Hungarian Vizsla at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 53–64 cm
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Hungarian Vizsla right for you?
Like every breed, the Hungarian Vizsla is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Hungarian Vizsla fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is an elegant, moderately boned gundog with a short russet-gold coat and a noble head and carriage. It is typically lively, athletic and affectionate, loves to be busy and enjoys being involved in everything going on at home.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
There is evidence that the Vizsla was used in falconry on the central plains of Hungary as far back as the 14th century. Its fine, slightly greasy coat suited work in the high temperatures of the plains.
In the late 19th century, some of the dwindling population were mated with pointing dogs. Many Vizslas were destroyed during the World Wars, but refugees from Hungary took their dogs with them, and the breed was rebuilt from that stock.
Hungarian Vizsla temperament
Vizslas are usually sociable, friendly and very people-focused, and they form strong bonds with their families. They like to stay close to their owners, which has earned them the nickname "Velcro dogs". They are sensitive dogs that enjoy being active and learning new things, and some can be naturally protective of their family.
Because they love company, they often suffer from separation anxiety and are happiest with someone around for most of the day. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they often get bored and may take it out on furniture and belongings. Barking varies: some owners find them fairly quiet, while others say they like the sound of their own voice.
Size and appearance
The Vizsla is a large breed. Adults typically stand 53–64 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 20–30 kg.
The coat is short and fine, with no undercoat, so Vizslas can feel the cold easily. The only breed standard colour is russet gold.
How much exercise does a Hungarian Vizsla need?
Vizslas are high-energy dogs that need at least two hours of exercise every day, whatever the weather. Split this into several walks with plenty of time to run off-lead in a secure area, and include at least one long walk somewhere interesting to sniff.
On top of that, they need training and puzzle games to keep their brains busy. Many enjoy retrieving games on land and in water, and they often do well at sports such as agility. They are big water lovers, so dry them off quickly after a swim. Like most gundogs, they are not well suited to urban life and need space indoors and out.
Training a Hungarian Vizsla
Vizslas are clever and eager to please, so they often pick up training quickly, including unwanted habits. They still need a lot of effort, motivation and consistency, and their energy and strong personality mean they are usually not suitable for first-time owners.
- Use positive, reward-based training from an early age, and keep it fun.
- Socialise your puppy with lots of people, dogs and experiences so it grows into a confident adult.
- Work on a reliable recall, as exciting distractions such as squirrels can cause sudden deafness.
- Consider accredited training classes if you need extra guidance.
- Give them a job, such as dog sports or activities, so they have an outlet for their talents.
Hungarian Vizsla grooming
The short coat is low maintenance. A weekly brush is usually enough, and a bath is rarely needed unless they roll in something unpleasant. Check for lumps, bumps and injuries picked up in undergrowth. Vizslas do shed, but most owners keep on top of it with regular vacuuming.
Living with a Hungarian Vizsla
Vizslas are very people-orientated and playful, and they usually get on well with older children who can play with them. They are not recommended for homes with very young children, because they are boisterous and bouncy and might knock them over by accident. Learn to read your dog's body language so you can step in before a situation becomes stressful.
They usually get along with other dogs if well socialised, but they have a high prey drive, so living with smaller pets is not advised. Some get on with a cat they have grown up with. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Hungarian Vizsla health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Purina describes the Vizsla as a generally healthy breed, but some conditions are recognised in it. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Vizsla will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.
Elbow dysplasia
The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.
Glaucoma
A painful condition in which pressure builds up inside the eye. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing, including gonioscopy for pectinate ligament abnormality, under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Entropion
The eyelids turn inwards, causing irritation and pain.
Epilepsy
A brain disorder that causes seizures.
Vizsla inflammatory polymyopathy
An inherited condition that causes difficulty swallowing, drooling and muscle wastage around the head.
Autoimmune conditions and cancers
Vizslas may be prone to autoimmune conditions, where the body reacts against itself, and to certain cancers.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Hungarian Vizsla home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Hungarian Vizsla cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Hungarian Vizsla home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Hungarian Vizsla
If you have decided the Hungarian Vizsla suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Hungarian Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Hungarian Vizslas looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Hungarian Vizsla adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Hungarian Vizsla FAQs
Is the Hungarian Vizsla good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Hungarian Vizsla live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Hungarian Vizsla need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Hungarian Vizsla shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Hungarian Vizsla need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Hungarian Vizsla easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Hungarian Vizsla be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Hungarian Vizsla bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Hungarian Vizsla good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Hungarian Vizsla live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Hungarian Vizsla get?
Adults typically stand 53–64 cm at the shoulder and weigh 20–30 kg.