here’s something absolutely wild about vizslas – they’re so valuable in hungary that criminals are literally stealing puppies from shelters to breed and sell them illegally.
purebred vizsla puppies go for around $2,200. well-trained adult vizslas that hunters want? over $21,000 1. twenty one thousand dollars for a dog.
so what does it actually take to raise something that expensive? if you’ve got a vizsla or you’re thinking about getting one, understanding their developmental stages is kind of crucial. here’s what you’re signing up for.
stage 1: neonatal period (birth – 2 weeks)
newborn vizsla puppies are completely helpless. born blind and deaf, they navigate entirely by touch and smell. they need to eat every two hours – either from mom or high quality milk replacer if something goes wrong.
during these first two weeks they start developing basic coordination and social skills. by the end of this stage their eyes and ears begin opening, which is when things get interesting.
stage 2: transitional period (2 – 4 weeks)
suddenly your potato-shaped puppy can stand and walk. they start wagging their tails. their hearing and smell keep developing and their first teeth show up, which mom probably isn’t thrilled about.
this is when barking starts as they figure out how to communicate with littermates. socialization becomes important here – positive interactions with people and other dogs now set the foundation for whether your adult vizsla will be chill or anxious.
stage 3: socialization period (4 – 12 weeks)
this is the critical window. from 4 to 12 weeks, vizsla puppies are basically little sponges soaking up every experience. expose them to different people, animals, and environments now or deal with fear and anxiety issues later.
they start enjoying playtime and exploring everything. keep them with mom and littermates until at least 8 weeks so they learn important social skills and boundaries. separating them too early creates behavioral problems you’ll regret.
stage 4: ranking period (3 – 6 months)
welcome to dog elementary school. your vizsla is figuring out dominance and submission within the pack (which includes you). they’re heavily influenced by other dogs they play with and will absolutely test you to see where they fit in the hierarchy.
teething happens during this stage as adult teeth replace puppy teeth. everything will get chewed. hide your shoes, protect your furniture, accept your fate.
stage 5: adolescence (6 – 18 months)
this is the teenager phase and it can be genuinely annoying. vizslas test boundaries, assert independence, and if you dont give them enough mental and physical stimulation they’ll find creative ways to destroy your house.
consistent training and positive reinforcement are non-negotiable here. some vizslas go through a second chewing phase. if they’re not spayed or neutered you’ll also deal with increased sexual behavior which is exactly as fun as it sounds.
stage 6: maturity (18 – 24 months)
most vizslas hit their full adult height by 12-14 months but they keep filling out and building muscle until 18-24 months. this is when their personality solidifies and energy levels settle into whatever nightmare or dream you’re gonna live with.
adult vizslas need at least one hour of vigorous exercise daily, ideally split into two sessions. they also need mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive play because these dogs are smart and bored vizslas are destructive vizslas.
stage 7: senior years (7+ years)
around age 7, vizslas start slowing down. energy levels drop, mobility decreases, things get creaky. the average lifespan is 10-14 years so you’ve still got time but you’ll need to adjust their care.
regular vet checkups become more important. balanced diet, appropriate exercise that doesn’t wreck their joints. with proper care senior vizslas can stay active and happy well into their golden years.
the actual investment
owning a vizsla isn’t just about the insane purchase price or the criminals who might literally steal your dog. it’s the time, energy, and emotional investment through every single stage.
the bond you build through all these phases? that’s the part you can’t put a price tag on. even when they’re chewing your couch during adolescence or slowing down in their senior years.
the memories last longer than the destroyed furniture. probably.
Source:
1. https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarian-vizsla-is-so-popular-that-criminals-started-to-steal-and-breed-it-in-western-europe/
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles. Also an aspiring cook we he researches and tries all kinds of different food recipes and shares what works best.