Vizsla · Longevity

How Long Do Vizslas Live?

Vizslas live 12-14 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Vizsla more good years.

Vizsla
Lifespan 12-14 yearsSporting GroupAKC Ranks 35 of 208
The Vizsla, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy12-14 years
AKC groupSporting Group
Height22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Weight55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
Energy5
Trainability5
Mental stimulation5
Watchdog / protective3
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids5
Good with other dogs4
Openness to strangers4
Playfulness5
Adaptability5
Barking3
Shedding3
Grooming frequency2
Drooling2

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At 55-60 pounds, the Vizsla is a large breed. Large breeds tend to age faster and live a few years less than small dogs, which its 12-14 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Vizsla fit your life?

This is a serious athlete of a companion, quick to learn and deeply bonded to its people. It thrives on activity and closeness, but that same devotion means it struggles badly with being left alone.

A great match if you

  • You'll love how quickly this dog learns and how much it wants to work with you.
  • You're a great match if you have kids and want a dog that will play for hours.
  • You can bring this dog nearly anywhere, from apartment to farmhouse, as long as it's with you.
  • You'll find this dog sociable with new people and other dogs alike.

Think twice if

  • You need to commit to serious daily exercise and mental engagement, this is not a couch-potato breed.
  • You should know this breed bonds so closely it struggles with being left alone for long stretches.
  • You'll deal with moderate shedding despite the short, sleek coat.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Vizsla

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Vizsla are Joint and mobility, Eye and vision, Skin, coat, allergy, Ear infections, Neurological / seizure and Cancer / cellular health (owners often watch for hip dysplasia, entropion, eye).

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Vizsla facts, quick answers

How long do Vizslas live?

Vizslas live 12-14 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Vizslas get?

A full-grown Vizsla stands 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) and weighs 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the large-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Vizsla?

The Vizsla is a sporting breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 35 of 208. It is a large dog that typically lives around 12-14 years.

Are Vizslas high-energy dogs?

Vizslas are a high-octane breed that needs serious daily exercise and, ideally, a job to burn it off; without that outlet they get bored and restless.

Are Vizslas easy to train?

Vizslas are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.

Do Vizslas shed a lot?

They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.

Do Vizslas bark a lot?

They bark a normal amount, mostly to let you know something is up.

Are Vizslas good with kids?

Vizslas are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.

Do Vizslas get along with other dogs?

Vizslas are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.

Are Vizslas friendly with strangers?

Vizslas are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.

Are Vizslas good for first-time owners?

Vizslas are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.

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