Breed Group: Sporting
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Height: Male: 22-24; Female: 21-23 inches
Color(s): Solid golden rust
The Vizsla is classified as a rare breed. They originated in Hungary in the 8th century as a hunting dog, although owning this breed was a symbol of aristocracy. They were nearly extinct after WWII. The Vizsla was revived by the Hungarians who smuggled their beloved breed out of the country for fear of them being desecrated.
The Vizsla is a versatile gun dog that is able to work in the forest, field, and water. They excel in retrieving, and are capable of covering difficult terrain in extreme weather conditions. The Vizsla has an easygoing nature and is an excellent companion.
The Vizsla is friendly, lively, and affectionate with their family and those they know. They are alert and watchful. They will bark when they sense danger or visitors. They are very reserved with strangers. The Vizsla is very demonstrative, but has a tendency to be willful and distracted. They get along well with older children and in most cases other dogs. They will tolerate cats they are raised with. The Vizsla loves to chew on anything and everything and is not a calm and placid breed. They will become destructive if they are allowed to be bored.
The Vizsla's coat requires very minimal care. They need to be brushed occasionally with a firm bristle brush and dry shampooed when necessary. Bathing should only be done with a mild soap so as not to strip the coat the protective oils. It is important to keep their nails trimmed. The Vizsla is generally healthy, but has a tendency toward hemophilia and hip dysplasia. They do not tolerate cold climates.
The Vizsla breed comes in two coat varieties: the Smooth and Wire. The Smooth is short, dense, close to the body, and shiny. There is no undercoat. The Wire is hard, harsh, and loose fitting. There is no gloss or shine. There is a winter under-coat and the hair is brush-like on the back of the forelegs, head, muzzle, and ears. The Vizsla coat colors range from golden to russet. They are average shedders.
The Vizsla needs both socialization and obedience training at an early age. Owners of this breed must make their authority clear right from the start. They are eager to please and quick to learn. The Vizsla displays their talents in the areas of tracking, pointing, retrieving, and competitive obedience. Harsh methods of training will ruin this breed. They need firm, fair, and consistent training.
The Vizsla is an extremely active breed that requires strenuous activity daily. They thrive in a large fenced area or a leashed jog with their owner. They also require mental stimulation, such as play sessions with their family to ensure their happiness. They are not recommended for apartment dwelling due to their enormous stamina.
Help reduce the number of dogs in shelters by doing your due diligence. Many puppies are often purchased with little or no knowledge of what goes into parenting one. Uneducated decisions often leave the puppy in need of adoption and in the care of rescue groups. Bringing home a puppy into your family has many benefits but we first implore you to educate yourself. An informed decision will take into account the characteristics of the breed, your lifestyle, expected veterinary care, the demands and limitations of owning one, their activity requirements and levels of companionship required.
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