Top 25 Facts About Vizslas
Welcome to our page! Today, we're diving into the world of Vizslas, one of the most affectionate and energetic dog breeds out there. Whether you're considering adding a Vizsla to your family or just curious about this amazing breed, we've got you covered. In this video, we'll share the top 25 facts about Vizslas that every potential owner should know. From their origin and exercise needs to their unique physical traits and temperament, you'll learn everything you need to decide if a Vizsla is the right dog for you.
Origin: Vizslas originated from Hungary and were bred to be hunting dogs, specifically for pointing and retrieving game. Because of this they require lots of daily exercise. Watch our Fascinating History of the Hungarian Vizsla video, where the vizsla survived 2 near extinctions after the first and second world war, but the Hungarian peoples remarkable resiliency kept them alive.
Lifespan: Vizslas have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, making them a long-term commitment for any dog owner.
Size: Adult Vizslas typically weigh between 45-65 pounds and stand about height 21-24 inches tall at the shoulder. If you’re getting a female vizsla you can expect her to be around the 40-50 pound marker and males in the 60-70 pond marker. Willa is 45 pounds and a male in Willa’s same litter ended up being 75 pounds!
Energy Level: Vizslas are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. They thrive with active owners who can provide ample physical and mental stimulation. Check out our daily walking routine with Willa, filled with a morning run, off leash running and fetch.
Top speed: A Vizsla can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, which is amazing, considering an average human can only run around 6 miles per hour. These dogs are nearly as fast as Greyhounds, which run at speeds of 45 miles per hour. The Vizsla can run at these top speeds due to their muscular, lean, powerful body.
Coat: Vizslas have a short, dense coat that is usually a golden rust color. Their coats require minimal grooming but regular brushing helps remove loose hairs. Because of this they are generally viewed as clean dogs. Did you know that vizsla’s actually have a bat symbol on their chest, it is a consistent feature you see across the bread.
No Under coat: vizsla’s do not have an undercoat, a special insulated layer of fur like labs or other breeds do, they cannot tolerate the colder weather as well as other breeds, so if you live in colder climates make sure to purchase a winter coat for those longer hikes.
Ears: Vizslas are known for their distinct soft, velvety ears. These ears are not only a defining physical characteristic but also add to their endearing and affectionate appearance. The texture of their ears is often one of the first things people notice and love about the breed. They move around constantly based on the sounds around them, you will easily be able to tell when your V is listening intently. Also petting these soft ears every day will certainly boost your mental health.
Nose Color: A purebred Vizsla's nose should be the same color as their coat, which is a golden rust color. A Vizsla with a nose of a different color is considered to be non-purebred according to breed standards. This trait is important for distinguishing purebred Vizslas and maintaining the breed's characteristics.
Blue eyed puppies: Vizsla puppies are known for their bright blue eyes, which typically fade after 6 months to a green, hazel or brown, so enjoy these stunning blue eyes in the puppy stage.
Shedding: They are moderate shedders. Regular brushing can help keep shedding under control.
Velcro Dog: Vizslas are known for their friendly, affectionate, and gentle nature. They are often called "Velcro dogs" because they love being close to their owners and build strong bonds with the entire family.
Intelligence: Vizslas are highly intelligent and quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They make excellent service dogs for mental or physical needs or for law enforcement. Vizslas need to be challenged mentally with learning new tricks and ample outdoors time where they can put their skills to use.
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial for Vizslas to ensure they are well-behaved around other animals and people. They are not known for being aggressive and typically get along well with other breeds.
Exercise Needs: Vizslas require at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily. Activities like running, hiking, hunting, and playing fetch are ideal.
Training: Consistent and patient training is essential. Vizslas excel in obedience training, agility, and other canine sports. But they mature slower than other breeds so keep up the training well into adulthood.
Separation Anxiety: Vizslas can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If they are left alone for long periods of time don’t be surprised if they ruin your furniture or personal items, especially if they are a puppy.
Good with Kids: Vizslas are generally good with children and make excellent family pets due to their playful and gentle nature. Willa loves kids but she gets really excited, if they are smaller children she may accidentally knock them over, be sure to hover over the situation at all times and your vizsla knows the “gentle” command for these situations.
Health Issues: Common health issues in Vizslas include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and certain cancers. Regular vet check-ups are essential. Try to switch to a raw and fresh food diet to reduce the chances of cancer.
Diet: A high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial. Try to feed your vizsla chicken, beef and turkey, as well as veggies Willa loves her carrots and broccoli. Watch our video on dogs eating kibble vs a raw/fresh food diet for all information on Willa’s diet.
Living Environment: Vizslas do well in various living environments but need space to run. They are not well-suited for apartment living unless their exercise needs are met, that means at least 3 walks a day and one of those walks are off leash running.
Barking: Vizslas are not excessive barkers but can be vocal if they are bored or not properly exercised. Willa was trained not to bark, but she’s very chatty so she moans and whines a lot to express her emotions.
Swimming: Many Vizslas enjoy swimming and it can be a great form of exercise for them. Did you know that vizsla’s have webbed paws to assist them in swimming. We are still working on Willa and hoping she’ll do a full swim this summer!
Grooming Needs: Besides regular brushing, Vizslas need routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care to keep them healthy. IF your Vizsla has excessively dirty ears, try switching your food to a Red Meat diet, we saw a night and day change - Willa’s ears are completely clean since!
Affectionate Nature: Vizslas are very affectionate and thrive on human companionship. They are known to be loving, loyal, and devoted pets.
Docking tails:
It is extremely common for you to see a vizsla with a docked tail, but as you all know Willa has her full-length tail - which is super long and it is absolutely a weapon in the house when she gets excited. The main reason for docking is for their own safety when hunting in the forest, the long tail can get whipped around a tree and break, and tail recovery can be super hard on your dog.
Willa doesn’t do too much hunting, she does run through the forest and she tends to whip her tail on extremely hard objects.
However in Canada, it is not something we get a choice over, it is illegal in the province of BC to dock tails, so that’s why Willa has her full-length tail and as you can see in Scottsdale Arizona at the Vizsla meetup the majority of the dogs there had docked tails.
These facts will help potential Vizsla owners understand the breed better and prepare for the responsibilities of owning such an active and loving dog.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning more about Vizslas and found these facts helpful. If you're already a Vizsla owner, let us know in the comments which fact surprised you the most or share your own experiences with your Vizsla. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update from our channel. We have plenty more exciting and informative content coming your way. Until next time, happy tails!
Bonus - Ears:
They often tuck their ears when they are nervous or trying to suck up. That’s also where their enduring and consistent nickname of “Dobby” from Harry Potter comes from.
And I want to give you one bonus fact because it is a commonly asked question on the channel and something we chatted with our breeder about
Extra Bonus - Protection:
Vizsla’s are not meant to be guard dogs, if someone attacks you or breaks into your house a vizsla is not likely to defend you or the home. They are deeply loyal and affectionate dogs, they tend to be extremely friendly to strangers. In other words, our little wimp Willa is better for cuddles than she is for guarding our property - and I am very happy with this!