Vizsla

A Vizsla is very “wash and wear,” which means their coat needs are on the low side as compared with other breeds. That’s thanks to the fact that there’s no long hair here—this dog has super-easy short fur. Plan to brush your puppy pal weekly to keep their coat healthy and clean and strive for a bath once a month (though more often may be necessary if your Vizsla dog rolls in something smelly). Shedding does occur, though it’s far from profuse. You can keep up on any errant fur with a rubber brush.

Vizsla ears, however, do need cleaning, so check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears. Monthly nail clipping is important, too, as overly long nails may cause pain.

And be sure to get inside your Vizsla’s mouth as often as you can with a doggy toothbrush and paste. Daily brushing is ideal and will go a long way toward fighting plaque and improving your pup’s breath. You should also schedule a professional teeth cleaning by the vet once a year.

A Vizsla’s training needs are on the high side, which means solid, consistent obedience lessons that start from puppyhood are your best bet. Vizslas tend to have a good response to methods that use positive reinforcement (tasty treats, lots of praise and fun play breaks) to motivate.

As smart, fast-learning and biddable as these dogs are, the Vizsla is also a curious breed, pushing boundaries and trying new things that may not be on the accepted list of doggy activities. This dog type needs a job to do, whether it’s running alongside you, fetching a ball or learning a new trick. Without sanctioned tasks, your Vizsla puppy may get into trouble on their own.

It’s important to start socializing your dog with new people, dogs and situations while they’re a puppy. Socialization helps your pup get used to new experiences and help them be OK with meeting new people and dogs as they get older. Take your pup on walks so they can see (and sniff) other dogs and people. Enroll your puppy in puppy school. Here, they will learn how to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people all in one location.

As luck would have it, your canine pal will no doubt adore the attention and time you’ll spend as you train, so strive to make the teaching fun, whether you offer some scented toys to play with or an agility course to run through in the back yard.

A Vizsla’s food and diet should consist of a high-quality commercial dog food that meets nutritional standards set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Home-prepared meals should meet the same standard. Check in with your pup’s vet to be sure what you’re serving meets your pet’s nutritional requirements. Also, consider your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).

Your dog’s age is especially important as it relates to the breed’s food needs since an active Vizsla puppy will need extra helpings of kibble to keep their energy up (maybe even 4-5 cups a day), while older dogs might only eat half of that amount. You can always consult your dog’s vet for help with food choices and seek out a feeding chart in order to keep track of when and how much chow to offer.

Fresh water should always be on hand so this sprightly dog can wet their whistle. And as for dog treats, use them sparingly, perhaps reserving that special pouch just for training sessions since too many can lead to obesity, even in a slender Vizsla.

Vizsla exercise needs are intense as this dog really needs to move. Be ready to take your canine pal out three times a day for at least 30 minutes per walk, and then make some time for off-leash playing and fetching games. These dogs were literally bred to hunt birds for hours which means proper physical exercise, especially when Vizslas are young, is not optional.

If you have access to an outdoor space where your Vizsla can run hard, whether it’s a local dog run, public park or your own backyard, it’ll suit this pup just fine. Or, if you love to jog or bike, a Vizsla is the ideal companion. However, if your dog is still younger than 24 months, limit long-distance running until they’re more mature to avoid injuring their growing bones.

Raising a Vizsla with kids is more than acceptable as this friendly breed makes a great family pet. Still, all dog types—including the Vizsla—need to be supervised around very young children, particularly if you’re still in the training phase and helping your pet to socialize. But nearly all dog lovers can qualify for Vizsla parenting as long as they’re dedicated to lots of activity. Busy families who can’t manage more than a quick walk around the block should pass on this breed as the Vizsla energy level is truly sky high.

An enclosed piece of outdoor space to meet a Vizsla’s exercise needs is pretty much required as these pets are actually rather adept escape artists (nickname: Houdini) and fence jumpers (check your gates before releasing your animal!). Apartment life may suit a Vizsla’s barking tendency since they’re not super vocal, but city dwellers and small home owners need to be prepared to take their pet running or hiking daily or book regular visits at a doggy day care where off-leash romps are allowed. Active pet parents might also want to get involved in some dog-centric fun by taking advantage of the Vizsla speed and participating with them in such activities as barn hunts, flyball or scent work.