| Height | 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Energetic / Affectionate / Gentle [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Hungary [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 36 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise. Individual dogs' needs vary, but, in general, owners should plan on a minimum of 30 minutes of active exercise daily'¿and some dogs will need more than that. In addition to leash walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard off-leash on a regular basis. [1]
Grooming
Vizslas have a short, sleek coat with no undercoat, so they don't require complicated grooming. They do shed, and occasional brushing with a rubber grooming brush is helpful. When they get especially dirty (or when they roll in something smelly), they will need a bath with lukewarm water, a good-quality dog soap, and thorough rinsing. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. A typical lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. As in all breeds'¿and in mixed breeds'¿cancers are a concern. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as such as seasonal allergies; eye disorders, including melanosis or entropion; hip dysplasia; epilepsy; and ear infections. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Vizsla in 1960. [1]
- It ranked No. 36 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 32 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “V.” [1]
- The AKC lists Hungary as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Vizslas live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Vizsla get?
AKC breed information lists height 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) and weight 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Vizsla?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Vizsla, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.