Prefers average to warm weather conditions.
- Barking Tendencies (5/5)
This breed barks occasionally.
Foremost reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.
- Cat-Friendly (3/5)
Vizslas are average friendly towards cats.
- Dog-Friendly (3/5)
They are average friendly towards other dogs.
Dog’s ability to have good canine social skills
- Exercise Needs (5/5)
Exercise, exercise, and exercise, plus work in the form of canine sports or therapy work is the key to a happy and healthy relationship with a Vizsla.
These dogs were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise.
They are eager and graceful trotters of great stamina, making them ideal jogging or biking companions with the caveat that young dogs should not run long distances until they reach maturity at about 18 to 24 months.
Older Vizslas typically remain active and playful.
- Grooming Needs (5/5)
Vizsla is one of the best choices if you don’t have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high maintenance dog.
Highly recommended for beginners.
Luckily he doesn’t have a strong doggy odor and requires only weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush and a wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Playfulness (5/5)
The Vizsla dog breed is highly playful with enough energy to exercise all day.
Their want to play can be a bit demanding, and excited barking and sometimes nipping can be a sign to alert you to play.
- Trainability (5/5)
Easy to train and can find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
With good socialization and consistent training, there are countless ways to have fun with these versatile dogs, including field trials, hunting tests, conformation, obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, barn hunts, lure coursing, scent work, and tracking.
Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so training should be part of their routine.
- Intelligence Mouthiness (4/5)
This breed has a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
It’s a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior.
These “bites” don’t hurt, but Vizslas need to learn for a good attitude.
- Price Group (4/5)
$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Vizsla, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places.