The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Sporting

Vizsla

Lean rust athlete with clingy affection

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Exercise
High
Mental stimulation
High
Trainability
High
Vocality
Medium
Health sensitivity
High
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
12–14 years
Body weight
45–65 lb
Height
21–25 in
Apartment suitability
Less Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want lots of together time built into everyday life
  • Can pair daily exercise with regular training and games

Not ideal

  • Prefer a low-activity lifestyle most weeks
  • Have long weekday absences without a plan

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

High-energy and highly people-attached, often needing both exercise and daily interaction to stay balanced. Many are the “follow you room to room” type.

Handling & social style

Usually very affectionate and comfortable with handling from trusted people, but sensitive to harsh tone. Calm, consistent cues fit them best.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Affectionate, sensitive, and intensely people-oriented—often a true “velcro athlete.” Many struggle with long alone time and do best with calm, consistent handling.

Environment & space

Can do smaller homes if daily exercise is real and companionship is steady. They thrive when included in the household routine.

Daily routine

High daily activity plus training and interactive play. Many do best with a predictable schedule and lots of “we do this together” time.

Health sensitivities

Lean condition and joint comfort are common themes; sensitive temperaments often benefit from stable routines.

Grooming / coat

Easy coat care—minimal grooming with basic brushing.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Hungary

Background

Developed in Hungary over centuries as a close-working hunting companion, the Vizsla was bred to point and retrieve while staying closely connected to a handler. Partnership mattered—checking in, staying engaged, working as a team rather than ranging independently. Many Vizslas are strongly people-attached and very responsive to routine. In modern homes, they typically thrive with daily exercise plus consistent interaction and training.