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Hungarian Vizsla breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts

A Hungarian Vizsla stood with his head tilted to one side looking intently at the camera on a woodland path

Breed guide overview

About Hungarian Vizslas

Temperament

Exercise

Grooming

Training

Diet

Health

Hungarian Vizsla breed facts

About the Hungarian Vizsla breed

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.

Weight, height and life expectancy

Vizslas are medium-sized dogs with a sleek and muscular build. They have an average height of 54 to 62cm and weigh between 20 and 30kg.

They live on average 10 to 14 years, although the oldest recorded Vizsla lived to 20 years old.

Rudi Hungarian Vizsla

What is the temperament of a Hungarian Vizsla 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.

Our Hungarian Vizsla Community

Bailey the Hungarian Vizsla

“Very chilled at home, likes to sleep on the sofa and sneak onto bed with you at night He loves his tummy being rubbed and loves a drive in the car. He also likes to play, often stealing a slipper or shoe.”

Bailey’s owner, Sarah from Sussex

Teddy the Hungarian Vizsla

“He is very loving, intelligent (occasionally) and lots of fun. He needs lots of fuss and attention, but he’s very handsome so people love to say hello to him. He is a gentle dog, loves meeting other people and dogs and treats & chews.”

Teddy’s owner, David from Tyne and Wear

How much exercise does a Hungarian Vizsla 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. They can increase exercise levels until skeletal maturity at between 18 and 24 months. Always supervise their playtime and provide a safe environment.

Your vet can advise on the exercise needs of your individual pooch.

Need an extra hand exercising your Hungarian Vizsla? Find a local borrower today.

Jasper the Hungarian Vizsla

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, 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.

Want to experience spending time with a Hungarian Vizsla to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Hungarian Vizsla near you.

Ari the Hungarian Vizsla

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. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, as Vizslas can be prone to weight gain.

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.

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

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

Cancer

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

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.

Vet top tip

Ensure your Vizsla gets adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviours. Vizslas are high-energy, intelligent dogs that thrive on activities like long walks, running, or interactive games.

Illustration of a 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.

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