• Overview

    The Vizsla is a Hungarian pointing dog who excelled in hunting closely with his master. Today, he makes a loyal and active companion for owners who can devote lots of time to exercising and entertaining their dog. They are part retriever and part point, so they have active noses and a motivated desire to sniff out their prey.

    Vizslas are astute, active companions who will bond closely to their owner and expect to be showered with affection and exercise in return.

  • Personality

    Vizslas are energetic dogs with a keen intelligence. They take extremely well to training, especially when it is patient and gentle. They love to obey their owners and be rewarded for their talents. These pointing dogs were bred to hunt at a close range and stay near their masters, so they will often stay close to their owners and maintain physical contact as much as possible. They are incredibly loyal to their owners, and they follow their owner's lead when meeting strangers. They get along well with other dogs and animals, but they can remain indifferent to them. Vizslas prefer human company and will be much more affectionate and attentive with people.

    Although these dedicated hunters love to learn and are easily trainable, they can become easily distracted, especially without frequent exercise and attention. They are sensitive to loud noises and powerful scents, and when they detect something interesting, they will want to wander off and investigate unless they are occupied. Without frequent exercise, their behavior can become nervous, jittery and occasionally destructive. They make graceful runners who love to exercise and explore a large, fenced-in yard.

  • Coat Care

    Vizslas are solid golden or rust-colored dogs. They are always a solid color, but some have small white markings on their heads or bellies. Their coats are short, smooth and dense. The hair lies close to the body and sheds so minimally that it is hard to notice. The coat does not provide Vizslas with great protection from the cold, so they can occasionally shiver or become very chilly outside. In Europe and England, a version of the breed has a wooly undercoat. In America, this is actually a sign of disreputable breeding, and these dogs can have other problems with their health and temperament.

Vizsla
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Brushing

These short-haired dogs require little grooming. To decrease the amount that they shed, brush them gently with a soft or rubber brush. This will help remove dead hair and keep their coats growing in the same direction.

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Bathing

With preparation, perseverance and a positive attitude, bathing can become a fun and fulfilling part of the regular grooming cycle, while helping your dog avoid many diseases and infections.

Smooth coated breeds adhere to the general rule of dog bathing: about once every three months. The coat should end up fresh smelling, shiny, with no loose or shedding hair. First give the dog a good brushing to remove dead hair and mats. Place a rubber mat in the tub to provide secure footing and fill the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Use a spray hose, pitcher or unbreakable cup to wet the dog, taking caution to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears and nose. Massage in pet shampoo, saving the head for last. Immediately rinse thoroughly, starting with the head to prevent soap from dripping into the eyes. Towel dry. Wipe wrinkled breeds with a soft cloth and make sure they are totally dry after bathing.

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Hair Clipping

Clipping or trimming your dog’s coat is far easier than you would ever imagine. With the right clipper, trimmer and scissors, giving your dog a haircut is easy on your wallet and your schedule.

Dogs with smooth coats generally only require trims and tidying up in areas of excessive hair growth using a trimmer or blunt scissors. It's always wise to take a dog for a short walk or exercise to calm them down before trimming. Remember to brush the coat first to remove any tangles and mats. Don't forget to trim around the paws, pads, tail, chest and sanitary areas, as needed. The coat should lay flat and smooth against the body when finished.

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Nails

Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.

Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience.  As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.

You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.

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Eyes / Ears

Not all breeds and coat styles require routine trimming in and around the eyes and ears but all should undergo regular inspection and cleaning around these sensitive areas. Doing so will help prevent the development of infections that could seriously damage these amazing organs.

It is always important to routinely clean your dog's eyes and ears, and examine for potential infections. Some smooth-coated dogs, like Basenjis and Boxers, and dogs with large ears, like Weimaraners and Great Danes, have sensitive ears that should be checked  weekly for infection and cleaned with a cotton ball. Gently wipe a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil, olive oil or witch hazel in your dog's ear, being careful to avoid the ear canal. Never use a Q-Tip, which could cause damage to the inner ear if your dog suddenly shakes or jerks his head. Bushy hair growth within the ear can be thinned with tweezers or blunt scissors. Use a small trimmer to trim excess hair around the eyes, ears and face. If you have a small dog, like an Italian Greyhound, take special care to  clean around their eyes with a cotton ball or soft cloth and use a small trimmer to trim excess hair around their eyes to make sure they are comfortable. Dogs with facial wrinkles, like French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, should have their faces wiped down at least weekly to prevent infection.

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Teeth

Many owners do not realize how important it is to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets. These problems can be easily combatted with frequent brushing.

Cavities are rare with dogs but gum disease caused by tartar buildup is not, which is why they require regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs. While daily brushing is ideal, doing so on a weekly basis will be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.