GSP Vizsla Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
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A German Shorthaired Pointer and Vizsla mix, or GSP Vizsla, is a tough dog that can awe you with its wicked athleticism. As a crossbreed between two gun dogs, the hybrid is active, intelligent, and fun. However, it has the potential to turn neurotic without vigorous daily exercise.
Are you considering adopting a GSP Vizsla? Dive in to learn what it’s like living with the dog based on its breed profile, care needs, and more!
| Height: | 21 to 25 inches |
| Weight: | 41 to 67 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Colors: | Mostly solid dark liver |
| Suitable for: | Active outdoor lovers that can provide lots of work and attention |
| Temperament: | Active, playful, affectionate, intelligent, loyal, loves to please |
The GSP Vizsla is a crossbreed between two well-natured purebreds; the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Hungarian Vizsla. Both breeds are highly energetic, agile, and intelligent gun dogs, initially bred for hunting.
They also share numerous similarities in their personality and are prized for their loyal and affectionate companionship.
Unlike most crossbreeds, GSP Vizsla mixes have more predictable temperaments. They are friendly, playful, and eager to please, like both parents, but have fewer emotional needs than Vizslas.
Although they still love spending time with their owners, they tend to whine slightly less when left alone for extended periods.
GSP Vizsla Mix Characteristics
German shorthaired pointers and Hungarian Vizslas share more than their liking for hunting games.
The two dog breeds only have subtle differences in build and temperaments. Most of their traits overlap, making GSP Vizsla hybrids to have generally more predictable characteristics.
GSP Vizsla Mix Puppies
GSP Vizsla mixes show a gentle and dedicated personality even as puppies. However, their curiosity and high energy can make them highly destructive and prone to accidents.
It is important to puppy-proof your home before bringing your pup home. Moreover, puppy training should begin as early as eight weeks to help keep destructive tendencies in check. Remember to keep the sessions short and exciting to avoid causing unwarranted boredom or frustration.
Generally, GSP Vizslas grow fast and may seem physically mature by six months. However, they remain young at heart for longer and maintain their puppy-like mannerisms. This means you could have a puppy with the strength and stamina of a full-grown dog.
Early training and socialization can go a long way in ensuring bad habits and behavior don’t become deal breakers.
Temperament & Intelligence of the GSP Vizsla Mix 🧠
GSP Vizslas are friendly, playful, loyal, and affectionate, just like their parent breeds. Although most inherit the somewhat independent natures of their GSP parents, it is not unusual for others to be as clingy as their Vizsla parents.
If your pet is overly vocal and whiny when it cannot see you, there is a good chance it inherited the high emotional needs of its Vizsla parent.
Both GSPs and Vizslas are highly intelligent breeds. GSP Vizsla mixes are equally brilliant and can learn new commands and tricks in just a few repetitions. Moreover, they are people pleasers.
This makes training them super easy, especially if you provide consistent instructions and use positive reinforcement-based methods.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
GSP Vizslas make excellent family dogs for active households. They are playful, cuddly, and super good with kids. Still, it is crucial to supervise playtime, especially if your rambunctious dog is hanging around kids under seven.
As a medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned, masculine body, your GSP Vizsla can withstand rough or rigorous play with children.
However, the breed is a highly energetic work dog with sharp hunting instincts. Although hunting dogs are generally fantastic family pets because they tend to be sociable, loyal, and intelligent, they may perceive kids as prey, especially if they lack proper training.
Do GSP Vizslas Get Along With Other Pets?
GSP Vizslas can get along with other pets, especially if raised together.
However, they are active hunters and can perceive smaller pets like bunnies as prey. It is necessary to be cautious during initial introductions. Also, proper socialization can ensure the doggo builds strong bonds with other animals within your household.
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Things to Know When Owning a GSP Vizsla
Before you adopt a GSP Vizsla, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
GSP Vizslas are athletic dogs that have lots of energy. They need top-quality, nutritious food to keep them active and healthy.
The right food should have quality proteins and fats as the main components. It should also have natural fibers, ground bones, and vegetables to pack your pet with essential vitamins and minerals.
If you opt for commercial food products for your pet, go for grain-free options that don’t contain artificial preservatives or fillers. Such components lack nutritional value and may also cause health concerns like digestive problems.
Also, provide appropriate food proportions based on your dog’s age and activity levels.
Although GSP Vizsla mixes are lean and athletic, they can pile on pounds if overfed. Talk to your vet about the best dietary options for optimum health and performance, especially if your pet is adding unhealthy weight.
Exercise 🐕
If you are looking for a couch potato, a GSP Vizsla may not suit you. Both German Shorthaired Pointers and Vizslas are high-energy breeds.
GSP Vizslas get their high energy from their GSP parent because they are not overly clingy. They can stay alone for at least four hours provided they have received their daily dose of exercise. But they can be disastrous if you don’t provide enough work to burn pent-up energy.
Although GSP Vizsla mixes are gentle and mild-mannered, their parents have long-hunting bloodlines. This makes the hybrids tireless, and you must provide vigorous exercise to keep them out of trouble. On the bright side, their high energy makes them perfect running or long-distance jogging companions.
However, it can enhance your experiences if you love hiking or taking long walks. This super-energetic dog breed thrives in environments where it can receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
To keep your pet healthy and happy, you must provide at least one hour of vigorous exercise and one-hour walks. A good-sized yard can make your life easier because the dog can burn more energy playing games like fetch.
Training 🎾
GSP Vizsla mixes love physical and mental stimulation. They are highly trainable and are happy to please you by following instructions to the letter. The breed is also brilliant and enjoys the mental work involved when learning new tricks.
To get the most out of each training session, always use positive reinforcement strategies. GSP Vizslas are sensitive dogs that respond best to calm and gentle instructions. As a hybrid from hunting dogs bred to work independently, your doggo can become stubborn if you use harsh words or punitive training methods.
Grooming ✂️
The hallmarks of both GSP and Vizsla dogs are their short, sleek coats.
Both are low to moderate shedders, although a GSP can shed considerably more during shedding season. Depending on the dominant genes of a GSP Vizsla, it can be a low or moderate shedder. Either way, the dog’s short coat is low maintenance because it does not retain a doggy smell.
Coat grooming once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on how much your pet sheds. Use a brush or glove with soft rubber bristles to remove dead or loose hair. Also, bathe the pet monthly, especially if you frequently go on outdoor adventures to burn pent-up energy. When showering, check the ears and give them a quick wipe using dog ear wipes.
Nail trimming is another crucial part of keeping your GSP Vizsla in tip-top condition. The hybrid has thick, dark nails that typically don’t wear down on their own. You’ll need to trim those daggers at least once monthly using heavy-duty nail clippers or a grinder.
Health and Conditions ❤️
GSP Vizslas are generally a healthy breed because of the good health profiles of their parent breeds. Although not much is known about the medical concerns they are prone to, you should be on the lookout for the following issues.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is not life-threatening and does not cause any pain. However, it has no cure and can cause light sensitivity and night blindness. The disease, characterized by the deterioration of the retina, progresses over months or years before causing complete blindness.
As a pet parent, the thought of your furry friend going blind can be devastating. Fortunately, there is no cause for alarm if your pet’s GSP and Vizsla parents are free of the condition. - Sebaceous Adenitis
Although rare, some GSP Vizslas can suffer sebaceous adenitis,1 a skin condition they can inherit from their Vizsla parent.
The concern causes a dog’s immune system to attack its sebaceous glands and cause hair loss and painful lesions on the skin. Although there is no known cure for sebaceous adenitis, it can be managed through frequent baths, topical ointments, and medicated shampoos.
- Bloat
GSP Vizslas have deep chests that make them vulnerable to bloat. This potentially life-threatening condition should be treated as a medical emergency.
Avoid engaging your pet in any physical activity for at least one hour before and after meals to lower the risk of bloats. Also, use a slow feeder bowl if your dog eats too fast. - Epilepsy
A GSP Vizsla can inherit epilepsy from its Vizsla parent.
The condition causes recurring seizures triggered by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Episodes range from mild to severe and can cause a dog to fall or display abnormal behavior like confusion, difficulty walking, or unintentional urination or defecation.
Epilepsy can be managed using medication. Although severe forms of the disease can be life-threatening, most dogs live long and happy lives with proper treatment and care. - Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is quite common and is characterized by the abnormal growth and development of the hips.
Fortunately, the ailment can be treated or managed through surgery, pain medication, anti-inflammatories, or nutrition supplements. Experts suggest neutering or spaying dogs after two years to reduce their propensity to develop hip dysplasia. - Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a concern that affects the thyroid gland’s ability to produce sufficient hormones. This leads to metabolism problems resulting in signs like chronic skin and ear infections, weight gain, and lethargy. Without proper treatment, it can shorten your GSP Vizsla’s life expectancy.
Male vs Female GSP Vizsla Mix
GSP Vizslas make excellent companions, irrespective of their gender. They are hybrids from some of the best all-rounded breeds and will bring endless joy to your household.
Both males and females are affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. Still, a few subtle differences can make one sex more ideal for your home.
Personality
Male GSP Vizslas are hyper-friendly and have more emotional needs than their female counterparts. Although both genders benefit from frequent interaction with their family members, females are more independent and less prone to separation anxiety.
If you cannot be with your dog all day, every day, it is better to settle for a female GSP Vizsla. However, a male is better when searching for a therapy dog.
GSP Vizslas don’t make the best guard dogs.
However, females are more prone to being shy and suspicious of strangers and are more likely to alert you if a new face approaches your property. Regarding kid-friendliness, females also win because they have a calmer disposition.
Training
Male GSP Vizslas are big people pleasers. Training them is fun because they make a great effort to do as instructed. However, they are easily distracted and need a firm handler for training to bear the intended fruit. Females are easier to train because they are calmer and more attentive.
Breeding
Desexed GSP Vizslas typically don’t display erratic behavior, whether male or female. However, dealing with intact males is challenging because they tend to be more aggressive and territorial. They can also become defiant or escape artists when they badly want to roam in search of a mate.
Intact females will also display the usual canine reproductive behavior and want to interact more with other dogs. They can become more aggressive if they view other female dogs in your household as competition.
If you don’t want accidental litters, have your furry friend spayed after the first two heat cycles. The spaying procedure is typically more complicated and expensive than neutering.
3 Little-Known Facts About GSP Vizsla Mixes
GSP Vizsla mixes are loving companions prized for their gentle and affectionate nature. They have a generally pleasant personality profile mainly because of the warm temperaments of the parent breeds.
If you want to invite a GSP Vizsla into your home, here are three little-known facts to expect.
1. They Provide Constant Companionship
Once you adopt a GSP Vizsla, you can say goodbye to lonely days!
These dogs are loyal to their owners and constantly want to please them. Their affectionate and gentle personalities are a bonus, and you’ll love spending time with your dog as much as it loves cuddling with you.
Although GSP Vizslas are capable of some independence and alone time, you can bring out the best in them by providing the attention they crave.
2. They Are a Mouthy Breed
Both GSPs and Vizslas are yappy. It’s no surprise that GSP Vizsla mixes know the art of using their mouths as accessories to get what they want. Also, the breed chews anything that can fit in its mouth.
Puppies sound cute as they yap around to communicate their needs. Unfortunately, this behavior only gets worse over time. It is crucial to provide appropriate training to reduce the odds of your dog getting on your nerves once it’s older.
3. They Are Tireless
GSP Vizslas are a highly energetic breed that would rather hike or jog than lounge with you on the couch. While they do love cuddles, your pet is least likely to maintain a calm demeanor before it has had a long day of work.
If you want a more laid-back dog, you must give lots of mental and physical stimulation to get that energy out.
Final Thoughts
GSP Vizsla mixes are as good-natured and hardworking as their parent breeds. They can bounce off the walls with energy and are best suited to active individuals or families that want a therapy dog, hunting companion, or jogging/hiking buddy.
If you have always fancied a sporty dog breed, this hybrid will curve into your heart for its excellence in agility training, field trials, and lure coursing.
So, is a GSP Vizsla suited for any family? No.
Although this hybrid is not as clingy as its Vizsla parent, it still craves a lot of mental and physical stimulation. It loves pleasing its owner, and hours of solace can affect its mental health. Also, its high energy makes it better for folks with large yards where the doggo can run and play to its heart’s content. If you live in an apartment or have a hectic work life, this dog breed is unsuitable for you.
Related Read:
- Vizsla Whippet Mix: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
- Vizsla Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Image Credit: Left – German Shorthaired Pointer (Brixiv, Pexels) | Right – Vizsla (Vizslafotozas, Pixabay)
