The German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla mix is an interesting hybrid dog from two very similar parent breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Hungarian Vizsla.
This hybrid is often confused with the German Wirehaired Pointing Vizsla, a cross between a Hungarian Vizsla and a German Wirehaired Pointer similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer but significantly unique.
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and the Vizsla are similar breeds originally used as gun dogs. They are excellent canine athletes and will require plenty of exercise to stay balanced and happy.
In this blog post, we’ll look at this fascinating breed and see whether it will be the perfect dog for you!
Other articles you would like: Do Vizslas Need Grooming? and Why Is My German Shorthaired Pointer So Skinny?
Table of Contents
Parent Breeds
To understand the hybrid, first, we should look at the characteristics and tendencies of both parent breeds.
The German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile dog breed ideal for various activities. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are now popular as family and companion animals.
German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and trainable and make loyal and loving companions. They are also active and energetic dogs and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Even though they are hunting dogs, they aren’t aggressive and make excellent family dogs. They are affectionate and easy to train.
The Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas are hunting dogs with excellent noses, lightly built frames, and well-defined muscles. They are good on land and have agile, streamlined bodies, making them excellent swimmers.
They are strong and athletic, built for long work hours in fields and forests. Vizslas are also friendly, affectionate dogs. They typically don’t like to be away from their owners and are prone to separation anxiety.
The German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix Overview
Loving, athletic, and loyal, the German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla mix bonds closely with its family. Affectionate with children and with few aggressive tendencies, these dogs make excellent family dogs.
They are intelligent and will need constant mental stimulation. They can also be stubborn and headstrong, so early training and socialization are essential.
They are active dogs and can become bored and destructive if inadequately exercised. A mere stroll around the block isn’t enough!
German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix Appearance
The GSP-Vizsla mix is typically a medium-sized dog with an athletic build. Both parents have similar body structures, and it is easy to confuse a GSP-Vizsla mix for either one of its parent breeds based on its appearance.
Like its parents, its body is sleek and strong, with defined muscles and a compact, lean structure.
These dogs have smooth, short coats that may be golden red or russet like its Vizsla parent or reddish brown, black, and possibly with some white mixed in like its German Shorthaired Pointer parent.
They have graceful, slender ears and soulful brown eyes. The size of this mixed-breed dog varies depending on the size of its parents and can be between 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder on average.
Males are taller, about 22 to 25 inches, and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. The adult female, on the other hand, tends to be smaller.
They can be as small as 21 inches, and the bigger ones can get up to 23 inches tall. Females typically weigh about 45 to 60 pounds.
Exercise Requirements for the German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix
These dogs tend to have very high energy levels and much stamina. They are very active and need vigorous daily exercise.
A short, 30-minute stroll around the neighborhood is unlikely enough for this mix to be adequately stimulated.
GSP-Vizslas have a strong, rhythmic strut, a lot of energy, and high stamina. They are great companions on runs, bike rides, or hikes.
They love to have a lot of space to jump around and burn energy, so having a big yard is a huge plus as a GSP-Vizsla mix owner.
Agility is also another great activity to do with your GSP-Vizsla mix. It is an excellent way to bond with your dog while providing them with much-needed exercise.
Agility training generally refers to a series of obstacles that your dog must navigate, such as climbing over fences, jumping through hoops, and walking across narrow beams.
This type of activity not only helps to keep your dog physically fit, but it also promotes mental stimulation and can help to ward off boredom.
In addition, agility training is a great way to build trust and communication between you and your furry friend. As you work together to overcome challenges and navigate the course, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of each other.
Mental exercise is a vital addition to physical exercise. Keeping your dog occupied with mentally stimulating puzzles and tasks can also help them expend their excess energy and tire them out.
It also keeps them from getting bored and developing behavioral issues such as unnecessary barking and chewing.
German Shorthaired Pointer Mix Temperament
These dogs are friendly and affectionate and do very well with people and children. However, like all hunting dogs, they have high prey drives and must be watched around smaller animals.
Both their parent breeds get very attached to their owners, Vizslas more so than German Shorthaired Pointers. Because of how attached Vizslas get to their humans, they are often fondly referred to as ‘Velcro Vizslas’.
If your GSP-Vizsla mix is more like a Vizsla in temperament, you will have a very attention-loving dog on your hands.
They will follow you around the house, wanting your love and attention. Even when they want to rest, they are likely to lie next to you or on your feet.
When you take them on walks, these dogs want to sniff around every corner. You will also notice their strong hunting instinct because they may be attracted to all the birds and small animals they see.
You will have to be careful though, because these dogs love to chase, and sometimes catch, small animals.
German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla mixes are good with other animals but may need to be supervised, especially if they were not socialized properly.
Because these dogs are retrievers by nature, they have high chewing instincts. Get loads of chew toys to keep them busy so they don’t resort to chewing your items around the house!
German Shorthaired Vizsla Mix Health
A German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla mix is generally healthy as both the parent breeds are generally in good condition. A healthy, well-cared-for German Shorthaired Vizsla mix is expected to live for 12-15 years.
However, some health conditions are found in German Shorthaired Pointers and Vizslas. Because they are found in both parents, GSP-Vizsla mixes may be susceptible to them. Some of these conditions include;
Bloat
Medically known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is a serious condition that usually occurs without warning and progresses quickly.
It is when a dog’s stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists unusually. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint doesn’t develop well in this condition as the dog grows. The joint becomes loose, leading to pain and dysfunction. The symptoms become more evident as the dog ages.
Epilepsy
This abnormality of the brain causes the affected dog to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Eye disorders
Common eye disorders dogs may experience include dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Von Willebrand’s disease
This inherited bleeding disorder occurs when a certain protein in the body is missing, and the blood can’t clot properly. Affected dogs are heavy bleeders, and small injuries are more concerning than they would normally be.
Cancer
Like humans, dogs also develop melanomas, bone cancers, and osteosarcoma.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder. The thyroid gland produces hormones to regulate the dog’s metabolism and growth. Hypothyroidism causes lethargy, weight gain without an increased appetite, and cold intolerance.
If you’re getting your dog from a breeder, make extra sure to do so from a responsible one. A good breeder will screen out genetic conditions before breeding occurs to prevent these conditions from being passed on.
Training A German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix
These dogs are intelligent and quickly pick up the training you give them. However, they are also stubborn and strong-willed and require a firm trainer.
They are sensitive dogs and will only respond well to positive reinforcement. As early as possible, GSP-Vizsla mixes should be properly socialized so they can also learn to behave among people and other dogs.
Grooming a German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix
Neither of the parent breeds is a heavy shedder, so your GSP-Vizsla mix is also unlikely to be a heavy shedder.
They don’t require much grooming and have short coats that can be brushed a few times a week with a mitt or slicker brush.
You can bathe your dog occasionally with a gentle shampoo, but be careful not to bathe them too much and cause the skin to dry out.
Inspect and clean their ears regularly and keep their nails trimmed short.
German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla Mix
The German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla mix is a unique, relatively uncommon hybrid dog that comes from two impressive gun dogs.
If you’ve tried to socialize, train and exercise them, you will be rewarded with a loving, loyal companion to share many happy years with!
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