Vizsla Information

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(Hungarian Short-haired Pointing Dog, Rövidszörü Magyar Vizsla) The alert Vizsla is a smooth-coated, elegant breed. Their russet gold, sleek coat is close to their muscular bodies.  Like the rest of their frame, their long legs are also muscular but their round paws are surprisingly petite for a medium-size dog.  Vizslas heads are semi-round Their noble head is semi-round with a long, square muzzle ending in a soft brown nose which blends in to the color of its coat. Like its coat and nose, the Vizsla’s lively, attentive eyes are also a light brown hue.  Its slightly round ears are long and hang down to the tip of their neck.  At the other end of their body is their long tail which is often docked.

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Vizslas are sweet, yet active dogs. They love playing, so they are good with children but are sometimes too much for small children. However, they need lots of exercise and activities to keep their mind active. Plus, the breed must receive training because they will become extremely disobedient and destructive otherwise. These dogs can also become easily excited and neurotic without such training. Vizslas like playing with other dogs but are unreliable around small animals because of their strong hunting instincts. They can be very stubborn, even with proper training, and will not always listen. Despite their potential faults, they are highly intelligent and are good companions for active families. 

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20-26 inches
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40-60 pounds
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General Health

Vizslas are a strong and hardy companion almost entirely free from genetic diseases.  Hip dysplasia is the most serious health concern, but it rarely occurs in the breed. The Vizsla can be expected to easily reach 15 years of age.

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Vizsla, which means “pointer” in Hungarian, originated in Hungary. The hunting breed was a likely ancestor of the Transylvania Hound and the Turkish Yellow Dog but was later mixed with the German Shorthaired Pointed.  While the breed was popular for hunting, it nearly became extinct.  Then during the Russian occupation of Hungary after World War II, the Hungarians feared their Vizslas, which were considered symbols of nobility and wealth, would be slaughtered so many of the dogs were smuggled out of the country to safety.  In fact, that is how the breed ended up in the United States.  Today, they are used as companions, hunters, and as obedience trial participants regularly.

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Vizslas are rather easy to keep looking nice. They need to be brushed, preferably once a week. Trimming their nails is another requirement for owners. The hardest part of caring for Vizslas is making sure they get plenty of exercise. They need time to run and to go for long walks. However, they need more than just physical exercise; they also need mental stimulation, including playing games or letting them do what they were bred for -  hunting. Vizslas will be happy and healthy if they get exercise but if that need is unfulfilled they will become destructive and often unstable.

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Ideal Environment

Vizslas are perfect for a bustling family. Owners must have time to spend exercising and training Vizslas. They have enormous amounts of energy and will try to release that energy in the house, so they not do well in an apartment. They need a yard or other area where they can run off-leash safely. Their lively and rambunctious attitude may not be suited for small children or the elderly. However, they do great with children and other dogs, but it is not a good idea to have small animals around them because of their strong hunting instincts.

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Vizsla Q&A

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My 6month old vizsla was purchased as a family pet (to which he is perfectly suited!) but I've noticed as he's grown that his tail was docked too short as a puppy (my inexperience perhaps but I didn't notice when I collected him at 8 weeks from the breeder). Would this disqualify us from showing him and how serious a fault is this for the breed.

This relatively common fault will not disqulify you from showing but will ensure that you regularly finish last. One option is to fashion a tail extension with playdo for use at shows. A keen judge will quickly note this fraud but most judges are less than keen.


How often should we bath our vizsla?

Never. The dirt falls off them. Just let them be outdoors a lot and let the UV do the work.


I am hoping that someone has some advice for me! Leo, our 7 month old Vizsla, has been throwing up over the past few days...probably a total of 4 times in 3 days...what could be the cause of this? He has always been a grazer eater, never really pounces on his bowl of food, but rather eats it in stages, often not finishing it. He is still drinking, running, playing, acting like himself. Just wondering why he is throwing up. Also, we have noticed lately that he is licking and biting his paws more often. When we looked closer, we noticed scabs and splitting on some of his toes, on top, underneath and in between on his webbing? What could be up? Has anyone ever had these issue with their Vizsla? Appreciating any feedback!

Assuming there is no problems with the feet, foot licking/biting is a common sign of allergies, which could also cause the vomiting. Have you changed food? What are you feeding? Has anything changed in his environment recently?


How much should an 8 week old Vizsal pup weigh?

Mine is 8 weeks old too and he weighs about 12 lbs


Can you fly an 8 week old female vizsla puppy under the seat on a commercial airline? Will she fit in the carrier?

I believe that with most airline you can look up their pet policy - depending on which on you choose. I've been looking into this as well lately and so far it seems that if the puppy stays in a carrier (which has to be put under the seat in front of you), doesnt make too much noise, and together with the carrier does not exceed 8kg, then its alright. Otherwise they will have to go in the cargo hold. Of course, having the puppy fly with you counts as your carry-on i believe.


My Vizsla has calluses on his rear feet from his outside toes rubbing his next inside toe. Is this normal?


I am about to bring home my first Vizsla puppy tomorrow and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice to give me. I've read as much as I can about them on the internet and in books, but I was hoping to get some real stories from people who have them. He will be 8 weeks tomorrow. I'm totally excited but also a little nervous since he is the first puppy my boyfriend and I have raised on our own. We have a big fenced in yard for him to play in and we love boating, camping, and exercising so we will keep him occupied with that. Any advice on potty training, crate training, and diet would be greatly appreciated! Also what is best to bathe him with at this age? Thanks!

Most def use a crate-it will save your furniture and sanity! It will be hard at first for him to adjust so be patient bc it will happen. With the potty-training, my best advice is to use the same door and if possible take him out every 2-3 hours. I still can't believe how fast our guy caught on using these techniques! Just remember he's a baby, it will take time for him to "get it". But they are smart so you will be surprised at how fast some training clicks. It is all about repetition and patience. Oh and this is the best tip I got from our local vizsla club: take an old soda can, put a few pennies in it and shake it when he is doing something naughty Ike jumping or trying to claim a space. It works like a charm! Good luck and enjoy your puppy!


im am wondering to get a vizsla but i want to know if i should. i have a child around the age of 4 years old and older children over 10 but my 4 year old has been bought up with big dogs all her life. i have a big garden and a medium-big sized house should i get one and if not what other breed should i get???

You should definitely consider the vizsla. My vizsla has to be the sweetest, calmest, smartest, and above all the best dog I have ever had. They are a little hyper as puppies, but what dog isn't my family got our dog Kobi when my brother was only a year old so your 4 year old should be fine. I would choose the vizsla over any other dog, they are amazing dogs, relatively low maintenance, and great to smuggle on the couch with, a great choice for any family.


I have a 16 year old Vizsla. He is doing great & we adore him!! He has been with us since he was 8 weeks old! Obviously he's an old pup, does well on walks, runs with our 10 year old Lab, but there is one thing that bothers him. His back legs aren't as strong as they used to be & he can no longer jump up on or down from anything. Which is ok...I can help him. My question is if I should give him a baby asprin (or regular) a day because when he does the circling of the dog bed before laying down he whimpers the entire time! It makes me so sad! He's not any meds & considering his age he is in generally good shape. Thanks!

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