Discover Everything About Hungarian Vizsla
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Hungarian Vizsla overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Magyar Vizsla is considered an athletic and robust breed, yet it is not free from hereditary risks. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD), the breed-specific Vizsla myositis (a severe muscle inflammation), and idiopathic epilepsy occur within the breed. Since comprehensive genetic tests are not yet available for some of these conditions, buyers should carefully scrutinize the mandatory health tests and breeding suitability assessments of the parent dogs.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
54–64 cm
Weight
18–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Hungary
Typical coat colors
- Different shades from gold-red to sandy colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Hungarian Vizsla, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Hungarian Vizsla right for you?
The Magyar Vizsla is a highly elegant, extremely people-oriented Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred to work in perfect harmony with the hunter, scanning vast areas and indicating game by standing perfectly still. It is precisely this sensitivity that makes them a proverbial 'velcro dog' that needs physical closeness like air to breathe.
Perfect for you if:
- You are committed to daily dummy work, tracking, or hunting-related activities—simple jogging won't challenge the brain of this highly specialized searcher.
- You don't mind your dog following you to the bathroom and demanding constant physical contact on the sofa.
- You lead with calm, quiet consistency, as this dog is extremely sensitive and will literally shut down if treated with harshness or loud scolding.
- You live in a green area or have quick access to expansive fields where they can run and utilize their enormous radius.
Less ideal if:
- You expect them to ignore deer or hares in the woods—they were bred to switch immediately into work mode upon detecting movement or scent in the field.
- You need to leave them alone regularly for a full workday, which means pure stress for this companion who cannot handle distance.
- You are looking for a dog that simply relaxes in the corner after work and switches off on its own.
The real vibes check
A Vizsla is not a dog that just lives alongside you; it is a shadow that would prefer to crawl right inside you. This intense bond comes at a price: they soak up your moods like a sponge and immediately mirror any of your insecurities. You aren't getting a robust follower, but a highly sensitive athlete who needs a real job and a confident, calm person to maintain their mental balance.
Breed Profile
The Hungarian Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is an impressive sight. He has an elegant and athletic appearance that highlights his work skills. Its coat is short, dense and smooth, without an undercoat. The color varies from various shades of gold-red to sandy colors. His eyes are in dark harmony with the color of his coat, giving him an attentive and intelligent expression. This dog belongs to FCI group 7, the pointers. The breed is not divided into performance and show lines, however there are two different types, the short-haired and wire-haired Vizsla, which differ primarily in coat structure. The breed is characterized by its versatility and is popular as a working dog, hunting dog, family dog and show dog.
| Height | 54 - 60 cm (Female), 58 - 64 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 25 kg (Female), 20 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Intuitive, loving, energetic |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Different shades from gold-red to sandy colors |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Magyar Vizslas have a long and interesting history. Their roots go back to the 10th century, when they were brought to Central Europe by the Magyars, the ancestors of today's Hungarians. They were the constant companions of the nobles and served as both hunting and guard dogs. The breed was so popular that it was even depicted on medieval tapestries and writings. In the 19th and 20th centuries, as hunting methods changed, the Vizsla was further developed into a pointer. His job was to track down the game, lead it and show the hunters where it was. Although the breed almost became extinct during the two world wars, efforts were made to save and preserve it. Today, the Hungarian Vizsla is a symbol of Hungarian national pride and is valued around the world for its versatility, intelligence and loving nature. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1938 and has steadily increased in popularity since then.
The Magyar Vizsla was bred to be a versatile hunting dog for field and water work.
Hungary
Mittelalter
Character & Temperament
If you're looking for a dog that's both a loving companion and an eager worker, the Magyar Vizsla could be just the one for you. This dog is known for its energy, intelligence and strong bond with its people. The Vizsla is a versatile working dog and shows natural talent in many areas. Although he was originally bred as a hunting dog, he also shows talent in other areas such as rescue work, search and tracking work, obedience training and even agility. It is this versatility that makes the Vizsla such a remarkable dog. Despite his willingness to work, the Vizsla is also a devoted and loving family dog. He is very people-oriented and loves being around his people. He has a strong desire to please and quickly forms close bonds with his family. This breed is known for being "shady" is, i.e. it tends to follow its owner everywhere and likes to seek close physical contact, such as cuddling and cuddling. This dog is full of energy and needs lots of exercise to be happy and balanced. He's definitely not a couch potato and is best suited for active families who spend a lot of time outdoors. The Vizsla is also an intelligent dog that learns quickly and enjoys trying new things. However, he can be a little stubborn at times, so patient and consistent training is important. Although the Vizsla has strong hunting behavior, it can learn to control this behavior. However, he may be easily distracted by wildlife while out walking, so it's important to get him used to the leash early and keep him under control. The breed also has a strong guarding instinct and tends to be alert and alert. However, she is not aggressive and tends to be friendly towards strangers once she realizes they pose no danger. One of the Vizsla's outstanding features is its adaptability. Although he feels most comfortable in a rural setting with plenty of space to run and play, he can also adapt well to city life provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. When it comes to being alone, the Vizsla is a dog that loves being around its people. He can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, but he should not be left alone for long hours. He is a social dog who needs the company of his people and, if possible, other dogs. All in all, the Magyar Vizsla is a lively and loving dog that is both a loyal companion and an eager worker. He needs a home that can provide him with lots of love, exercise and mental stimulation, and in return will be a loyal and devoted companion. With his intuitive and loving personality, the Vizsla is sure to make every day an adventure.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Hungarian Vizsla breed was mentioned in the Harry Potter books! Ron Weasley's family owns an electric blue Ford Anglia, which the dog 'Errol' replaced with a Vizsla.
What Awaits You
Magyar Vizsla are popular dogs that have a motivation to hunt. They are considered friendly and enjoy working with people. Appropriate utilization and activity is mandatory for the dog owner. There are two types of fur: short-haired and rough-haired.
Housing & Care
Despite its high energy, the Hungarian Vizsla can also be kept in the city as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is an adaptable dog that can live both in an apartment and in a house with a garden. His intelligence and desire to please his people make him a great city dog when walked regularly. Small children are usually not a problem for the Vizsla as long as they treat him respectfully and calmly. Thanks to their friendly and patient nature, they often make good family dogs. They can also get along well with other pets, including cats, especially if they are used to them from an early age.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Magyar Vizsla is an intelligent and willing learner who responds well to positive reinforcement and motivational training techniques. His intelligence and desire to please his people make him a good student. It is suitable for a variety of dog sports such as agility, flyball or obedience. A potential risk is that the Vizsla becomes a ball junkie. Because they require a high level of stimulation and activity, chasing a ball or Frisbee can become an obsession. It is important to vary ball games and combine them with other activities to prevent this. Frustration tolerance and impulse control should also be taken into account in education and training. Because they have strong hunting instincts, it is important to encourage these skills to prevent unwanted behavior and ensure they are happy and well-adjusted.
Nutrition & Care
Your Hungarian Vizsla's diet should be tailored to his activity level. Due to their high energy and athletic build, they require a balanced diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Fresh water should always be available. It is important to avoid overfeeding as this can lead to weight gain and health problems. Therefore, your dog's weight should be checked regularly and the feeding amount adjusted accordingly. Grooming the Magyar Vizsla is quite straightforward as it has a short, dense coat with no undercoat. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps skin healthy. They shed moderately and their coat color helps camouflage the fur in most households. The Vizsla also copes well with the climate in Germany. However, in very cold temperatures he may need a dog coat as he does not have an undercoat to insulate him.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Magyar Vizsla is considered an athletic and robust breed, yet it is not free from hereditary risks. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD), the breed-specific Vizsla myositis (a severe muscle inflammation), and idiopathic epilepsy occur within the breed. Since comprehensive genetic tests are not yet available for some of these conditions, buyers should carefully scrutinize the mandatory health tests and breeding suitability assessments of the parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
Ensure your dog is raised in a way that protects their joints, and because they lack an undercoat, protect them from getting chilled in wet and cold weather to keep them healthy and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and eyes of the parent animals tested and strictly monitor for clear bloodlines to reduce the risk of epilepsy and muscle diseases.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Community Posts
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Frequently asked questions about the Hungarian Vizsla
Is a Hungarian Vizsla the right dog for me?
The Hungarian Vizsla is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Hungarian Vizsla live?
The average life expectancy of a Hungarian Vizsla is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Hungarian Vizsla need?
Hungarian Vizsla grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Hungarian Vizsla good for families with children?
The Hungarian Vizsla can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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