Vizslas are one of the older dog breeds and go back to the 10th century. They are a hunting dog breed that originated in Hungary, where they were also used by the Magyar tribes for falconry and companion dogs.
They are still great hunting dogs but are now known more as companion dogs and excellent family pets.
| Weight (pounds) Male: 55-60 Female: 45-55 | Height (inches) Male: 22-24 Female: 12-23 | Lifespan (years) 12-14 | Dog Breed Group Sporting breed |
Characteristics Ratings
We rate 19 characteristics for each breed, divided into three categories:
Highest Rated – Characteristics for which this breed is rated 4 or 5 stars (on a 5 star scale).
Neutral Rated – Characteristics that rated 3 stars.
Lowest Rated – Characteristics that rated only 1 or 2 stars.
Highest Rated
- Good Family Dog
- Kid Friendly
- Good With Other Dogs
- Low Drooling
- Friendly to Strangers
- Likes to Play
- Handles Change Easily
- Easy to Train
- High Energy Level
- Tolerates Hot Climate
- Good General Health
- High Intelligence
Neutral Rated
- Low Shedding
- Protective Nature
- Low Amount of Barking
- Good for Novice Owners
Lowest Rated
- Suitable for Small Yards/Apartments
- Tolerates Being left Alone
- Tolerates Cold Climate
General Overview
Vizslas rank near the top as family dogs. This friendly, affectionate, and loyal breed loves being close to its family and loves nothing better than attention and affection. Many owners call them “Velcro dogs” because they love attaching themselves to family members.
If you want a big lap dog, look no further than the Vizsla!
Vizslas are also excellent with children, both big and small. They have a gentle and playful nature and can handle the high energy and sometimes rough play of children.
They will quickly become your child’s best friend and they will likely be inseparable. Overall, they are a perfect match for families with children.
This friendliness also extends to strangers. However, some Vizslas can be a little cautious and aloof around people they don’t know.
They may even bark at bark at them if they enter their domain unexpectedly, but for the most part, they will be curious and welcoming. Proper socialization will help to make them comfortable around different types of people.
Vizslas are not known as a highly protective breed. They are simply too doggone-friendly!
Yes, they will bark if they sense danger or an intruder and this makes them a good watchdog. However, their friendly nature and lack of aggressiveness mean they are not good guard dogs and should not be counted on as such.
As they are with people, Vizslas are also good around other dogs. They’re pretty happy-go-lucky and in general, enjoy playing and interacting with their canine friends.
One thing to note here is that Vizslas have a strong prey drive. This means they have a tendency to chase smaller dogs and other animals, which is another good reason for early socialization.
When it comes to maintenance, Vizslas are mostly good news. Their short, smooth coat is a single coat, so they shed lightly compared to breeds with double coats.
They also have a low tendency to drool, so you won’t need to keep towels handy to wipe up slobber.
On the downside, Vizslas are just as prone to separation anxiety as most other breeds. As “Velcro dogs”, they are on the high side when it comes to separation anxiety.
With living arrangements, these high-energy dogs are not very suitable for apartment living or houses with small yards. They need lots of exercise and space to run.
But if you’re willing to commit to lots of walks, exercise, and playtime, Vizslas are pretty adaptable and can get used to smaller spaces Even so, bigger is better when it comes to living space.
They are also escape artists, so a sturdy fence is necessary for a yard.
When we say these are high-energy dogs, we mean high-energy! Vizslas were bred for hunting and have an impressive amount of stamina. They love to run, explore and play, and need at least an hour of daily exercise to remain healthy and happy.
If you prefer a sedentary lifestyle, this is probably not the right choice for you.
Their high energy level and need for lots of exercise and mental stimulation means they are not a great choice for first-time dog owners. At the same time, these are very friendly and affectionate dogs, so if you’re a novice owner who is up to the challenge, they will make a great pet.
What will help you is their intelligence and trainability. Vizslas are very smart and eager to please their owner.
They quickly learn new things and excel at problem-solving and adapting to new situations. This makes them pretty easy to train overall.
That said, they are strong-willed and can be a bit stubborn, so consistency and positive reinforcement work best from a training standpoint.
Finally, regarding health, Vizslas score very well. They are considered a healthy breed and enjoy an average lifespan of 12-14 years, which is on the high side for large breeds.
Their most common health issues are hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and persistent right aortic arch. Even so, they can live long and healthy lives with proper care and regular check-ups.