Vizsla: The first 90 days

During a Vizsla puppy's first 90 days, choose manageable experiences and protect recovery between them. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them. Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.

What to protect during the first 90 days

Vizsla's exercise is recorded as Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.

A manageable order of experiences

  1. Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them.
  2. Use this exercise note (Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
  3. Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.

Pause and seek help if

Pause and seek help when development, appetite, sleep, movement, or fear responses change unexpectedly.

References

Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

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. It is important to…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: 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…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: Vizslas need consistent, positive training, starting in puppyhood. They are highly intelligent, curious, and sometimes manipulative, so owners need to establish solid communication and teach good behavior. Untrained Vizslas are hard to live with. They can find many creative ways get into trouble if they don't have a 'job.' Fortunately, they typically love…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gundog built for long days in the field. For centuries these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen, and their popularity in America increases with each passing year.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Vizsla.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

Use the tools

Turn a question into a closer look