Vizslas Unlimited

Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions about Vizslas

Q. What are Vizslas like?

A. Vizslas are playful friendly devoted family friends who often crave human attention as much as food and water. They are intelligent and energetic. They are eager to please their people, are easy to train, and demand your time and attention. They respond to positive reinforcement, and while they are capable of taking correction, they do not do well when treated with a heavy hand.  

Q. Are they good with children?

A. They are friendly and are tolerant of children although their exuberance could be overwhelming. Children under six should never be left alone with a dog of any breed. 

Q. Do they have special exercise requirements?

A. The Vizsla is a Hungarian pointer bred to actively seek game. They were bred to find game and retrieve it, not to sit quietly in the boat waiting for the duck to fall. Therefore, the pointing breeds will have more energy than the retrieving breeds within the sporting group.

As with human toddlers, the activity level of puppies and young dogs can be very high. However, with proper training and exercise, these stages can pass without incident.

Vizslas who live as part of a busy household will tire themselves out following everyone around, racing to the door, and patrolling the yard. A dog left alone during the day will need more structured exercise periods. Dogs not properly exercised are prone to destructive behavior.

Q. Why is early socialization so important?

A. The Vizsla is an intelligent breed. Socialization must begin early and be ongoing to avoid shyness. They need to be exposed to noises and crowds as a young pup. You should try to introduce your young pup to at least one new situation every day.

Q. What are the breed related health concerns?

A. While there are not many prevalent problems in this breed, there are some instances of breed-related health concerns which include autoimmune disease, allergies, cancer, epilepsy, eye problems, and hip dysplasia.

Q. Are they good guard dogs?

A. The Vizsla Breed Standard states that they should have a well-developed protective instinct, which makes them an effective watch dog. While most will bark at an intruder or stranger, they also must be taught not to jump on the guest or take their hand in their mouth. They are accepting of strangers, but will put themselves between their owners and danger.

Q. Are they low maintenance?

A. Vizslas have a short coat that needs to be brushed once a week, and are typically very clean animals. That is where the low maintenance ends however. They crave human companionship and want to be touching you.

Q. Are they barkers?

A. Many Vizslas communicate orally. Most whine, moan, or make other noises to get their point across. People who listen to their dogs describe sounds that varies in tone, duration and volume for different situations. One bark may be scolding, used by your dog when you are later than usual. Another, means someone is at the door. Or "I want to go outside." This tendency toward oral communication lends some Vizslas to be recreational barkers. A well-trained and well-exercised Vizsla will learn when it is appropriate to bark, and when it is not.

Q. What does "Velcro dog" mean?

A.  Most Vizslas will follow you from room to room wanting to be with their people at all time. They are frequently most content if they are touching you. Without human companionship, Vizslas have been known to be destructive. People who expect dogs to be content outdoors in a kennel with little human contact except at mealtime, will not like this breed.

Q. What's better, males or females?

A. Many times breeders will get asked which is better to have, a boy or girl. Much of that decision comes down to the preference of the puppy buyer. Generally speaking, there isn't a whole lot of difference between males and females when it comes to size, with the males being 1 to 2 inches taller and possibly ten pounds heavier. Both sexes are equally loyal and affectionate.

Being very intelligent, both the males and females will benefit from proper and thorough training. Early neutering and or spaying will help reduce some of the hormonal issues that could arise with intact adults.

Q. Do they come in any other color?

A. No. A Vizsla is a self-colored breed. They will come solid golden-rust in different shadings. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. The eyes, nose and coat should all blend in color in various shades of brown. A black nose is a disqualification. If the nose or eyes do not blend with the coat, is is not a disqualification, but it is a fault. White on the chest and toes is allowed. Any Vizsla that is chocolate, blonde, honey, white, or any color other than golden-rust are not of an acceptable color.