Hungarian Vizsla
Vizsla
Hungarian Vizsla: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Hungarian Vizsla: a good fit for you
Hungarian Vizsla: could work, with compromises
Hungarian Vizsla: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Hungarian Vizsla is a versatile gundog from Hungary, bred to work in field, forest and water: it has an excellent nose, points firmly, retrieves well and stays on the scent even when swimming, which it clearly enjoys.[1] Its standard calls it lively, friendly, even-tempered and easy to train, with an outstanding willingness to keep in contact with its owner while working.[1] Thanks to its easy-going nature and adaptability, it can also easily be kept as a companion dog in the house.[1]
- Size
- Medium–large
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
Hungarian Vizsla: origin and history
Its ancestors came into the Carpathian Basin with the nomadic Hungarian tribes, and written descriptions and pictures of the dog appear in 14th-century documents.[1] Its importance as a hunting dog grew steadily from the 18th century, and by the end of the 19th century Hungarian Vizslas were taking part with great success in competitions for pointing dogs in Hungary.[1] Other gundog breeds most likely played an important part in the breed’s development at that time.[1]
According to the American Kennel Club, the Vizsla was almost extinct by the end of the First World War.[2] Planned modern breeding began in 1920, and the FCI recognised the short-haired Vizsla in 1936.[1] Imports to the United States began in the 1950s, and the AKC admitted the breed in 1960.[2] It is classified in FCI Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1 (Continental Pointing Dogs), with working trial (field and water trial).[1]
Fact sheet
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needsvery high
- Trainabilityhigh
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddinglow
- Barkingmoderate
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catslow
- Apartment-friendlylow
- Copes with being alonevery low
- Watchdog instinctlow
- Good for first-time ownersmoderate
- Affectionvery high
Hungarian Vizsla: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
With good preparation. It rates 3 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (4 out of 5 for trainability). The biggest hurdle is the need for more than 2 hours of exercise a day.
How long can it be left alone?
1 to 2 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (1 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
More than 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Walks alone are not enough: these dogs also need work for the head, such as search games, fetch or a dog sport like agility.
How long does it live?
12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer.
How big does it get?
54–64 cm at the withers and 20–30 kg. Size class: medium–large.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 2 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Little: 2 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
58–64 cm at the withers for males and 54–60 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Hungarian Vizsla or Weimaraner?
Biggest difference: shedding (low vs. moderate).
| Hungarian Vizsla | Weimaraner | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium–large | Large |
| Weight | 20–30 kg | 25–40 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 10–13 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Low | Moderate |
| Good with kids | High | Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | High | Moderate |
| Good with cats | Low | Very low |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- have children
- want an easy-care coat
- want a cuddly companion
Hungarian Vizsla: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs more than 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 12–15 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 1 to 2 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Needs space
- 2 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- Chases cats
- 2 out of 5 with cats. Living with a cat works best if they grow up together, and even then not always.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Hungarian Vizsla: puppy price and monthly costs
£1,000 – £2,500 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £83 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £1,000 – £2,500 [4] | from £83 [5] |
| United States | $1,000 – $1,800 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [8] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [9] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [10] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia [16]
- A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
- Epilepsy [16]
- Can be inherited and is often well controlled with medication.
- Cancer [16]
- A higher tumour risk, especially with age.
Health tests for the parent dogs
6 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), eye exam, and thyroid test.
- Recommended (may be required) for breeding in Canada (Vizsla Canada): hip X-ray (HD), eye exam, and thyroid test.
- No health test is required for breeding in Australia (Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria Inc.); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [17] | United States [18] | Canada [19] | Australia [20] | New Zealand [21] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Recommended(may be required) | Recommended | Recommended |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | Recommended |
| GonioscopyGlaucoma risk | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Required | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada and Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
(may be required): the club words the test as mandatory, but we found no binding rule.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), eye exam, and thyroid test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [22] [23] [24] [25]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [26] [27] [28]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [29] [30] [31] [32]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 57: Hungarian Vizsla (2000)
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Vizsla Dog Breed Information
- The Royal Kennel Club (UK): Official breed standard: Hungarian Vizsla (2025)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Hungarian Vizsla Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Vizsla Dog Breed Health and Care (2023)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- The Kennel Club (copy hosted by the Hungarian Vizsla Club): Breed Health and Conservation Plan: Hungarian Vizsla (2021)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Vizsla
- Vizsla Canada: Member Conduct Guidelines (2022)
- Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria Inc. (HVCV): Finding the Right Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the HUNGARIAN VIZSLA (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.