Hungarian Vizsla

A dark golden, short-haired dog with large, triangular floppy ears, pink nose and hazel-green eyes sits obediently on the grass.

Hungarian Vizsla

3 August 2023

Let's talk about... Hungarian Vizslas: what are they?

The Hungarian Vizsla, also known as the Magyar Vizsla, is a versatile and athletic dog breed that hails from Hungary.
They were originally bred as hunting dogs and are known for their excellent scenting and retrieving abilities.
Vizslas are medium-sized dogs with a sleek and muscular build.
They have an average height of 54 to 62 cm and weigh between 20 and 30 kg.
They live on average 10 to 14 years, although the oldest recorded Vizsla lived to 20 years old.

Hungarian Vizsla Exercise Needs 5/5 Grooming Ease 4/5 Trainability 4/5

What is the temperament of Hungarian Vizslas like?

Hungarian Vizslas have a friendly and gentle temperament, making them wonderful family companions.
They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their loved ones.
Vizslas thrive on human companionship and are eager to please their owners.
They are good-natured, intelligent, and highly trainable.
With their high energy levels, they require regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.
Early socialisation and positive training techniques are important to shape them into well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.

How much exercise do Hungarian Vizslas need?

Hungarian Vizslas are highly energetic dogs that require a significant amount of exercise.
They need a minimum of 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
This can include activities such as brisk walks, jogging, hiking, and off-leash playtime in a secure area.
Vizslas excel in various dog sports, including agility, obedience, and tracking.
Engaging them in activities that challenge their minds and bodies is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.
Puppies have specific exercise requirements to support their growth and development.
While they are still young, their exercise sessions should be shorter and less intense to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing bones and joints.
It's recommended to provide multiple short play sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as they grow older. Always supervise their playtime and provide a safe environment.
They can increase exercise levels until skeletal maturity at between 18 and 24 months.
Your vet can advise on the exercise needs of your individual pooch.

Do Hungarian Vizslas need a lot of grooming?

Hungarian Vizslas have short, dense coats that are easy to maintain.
They have a sleek and smooth texture that requires minimal grooming.
Regular brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition and remove any loose hairs.
However, Hungarian Wire Haired Vizslas need to be brushed a bit more frequently, and trips to the groomer as often as the groomer advises, where they are often hand-stripped.
Bathing should be done as needed, such as when they get dirty or develop a noticeable odour.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Hungarian Vizslas easy to train?

Hungarian Vizslas are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes them highly trainable.
They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, praise, and treats.
Their willingness to learn and their natural hunting instincts make them versatile in various training activities.
Consistency, patience, and firm but gentle guidance are key to successful training.
Start training from an early age and provide ongoing mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

What do Hungarian Vizslas eat?

To keep Hungarian Vizslas healthy and energetic, provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so they should be fed a puppy-specific diet until they reach approximately 12 months of age.
Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old then twice daily.
Consult with your vet for specific feeding recommendations and portion sizes.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, as Vizslas can be prone to weight gain.

Are Hungarian Vizslas healthy?

Hungarian Vizslas are generally healthy dogs with a few potential health concerns to be aware of. It's important to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding stock to reduce the risk of inherited diseases. Some health conditions that may affect Hungarian Vizslas include:

Bones and Joints

Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis

Cancer

Vizslas have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma.

Eyes

Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye

Neurological

Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Vizsla is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.

BorrowMyDoggy member Kerry joined with her Hungarian Vizsla, Stanley. As she shares, “I signed up because I was pregnant and knew that I needed a bit of help with such an active dog, in what could have been a very stressful time with a new baby. We’re very lucky with our match.”