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Indoor Dogs

The vizsla breed originated in Hungary as a sporting dog owned by the aristocracy. The Hungarian aristocrats who hunted with their vizslas always brought them in before the fire after the hunt. Present-day vizslas must have gotten wind of this history because vizslas require a home where they can be indoors with their family. They do not make good "outside" dogs.


Velcro Dogs

Vizsla owners have given the breed the nickname "Velcro Dog" because of the vizsla's need to cling to its owners and be with them at all times. Your Vizsla will follow you from room to room as you change activities around the house, settling down on a comfortably soft surface--like a couch or soft chair or--in a pinch-- a dog bed. If you don't close the bathroom door tightly you will surely have company in there, too.

People Lovers

Vizslas who have been properly socialized adore people. Most of them love to lick your face, if allowed, and most will give a "vizsla hug" around your neck while doing so. Like most breeds, vizslas are good with children, cats, and other dogs if they have been introduced to them early on. The breed standard for vizslas says that they must be "demonstrably affectionate". This means that vizslas in the show ring, especially the younger ones, will frequently try to lick the hands or face of the judge.

Not Good Loners

The down side to all this love and affection is that vizslas hate to be alone, and many are prone to separation anxiety. If you have long working hours and feel that you MUST have a Vizsla, at least provide a companion dog so that those long hours of being alone won't be spent in destruction of property, barking, or jumping fences to go looking for you. It also helps if you give your Vizsla a good run BEFORE you leave for work. An exercised Vizsla with chewing toys and a comfortable bed will usually settle down after you leave.

Hunters/Prey Chasers

Vizslas were selectively bred for hunting, and their good eyesight, sensitive nose, and energetic enthusiasm in the field make them an excellent hunting companion. This same instinct means they will chase anything with fur and feathers that they consider prey. Acquainting them with the family cat, therefore, needs to be done at an early age.

Need Exercise

Be sure that your Vizsla gets lots of exercise (a good run every day) and lots of extra play (ball retrieving is a favorite), attention and love from your family. An unexercised Vizsla left to its own devices can become destructive. The importance of their need for exercise in order to be "good dogs" in the home cannot be stressed enough. The most common reason that vizslas are turned into rescue is because they have too much energy or need more attention than the owner can give.

Coat

Vizslas have a beautiful short-haired russet coat which sheds very little. When you pat them on top of the head, it feels like velvet. Not only is this short coat attractive, but it's also practical. vizslas are the original "wash-and-wear" dog.

Is the vizsla the right breed for you? The answer is "yes" if:

- You like constant companionship. If you like your own space, forget it.
- You're willing to commit to exercising your vizsla on a daily basis. This doesn't mean a walk around the block. It means a good run every day to wear off your dog's energy. A properly exercised vizsla will then settle down and be a "couch potato".
- You like to involve your dog in ALL your activities.
- The vizsla will not be left alone for long periods of time.
- You like a dog to be inside with you where it can be a part of the family.
- You give your dog obedience training. Puppy classes, as soon as your Vizsla has received all of its puppy shots, are definitely advised. Be sure that your obedience instructor understands that vizslas require "soft" discipline. They want to please and will try hard to make you happy. Some of the heavy-handed choke-collar jerking that might work well with a more insensitive breed will simply turn your vizsla off and make it not want to try. For older vizslas who have just been adopted, obedience classes are always advisable. It creates a bond between you and your new vizsla and establishes you as "top dog". The socialization of the class situation is also good for vizslas who are starting out life afresh.

Some of the vizslas we receive into Rescue are given up because their owners didn't teach them, when they were puppies, how to walk on leash, come when called, and not jump on people . Once a vizsla has matured into a powerful, energetic one-year old, these training landmarks become increasingly important. A 9-week old puppy who jumps up to try to lick you is charming. A 50-65 lb. adult vizsla who jumps up on you can knock you over.

To summarize

If you like a dog who sticks to you like Velcro, demands that it be given exercise, loves you intensely, and takes over your life completely, a vizsla is the right dog for you.
 

Other Resources

Tips on Buying a Pure-Bred Puppy

Reputable Breeder vs. Backyard Breeder

More About Vizslas