Is the Hungarian Vizsla the Right Dog Breed for You?
Originally bred in Hungary as hunting dogs, the Hungarian Vizsla is a medium-sized dog that is sometimes referred to as the ‘Velcro Vizsla’ for its need to be in close proximity to its human companions.
Breed Snapshot:
- Size: Weight: 18-30 kg. Height: 53-64cm
- Coat: Short-haired coat in shades of rust.
- Energy: Medium to high energy. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise per day.
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Country of Origin: Hungary
- Breed Type: Pointer
- Other Names: Magyar Vizsla
- Great Breed for: Owners who can give it lots of attention and activity. Not a great option for apartment living.
What Is a Hungarian Vizsla?
The Hungarian Vizsla is a medium-sized dog in the pointer family that was originally bred as a hunting companion. These dogs thrive when they have a job to do or sport to participate in. They are decidedly not couch potatoes and enjoy jogging with their owners or playing in their backyards.
Because they’re kid-friendly, these dogs make great family pets but are equally suited to adults and do best when they have a human companion at home with them during the day. Vizslas are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Even though they were bred as hunters, this breed does quite well with other family pets–even cats.
What Do Hungarian Vizslas Look Like?
The Hungarian Vizsla has a short coat that is rust in coloring. They have a robust build but are not overly muscular and tend to be on the lean side. They feature long floppy ears and a slightly narrowed face.
What Makes the Hungarian Vizsla Special?
The Hungarian Vizsla’s sweet nature makes it a popular choice for active companions and families. This dog thrives on being in close proximity to its owners. Because of its need for space and activity, it is not recommended for apartment life. It does best in a home with a large backyard and with an owner who enjoys an active lifestyle too. This breed is also affectionate with children, which makes it popular as a family pet.
How Often Do I Need to Groom My Hungarian Vizsla?
Vizslas are relatively easy to maintain with their short coat. Brush occasionally to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and clean. Be sure to trim your Hungarian Vizsla’s nails once or twice per month. As with many dogs with floppy ears, be on the lookout for signs of infection. Inspect your dog’s ears routinely.
How Often Should I Walk My Hungarian Vizsla?
The Hungarian Vizsla is an active breed with medium to high energy levels. It should have at least an hour today of exercise. It enjoys sports and it’s an athletic breed. It’s a great companion dog for runners and will also enjoy getting exercise in its backyard.
How Do I Train My Hungarian Vizsla?
Hungarian Vizsla dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training. They are sensitive and may become nervous with scolding. Pet Cloud features dog training classes in blocks of six-week, one-hour sessions with registered trainers. An experienced trainer will visit your house or apartment and use positive reinforcement techniques as recommended by the RSPCA to teach your Vizsla puppy.
Quickfire Hungarian Vizsla Questions:
Can I leave my Hungarian Vizsla alone during the day?
The Hungarian Vizsla does not enjoy being alone during the day. This breed does best when it has a human companion to rely on. It may become anxious and stressed when left on its own for long periods of time.
Are Hungarian Vizslas barkers?
The Hungarian Vizsla breed is a highly vocal one. These dogs have a tendency to bark, howl, moan, and bay. If you are concerned about excessive noise, this might not be the ideal breed for your situation. However, with training and silence commands, you may be able to reduce this breed’s tendency to make noise.
Are Hungarian Vizslas prone to health risks I should know about?
As with many other dog breeds, the Hungarian Vizsla is associated with certain risks for various health conditions that include: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and progressive renal atrophy. This breed is also associated with lymphosarcoma, but these types of canine cancers are often successfully treated.
Where can I get a Hungarian Vizsla?
If you want to rescue and adopt a Hungarian Vizsla dog, check with your local rescue agencies. You may be able to find a dog who simply needs the right companion and living situation. With the right setting and owners, this breed is likely to do well. Check out the RSPCA’s adoption guide to see if this is the ideal solution for you. If you want to purchase your Vizsla from a reputable breeder, use this helpful guide for finding the right breeder from the RSPCA.
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