This blog post discusses the essential grooming requirements for Vizslas, a breed of dogs with short, dense coats. Regular brushing is necessary to remove loose hair and tangles, and a complete grooming plan should include skin and coat care, nail care, ear care, and dental care. The frequency of grooming depends on the breed, lifestyle, and seasons. Long-haired dogs should be brushed daily, while adult dogs should be fed 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups of adult dog food daily.
Grooming a Vizsla dog involves brushing the coat, bathing, and checking the paw pads for signs of cracking, peeling, or injury. Food is a key aspect of their care, with Vizsla puppies requiring a higher intake of 2 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups of puppy food daily. Grooming a Vizsla dog is essential for hygiene, as they are more prone to suffer diseases than humans.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build, with a unique rusty color and bright, dark brown eyes and floppy ears. Before grooming, it is important to assess the animal for skin conditions, eye and ear issues, or potential tooth decay. To minimize the risk of a Vizsla puppy having these conditions, it is essential to choose a grooming salon that specializes in this breed.
Grooming a Vizsla puppy is a simple process that requires a rubber curry brush and a damp bath. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960 and is popular in the United Kingdom. The first visit to a professional groomer should occur by the age of four months for socialization. A complete grooming plan should include routine skin and coat care, nail care, ear care, and dental care. The Vizsla is a moderately energetic breed that requires regular exercise and is renowned for its companionship qualities. They are also known for their loyalty and dedication to owners.
Borzois need regular grooming and a large, enclosed space to run daily, especially in a backyard. Grooming is recommended for 4-8 weeks to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands, and ensure the coat and skin are in good condition. Vizslas shed year-round, but regular brushing helps control shedding. Grooming is generally recommended at 4-6 months of age or as soon as they have completed their training.
📹 Vizsla Review: First Year Together
In this video I look back at the first year of having a Vizsla and discuss how it went. If you have a vizsla let me know how your first …
How do I know if my dog has had her first season?
- Overview. A heat/season is the fertile period of a dogs cycle when they can get pregnant.
- Dogs usually have their first heat at around 6 months old, and then every 6-7 months afterwards.
- Each heat tends to last approximately 16-18 days.
- Signs of a heat include a swollen vulva (private parts), bleeding, and changes in behaviour.
- To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, its important to keep your dog away from uncastrated males while shes in season.
- Once a female dog is speyed, she will stop having seasons and wont be able to get pregnant.
General information. A heat (or season) is when a female dog is fertile and can become pregnant. During a heat, its likely that your dog will behave differently, bleed from her vulva, and become very interested in male dogs.
Most dogs have their first heat when then are about 6 months old, but this varies a lot and can be as late as 2.5 years old. From then on, most dogs have a heat every 6-7 months (approximately twice a year). Most dogs have bigger gaps between their seasons as they get older, but unlike humans (who at some point go through the menopause), dogs continue to come into heat throughout their whole lives unless they are speyed. Once a dog has been speyed, her seasons stop and she can no longer become pregnant. Being on heat isnt painful, but can make a dog feel uncomfortable, unsettled and ‘under the weather. Although some people think that a dogs bleeding during their season is a dogs period, its actually a sign that they are at their most fertile.
How do I know if my dog is about to have her first season?
Signs a dog might be in season. You will know your female dog is in season when you see her vulva is swollen or she has a bloody vaginal discharge. You may also notice her urinating and cleaning that area more often than usual. However, some dogs do not show any obvious signs.
Her behaviour might also change, such as becoming more clingy, distant or stressed. She might also be more or less friendly with other dogs, or become defensive if another dog pays attention to her rear end. Or she might mount furniture, people or other dogs.
Male dogs in the home and out on walks will become very interested in your female dog during this time as her urine (wee) contains pheromones and hormones that let dogs know she is in season.
Do Vizslas need to be groomed?
Vizslas are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Thanks to their short coat, a quick brush once a week will suffice. You should only need to bathe your Vizslas when they get muddy or roll in something smelly. Complete your Vizslas grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.
What are the negatives of Vizslas?
Time and Energy needed. More than most breeds, Vizslas are a bit like tiny humans in that they take TIME and ENERGY. Theyll give you back so much love, but you need to put in the time and energy first. They demand it, and you will see this under no uncertain terms. Theyre very needy dogs, with lots of feelings and emotions and love to hear your voice. They love to be pampered with blankets and pillows and attention. Whiskey will interrupt me at work, insistently asking for me to just stare into her eyes and love on her. Bourbon will sit and whine until I tend to her emotional needs.
Sensitive to a fault. Have you ever met anyone that seemed to take things you said the wrong way? Maybe your tone of voice or wording and they were instantly hurt? There are some dogs that people can yell at and train pretty harshly without too much trauma but Vizslas can shut down quickly. Bourbon is quick to frighten and remembers every tiny thing forever. Ive seen so many Vizslas scream and shake and cower after receiving a bump or nip from another dog where most dogs might recover in a couple seconds. Ive had Vizslas limp over to me, totally distressed with a hanging paw and Ive had to ‘pretend to look them over, kiss their limp paw and tell them theyre ok. And then off they run full speed and ‘recovered.
The sensitivity can also show up in food sensitivities or drama when not feeling well. Whiskey was SUCH a picky eater with tummy problems when she was younger. When she got giardia (diarrhea and vomiting) and I brought her to the vet and because she was being so dramatic the vet thought she was much worse than she actually was. Her heartbeat was too slow, she was shaking (emotional) and hiding underneath my chair in a ball. Theres alot of managing emotions that might not be as big an issue with other dogs.
At what age do Vizslas calm down?
When do Hungarian Vizsla puppies calm down?. Hungarian Vizslas are energetic dogs with big personalities even as adults, but you should notice slightly calmer behaviour when theyre around two years old.
How to train a Hungarian Vizsla. Vizslas are highly intelligent and love to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement which strengthens the bond with their parent.
How do I stop my Hungarian Vizsla from biting?. Chewing is a way for puppies to explore the world and soothe the discomfort of teething.Unwanted chewing and biting behaviours should be discouraged when theyre young, but you can still train mature dogs in a similar way.
What age do male Vizslas stop growing?
How big does a Hungarian Vizsla grow?. A Hungarian Vizsla is a medium-sized dog that stops growing by 18-24 months.
A Vizslas mature size and weight depends on their parents and whether theyre male or female.
How long does a Hungarian Vizsla live?. Hungarian Vizslas can live for up to 10-15 years.
How often should I trim Vizsla nails?
How often should I trim my dogs nails? Most dogs need to have their nails trimmed approximately once monthly. Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail.
Do Vizslas attach to one person?
Characteristics of the Vizsla. Vizslas are exceptionally companionable and form strong bonds with their family members. In fact, they are so devoted that they are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because they cling to their family. As outgoing pets, they can become attached to one person who looks after them the most, or they can bond with everyone in the family.
These dogs tend to be friendly with people and other dogs (and cats) in general and thrive in company. This means that they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if left on their own too much, and they are best suited to a household where they will have someone around most of the day.
History of the Vizsla. The Vizsla has an ancient and noble heritage. It is believed that their origins can be traced as far back as the 8th century. It was during this time that the Magyar clans in Hungary were established and they needed dogs with stamina, speed, athleticism, and courage to aid them with their hunting. This is why they are often referred to as the Magyar or Hungarian Vizsla.
There are even stone etchings dating back to the 10th century that feature a Magyar tribesman, his falcon, and a dog that closely resembles a Vizsla.
What age should a Vizsla be neutered?
- Set-up costs. Puppy vaccines – if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity.
- Neutering – you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around 6-12 months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost.
- Equipment – including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them!
- Ongoing costs. Food.
- Preventive healthcare – budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year.
- Vet bills or pet insurance – if you dont have pet insurance and your dog needs veterinary treatment for an injury or illness, costs can rapidly mount up. Check whats covered and what isnt when comparing policies.
- Accessories – including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need.
- Other costs. Training – basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management.
- Boarding – you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday.
- Dog walkers/day-care – you might consider a professional dog walker to keep your dog happy and healthy if youre unable to get out with your dog enough yourself, or to look after them during the day if you need to be out for more than four hours.
At what age are Vizslas fully grown?
How long until Vizslas are grown adult dogs?. Vizslas are pretty much physically fully grown at 1.5-2 years old. However, sometimes their brains take a bit longer to catch up. Some Vizslas take longer to mentally mature than others. My eldest Vizsla was a super mature puppy that had the temperament of a senior. My youngest Vizsla Bourbon is still puppy-brained at 2.5 years old (although sometimes she seems like an adult, other times shes full puppy).
Whats wrong with my Vizsla?. Is my Vizsla depressed?. Has there been a large change in your Vizslas temperament? If your habits have not changed, take stock of what may have changed. Vizslas are very sensitive to emotions and their environment and can pick up on changes you may not realize. If youre certain nothing has changed but your Vizsla is not eating, low energy, shaking, or scared, or just not loving life like before, perhaps its time to go to the vet.
Why does my Vizsla grumble?. Vizlsas are intelligent, opinionated, sensitive, and very needy. They love to communicate their needs and wants and can sometimes be considered a very “human” dog. Look into their eyes and see their expressions and tell me you cannot tell what theyre thinking! Vizslas grumble and talk to communicate with you and others.
Do Vizslas calm down after being neutered?
Some say neutering your dog makes them less aggressive. Neutering your dog may not change how they act. It can sometimes make them worse, especially if they are aggressive or have low confidence. If you’re worried about your dog’s behavior, talk to your vet and an animal behaviorist. Neutering your dog can prevent cancer and reduce the risk of others. Castrated male dogs don’t get testicular cancer. Spayed females have had their ovaries and uterus removed, so they can’t develop ovarian or uterine cancer. Neutering female dogs can also reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, which can be fatal or expensive to treat. However, it is worth researching any links between neutering and the risk of other cancers in your breed. Some research has found that neutering can increase the risk of certain cancers. Ask your vet or breed health expert for more information.
📹 Should You Get a Vizsla?
Should you get a Vizsla? If you are strongly considering getting this breed, this video may help influence your decision. I discuss …
I have a Staffordshire terrier who was a handful when my 15 year old boxer was still alive. She was hyper,naughty,smart,and loved to instigate mischief. Now that shes the only dog its changed 100%. She is full of energy so i walk her at least 2 miles every morning, (it probably benefits me more than her) and i have a large yard for her to run. But without rex around she is so much more calm. The only negative i have with her is some times she gets aggressive with other dogs,and im not ok with that. So i dont take any chances,and keep a safe distance when we encounter other dogs. Rex on the other hand thought everything was his friend,and thats how hes been bitten by 2 snakes,sprayed by a skunk,and stung by more bees than i can remember.
I”ve had my eye on getting a Viszla in the near near future and did my research on the breed and I am convince that this is the right breed for me as I want a velcro dog and one that would want to be with me. My husband and I have a 13 year old whippet and a 10 pound 6 year old Schnauzer but unfortunately they are not into me. My schnauzer decided she only loves my husband and my whippet is very independent 🙁
Just a few tips from someone who has had two large huskies for 14 years. Get rid of the harness. A dog will naturally pull into a harness. All you are doing is promoting the pulling and the dog will always win. We walked both of ours on a halti easy walker. It looks a little like a muzzle but isnt. After a few weeks we could walk the dogs on our little finger and now we walk them like any normal dog. Secondly, ditch the dog food. One of ours has suffered all her life to the point where we nearly lost her two years ago. We moved her onto a raw diet of tripe and oily fish (pre made) and within two days she was like a normal dog. Its a game changer and I would never feed any of my dogs on a kibble again
We came across a Vizsla at a nearby park one day and he followed our dogs home. We put up posters and were able to keep him about a month before his owner saw the poster and came and got him. However, we just loved him! He was a great dog. That led to us looking for our very own Vizsla. We have had two of them and just love them so much. We’re older and couldn’t take them on walks any longer but got our long back yard enclosed and he (our last one) was able to go out and chase squirrels, birds, rabbits, etc to his content. Best dog we’ve ever had! We sure do miss them!
My Vizsla is almost a year old now, best dog I’ve ever had. You are so right about the time needed with this breed. She is with someone in the family every hour of the day and night and we walk her 1.5 hours a day with play times in between. We are fortunate to have a nature train close by the house so she gets to spend the majority of her walk time off leash where she can run fee, explore, jump in the creeks, etc. this breed needs that type of exercise and stimulation. At about 8 months, our Vizsla became very alarmed and skittish of people she does not know. Don’t really know why as she has never had any sort of bad encounter with anyone. But she loves any dog that wants to play.
Vizslas are amazing dogs, we’re with our 2nd now and she’s amazing. Miss our first guy to this day like nothin else. Nothing beats a 54lb lap dog *oof*. They’re incredibly smart and WILL find trouble if it presents itself, don’t leave meats or tempting treats on the counter (confirmed counter surfers) and they tend to “bond” to one person but are loving towards their “pack”. My Mom feeds our girl but she gets the best belly rubs and pets from me and nothing beats waking up in the morning seeing her waiting for me to scratch her belly and give her the head scratches and pets she likes in t he morning.
Just a funny little story… I had 2 vizslas and was walking with them through a Scottish Highland Games event. Most vizsla owners know 95% of people ask “what kind of dog is that.” So yes, that happened. Being the imp I am, I answered “They’re Irish Whiskey Hounds!” “Oh! I’ve never heard of them before.” I answered “They’re quite rare ” as I walked away with a chuckle in my heart.
Great article! Funny, I also considered Doberman before getting Ezra, my Vizsla. There’s an unfortunate stereotype about some types of dogs, and living in an apartment–even “dog friendly” ones–precludes one from owning them. However, I’m grateful for the journey I’m on with Ezra, and apartment living with a Vizsla is possible if (as you point out) one is serious about the physical needs. I also work from home.
Actually “vizsla” is the Hungarian word for all pointer kind dogs. The exact name of the kind is “rövidszőrű magyar vizsla”, meaning short-haired hungarian pointer. As with all pointers the breed was meant to work all day long on hunts (pointer, apport and bloodhound roles), resulting in a drive of extensive exercise in all dogs of the pointer family (but maybe culminating in the vizsla and the german short-haired pointer). Since they are intelligent, the future owner has to be acutely aware, that they will be challenged every day for the leadership role, and being able to guide, work the dog and provide for it in a firm, but kind manner is a must for a long term, happy relationship for both sides. Mental challenging is a must, and helps a lot with the reduction of daily walking time, as a short 15-20 minute session of mantrailing, obedience, nosework can supplant several hours of just walking/running in the park. If not held properly vizslas can get problematic, as they will find ways to get rid of the accumulated drive for activity :). During training again a firm, but gentle approach should be taken, when trust between the parties is achieved, corrections usually stop at the hard verbal level. Obviously the best activity (as for most pointers) would be active hunting. If not available, then it is a good idea to have a look at different dog sports, a mixture of obedience and agility, mantrailing are some of the best to make your dog challenged, happy and tired.
I lost my vizsla about 7 years ago. I don’t think could get one again but the reason is I loved that dog more than any human. Since I am married now, my wife would rank #2 behind the Vizsla and that could be a problem for me 😊. Training was a breeze, they don’t smell, super affectionate and loyal, smart and perfect size. But, be aware if you can’t get them 30 mins to an hour of exercise a day you aren’t being fair to the dog.
Dobies are great dogs as well. My wife and I had a dobie as our “first” dog and they have seemingly endless energy, but their number one goal is to cuddle with you on the couch. But – Dobies only seem to have endless energy. Vizslas actually DO have endless energy. We just lost our latest Vizsla to bone cancer (at age 14 1/2) and even as a senior dog, Scout still acted the puppy. He wanted to run and play right up until at least age ten. Most dogs start to mature into a calmer lifestyle around age 2-3, but Vizslas (and all three pointers) seem to still be in that ‘calming down’ phase many more years. They are absolutely wonderful family companions, hunting/field trial dogs, or showdogs (or all three in the same hound!). If you can handle the energy all the time, non-stop! We pick up our new GSP puppy next weekend, so always a new pointer adventure for us 😮
Thanks for another great article. What’s your experience with being two people raising your dog? Our vizsla is now 4,5 months and he’s showing very good results with the training and listens well, but sometimes he’s biting one of us a lot more than the other, which we would like to work on. We’re both equally active in training, playing, walking and spending time with him.
I concur with you – my Vizsla is the most affectionate dog I have had and is fantastic with other people and dogs. We walk 12 km per day – every day and everyone we meet always has a nice word to say about Connor (my dog). He is amazingly intelligent, very easy to train, in fact I haven’t actually been aware of “training him”. He is always off lead, even when we go to town and sit outside the Café for coffee and eats. He seems to instinctively know when he can “cast” and when he needs to walk at heel. Amazing dog. However, I cannot go anywhere without him. He is a slut for food but eats whatever we eat.
I’ve had two Dobermans and adore the Doberman. The only reason we are getting a Vizsla is because my son and husband like pheasant hunting. I chose a Vizsla because it is closest to the Doberman in characteristics. And, Vizsla owners seem to be as passionate as Doberman owners. I will see shortly. We are getting our Vizsla puppy in three weeks😬