Click Below to Skip Ahead
If you love Poodles and Vizslas in equal measure, a crossbreed of the two is the perfect solution to enjoying the best of both worlds. Poodle Vizslas, or Vizsladoodles, are energetic, fun, and affectionate like their Vizsla parents. Moreover, they are as intelligent as poodles but require lesser maintenance because they don’t shed much or have a gross doggy smell!
Does the Vizsladoodle pique your interest? Read on for everything you need to know about this dog breed.
Breed Overview
Height:
20 to 24 inches
Weight:
45 to 70 pounds
Lifespan:
12 to 14 years
Colors:
Gold-oxide, red, tan, and brown
Suitable for:
Active families that can cater to the needs of a highly social and energetic dog
Temperament:
Intelligent, easy to train, active, energetic, fun, loyal, and affectionate
The Poodle Vizsla mix is a crossbreed between the Standard Poodle and Hungarian Vizsla. As a hybrid of two well-natured breeds, it’s no wonder the dog makes a wonderful addition to any loving family.
Vizsladoodles can inherit a combination of physical traits and dispositions from either parent. Fortunately, most dogs bring most, if not all, of the best qualities from Poodles and Vizslas.
Generally, these designer dogs are affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train. They are also incredibly friendly without being as clingy as Vizslas. They can spend time alone without getting frustrated and enjoy the company of kids and other pets. Moreover, they are highly adaptable and can fit into different settings and conform to the routines in place.
Poodle Vizsla Mix Characteristics
Poodle Vizsla Mixed Breed Puppies
Poodle Vizsla puppies have incredible amounts of energy. They can be a lot of work because of their higher energy expenditure. Providing plenty of physical stimulation is the best way to tame their naughty side. Ideally, they need at least two hours of daily exercise, while adults become relatively calm with just an hour of workouts.
The active and playful nature of Vizsladoodles puppies also implies a greater need for proper food and nutrition.
For most dog breeds, switching from puppy to adult food at seven to nine months of age is safe. Poodle Vizslas are an exception and need puppy food for 12 to 14 months. This ensures they have plenty of fuel to maintain an active lifestyle.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Poodle Vizsla Mix 🧠
Among the most notable characteristics of Vizsladoodles is that they are incredibly friendly. Their gentle and calm nature makes them excellent additions to any family. With some training and socialization, the dogs get along with adults, kids, and other pets within the household.
As intelligent hybrids, Poodle Vizsla mixes are easy to train and excel in obedience and agility training. You only need to beware of their stubborn streak and provide firm instructions to establish yourself as their leader. Edible incentives can also do wonders to make your training, socialization, and bonding sessions a success.
Moreover, Vizsladoodles love pleasing their owners and quickly fall in line once they identify you as a pack member. Just don’t expect them to make good guard dogs because they are hardly ever aggressive. Still, they make excellent watchdogs and will alert you if something seems amiss.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Vizsladoodles make exceptionally good family pets because of their gentle, friendly, and affectionate personalities. They are not as high-strung as miniature Poodles and, instead, take up the cuddly natures of their Vizsla parents.
You can expect your dog to enjoy playing games with your kids. Although it’s not likely to nip if mishandled, it could be too rumbustious for kids under seven. You must supervise play sessions between your pet and younger children.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Poodle Vizsla mixes love the company of other pets. You can blame this on their active and energetic personalities, making them more inclined to befriend different playmates.
Although Poodles don’t have a high prey drive, Vizslas are avid hunters. Whether your Vizsladoodle will be tempted to chase around your kitty or bunny depends highly on their inherited traits.
Generally, this designer breed will not start trouble with larger pets. However, it can have a blast tracking the scent of your kitty before pouncing on it. If unsure about your dog’s prey drive, avoid leaving it unsupervised with smaller pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Poodle Vizsla Mix
We have done most of the research for you to make pet parenthood a tad easier. Here are the basic things you should know when owning a Poodle Vizsla.
Food & Diet Requirements
The food you offer your dog throughout life can significantly impact its vitality and longevity. Although Vizsladoodles are not picky eaters, they need balanced food and calorie restrictions for a better quality of life.
Generally, your pet needs a protein-packed diet with beef, poultry, or seafood as the main ingredient. Quality, nutrient-loaded kibbles for medium-sized dogs often fit the bill, although you should beware of products with grain-sourced proteins. Components like barley, corn, oats, wheat, and soy are notorious for causing digestive problems and allergies.
If you are having trouble deciding the best type and quantity of food for your furry friend, it will not hurt to consult your vet. The expert can help you craft a dietary program that matches the precise nutritional requirements of your pet.
Exercise
The Vizsladoodle is not a dog for quiet, laid-back families. It’s active and energetic, which can pose some drawbacks for pet owners with tight schedules.
Puppies require at least two hours of vigorous exercise, while adults can expel pent-up energy within an hour of workouts. The easiest way to provide adequate physical stimulation is to take your furry friend on hikes and long walks. The Poodle Vizsla mix also makes an excellent jogging and swimming buddy.
You must also provide mental stimulation through games like food puzzles, hide and seek, and obstacle courses. Such games help kill boredom and discourage destructive mannerisms.
Training
The Vizsladoodle is incredibly easy to train, provided you understand how to handle an intelligent dog breed. Above-average intelligence doesn’t always guarantee a smooth ride when training your pet.
Like most “smart” dogs, Poodle Vizslas are stubborn and can test your patience if you are not firm and consistent. Despite possessing an almost human intellect, they are notorious for playing “dumb” because of their preference to work independently.
You can persuade your dog to embrace training by being firm and providing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior.
Grooming ✂️
Vizsladoodles have an interesting blend of the coat types of both parents. Their coats are kinky like a Poodle’s coat but a bit shorter and smoother, thanks to their Vizsla parents.
These dogs have moderate grooming needs because they don’t shed much. You can also breathe easily, knowing your furry friend will not accumulate a gross doggy smell if it skips a shower.
To keep your pet’s coat in excellent condition, brush it twice weekly and trim it whenever necessary. You’ll also need to bathe it once or twice monthly using a pet shampoo and conditioner for long-haired dogs. Most importantly, clean the eyes and ears every other day and clip the nails after every three to four weeks.
Health and Conditions
Vizsladoodles are hardy and healthy thanks to their hybrid vigor. Although crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebreds, you must ask your breeder for the health clearances of the parent dogs. Healthy parents often guarantee equally healthy puppies.
Here are a few health problems some Vizsladoodles inherit from the parent breeds.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat (or GDV)
Male vs Female
If you must decide between a male and female Vizsladoodle, the correct gender will highly depend on your lifestyle and expectations. Although the two have a few differences, they both make excellent pets with early socialization and proper training.
Generally, male Poodle Vizslas are better for multi-pet households. They are more playful, affectionate, and trusting and will not mind hanging out with your cat or even a dog of a different breed. Also, they take the crown for being excellent playmates for kids.
On the other hand, females are more independent and likely to assert their dominance. Although they can tolerate kids and other pets, they have a shorter anger threshold if mishandled. Their more independent nature makes them less prone to separation anxiety, while their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Poodle Vizsla Mix
1. They Have Great Barking Potential
Vizsla Poodle mixes make fantastic watchdogs. Although they are not aggressive, they are highly vocal and will put their pair of lungs to good use when informing you of an intrusion.
Also, they can bark and make awkward noises when bored and want to alert you of their concern. Some pet parents find this trait adorable, while others find it stressful. Don’t be surprised if your neighbors are not fond of you or your furry companion.
2. They Are Highly Adaptable
One of the best traits of Vizsladoodles is that they are highly adaptable. They can easily fit into different settings and conform to new routines.
For instance, your furry friend will hardly whine if you move to a different home. Instead, it will enjoy the adventure, curiously sniff around every room, and test its new base camp. Provided it still receives its dose of attention and affection from its owner, it will remain unperturbed by minor changes in its lifestyle.
3. They Are Loyal to the Core
Vizsladoodles are selectively bred to develop some of the best traits of both Poodles and Vizslas. One of the characteristics to expect of all dogs of the mixed breed is an unwavering loyalty towards their owners. Your dog has an innate need to obey and please you. It doesn’t need much persuasion or motivation to play nice with its alpha.
Final Thoughts
Poodle Vizslas are playful, affectionate, and outgoing. They are also adaptable, intelligent, and relatively easy to train. Their warm, gentle, and calm personalities tip the scale in their favor, especially for pet parents that don’t mind a highly active and energetic dog.
Before you adopt a Vizsladoodle, beware of its high mental and physical stimulation demands.
On the bright side, energy-packed dogs are fun and interesting. Your furry friend can even make you fitter and healthier by encouraging you to exercise.
See also:
- When Will My Labradoodle Go Into Heat? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQs
- Standard Poodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)