Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Exercise Does My Vizsla Need? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Magyar Vizsla male is running towards the camera

When you’re thinking about adding a dog to your family, finding the breed that will be the right fit is essential. Two of the most critical factors in a new companion are their temperament and energy level.

If you’ve been considering a Vizsla, one question likely comes to mind: how much exercise do they need? Vizslas are highly energetic dogs that require about 2 hours of exercise daily.

Keep reading as we discuss what the Vizsla is like as a pet and offer a few ideas for keeping up with their exercise requirements.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The History of the Vizsla

Understanding the Vizsla’s history can give you a better picture of their care needs and temperament. The ancestors of the Vizsla were bred by Magyar warriors in ancient Hungary. The Magyar were interested in breeding agility and swiftness into both their hunting dogs and horses. These ancestor dogs were able to keep up with the warrior’s horses and were a reddish color, like the modern Vizsla.

Over time, the dogs were refined by Hungarian nobles and warlords and were used for hunting birds and hares. They were bred as retrievers and pointers and became the Vizslas that we are familiar with today.

The first Vizsla was brought to the United States in 1950, and eventually, the American Kennel Club recognized them in 1960. In 2024, the Vizsla is the 35th most popular breed out of 284 dog breeds.

vizsla standing in a white sand desert
Image By: Barna Tanko, Shutterstock

The Exercise Needs of the Vizsla

Vizslas were bred to be as fast as horses, or at least, their ancestors were. This should tell you how energetic they are and that they will require a great deal of exercise. They were bred to work with warriors and hunters and could walk and run long distances over challenging terrain.

Vizslas have been clocked running at 40 mph (64 kph), so they have plenty of energy! They require a minimum of 1 hour of exercise every day, but they really need 2 hours overall. A chunk of this time should be off-leash running time.

If you are active and outdoorsy, the Vizsla might be a great companion for hiking, biking, running, and swimming. Remember that only adult Vizslas should be exercised vigorously; puppies shouldn’t be overexercised because they are not fully grown yet. It’s common for young dogs to injure their joints and bones with too much exercise.

When dogs become seniors, they are more prone to conditions like arthritis and start to slow down, so they will also need less exercise.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Different Kinds of Exercise for the Vizsla

Walking

All dogs need about two walks a day. They provide an outlet to expend energy, socialize, and explore the world around them.

You should walk Vizslas for about 45 minutes twice a day; try to build a routine and walk them at the same times every day.

Take your Vizsla to off-leash areas to let them run, but teach them to come on command so they don’t run off. If that isn’t possible right away (or at least until you’ve trained them), you can use a retractable leash.

The owner walks around the city with a dog of the Magyar Vizsla
Image By: bodnar.photo, Shutterstock

Playtime

Playing with your dog will give your Vizsla physical and mental exercise and plenty of bonding time.

  • Tug-of-war: Most dogs love to play tug-of-war with their humans. It is also a strength-building exercise.
  • Fetch: Even an ordinary game of fetch is an excellent way to get your Vizsla running full-on.
  • Frisbee: This one can be tricky to teach, but Vizslas are intelligent dogs and love chasing and catching a Frisbee.
  • Swimming: Vizslas have webbed feet and have Retriever in their background, so they’ll love to go swimming with you.
  • Socializing: Vizslas get along well with other dogs, so giving them a chance to run and play at a dog park (off-leash would be ideal) gives them playtime and exercise.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as essential as physical exercise. Without it, a Vizsla will get bored, which leads to destructive behavior.

  • Scent-and-nose games: Dogs bred to hunt can do well with scent-and-nose games. They enable dogs to engage their hunting instincts and give them physical and mental exercise.
  • Puzzle toys: They are designed to keep dogs busy and engage their problem-solving skills. Keep in mind that Vizslas are quite intelligent, so you might want to get challenging puzzles. You can also make your own.
  • Chew toys: Most dogs love to chew, and you can provide your Vizsla with durable chew toys and treats. Chew toys exercise their jaws and help clean their teeth. Chewing also releases endorphins and keeps them busy.
  • Food toys: Try constructing a few food puzzles and turn your dog’s mealtimes into a game. Working for their food gives them mental and physical exercise.
  • Enrichment: The dog’s environment should contain enough interesting and engaging outlets. This includes puzzle toys, but you should also ensure that they have a comfortable bed and crate with soft blankets.

You can always ask a veterinarian about the best ways to keep your dog engaged and active.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider dog faces oct 2024

Fitting Your Vizsla’s Exercise Needs Into Your Day

If you are busy most days, there are a few ways to fit all this exercise into your schedule.

Every day must include walks and mental stimulation. So, starting in the morning, take your Vizsla for a 30-minute walk and have a play session at the closest dog park. When you get home after work, enjoy another walk for at least 30 minutes and include a game of fetch.

If you work from home, aim for a 60-minute walk in the morning. If you’re lucky enough to live near a hiking trail, a hike with your Vizsla would be ideal. After work, play scent work games with your dog for 30 minutes.

On your days off, you can go hiking, take them swimming, or visit the beach! You can also consider hiring a dog walker to take your dog out halfway through the day.

Vizsla dog playing outdoor
Image By: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

If you’re not active and don’t particularly enjoy long walks and hikes, you might want to look for a quieter and calmer breed. The Vizsla is ideal for people who want to go for long walks and enjoy the outdoors with a running companion.

All dogs need walks, but the Vizsla needs someone to wear them every day. So, if you’re looking for an energetic companion that’s super smart, loving, and has a zest for life, the Vizsla might be perfect for you!


Featured Image Credit: Bianca Pinkernell, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Much Exercise Do Samoyeds Need? Vet-Approved Care Facts

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs with big white coats and a friendly, playful attitude. The breed was first developed in Siberia to pull sleds,...

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at Others While Walking: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

Walking our dogs is great for both them and us. Everyone gets exercise, and your dog is less bored and can get out...

Ask Dr. Paola- Tumors, Raisins & Trigger Words (June 23, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Do Dogs Need Raincoats? Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

Not all dogs need raincoats. However, some dogs may benefit from them depending on their breed. Single-coated dogs like Boxers, Dalmatians, and Maltese...

More related

Vizsla vs. German Shorthaired Pointer: Vet-Verified Differences (With Pictures)

Getting a new dog can be great fun, and two popular choices are the Vizsla and the German Shorthaired Pointer. Both can make...

23 Essential Siberian Husky Supplies to Get You Started: 2025 Update

While you’re lucky to be welcoming a Siberian Husky into your life sometime soon, it can be hard to know exactly what to...

7 Signs a Dog Is Uncomfortable & How to Help (Vet-Reviewed)

Dogs can’t speak to us directly, but they can communicate their feelings and emotions through their actions. Most owners are in tune with...

How Much Does a Dog Cost in Australia? 2025 Price Guide

Dogs are beloved pets all over the world and firm favourites among pet owners in Australia. There are plenty of positives to owning...

Keep reading

Carna4 vs Orijen Dog Food 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Dog food can be quite an investment, so it’s important to know you’re choosing the right food for your beloved canine companion. The stakes for premium dog foods are even higher because the price tag can hurt your wallet. Orijen...

Dogster_Dog Food Carna4 VS Orijen

8 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss Made in the USA in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like humans, dogs may struggle with excess weight. However, it’s more than just an aesthetic problem. Weight gain in dogs can contribute to a variety of health conditions that can shorten their lifespan and diminish their quality of life....

boston terrier dog eating from white bowl

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

Dogs can enjoy many foods that humans eat, and they’re experts at convincing us to share our food with them. Since they can eat many fruits and vegetables that humans also eat, it’s best to choose healthier options than junk...

Can-Dogs-Eat-Blueberry-Muffins

Member’s Mark Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, & FAQ

Review Summary Member’s Mark is the brand of Sam’s Club. Named after its founder, Sam Walton, Sam’s Club is owned by Walmart. The Member’s Mark dog food is sold in large bags for a bargain price, appealing to dog owners...

Dogster_Member’s Mark Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Taste Spice? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks

Dogs find many human foods tasty. However, due to differences in our anatomy, dogs experience taste differently from humans. When it comes to spiciness, dogs are capable of tasting spice and can even feel the heat, but their taste for...

a variety of spices on wooden table

How to Store Wet Dog Food: 7 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks

Wet dog food is a popular texture to feed canines, and it definitely has its share of nutritional benefits. If you have your dog on a wet dog food diet, you’ll want to know all about the best ways you...

woman filling homemade fresh wet food into containers

Pure Balance vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Our 2025 Comparison

The dog food aisle can be a bit overwhelming when you’re faced with brand after brand claiming to offer the best nutrition. You want the best for your pet, so where do you start when choosing the right dog food?...

Dogster_Dog Food Pure Balance VS Blue Buffalo

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Vet-Verified Facts & Health Benefits

Luckily, because our canines are omnivores, just like us, we can enjoy many of the same foods. There are quite a few food items that are interchangeable. So, since you likely know that you can share quite a few fruits,...

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple