This brief guide about the Vizsla dog breed covers information about Vizsla puppies, their temperament, size, Vizsla mixes, facts and physical characteristics as well as tips about food, shedding and grooming needs.
History, background and facts about the Vizsla
- Vizsla pronunciation is easy-you spell it like it reads- wizz and sla. The word is Hungarian for ‘pointer’.
- This regal dog breed originated in Hungary where it was a loyal companion to the nobles and royals. Original Vizsla contained several bloodlines like those of the Pannonian hound and yellow Turkish dog. They were trusted hunting dogs for the Magyar tribes and were originally known as the Hungarian Pointers.
- Vizsla arrived in the United States post World War II and was only recognized by the AKC in late 1960s.
- These remarkable dogs have an amazing sense of smell and limitless energy. They can run all day and quickly adapt to different environments as well as different hunting strategies.
- Docking of vizsla’s tail is mandatory in many coutries as it has a chance of getting hurt in forest brambles.
- Height and weight- Vizsla males are 56-61 cm in height and females between 52 and 57 cm. Weight is in the 20-29 kilos for males and 18-25 kg for females.
- Coat- They come in various shades of sandy or dark sandy and two distinct coat lengths. The wirehaired Vizslas are found in UK and Europe and are prohibited from AKC shows in USA. The AKC only recognizes russet gold variety for shows.
- Note that the Wirehaired Vizsla is a separate breed formed by crossing the Hungarian Vizsla and German Wirehaired pointer. In America, this breed is known as the Uplander. In addition to the same loyal temperament of the soft coated Vizsla, the wire coat breed has an adorable beard and characteristic bushy eyebrows.
Is the Vizsla right for you?
A Vizsla will fit in your household if you like Velcro dogs. These loyal, loving companions will never leave your side and will even jump into your bed as if they have equal rights. Vizslas do not like to be separated from their owner and hate being put in kennels with other dogs. This highly energetic dog needs an active owner who can match its stamina. Depending on the breeder, your purebred Vizsla puppy can cost anywhere between $1000 and $2000. Visit the official website of Vizsla America to find ethical and responsible breeders near you.
Temperament
These are balanced, intelligent and easy to train dogs having vivid temperament. Vizslas tend to have an overprotective and endearing streak. They are versatile dogs you can train to function as watch dogs or guard dogs. Once they get to know someone, they can be very friendly with them. Although Vizslas will bark at strangers, they love the company of people. So if you are an outgoing and friendly person, the Vizsla will not give you any trouble when you host get-togethers at your home. Early training and socialization will ensure that your pet gets along with kids and other family pets. These are dogs with loyal affection and mild demeanor. They are loving and personable towards their owners and will also make friends easily. Vizslas will also always remain loyal to their family.
Training your Vizsla
There is a big difference in training an adult Vizsla and a Vizsla puppy. Early training between 8-10 weeks of age is the most effective since the puppy is like a sponge. Start training your Vizsla as soon as you bring him home. The great thing about this dog breed is that it learns quickly and is also eager to please you. Housebreaking the puppy involves letting him know that it isn’t okay to void indoors. Show him where he can defecate and clean up after him. Potty training and leash training should go hand in hand. Even if you have a large yard, it is imperative to place the pup on leash and take him out for its business. This way, your pet will associate leash with walks and walks with the opportunity to relieve itself. Dogs that are not taught to relieve themselves on their walks will come home and do that which beats the entire purpose of the walk. Here are some more tips on training your Vizsla:
- Treats and rewards are good for training but do not rely on them solely; also use your voice and authority.
- Crate training is useful since all dogs love a secure, den like atmosphere when resting.
- Make sure your puppy has your entire attention when you teach him basic commands like sit, fetch, roll over etc.
Exercise
Vizsla is one of the dog breeds that need plenty of exercise. If they don’t get adequate exercise, they won’t hesitate to turn your entire house into a playground. Make it a point to exercise your pet twice a day. Thirty minute walks two times a day are best; you could also play with your pet indoors. Combine training and exercise to make things more effective.
Food
Feed your Vizsla the highest quality dog food. You can research good quality dry, wet, and semi moist foods. Talk to your breeder or your vet about the right food at different life stages. This is a large dog breed that grows rapidly; so take care not to overfeed in order to prevent obesity. Food portions differ from pet to pet and owners must be aware of their dog’s temperament and eating habits.
Grooming
The Vizsla’s solid rust colored coat is low maintenance; ideal for dog owners who dislike heavy duty grooming and maintenance. Their hair is soft and short, not dense. Whether you have a wire-coated or smooth coated variety; thorough brushing with a soft brush is all you need to eliminate the need for frequent bathing. Regular grooming sessions are also a good way to spend time with your dog. Many dogs love being brushed as they enjoy the attention and the routine. Inspect your pet’s ears for mites regularly. Also trim the toenails and ensure there is no unhealthy discharge from his/her eyes. Thankfully, this breed is not as prone to dental tartar as much as other breeds. Still, you must brush your pet’s teeth regularly.
Health issues
Vizslas are generally healthy and can live up to 13-14 years. There are a few genetic issues this breed is predisposed to including hip dysplasia, cataracts and epilepsy. As with humans, detecting problems early on will aid in the treatment.
