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Vizsla Dog Breed Introduction
Vizsla ( also referred to as Hungarian Vizsla) is a medium-sized dog from Hungary that was bred to work as a retriever and pointer. They make great companion dogs that easily form bonds with their owners, children, and even strangers. Vizslas are velcro dogs that will whine or cry when they feel unhappy or neglected. Often, they are mistaken for Weimaraners, Redbone Coonhounds, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. A Vizsla is single-coated hence unsuitable for outdoor living.
Vizsla History
A Vizsla was descended from the dogs of Magyar people who settled in Hungary more than a 1000 years ago. The Magyar were known for their toughness, speed, and agility which they carefully bred into their horses and dogs. In the long run, the dogs were developed to both retrieve and point.
The progenitors of modern Vizslas have survived Hungarian Revolution (1848), Turkish occupation (1526 to 1696), World War I and II as well as the Hungarian People’s Republic. Although, these dogs survived and faced several near-extinctions including being overrun by German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers.
After World War II, a careful search of the Hungary revealed only about a dozen Vizslas of the true type survived in the country. From the minimal stock, the breed gradually rose to prominence. In 1950, the first Vizsla arrived in the USA after it was smuggled out of a Communist Hungary with the help of a United State Department employee. AKC officially recognized Vizslas in November 1960.
Vizsla Lifespan | Life Expectancy
According to AKC, Vizslas have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years although some may live up to the age of 15 years. It was reported that the oldest living Vizsla had a life expectancy of 21 years.
Vizsla Grooming | Grooming Brush
A Vizsla has a short, sleek, and dense coat that lacks an undercoat. This is a self-cleaning breed that requires minimal grooming products. Vizslas also have little doggy odor. To keep the coat looking healthy and glossy, use a hound glove, rubber curry brush, or a soft-bristled brush to remove loose hair, dirt, and evenly distribute the natural oils present on the coat.
A bath in 6 to 8 weeks will do unless the dog rolls in something smelly. Before bathing the dog, brush the coat to remove dirt and dead hair. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo, conditioner, and lukewarm water. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products to prevent skin irritation. Overly grown nails are painful for a Vizsla while running or walking. If the nails don’t naturally worn-out, clip them twice a month using nail clippers.
As with any breed that has floppy ears, weekly ear cleaning using cotton balls and ear cleanser solution is recommended. Check out for odor, redness, and dark discharge that are signs of dog’s ear infection. Wipe the face using a clean damp washcloth since the eyes easily get irritated with soapy water. Brush the teeth twice a week if not daily using a canine formulated toothpaste and finger toothbrush.
Vizsla Shedding
A Vizsla sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round. However, the hair maybe more noticeable during spring and/or fall. Weekly brushing is recommended to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Vizsla Coat
A Vizsla is a single-coated breed that has no wooly undercoat. The coat is short, dense, smooth, and close-lying. They are not suitable for living outdoors since they lack an undercoat. Pet parents are advised to purchase a jacket or coat to keep the dog warm during winter.
Vizsla Hypoallergenic
According to AKC and dog experts, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dog breeds. However, they are many dog breeds that are less allergenic for people with allergies. Nearly hypoallergenic dogs have non-shedding coat that produces less dander. A Vizsla sheds and low to moderate levels throughout the year. They also lack an undercoat and are likely to produce less dander as compared to other medium-sized breeds. Dog’s dander, saliva, urine, hair, and mucus trigger allergic inflammation in people who suffer from allergies. Therefore, a Vizsla is not hypoallergenic. However, some consider it hypoallergenic. This is in a case where a person who suffer from dog allergies is particularly not affected by a Vizsla.
Vizsla Training | Training Tips | Training Secrets
Vizsla dogs are curious and intelligent dogs making them trainable. They need positive training and consistency starting in puppyhood. Pet parents need to establish solid communication and teach good behavior since they are sometimes manipulative. Although, they love training and thrive on the attention that they receive. This is a sensitive breed that needs early socialization from the age of 3 to 16 weeks which should be ongoing to ensure the dog has the confidence to enjoy various activities.
Socialization training may take various forms including exposing your pet to a wide variety of places, situations, people, animals, experiences, surfaces, sights, smell, and sounds like lawn mowers, washing machine, sirens, whistles, and vacuum cleaners. Puppy classes also serve as a form of socialization and enable the owner to identify and correct bad habits like growling when someone approaches the food bowl.
Teach basic command words like sit, come, lie down, wait, no, leave it, etc. one at a time to avoid confusion. Clicker training also comes in handy with obedience training. This is the kind of training that is marked by a sound once the dog completes a certain command. It is often accompanied with a treat. Vizsla thrive on positive training methods such as the use of treats, praise, and toys. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, punching, shoving, kicking, beating, and use of choke or prong collars since this is a sensitive breed. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and exciting especially for puppies since they easily get bored. However, the duration of the training session will increase as the dog grows older.
Crate training is recommended to help with housebreaking. It also reduces the severity of separation anxiety. A Crate trains a dog to be confident to stay alone for a while. This device should be made appealing through the use of treats, favorite toys, and praise. Make it comfortable by lining it with a blanket. While in the house, always leave the door open so that a Vizsla will understand that staying in the crate is not a forced experience. Rather, it is a safe place where it should retreat to.
While letting the dog off the crate, don’t make a fuss about it. For effective potty training, take a Vizsla to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, following naps, after an exciting activity like a car ride or playtime, every 2 to 3 hours, and before bedtime. Remember to watch out for signs that a pooch wants to eliminate including whining, circling, squatting, etc.
Vizsla Temperament | Traits
- Loyal.
- Affectionate.
- Caring.
- Sensitive.
- Energetic.
- Intelligent.
- Curious.
- Athletic.
- Loving.
- Lively.
Vizsla Exercise
Initially bred as active hunting dogs, Vizsla needs both mental and physical exercise. Generally, Vizslas should have a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Although, this may vary by individual dog’s needs. Form of exercise for this breed include games of fetch, leash walks, and running hard-off leash in a secured yard on a daily basis. These dogs also make great jogging or running companions. However, puppies below the age of 18 months are not allowed to run for longer distances.
Vizsla Barking
A Vizsla will bark at a stranger if it feels the pack space is invaded. It is a vocal dog that makes a great guard dog when trained. When feeling neglected or unhappy, a Vizsla will cry or whine.
Vizsla Growling
Growling is a form of dog’s communication to give a warning when someone invades their space. A Vizsla growls when it is tired or sleeping on a bed or couch and don’t want to move. Growling when personal space is invaded or when someone approaches the food should be discouraged when the puppy is still young.
Vizsla Height
A female Vizsla has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 53 to 61 cm) while its male counterpart has a height of 22 to 25 inches ( approx. 56 to 64 cm).
Vizsla Weight
Male vizslas have a weight of 45 to 66 pounds ( approx. 20 to 30 kg ) while their female counterparts have a weight of 40 to 55 pounds ( approx. 18 to 25 kg).
Vizsla Size
A Vizsla is a medium sized hunting dog. Although, a male dog of this breed is slightly bigger as compared to the female counterpart. A male Vizsla has a height of 22 to 25 inches ( approx. 56 to 64 cm) and a weight of 45 to 66 pounds ( approx. 20 to 30 kg ) while a female Vizsla has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 53 to 61 cm) and a weight of 40 to 55 pounds ( approx. 18 to 25 kg).
Vizsla Aggression
Generally, Vizslas are non-aggressive dogs that quickly form bonds with children, their owners, and even strangers. Although, some may bark at strangers and dogs if they feel they are invading the pack space.
Vizsla Bite Force
It has been reported that a Vizsla has a bite force of 200 Psi.
Vizsla Biting
A Vizsla pup may be prone to biting and nipping as it plays, explores it surroundings, and when teething. Puppy biting may seem adorable but not for long after the dog matures into a medium-sized pooch with serious biting issues. Therefore, pet parents should curb biting before it develops into a habit through bite inhibition training and redirection.
Vizsla Separation Anxiety
Described as velcro dogs, Vizslas suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long hours. They are suitable for homes that have at least one person who remains behind to train and exercise this pooch. Crate training also helps in reducing the severity of separation anxiety as it teaches a dog to be confident in staying alone. When left alone for long hours, Vizslas become destructive and bored.
Vizsla Hair Loss
Vizslas experience normal hair loss at low to moderate levels all-year round known as shedding. Other causes of hair loss in this breed include Sebaceous adenitis, hypothyroidism, Demodex mange, allergies, hormonal changes, and stress due to separation anxiety.
Vizsla Ear Infection | Ear Problems
These dogs have long floppy ears that hang close to the cheeks protecting the ear canal against dirt or debris. However, floppy ears inhibit air circulation in the ear canal creating a dark moist environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive if the ears are irregularly cleaned. Other causes of ear infections in Vizslas include ear mites, excess dirt, wax, or debris, yeast imbalances, hypothyroidism, injury to the ear canal, moisture accumulation, and excessive cleaning.
A Vizsla is predisposed to three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is the inflammation to the cells located in the external ear. If left unattended, the inflammation spreads to the cells located in the middle and internal ear canal. Media and interna otitis refer to the inflammation of the cells in the middle ear and inner ear canal respectively. These infections cause deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs such as disorientation, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Symptoms manifested by a Vizsla that is suffering from an ear infection include a dark discharge, redness, walking in circles, rubbing the affected ear against the surface, pain, head shaking, swelling of the ear canal, and odor.
Vizsla Eye Problems
Some of the eye problems that affect Vizslas include:
Entropion – this is an eye condition that results to the inward growth of the eyelids making the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It may also result to bacterial eye infection.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA) in Vizslas is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells resulting to progressive blindness over a period of months or years.
Cataracts – A Vizsla that is suffering from cataracts has cloudy and white eye lens such that the light cannot reach the retina causing loss of vision.
Distichiasis – This is an eye problem that results from the growth of extra eyelashes that grow on unusual area of the eyelid.
Vizsla Health Issues
Generally, Vizslas are a healthy breed. However, localized breeding programs have led to heritable diseases in some offspring such as cancer, Sebaceous adenitis, canine epilepsy, and Hip dysplasia. Other health issues that a Vizsla may suffer from include eye disorders like cataracts, dwarfism, hypothyroidism, skin and food allergies, tricuspid valve dysplasia, persistent right aortic arch, and lymphosarcoma.
Vizsla Names
The next best thing that a pet parent engages in after adopting a Vizsla from a responsible breeder, is getting a name for the fur baby. Names may be inspired by the Hungary origin, personality of the dog, coat color, nature, historical figures, celebrities, movies, songs, pop culture, food, etc.
Regardless of the name that you will choose, ensure that if freely rolls of your tongue and won’t make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in public places. Vizslas and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels.
Giving your dog a name that rhymes with the command words could create confusion. If a Vizsla has a long name, find a cute nickname for it. If a family member or friends who frequent your home share a name with your pet it may be a source of confusion.
Vizsla Names Female
- Ada.
- Alexa.
- Tata.
- Coco.
- Penny.
- Empress.
- Sage.
- Rose.
- Amber.
- Bala.
- Missy, etc.
Vizsla Seizures| Seizure
A Vizsla is predisposed to seizures due to localized breeding programs. Seizures (convulsions or fits) refer to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain which is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Causes of seizures in dogs are categorized into three; primary, reactive, and secondary seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary and the most common in Vizslas although the cause is unknown. Therefore, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures. Secondary seizures are caused by trauma to the brain, brain tumor, or stroke.
Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a problem with the metabolism. Causes of reactive seizures include low blood sugar, toxins, or organ failure. A seizure may last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. When a dog is experiencing seizure, put nothing in its mouth. This pose as a risk to you and your pet. Symptoms manifested by a dog that is suffering from seizures include disorientation, loss of consciousness, stiffening of the muscle, urination or defecation, foaming mouth, staring, and hiding after an episode.
Vizsla Names Boys
- Gus.
- Wyatt.
- Max.
- Nando.
- Otto.
- Buda.
- Billy.
- Simba.
- Pluto.
- Victor, etc.
Vizsla Breeding | Heat Cycle | Mating
The heat cycle of Vizslas lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. This process will recur after every 6 months. Generally, Vizslas dam are considered late bloomers that experience they heat cycle from the age of 11 to 12 months. Although, some may go on a heat season at the age of 8 months and others as late as the one-year mark.
Intact Vizslas may get pregnant even in their teens since they typically don’t experience menopause. Some of the signs that a dam manifests while on a heat cycle includes; a Bloody discharge, swollen vulva, increased urination, tail flagging, moody swings, and changes in eating habits.
Before breeding a potential Vizsla dam and sire, check their pedigree to ensure that they are not related. It is also recommended to screen the dogs for epilepsy, hip dysplasia, cancer, entropion, Sebaceous adenitis, dwarfism, tricuspid valve dysplasia, persistent right aortic arch, and lymphosarcoma. Wait until a dam is 2 years old before breeding her. This will allow it to emotionally and physically develop to take care of the puppies. An aggressive dam should not be bred since the puppies will likely be fearful or aggressive.
Vizsla Litter
Following conception, a Vizsla dam has a gestation period of 63 days. During birth, the mother may whelp a litter size of 6 to 7 puppies.
Vizsla Running | Speed
Vizslas have a running speed of 40 miles per hour ( approx. 64 km/h ).
Vizsla Harness | Collar
A collar is recommended for a dog that has is less likely to pull while on leash. A Harness is a preferred accessory for a pooch that has a high-prey drive and is likely to pull on leash. Naturally, Vizslas are hunters with a great ability to retrieve and point. Therefore, they are likely to pull while on leash. A Harness is therefore, preferred for walking this dog. Although, a few pet parents may tend to use a prong collar to yank the dog when it pulls instead of having a dog suffocating from pulling the whole walk. Most of dog owners are against using a prong collar since it inflicts pain on the dog. Pet parents may use a flat collar to hold the ID and Rabies tag. A Harness will be used to attach a leash.
Viszla Feeding Guide
The amount of food that Vizslas dogs feeds on depend on their weight, size, metabolism, age, and the level of activity. A full-grown Vizsla weighs 44 to 60 pounds. Therefore, it needs a total of 1059 to 1334 calories a day. Below the age of 6 months, a Vizsla pup should feed 3 or 4 times a day. From the age of 6 months, two meals will do. For proper development and growth, a puppy should not skip meals while growing up.
Vizsla Food | Dog Food
Depending on the time and budget of a dog owner, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of a Vizsla based on age and activity level.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your pet is to take them to the vet to be informed about their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog. If you can see your dog’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If a dog parent cannot feel the ribs of the Vizslas under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get a Vizsla from a breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food with old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your pooch with the same amount of the new food and old food.
On the third week feed your pet with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For a pet parent who wants to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Vizsla Neck Size
A Vizsla has a neck size of 15 to 22 inches ( approx. 38 to 56 cm).
Apart from Vizsla, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Vizsla Colors | Coat Colors
The required coat color for Vizslas is the various shades of white Golden Rust. It is common to find these dogs with lighter shades on the shoulders and neck giving a saddle appearance. Small white markings are permissible on the neck, fore-chest, or tail.
Vizsla Allergies
A Vizsla maybe prone to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergy – This allergy is caused by environmental, contact, and food allergies.
Contact allergies – Vizslas have a short, smooth, and single-layered coat that is likely to be more vulnerable to contact and environmental allergies. Some of the contact allergens that may affect a Vizsla include plastics, medications, grooming products like shampoos, carpet cleaning detergents, latex, bed linens, and lawn chemicals. Commonly affected body parts include around the muzzle, paws, and belly sides.
Food allergies – although rare, a Vizsla also suffers from a true food allergy that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin conditions issues and gastrointestinal stress.
Environmental allergies – Flea’s saliva causes flea allergy dermatitis that affects cause excessive scratching until the skin around the bite area is raw. If left untreated, it may cause secondary skin infections. Other environmental allergens that affect Vizslas include grass, pollen, trees, mites, dust and dust mites, ragweed, and house molds. Signs of environmental allergies include a runny nose, swollen eyes, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, ears, around the eyes, groin, muzzle, belly sides, and underarms.
Vizsla Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in a Vizsla are caused by food allergies, contact, and environmental allergies. True food allergies result in hives, crusting lesions, dermatitis, etc. Environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis. A condition that results in reddened rashes, hives, and lesions. Common affected body parts include the belly sides, underarms, groin, muzzle, paws, and feet.
Vizsla Food Allergies
As earlier discussed, a true food allergy causes an immune response. Although rare, a Vizsla may also be affected by food allergies that are accompanied with a wide range of symptoms ranging from skin issues (lesions, facial swelling, pruritus, dermatitis, hot spots, and hives) symptoms to gastrointestinal stress including acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Food intolerance may also affect a Vizsla although it doesn’t result in an immune response. It occurs as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of a pooch. Food intolerance is far more common as compared to food allergies. Some of the ingredients that cause food intolerance include eggs, milk, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, preservatives, chemicals, additives, turkey, corn, soy, wheat, etc.
Symptoms manifested by a Vizsla that is suffering from food intolerance include poor skin and coat, foot infections, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, loss of appetite, and itchiness. Vizslas owners should work along with the vet to manage the symptoms while also finding the offending ingredient through elimination method.
Vizsla Eyes | Eyes Color
It has medium sized eyes that are brown in color.
Vizsla Ears
A Vizsla has droppy ears that hang close to the cheeks. The ears are slicky, thin, and proportionately long.
Vizsla Tail
AKC prefers a Vizsla show dog to have a docked tail, two-thirds of its original length. However, docking for cosmetic reasons is opposed by the American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. The UK Kennel Club permits a Vizsla to have both a natural and docked tail.
At rest, a Vizsla holds the tail horizontal to the ground. While charging through rough undergrowth and rough scrub, the tail is wagged vigorously.
The docked tail of this breed is significantly longer than other dogs that have a traditionally docked tail including the Doberman, Australian Shepherd, Boxer, and Weimaraner. This has been attributed to early docking before the pup is 3 days old.
Vizsla Teeth
A Vizsla pup is whelped with no teeth. The puppy teeth will start growing from the age of 3 weeks. The teeth may continue to grow until the age of 12 weeks when the pup has a total of 28 deciduous teeth. Most Vizsla parents have reported that Vizslas start losing their puppy teeth from the age of 6 months. At the age of 11 months, majority pups have all their pup teeth. As the Adult teeth starts growing in, regular teeth cleaning is recommended at least twice a week if not daily. Use a canine tasty toothpaste and a finger toothbrush to remove excess tartar buildup. Irregular teeth cleaning leads to bad breathe and periodontal diseases.
Vizsla Smell
A Vizsla has little doggy odor. This is also a self-cleaning dog that only needs to be bathed when they roll into something stinky.
Are Vizsla Hypoallergenic
No. Although a Vizsla has a shedding coat that sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round. Shedding spreads dander and hair around the house. Dog’s hair, dander, urine, saliva, and mucus trigger allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Vizslas Smart
Yes, a Vizsla is a smart and curious dog which makes it highly trainable.
Are Vizslas Aggressive
No. A Vizsla is a friendly and non-aggressive dog that quickly forms a bond with its owner, children, and surprisingly even strangers. However, some Vizslas will bark at strangers when their pack space is invaded.
Vizsla Quick Fcats
- A Vizsla has a significantly longer tail than other dogs with traditional docked tails like Doberman.
- Naturally, Vizslas make great hunters with a great retrieving and pointing ability.
- They are velcro dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long hours.
