Vizsla, purebred dog

Vizsla

Also known as Braque hongrois à poil court, Braque hongrois

117th most popular breed in France · 216 puppies registered in 2025 (LOF)
Height at the withers
54 to 64 cm
Weight
18 to 30 kg
Life expectancy
12 to 14 years
Daily activity
120 minutes
Origin
Hungary
FCI group
7 · Pointing dogs
Is it right for me?

Who is it for?

Ideal for

  • a family with young children
  • a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
  • close neighbors: it barks little

Less suited to

  • an apartment: it needs space
  • a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
  • long absences: it struggles when left alone

Overview

A medium-sized, energetic and graceful hunting dog from Hungary, with an elegant golden rust coat and an athletic build. Known for its affectionate, gentle nature, it is a versatile hunter and an excellent family companion.

EnergeticAffectionateGentleIntelligentAthletic

History and origins

An ancient Hungarian sporting breed descended from the hunting dogs of the Magyar tribes who settled in Hungary more than a thousand years ago. Developed by the Hungarian nobility as a versatile pointer and retriever, the breed survived the world wars thanks to devoted breeders.

Health

Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Skin allergies
  • Lymphoma

Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.

Coat and care

Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.

All ratings

Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.

Lifestyle

Energy
Boundless, 5 out of 5
Apartment
Difficult, 2 out of 5
Home alone
Very poorly, 1 out of 5

Family and sociability

With children
Excellent, 5 out of 5
With other dogs
Good, 4 out of 5
With cats
Fair, 3 out of 5
With strangers
Open, 4 out of 5

Training and temperament

Ease of training
Easy, 4 out of 5
For a first-time owner
Possible, 3 out of 5
Guarding instinct
Low, 2 out of 5
Prey drive
Very strong, 5 out of 5
Tendency to roam
Moderate, 3 out of 5

Care and neighbors

Coat care
Minimal, 1 out of 5
Shedding
Low, 2 out of 5
Drooling
Rarely, 2 out of 5
Barking
Quiet, 2 out of 5

Climate and health

Heat tolerance
Average, 3 out of 5
Cold tolerance
Low, 2 out of 5
Hardiness
Good, 4 out of 5

In our lists

Vizsla FAQ

How big does the Vizsla get?

The Vizsla stands 54 to 64 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 30 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.

Does the Vizsla shed a lot?

It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.

Can the Vizsla live in an apartment?

It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.

How much exercise does the Vizsla need each day?

Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.

Is the Vizsla good with children?

Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.

How long does the Vizsla live?

Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as epilepsy.

Similar breeds

Same size and similar ratings. All pointing dogs

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