Trainability

Vizslas will thrive in training. They are super easy to train and simply love working beside their loving owners. Early training is important, as too socialisation, so booking into a puppy-preschool is a great way to get your beautiful pup off to the perfect start to a happy life. Positive reinforcement is chief. Like with all breeds your Vizsla will not take well to punishment or harsh training methods. They are a very energetic breed and will require a good amount of daily exercise to keep them happy. For this reason; it is important to seriously consider how much time you have to dedicate to your dog’s exercise needs. Vizlas prosper in active homes and will thoroughly enjoy a good jog or off leash run daily. It is important that training starts at a young age so your grown dog will be able to enjoy all the activities you have to offer. Training will also ensure you grow your pup into a well-rounded dog that is not timid or hard to handle. The breed also excels in many dog sports.

Grooming

Their short sleek coats are easy to maintain and only require minimal grooming. Once a week with a rubber mitt is enough to remove dead hair and skin. It’s also a great way to check in on your pup’s coat and skin condition. They are certainly not a smelly breed and will only require bathing from time to time or a weekly rub down with a damp cloth. Clip nails from an early age to keep them nice and short. If you are unsure how to clip your dog’s nails safely ask your veterinarian to demonstrate at your next check-up. Getting your pup used to having his ears, feet and face examined is a good way to prevent stress during vet visits later on in life.

Exercise Requirements

The Hungarian Vizsla are a very active breed and will require at least 60mins of vigorous exercise daily. Only run your dog during the cooler parts of the day to avoid overheating. They simply love a good jog in the morning and evening. Training is paramount in ensuring you can adequately exercise your dog safely. Teaching a confident ‘recall’ and leash walking will allow your pup to participate in all that exercise safely and easily.

Intelligence

The breed is very intelligent and will need an enriching environment to romp in when you are not at home to prevent destructive behaviour. They simply adore being with their owners and will pine if left for long hours. Consider running your dog before you leave for the day and again when you return. They are also known to be chewers, so providing ample chewing opportunities is also important. Keep your chew toys interesting by switching them up daily. They also require a good fenced yard so they can safely run and play during the day. They can have a tendency to become barkers so it is important that his behaviour is trained out at a young age.

Family Friendly

Vizslas make wonderful family pets. However, like with all dogs, teaching children to safely interact with the dog is essential, particularly with younger children. They will blossom playing and romping with older children and because they are so quick to learn, teaching fun games like ‘fetch’ is easy and very entertaining. The breed needs affection and love and will shadow those who they adore. Hungarian Vizslas are known to accept other pets they have been raised with, however due to their hunting history it is not advised they are left alone with smaller pets such as rabbits.

Indoor/ Outdoor

Their short coats mean that the Hungarian Vizsla will feel the cold more than some breeds. So please take this into consideration when leaving your Vizsla outside during the cooler months. Some owners invest in a good warm coat during winter, especially for walks (think waterproof) as remembering; regardless of the weather your precious pooch will still require ample exercise. Always provide good shelter from the sun and rain. Vizslas love being with their owners so they are not a dog that can be left for endless hours alone. They are sensitive and will pine easily for your companionship.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.