
Vizsla
Also known as Braque hongrois à poil court, Braque hongrois
- 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
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.
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.



