THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A VIZSLA

Vizslas are beautiful and energetic dogs that are growing in popularity in North America. If you’re considering adding a Vizsla to your household, you’re likely wanting to know everything you can about the breed’s characteristics.

Our Vizsla, Gus, turned six recently and I thought I’d share some of things I think are important to know before one joins your family.

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Find more info in my privacy policy.

VIZSLA OVERVIEW

Also known as the Hungarian Pointer, Vizslas are a medium-sized versatile gun dog. As the name suggests, they were the go-to breed for Hungarian nobles and warlords, but their history goes back as far as medieval times in European history.

Modern-day Vizslas are energetic, affectionate, capable hunters, and great family companions. They are extremely loyal and affectionate and are always eager to please their humans.

VIZSLAS ARE HUNTERS AND ATHLETES

The roots of the Vizsla breed go back to their role as ancient hunting companions and those instincts and tendencies run deep. Today, they are still put to work as capable and versatile hunting companions who track, point, and retrieve. They are bred to hunt close to and bond tightly with their humans.  

These instincts translate into a strong prey drive, a high energy level, and a need to be close to their owner. While these can be positive characteristics, it is important to consider their need for regular exercise, training, having a job to do, and a high level of human-dog interaction.

Vizslas are (more than) happy to cuddle up with their humans at the end of the day, but they are not couch potatoes and need regular physical and mental stimulation to have a happy and fulfilled life. They can also tend toward separation and other forms of anxiety if they are not having their needs met.

AFFECTIONATE IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

Speaking of the dog-human bond, Vizslas take the term “velcro” to a whole new level. They literally cannot get close enough and I’m sure would climb right inside your skin if they could.

This affection is great if snuggling up with an oversized lap dog sounds like a good time to you. They are incredibly sweet and expressive and you’ll never be left wondering if they love you.

But, if you tend to like personal space and are easily overstimulated by touch, a Vizsla might not be the best choice for you. They’ll take it personally if you push them away.

VIZSLAS NEED A JOB TO DO

As with most high-energy, purpose-bred dog breeds, Vizslas benefit from having an outlet for focusing their instincts. Even if you don’t plan on hunting with them, there are plenty of jobs you can give them to provide mental and physical stimulation and enrichment.

Consider dog sports like agility, fly ball, dock diving, scent work, or barn hunts. Obedience and trick training are also great options.

Again, anything that provides an opportunity for them to interact and bond with their humans will be especially beneficial.

MENTAL STIMULATION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS EXERCISE

While physical exercise is super important for Vizslas, you’ll also want to make sure you provide plenty of mental stimulation as well. A bored dog is a bad dog, after all.

Mental stimulation can come in many forms:

• The freedom to freely sniff and explore new environments.
• Brain games such as hide and seek, treat searches, etc.
• Food-based enrichment such as puzzles, lick mats, snuffle mats, scatter feeding, etc.
• Advanced training such as tricks, obstacles, learning names of toys, etc.

READ MORE: CANINE ENRICHMENT FOR HIGH ENGERY DOGS

VIZSLAS MAKE GREAT ADVENTURE COMPANIONS

Because of their energy levels and endurance, Vizslas are a great option for those looking to hike, bike, run, backpack, paddle, or hunt with a sidekick. They have no problem keeping up. Sports such as canicross or skijoring are also fun options and will keep you both active and in shape.

Vizslas are generally quite trainable. With a little time and patience, they can learn how to behave in various environments with little trouble. The most important thing is to ensure you’re exposing them to new activities in a positive and gentle way to avoid fear-based responses in these sensitive dogs.

READ MORE: TEN COMMANDS TO TEACH YOUR ADVENTURE DOG

POSTIVE TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION IS KEY WITH VIZSLAS

Speaking of training, it is crucial to engage in structured and intentional training with Vizslas. Not only will it help to set expectations and funnel their instincts in a positive way, it will give them more confidence in various situations. An untrained Vizsla can be prone to anxiety, bad behaviours, and destructive tendencies.

Vizslas are typically sensitive and will respond best to positive training that focuses on creating understanding and effective communication between dog and handler. It is easy to hurt their feelings and harsh training methods will likely do more harm than good.

Their sensitive nature also means you’ll want to ensure gentle and positive socialization is a central part of their lives early on. This will help them become confident and curious rather than fearful and reactive.

VIZSLAS HAVE PERSONALITY FOR DAYS

Vizslas are sweet, affectionate, inquisitive, quirky, and fun. They’re smart and definitely have a mind of their own. Once you develop a bond and understanding between the two of you, the level of communication they can achieve is actually mind boggling. I often feel like Gus can speak fluent English and understands me even when I talk in full, rambling sentences.

If you’re looking for a dog who you can interact with, form a bond with, and do things with, a Vizsla fits the bill. Of course, the flip side of this is that they do require a lot of attention and meaningful interaction from their humans in order to have their needs met.

VIZSLAS NEVER OUTGROW THE PUPPY PHASE

Further to the points above, their inquisitive nature and energy levels can make it seem like Vizslas never get out of the puppy phase. While they are highly trainable, they also stay very curious and energetic even into old age which will keep you on your toes. Gus is six and still torments his sister, runs zoomies, and demands games of fetch daily.

---

Vizslas can be a great addition to any household as long as you are prepared to accommodate their unique breed characteristics. If you’re looking for an energetic, affectionate, and funny companion to join your life, a Vizsla might just be the perfect fit!

READ MORE: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER