Vizsla
Also called: Hungarian Pointer, Hungarian Vizsla
A lean, rust-gold pointing dog from Hungary, known for a close, affectionate bond with its owner and a soft temperament.
- Type
- Pointing Breeds
- Hunts
- Upland birds
- Weight
- 44 to 60 pounds
- Height
- 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 10 to 14 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth, solid rust to golden coat with little undercoat
- Energy
- Very high energy
- Cold and water
- Poor. The thin coat and little body fat give little protection in cold weather.
What it is best at
- Pointing pheasants, quail, and grouse in open to moderate cover.
- Hunters who want a close-working dog that stays near.
- Retrieving from water in mild weather.
Temperament
- Affectionate, sensitive, and very attached to its people.
- Energetic and needs lots of exercise.
- Can suffer from separation anxiety.
Things to know before you get one
- Needs hard daily exercise and company.
- The thin coat needs a jacket in cold weather.
- Sensitive to harsh correction.
Training and exercise
Vizslas respond to patient, positive training and shut down under harsh methods. Start early, socialize widely, and keep them busy. A well-exercised Vizsla is a calm house dog, and an unexercised one is a handful.
Common health concerns
- Hip dysplasia, which breeders screen for.
- Epilepsy, allergies, and cancers in some lines.
- Cold injuries from the thin coat.
Ask breeders for health testing records, and talk to a veterinarian about screening, vaccines, and tick and heartworm prevention.
Often compared with
- German Shorthaired Pointer: tougher in cold and water, and larger, with a liver and white coat.
- Weimaraner: similar short coat and build, but silver-gray and larger.
Field notes
Vizslas are often called Velcro dogs because they stick close to their owners. In the field they hunt close, which suits hunters who walk their own cover.
Related guides
This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or training advice. Dogs vary individually, so meet the parents and talk to experienced owners before you choose. Rules about hunting with dogs, releasing dogs on public land, and dog training seasons differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.