It's easy to find a ton of basic information about different dog breeds online, but most of the information out there is very "surface level." I don't think I need to tell you about weight and lifetime expectancies, physical traits like coat color and shedding levels, or potential breed-associated health issues. You can get that information everywhere else.
You're here because you want to know the real inside scoop of what it's actually like owning a Vizsla from someone who's lived it.
So, without further ado, allow me to get into the nitty gritty of what you can expect your life to look like when owning a Vizsla (based on my own experiences, of course).
The V in Vizsla Stands for Velcro
Honestly, I don't even think the word "velcro" does it enough justice. Vizslas literally want to live in your soul (I'm not exaggerating...see the video below). They are an extremely loyal breed, but are also very prone to separation anxiety.
Laying on top of you isn't enough. Vizslas would crawl into your skin if they could. The plus side is I can always count on Nova to snuggle with me when I'm feeling down.
With my Vizsla, Nova, she has to be as close as possible to me at all times. Preferably on my lap, but if not, she is always at least in the same room as me. In contrast, my Weimaraner and GSP will happily lay in different rooms throughout the house, regardless if I am in it.
Because of their sensitive, velcro nature, it's very important to practice leaving your Vizsla alone early on so that they can get used to it. I would highly recommend crate training so they have a dedicated safe space they can feel comfortable going to when they are feeling stressed when you're not around. It will be hard in the early stages, but the payoff is worth it.
You don't want to be constantly worrying about your dog when you're out of the house, or getting neighbor complaints of them whining for hours on end until you come home from work. Or, worse, finding they've gotten into something they shouldn't have or have harmed themselves due to high stress when you were away. Teach your dog that it's okay to be alone.
They're Fast As Lightning
According to various sources across Google, Vizslas are one of the top five fastest dog breeds (top 10 depending on what source you're reading). They can reach a top speed of up to 40 miles per hour!
A dog with that kind of speed can only mean one thing...they're also really high energy. A simple walk or short game of fetch is not enough for this breed. You'll want to make sure you provide ample opportunities for exercise, combined with other forms of enrichment, to satisfy your Vizsla. If you're not up for being active, then this may not be the dog for you.
Nova was outrunning Niko, my Weimaraner who is 1 year older than her, at just 6 months old! Vizslas love to run and to stretch their legs.
They Are Derpy Goofballs, Yet Highly Intelligent
Vizslas are extremely intelligent and very eager to please their owners. This makes training really easy, when done correctly. Because of their sensitive nature, they do best with positive reinforcement and lots of praise and encouragement. Their feelings also get hurt very easily, so you need to be gentle with this breed.
And, because of their velcro nature, they want to do activities that involve YOU. If you want a dog who you can just give a frozen Kong and go on about your day, this isn't the breed for you. Don't let their intelligence go to waste! Take the time to provide regular mental stimulation and teach them new tricks and commands. You'll be surprised at how quickly they pick up on things.
Vizslas are also very derpy, particularly in the puppy phase. Nova was constantly making me laugh with her funny faces and the random things she would do. And I can't tell you how many Vizsla puppy accounts on Instagram I've seen that share videos of their derpy Vizslas too. It's hard not to love their goofy personality, even when you're deep in the trenches with keeping up with their crazy energy.
One of the many videos I have with Nova's derpy face...how can you not laugh!?
They Have Strong Prey Drive
Vizslas are working dogs, bred to be hunting companions. Because of this, they have a strong genetic drive to track, point, flush, retrieve...all of the things they would naturally do on a hunt out in the field. AKA they want to run, and use their nose, and possibly even chase wildlife, regardless if you plan to hunt or not.
Breeding will play a role in the temperament of your Vizsla. Puppies that come from show lines and generations of hunting are going to naturally display stronger prey drives than those who may not come from a line of dogs who were used for hunting or show trials. But, regardless of where your Vizsla comes from, those instincts never completely go away.
You may see those instincts manifest as freezing or lunging at squirrels or birds while out on walks. Or pointing or stalking and, of course, extremely high energy. Vizslas are not a "lounge on the couch and have a peaceful time" type of dog. They require a lot of work to get to that point.
And I want to make it clear that "more work" is not just lots of exercise to burn energy and puzzle toys to stimulate the mind. You need to provide breed-specific outlets for your dog. And this is true even if your Vizsla does not come from a working line.
I cannot stress this enough! Social media has almost turned these dogs into a trend, which can be dangerous for people who don't truly know what they are getting into. I've seen quite a few accounts who share their struggles and difficulty with the breed, particularly in the puppy and early adolescence stage. Social media has also convinced dog owners that slow feeders, puzzle toys, and lick mats are enough enrichment to provide for your dog. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Image credit: AKC
Of the 205 breeds recognized by the AKC, Vizslas fall at 36 as of 2025. They are a popular breed in a time where only about 4-6% of the American population hunts. This means, more often than not, Vizslas are ending up in non-hunting homes.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as you can find ways to channel their instincts and provide appropriate structure and outlets. Without it, you may find yourself in over your head. Please do not underestimate this breed. This is how shelters and rescues become full.
They're Very Needy
If you're someone who becomes overstimulated very easily, please make your decision carefully. And I say that as someone who can be easily overstimulated at times! Vizslas are needy. It comes with the velcro trait.
Just when you think you've done enough, they'll be whining in your face like they're missing something or needing more. The only way around this is with the right structure and routine that provides physical, mental, and breed-specific outlets. A walk around the neighborhood isn't going to cut it. Neither is a 20 minute round of fetch at the park.
They need appropriate outlets and, once again, they need time with YOU. Obviously you'll need to teach your dog that it's okay to be alone (like for when you're away at work), and how to settle on their own, but that doesn't mean you can expect them to entertain themselves 24/7. They're not interested in that. They're interested in you.
Don't get a Vizsla if you're not ready for that kind of commitment.
Final Thoughts
With the right training and dedication, you'll have a loving bestie for life if you get a Vizsla. I've never seen a more loving breed. While dogs are generally loyal as a whole, Vizslas take it to a whole new level. If you take care of them, you'll have the most protective, loyal companion you could ever ask for.
But don't skimp on structure, exercise, training, and breed-specific outlets. Without it, you'll have your hands full with a reactive, high anxiety dog. Put in the work, and they'll reward you ten times over.
If you're looking for more guidance on raising a Vizsla, especially in an urban environment, I would encourage you to check out these posts:
Did I miss anything...is there anything else about the breed you would like to know? Drop a comment below and I'd be happy to share!