Hungarian Vizsla insurance
Is the Hungarian Vizsla the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is an elegant and energetic hunting dog known for its affectionate and loyal nature. With their striking golden-rust coat and athletic build, they’re both beautiful and highly skilled. Vizslas make excellent companions for active families and thrive on human interaction and physical activity.
Hungarian Vizsla quick facts
- Size: Males: 58-64cm, females: 54-60cm
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Weight: Males: 20-30kg, Females: 18-25kg
- Colours: The breed is known for its short, dense coat in various shades of golden-rust
- Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, energetic
- Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, allergies, eye disorders
- Country of origin: Hungary
Where does the Hungarian Vizsla come from?
The Vizsla’s origins date back over a thousand years to Hungary, where they were bred by Magyar tribes as hunting dogs. Known for their keen sense of smell and exceptional stamina, they were used to hunt game birds and rabbits.
By the 18th century, Vizslas were highly prized by Hungarian nobility, valued for their speed, versatility, and loyalty. After World War II the breed almost became extinct but were thankfully saved by dedicated breeders. Today, the Hungarian Vizsla is celebrated worldwide as both a skilled hunting dog and a loving family companion.
What is the temperament of a Hungarian Vizsla?
Intelligent
Hungarian Vizslas are affectionate, friendly, and highly intelligent dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human companionship.
Affectionate
Often referred to as ‘Velcro dogs,’ they love to be close to their people and dislike being left alone.
Energetic
These dogs are energetic and playful, making them ideal for active households. They enjoy running, hiking, and playing fetch.
Gentle
Vizslas have a gentle side, happily curling up with their family after a day of activity.
Strong prey drive
Due to their hunting background, they have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals. Early socialisation is essential to help them get along with other pets.
Are Hungarian Vizslas good family dogs?
Yes, Hungarian Vizslas can make excellent family dogs. They’re affectionate, gentle, and love being around people. However, they’re best suited to active families, as they require plenty of exercise and attention.
Appearance and size of the Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is a medium to large dog with a lean, muscular build. Males typically stand 58-64cm tall and weigh 20-30kg, while females are slightly smaller at 54-60cm and 18-25kg.
Their short, dense coat comes in shades of golden-rust, giving them a distinctive and elegant appearance. Vizslas have a sleek, streamlined body with a deep chest and long, powerful legs. Their facial features include a noble, slightly domed head, expressive eyes in shades of brown or amber, and long, silky ears that hang close to their cheeks.
Historically, Vizslas had their tails docked to around two-thirds of their length to prevent injuries during hunting. With a few exemptions, tail docking is illegal under UK law.
Thinking of getting a Vizsla puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Grooming a Hungarian Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas have low-maintenance coats, but regular grooming helps keep them looking their best. Their short fur doesn’t mat or tangle, but it sheds lightly throughout the year.
Key grooming tips:
- Brushing: Brush your Vizsla once or twice a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.
- Bathing: Bathe them occasionally, around every 2-3 months, or when they get dirty.
- Ears: Check their ears regularly for signs of infection, as their floppy ears can trap moisture.
- Teeth: Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up.
- Nails: Trim their nails monthly to prevent overgrowth and cracking.
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You can trust us with your Hungarian Vizsla
Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products. **
** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Training a Hungarian Vizsla
- 1
Be gentle
Hungarian Vizslas are intelligent and eager to please, making them good for training. However, they can be quite sensitive so it’s best to go gently - harsh or inconsistent training can make them anxious or stubborn.
- 2
Be consistent
They also require quite a lot of effort, motivation, and consistency to help them develop the behaviours you want from them. This means they may not be the best dogs for first-time owners.
- 3
Be active
If you’re looking for a new running partner, the Hungarian Vizsla may just be the dog for you. Vizslas are high-energy dogs that require at least 2 hours of exercise every day, whatever the weather.
- 4
Take time to stimulate them
They enjoy long walks, runs, and interactive play. Without enough activity, they can become bored and destructive.
- 5
Give them time to sniff
Vizsla also have a keen sense of smell, so taking your dog on a walk somewhere interesting where they can have a good sniff will be much appreciated.
Hungarian Vizsla health issues
To reduce the chances of your dog being affected by certain conditions, make sure your puppy’s parents have had the relevant health screening. Hungarian Vizslas can be prone to certain conditions, including
Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
An inherited condition that can affect wire-haired Vizslas and occurs where stones form in the bladder (health screening a puppy’s parents can help spot this issue).
Epilepsy
Some Vizslas may suffer from seizures, which require lifelong management.
Allergies
They can develop skin allergies, often triggered by food or environmental factors.
Eye disorders
Vizslas are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to vision loss. Entropion is another condition to watch out for, where a dog’s eyelids turn inwards causing irritation and pain.
What we love most about a Hungarian Vizsla
Affectionate companions
Vizslas are incredibly affectionate and form deep bonds with their families. Their gentle and loving nature makes them wonderful pets.
Athletic and adventurous
These energetic dogs love outdoor activities and make excellent running or hiking partners.
Elegant appearance
With their sleek, golden-rust coat and graceful build, Vizslas are great-looking dogs with a natural elegance.
Things to consider before getting a Hungarian Vizsla
To help decide if this breed is right for you, here are three key things to consider about Hungarian Vizslas.
- 1
High exercise needs
Vizslas need plenty of daily exercise. They’re not suited to sedentary lifestyles or small living spaces without regular outdoor time.
- 2
Separation anxiety
Vizslas form strong bonds and dislike being left alone for long periods. They can become anxious or destructive without enough human interaction.
- 3
Prey drive
Their hunting instincts can lead them to chase small animals. A secure garden and reliable recall training are essential.
Hungarian Vizsla insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Hungarian Vizsla's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Hungarian Vizsla FAQs
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