Vizsla Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
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The Vizsla Pitbull Mix is quickly gaining popularity in the canine world due to its loyalty, intelligence, and friendly disposition. Also known as Pitbull Vizsla, this dog came into being by crossing a purebred Vizsla and a purebred Pitbull.
The resulting dog features some of the best traits from the parent breeds to make it a lifelong companion and wonderful pet. In this article, we will explore the temperament, characteristics, and potential health concerns of this unique dog. Read on to learn more.
| Height: | 21–24 inches |
| Weight: | 45–60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Colors: | Light chocolate brown |
| Suitable for: | Families, hunters, active singles/couples |
| Temperament: | Playful, loyal, fierce, active |
The Vizsla Pitbull Mix is often referred to as a “designer dog” because it features genetic materials from an American Pitbull Terrier and a Hungarian Vizsla. It features a lean and muscular build thanks to the parent breeds. However, the body type will, of course, depend on the muscle mass of each parent breed. Either way, it is a very athletic dog.
It may inherit the short and smooth coat of a Pitbull or the dense coat common in Vizslas. The coats can also feature a variety of colors ranging from reddish-brown, golden, or dark brown while having either the long droopy ears common in Vizslas or the short floppy ears of a Pitbull.
Another core characteristic that dog enthusiasts love in the Vizsla Pitbull Mix is the fact that their legs tend to be longer than those of the Pitbull. They also feature a shorter snout because a Pitbull usually has a blockier head. Overall, it is a strong, healthy, good-looking dog with a lovable countenance.
Vizsla Pitbull Mix Characteristics
Vizsla Pitbull Mix Puppies
Before buying or adopting a Vizsla Pitbull Mix puppy, try spending time around them while keenly observing their physical conditions and general temperament.
Ideally, you should aim to adopt active, friendly, and playful puppies. They should also be able to wag their tails happily as they approach you. If the puppy prefers to stay isolated in a corner, this could be an indication that it’s extremely shy, probably due to poor upbringing.
When it comes to the physical aspect of the puppies, you should opt for a puppy with clear eyes, ears, nose, and a shiny coat. The pup should also be able to move steadily without any signs of limping or pain in its limbs.
In this age, a lot of dog breeders tend to claim that they sell healthy puppies. However, do not immediately take them for their word, especially if their pups are retailing below the average cost. You probably could be dealing with puppy mills that care little about the well-being of their dogs. Instead, look for a responsible, ethical, and reputable breeder.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Vizsla Pitbull Mix 🧠
Vizsla Pitbull Mix are usually subject to controversy due to their temperament. If the dog’s temperament suits your personality, almost all your care and maintenance work will be easier. If it doesn’t, you will probably want to get rid of your dog in a matter of time.
What most people love about this breed is the fact that it can be social and very open to strangers. They love interacting with new people, are jovial and can make you smile when you are going through a bad day.
However, this dog breed cannot be considered completely vigilant. But if you put some effort into its socialization and training from an early age, it might do an okay job. The breed tends to have a very high adaptability level.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Once Vizsla Pitbull Mix dogs are socialized, they can get along with children quite well. They tend to show great loyalty and are very protective of their family members. Nevertheless, you should never allow your dogs to go unsupervised while in the presence of young children. Accidents can happen due to rough playing.
Also, you should look out for signs of nervousness or if the dog struggles to play with your children. You should discuss these concerns with your local vet and choose wisely before adopting or buying one. But overall, you shouldn’t have to lock your Vizsla Pitbull Mix dog whenever your children are around.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Vizsla Pitbull Mix can get along with other pets and dogs if they are raised together and with early socialization.
However, if you take your dog to the park, consider leaving it leashed because it can get very excited when it notices other animals in its vicinity. Often, experts recommend using a rope dog leash because it will allow you optimum control while giving your furry companion enough space to explore while walking.
Things to Know When Owning a Vizsla Pitbull Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Since the Vizsla Pitbull Mix is a highly energetic breed, it requires more protein in its diet for muscle repair and maintenance. To stay healthy and maintain its energy level, feed it high-quality and dry dog food with all the essential nutrients.
The amount should match the dog’s age and level. Adult dogs need fewer calories than puppies. The puppies should also be fed with food specifically designed for growing dogs. Experts recommend that you give your dog 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food with balanced ratios of protein, carbs, and fats.
While dog treats are also fine, you should give them to your dog in moderation. If you can, look for fresh produce such as carrots because they make healthy and delicious treats. However, before feeding your Vizsla Pitbull Mix any sort of fruit or vegetable, consider consulting your local vet.
Also, since the Vizsla parent is usually prone to issues like obesity, you shouldn’t overfeed your Vizsla Pitbull Mix. Furthermore, refrain from giving your dog human food or table scraps since it can lead to other health complications.
Exercise 🐕
For your dog to stay fit and healthy, it requires at least one hour of exercise per day to expend some of their energy and avoid getting anxious and frustrated. It also prevents them from adopting bad behavior, such as excessive barking.
You can simply allow the dog to roam freely in your backyard during the day. This will give your furry companions plenty of time and space to run around, play and get some sun and fresh air. However, for puppies, ensure that the area is fully fenced. You can install a wireless dog fence to keep your dog safe.
Training 🎾
Since Pitbull Vizsla Mix dogs are highly intelligent and very active, you must be willing to put in some time and effort in training. Both the parent breeds tend to be stubborn, and you have to be very patient when training their offspring. If you cannot sacrifice some time off your busy schedule, then this dog breed is probably not for you.
You can start with basic commands for obedience, such as come, stay, sit, and down. This should be done within the first eight weeks. Once mastered, your dog can then proceed to more advanced training. The training process should be consistent, and you should reward your dog with treats for good behavior to encourage them to learn more.
With proper training, this dog breed can be pleasant to be around. If not properly trained, it can be quite a handful. So, choose wisely before taking this dog home. Ensure that you regularly take them to the dog park to interact with other dogs, animals, and people. When properly done, you will end up with a well-adjusted Pitbull Vizsla Mix that is good with people and other pets.
Grooming ✂️
Since Vizsla Pitbulls feature a short coat, they will need to be brushed at least once or twice every week. Experts recommend using deshedding brushes, which is 90% effective at removing dander and dead skin from the dog’s coat.
Furthermore, you can use a slicker brush for regular coat brushing. It helps distribute natural oils throughout your dog’s fur coat to keep it clean and shiny.
You can also choose to bathe your dog at least twice a month with a mildly scented dog shampoo. The dog is very prone to skin allergies; thus, experts recommend using an organic-based shampoo that lacks phthalate, paraben, and sulfate.
Moreover, you shouldn’t skip the oral hygiene of your furry friend because he is very likely to be plagued by dental issues later in adulthood. To give your dog cleaner and healthier gums and teeth, consider using enzymatic dog toothpaste. You can also opt to include dental water additives in your dog’s drinking water for fresher breath.
Finally, you should check and clean your Pitbull Vizsla Mix nails. A good indication that your dog needs to get its nails trimmed is a clicking sound whenever your dog walks indoors.
Health and Conditions ❤️
One major concern among dog owners is the general health of their canine companions and how it may affect their quality of life. To check and prepare for any possible gene-related ailments, you can do a DNA test from the comfort of your home. This DIY dog DNA test kit is comfortable, and offers accurate results about health issues that your Pitbull Vizsla Mix may have inherited from the parent breeds.
- Allergies
- Cerebellar Ataxia
- Ichthyosis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Thyroid Disease
Minor Conditions
- Allergies: Both parent breeds of the Vizsla Pitbull Mix tend to suffer from skin allergies brought on by grass and pollen. Some of the allergic reactions may even be caused by certain types of protein foods. Common signs of allergies include ear infections and the reddening of the skin.
- Cerebellar Ataxia: This is a very rare condition in dogs. However, it is a genetic condition that is often witnessed in 1 out of every 400 Pitbulls. It affects a dog’s ability to move, and even if the affected dog can move, its movements tend to be wobbly.
- Ichthyosis: This is another skin condition that mostly affects Pitbulls. The dog’s skin tends to adopt a fish-scale-like appearance. Also, the dog’s skin suffers from increased pigmentation.
Serious Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is caused by abnormal growth around the hip joint area. Also known as osteoarthritis, this disease features signs such as hesitance to play and limping.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This medical condition is usually caused by the abnormal growth and development of the three bones found in the elbow joint. Initial signs may include lameness and pain in the affected area.
- Cancer: Most people are often surprised to learn that dogs are also affected by cancerous growth. But indeed, they do suffer from cancer, and lymphoma is the most common. This type of cancer tends to affect the white blood cells in the dog’s body and is more common in Vizsla dogs than in any other dog breed. Signs may include anorexia and swollen lymph nodes.
- Thyroid Disease: This type of condition is witnessed more in Pitbulls than the Vizsla. It is essentially an endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroxine in the dog’s body. Common signs include obesity and aggression. If obesity is not addressed, it can cause heart problems and diabetes.
Male vs Female
Usually, Male Vizsla Pitbull Mix tends to be slightly heavier and taller than the females. While the males can grow between 20–22 inches tall and weigh between 50–70 pounds, the females grow 18–20 inches tall and weigh 40–60 pounds.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Vizsla Pitbull Mix
1. Vizsla Pitbull Mix Is Not Hypoallergenic
This dog breed loses its hair and carries allergens such as dried saliva and dander. Fortunately, you can minimize the amount of fur in your home by doing weekly brushings.
2. Vizsla Pitbull Mix Dogs Are Considered Velcro Dogs
These dogs feature a Velcro quality which stems from the Vizsla heritage. They may be dependent and clingy, always following you around everywhere you go. They can also be overly excited and highly strung, making them unideal for novice dog owners.
3. They Can Run Up to 40 Miles per Hour
Indeed, this dog breed can run fast and keep up with a car’s average speed. The only dogs faster than the Vizsla Pitbull Mix are the Saluki at 42 mph and the Greyhound at 45mph.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Pitbull Vizsla Mix dogs are an ideal dog breed if you are looking for a jovial and playful dog that is also intelligent. These dogs can play the multi-faceted role of being a family companion and a watchdog. It also features a muscular build that is sure to turn heads whenever you go out for a walk.
They are very energetic and full of personality, making them suitable for an active family that enjoys spending time outdoors. However, you should ensure that your dog is properly trained and socialized from the puppy stage so that you can get a well-behaved dog that is great with kids and around smaller dogs and pets.
All in all, if you win the heart of this dog, it will reciprocate the affection in the same measure. You will be rewarded with a Pitbull Vizsla Mix, which is a sweet and family-oriented pet capable of protecting your home against intruders.
See Also:
- Poodle Vizsla Mix (Vizsladoodle): Pictures, Temperament & Traits
- Vizsla Chihuahua Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Photo Credit: Michael J Magee, Shutterstock
