An adventurous Vizsla named Whiskey became a social media sensation after traveling around the world with her owners and posing in exotic locations. The owner of a 6-year-old pooch loves to travel with her owner, Adele Ng, of Vancouver, Canada. They started a few years ago, an Instagram account, @mywhiskeygirl, and the page has since accumulated more than 130,000 followers. Whiskey’s page shows fantastic photos of her atop mountains with a backpack and exploring lakes and logs with Adele.
Vizsla
In Hungary, there’s an old saying that goes- “If you own a Vizsla, it lives on top of your head.” Often labeled as “Velcro dogs”, Vizslas are like the James Bond of dog breeds – elegant, beautiful, and originally designed for adventure.
Country of Origin
Hungary
Breed Group
Sporting
Height
Male 23-27 In
Female 21-24 In
Weight
Male 45-66 Ib
Female 44-55 Ib
Life Span
12-15 years
In a Nutshell
The high-energy Vizsla won’t settle for a simple stroll around the block. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to break a sweat, a Vizsla might just be your ideal sidekick. But they’re not just brawn – these doggy Einsteins are incredibly smart. They’re up for all sorts of doggy challenges, from hunting to agility, obedience, and even rally. Vizslas live for attention, exercise, and interaction.
Life With a Vizsla
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The Vizsla is a distinguished-looking, short-coated hunting dog. They are robust and muscular yet slim and lightly built. They are often confused with Redbone Coonhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Weimaraners. A distinguishing feature is the Vizsla’s nose, which is reddish in color and blends with its golden red or russet coat. Any other color is another breed. Their eye and nail color also blend with the color of their fur. Their ears are silky and long, and they can appear razor-focused and intense when on the hunt but sensitive and loving at home. The Vizsla is a hunter by nature with an incredible nose and memory. Their body structure, such as their pointed nose, enables them to be excellent pointers. In addition, their outstanding trainability and speed make them ideal retrievers.
Vizslas are the Energizer bunnies of the dog world; they need loads of daily off-leash exercise even as they grow older. A fenced yard is like their personal playground! Since they’re generally gentle souls, socialization is key, especially when they’re pups, and it’s a lifelong journey. Their intelligence can lead to mischief if left to their own devices for too long. They crave action, whether it’s hunting, agility, rally, doggy fashion shows, or just a good old game of fetch!
Being part of the family is a full-time job. They’re versatile, adaptable, and best suited to living indoors with their human buddies. Vizslas aren’t your typical “kennel material”; they prefer the cozy comforts of home. With their brilliant minds, you might need to stock up on chewy toys, or they’ll choose their own (and your shoes won’t stand a chance). Your Vizsla is likely to make noise and this will depend on their individual personality and training. Some owners say Vizslas are fairly quiet, but others say they like the sound of their voices. As long as you’re giving your dog enough exercise, mental stimulation, and not leaving them alone for long periods this will help keep barking to a minimum.
A tip from a vet
As a lively and energetic breed with keen hunting instincts, the Vizsla often encounters wild animals during walks or in the yard, including snakes, hedgehogs, and porcupines. While exploring the outdoors, these encounters can sometimes lead to minor injuries such as bites or the penetration of porcupine spines. It's crucial to remain vigilant in such situations. Additionally, Vizslas may become so focused on potential prey in the distance that they can easily wander onto busy roads, making it essential to exercise caution when walking them off-leash.
A tip from a trainer
Vizslas are eager to please and learn quickly. Consistent, positive reinforcement training is essential. Consider enrolling in obedience classes to ensure they are well-behaved. They are also very sensitive, so early and continued socialization is essential.
What about your Vizsla?
Did You Know
The Vizsla is one of the fastest dog breeds globally, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Some Vizslas have been known to live up to 20 years, making them one of the oldest dog breeds.
Following the Second World War, the Vizsla breed faced the brink of extinction, with only a few dozen remaining. Thanks to dedicated and intensive conservation efforts, the breed has made a remarkable comeback in terms of breeding.
In The News
Famous Vizsla Owners
Dana Perino, Kate Moss, Sean Ellis, Drew Lynch, Mark Buehrle, Kevin Love, Nicolle Wallace.
The History Behind the Breed
Documents about Vizslas, also called the Hungarian pointer, date back to 10th-century art and 14th-century writing. The breed is one of the world’s oldest hunting dogs. They were bred by the Magyar people in the mid-800s when they fled the Russian steppes and marauded Western Europe for half a century until settling in Hungary. Magyar cavalry was based on speed, agility, and resilience. So the warriors also carefully bred their horses and dogs to have these qualities. Their nimble red dogs were ancestors of today’s Vizsla and could keep up with their horseback-riding owners.
Over the centuries, Hungarian warlords and nobles refined the breed towards the modern version as swift and versatile hunting dogs. In addition, they were valued for their talent at scent tracing and working with their handlers. To this day, their eagerness is a mainstay that has gained them many fans.
During WWI, Vizslas delivered messages, but they nearly became extinct after WWII. The first Vizsla to arrive in the US was smuggled out of Communist Hungary in 1950 with the help of a US State Department employee. Vizslas are still renowned for their work ethic and scenting skills. They were used in recovery at ground zero after the 9/11 2001 attacks.
If a Vizsla Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Common concerns in Vizslas include hip dysplasia, certain skin conditions, and thyroid disorders. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems.
Common Health Problems
What about your Vizsla?