Vizsla
Hungarian Pointer
AKC & CKC Sporting Group
Origin & History
The Vizsla is an ancient Hungarian hunting dog, dating back to the 10th century, where they were bred by Magyar nobles to be versatile gun dogs—skilled at pointing, retrieving, and tracking game. Their name means "searcher" or "tracker" in Hungarian, reflecting their exceptional scenting ability.
Vizslas were prized for their speed, agility, and gentle mouth (for retrieving game unharmed).
After nearly going extinct during WWII, dedicated breeders revived the Vizsla, and today they excel as hunting companions, agility competitors, and affectionate family pets. Known as the "Velcro dog" for their clingy loyalty, Vizslas thrive on human companionship.
Stats:
- Height: 21-24"
- Weight: 45-60 lbs
- Coat: Short, smooth coat
- Colors: Golden Rust
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
Best for active hunters, runners, or families who can provide constant companionship and exercise.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Extremely high energy; needs 1–2 hours of intense exercise daily.. | ✓ | ||||
| Ease Of Training: Highly intelligent & eager to please; sensitive to harsh corrections. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Low-maintenance; short coat requires only weekly brushing. Minimal shedding. | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Devoted, gentle, & excellent with kids (if properly socialized). | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Will bark at strangers but is overly friendly—not a guard dog. | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Challenging for first-time owners due to high energy & may suffer separation anxiety. | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Very strong; will chase squirrels, birds, or cats. Recall training is a must. | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Moderate; may bark when bored or to alert. | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Excellent; gets along well with other dogs | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: Common joint issues in large breeds
- Bloat (GDV): Life-threatening stomach torsion
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Heart condition
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid
- Sebaceous Adenitis: Immune mediated skin disorder
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.