Is a Vizsla Puppy right for me?

Sierra Combs
Apr 21, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Sep 7, 2025

So, you’re ready to buy a Vizsla. Please remember not every person is the right match for every breed. We highly recommend doing your research before you are set on a specific breed. It is very important to become familiar with your breed before ever buying a puppy.

Most importantly get to know the breed standard this will give you an overview of what your puppy will look like as an adult as well as an overview of temperament, grooming, training requirements & etc. Knowing the breed will also help you to choose a breeder. What health tests does the breed require and what sport should the breeder be competing in to prove their dogs worthy of breeding?

A Vizsla pointing a bird — Jolene and Vizsla from Nosam Kennels

The AKC Standard calls the Vizsla "lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate, and sensitive."

The Vizsla is a sensitive and true “Velcro” breed. The term Velcro means they want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you’re doing. If showering or using the bathroom alone is something you value, a Vizsla may not be the right fit—because chances are, they’ll want to join you even for the simplest tasks. Because of this trait, Vizslas thrive in family environments where they can be active members of the household and form strong bonds with everyone in the family.

They are slower to mature than some breeds and very soft-hearted, which means they require a thoughtful balance of training. Positive reinforcement is key, but they still need proper corrections and firm boundaries. With Vizslas, every right choice should feel like a big win, but they’re also smart enough to benefit from firm, fair corrections when needed. Their eagerness to please and emotional sensitivity make them extremely rewarding to train with patience and consistency.

Vizslas are also highly intelligent, often thinking through situations before acting. While this makes them quick learners, it also means they get bored easily with repetition and need engaging, fun training sessions. At times, they can “overthink” things—much like a smart student who knows the material but still struggles on test day. This can be a challenge for novice trainers, but with the right approach, they retain training exceptionally well. I’ve found them to be the easiest of my three breeds to housebreak, crate train, and teach basic obedience to, though their slower maturity makes it important not to push them into higher-level training or competition too soon.

Because of their strong handler bond, Vizslas often perform best for the people they know and love. I’ve seen Vizslas start with me in training, do well enough in early tests, but then thrive when their owner takes over handling. They genuinely prefer to work for their “person,” which makes owner involvement in training essential. In fact, owning Vizslas is what inspired me to learn to train my own dogs—I quickly realized they needed me hands-on to truly thrive. To this day, I credit Vizslas for making me a better trainer, as they taught me patience, timing, and the value of rewarding generously.

A Vizsla requires an experienced trainer who understands their temperament. Harsh or heavy-handed methods—often used with other bird dogs—will shut them down, robbing them of their style and joy. Young Vizslas pushed too hard too soon may lose their enthusiasm not only for hunting, but also for other sports. Training a Vizsla is not a race. If your goal is to shoot birds over a broke dog as quickly as possible, a German Shorthaired Pointer or English Pointer may be a better choice. Vizslas are like fine wine—given time to mature, they become outstanding hunting and sporting companions, capable of holding their own against any breed.

Vizslas are a very sensitive breed—attuned to their owners’ emotions and eager to please—making them highly responsive to gentle guidance. Sensitive doesn’t mean they can’t handle corrections; rather, it means they respond best when training is fair and consistent. Their intelligence and high energy also mean they may test limits if clear expectations aren’t set. While harsh discipline can easily shut them down, firm but fair boundaries paired with patience and structure help them thrive. With this balanced approach, a Vizsla grows into a respectful, dependable, and well-mannered family companion.

Beyond the field, Vizslas are powerful athletes that need vigorous daily exercise and plenty of personal attention. They make fantastic running, hiking, and biking partners, and they excel in dog sports when properly trained. We’ve produced many Vizslas who have competed at the top of their breed in obedience, rally, Fast CAT, and more. But they require more than physical exercise—they also need daily mental stimulation and ongoing training. Without adequate activity and companionship, behavioral problems are likely to develop. For that reason, this breed isn’t ideal for someone who prefers lounging on the couch to being outdoors and active. A Vizsla needs at least an hour of true running exercise every day, not including training and playtime.

Most behavioral issues in Vizslas stem from a lack of firm boundaries and proper corrections. Many new owners mistake the breed’s sensitivity as a reason to avoid corrections altogether, when in reality, fairness and consistency are key to helping them succeed. Sensitivity simply means they don’t respond well to harsh or unfair discipline—it doesn’t mean they can’t be corrected.

Equally important is early socialization, especially during the critical window of 8–16 weeks, when experiences shape their confidence and adaptability for life. Combined with insufficient exercise, the absence of structure and socialization is often what leads to problem behaviors.

With clear expectations, early exposure, and plenty of outlets for their energy, Vizslas mature into balanced, well-mannered companions.

This is not a breed to get and never take them beyond the walls of your home or backyard. They need to go beyond your fenced-in yard and explore the world with you.

Ultimately, choosing a Vizsla is about embracing their sensitivity, intelligence, and need for connection. Finding the right breeder and making sure this is the right breed for your lifestyle are the best ways to set yourself—and your future Vizsla—up for success.