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Breed guide

Vizsla

Hungarian hunting breed. Athletic, affectionate, high-energy. The archetypal 'velcro dog' — hates being alone.

AKC Rank

#34

Size

medium (44-60 lbs)

Life Expectancy

12-14 yrs

Activity

very high

Feeding a Vizsla

High-energy athletic breed. ~1,300-1,700 kcal/day for active adults. Needs quality protein for muscle maintenance.

Key nutrients

  • high-quality protein
  • omega-3
  • joint support

Portion notes: Two meals daily; adjust portions to activity level.

Fresh food picks for Vizslas

Our recommended fresh-food subscriptions for medium dogs.

fresh food

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog

  • Human-grade fresh food
  • Portioned per dog
  • Vet-developed recipes
  • 50% off first box
See The Farmer's Dog
fresh food

Ollie

Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes

  • Fresh and baked recipes
  • Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
  • Custom portions
  • 60% off first box
See Ollie
fresh food

Nom Nom

Restaurant-quality fresh food with microbiome testing

  • Pre-portioned pouches
  • Vet-formulated
  • Microbiome testing available
  • 50% off first order
See Nom Nom
fresh food

Spot & Tango

Fresh or UnKibble — whole-food nutrition, your choice

  • Fresh or UnKibble options
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Shelf-stable storage option
  • 50% off first order
See Spot & Tango

First-year cost

What a Vizsla actually costs year one

Breed-specific estimate based on size, health concerns, and grooming needs. Excludes purchase/adoption fees (highly variable).

First-year total

$2,965-$6,550

Ongoing years run $2,170-$4,790 (no gear + training one-times).

Food (year one)

Fresh food subscription

$1,450-$2,400

Gear (one-time)

Crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys

$320-$460

Vet care

Wellness + breed-specific

$720-$1,550

Grooming

low grooming needs

$0-$120

Training

Puppy class + supplies

$225-$750

Supplements

Breed-matched, optional

$0-$720

Other first-year

Vaccines, neuter, DNA test

$250-$550

Pet insurance (estimate)

Not included above — shown for planning. Breed-risk adjusted.

$718-$1,256/yr

Estimates based on US market averages for medium dogs. Your costs will vary with lifestyle and region.

Supplements for Vizslas

Matched to this breed's common health concerns. All NASC-sealed.

supplements

Cosequin (Nutramax)

The #1 vet-recommended joint supplement

  • #1 vet-recommended
  • NASC Quality Seal
  • Glucosamine + chondroitin
  • Clinically studied
See Cosequin (Nutramax)
supplements

Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune

Seasonal allergy + immune support chews

  • NASC Quality Seal
  • Seasonal allergy support
  • Salmon oil for skin
  • Chewable, dogs love them
See Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune

Supplements support — they don't treat or cure disease. Talk to your vet for anything clinical.

Health concerns to watch

hip dysplasia
epilepsy
lymphoma
sebaceous adenitis
entropion
allergies
hypothyroidism

Velcro dog — separation anxiety is common; plan for companionship or routine.

Needs 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily; undermet dogs develop anxiety.

Short coat = minimal grooming but needs warmth in winter.

Is your Vizsla scratching?

Vizslas are prone to skin and allergy issues. Take our 2-minute itch triage quiz.

Start the quiz →

Gear for Vizslas

Breed-size-appropriate picks. Links go to Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, Barkly earns from qualifying purchases.

Training for Vizslas

Matched to Vizsla temperament (affectionate, energetic, gentle).

training

BAXTER & Bella

Online puppy training program, lifetime access

  • Lifetime membership
  • Self-paced video lessons
  • Puppy + adult content
  • Behavior troubleshooting
See BAXTER & Bella
training

GoodPup

1-on-1 virtual dog training with certified trainers

  • 1-on-1 live video sessions
  • Certified trainers
  • Custom per-dog plan
  • Weekly structure
See GoodPup
training

Dogo

App-based training with daily structure

  • App-based daily plans
  • AI-guided feedback
  • Affordable monthly cost
  • Trick training library
See Dogo

GPS trackers for Vizslas

Size-appropriate picks for tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts.

gps tracker

Fi

Smart collar with GPS + activity tracking

  • Real-time GPS
  • Activity + sleep tracking
  • Escape alerts
  • 3-month battery
See Fi
gps tracker

Tractive

Affordable GPS tracker with unlimited range

  • Attaches to any collar
  • Worldwide GPS coverage
  • Activity monitoring
  • Budget-friendly
See Tractive

Curious about their DNA?

Confirm breed mix, check for genetic health risks, and get actionable insights.

dna

Embark

The most comprehensive dog DNA test

  • 350+ breeds identified
  • 250+ health conditions screened
  • Cornell-partnered science
  • Relatives finder
See Embark
dna

Wisdom Panel

Breed identification + health screening

  • 350+ breeds
  • Genetic health insights
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Fast results
See Wisdom Panel

Common symptoms in Vizslas

What to watch for, what causes it, and when to worry.

Vizsla questions, answered

How long do Vizslas live?
Vizslas typically live 12-14 years. Good nutrition, regular vet care, and weight management are the three biggest factors in reaching the top of that range.
How big do Vizslas get?
Adult Vizslas typically weigh 44-60 lbs and stand 21-24 inches at the shoulder. That makes them a medium breed.
How much exercise does a Vizsla need?
Vizslas are a very high-activity breed. Plan on at least 2 hours of intense physical and mental stimulation per day. Mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys) matters as much as physical exercise.
What health problems do Vizslas commonly have?
Vizslas are most prone to: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, lymphoma, sebaceous adenitis, entropion. Preventive vet visits, a quality diet, and weight management reduce risk on most of these. Reputable breeders screen for the genetic conditions.
Are Vizslas hard to groom?
Vizslas need minimal grooming — weekly brushing and occasional baths are enough. Their short coat is low-maintenance day-to-day.
What should I feed a Vizsla?
High-energy athletic breed. ~1,300-1,700 kcal/day for active adults. Needs quality protein for muscle maintenance. Key nutrients to look for: high-quality protein, omega-3, joint support.
Are Vizslas good for first-time owners?
Vizslas are better suited to experienced owners. They're affectionate, energetic, gentle — traits that reward confident, consistent handling. First-time owners should budget for professional training.

Ask Barkly about your Vizsla

Get personalized answers about food, health, and care.