Have you seen a vizsla poodle mix and wondered what they are like? Perhaps you are interested in a poodle vizsla mix and want to know more about this crossbred dog.
Also known as a vizsladoodle, it is certainly not a common poodle mix. But for anyone looking for an energetic medium size poodle mix dog, it has plenty of positive traits.
So if you are considering a vizsla doodle dog, and want to know more about this vizsla mix, this article is for you. We take a look at the origins of the vizsla and poodle mix and their likely characteristics to help you decide if it is the right dog for your home and lifestyle.
This article is based on research and personal experience as a Vizsla owner. I’m not a qualified dog trainer, Vet or dog behaviourist.
What Is A Vizsla Poodle Mix Dog?
A vizsla poodle mix dog is a crossbreed of the purebred Hungarian Vizsla and the Standard Poodle.
Commonly known as a vizsladoodle, they are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that are also affectionate and family-friendly companion dogs.
- Also Known As: Vizsladoodle, Vizslapoo, Vipoodle
- Likely Weight: 40-70 lbs (18-31 kgs)
- Likely Height: 15-24 in (38-61 cms)
- Likely Size: Medium-Large
- Energy: High
Both purebred Vizslas and Poodles have hunting bloodlines that originate in Europe – the Vizsla as a versatile pointer and retriever from Hungary, the Poodle (Pudel) as a retriever in Germany.
In the following sections we take a closer look at this active vizsla mix dog and what you can expect from the vizsla poodle cross.
Crossbred vs Purebred Dogs
A crossbred dog is the result of breeding two different purebred dogs. For generations dog breeds have been mixed to enhance their working purpose.
Crossbreeding led to the creation of other hunting dog breeds like the Pudelpointer and the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.
Crossbred dogs are also sometimes called hybrid dogs or designer dogs. The practice has come into focus in the past few decades as more breeders cross dog breeds primarily for their looks and not for a working purpose.
While some crossbreeds like the Australian Labradoodle are now being bred to a standard, most hybrid dogs are first generation crosses with little consistency in the breed.
First generation cross breed dogs are very diverse and there is little consistency in temperament or appearance.
So this guide outlines the possible traits of a vizsla poodle dog based on the known standards for both the Hungarian Vizsla and the Standard Poodle dog breeds.
Our intention is to provide as much information as possible about the two breeds and the poodle vizsla mix breed so you can make a more informed choice about the dog to determine if it is the right dog for you.
Origins Of The Vizsla Poodle Mix
There is no documented history of the vizsla poodle mix as an intentional hybrid breed.
However the origins of deliberately bred poodle mix dogs (like the labradoodle) is more well known and was initially driven by the need to produce a service dog for a vision impaired woman with allergies in the 1980s.
So with high demand for non-shedding dogs, it is no surprise the vizsladoodle exists today. And while not particularly common, the crossbreed offers a unique combination of a more hypoallergenic and medium sized dog for active dog lovers.
Short History Of The Vizsla
The Vizsla hails from Hungary and is a versatile gundog in the sporting dog category.
Vizslas have a long documented history in Europe. But they faced extinction in the early 20th century due to war, occupation and the subsequent disruption to breeding programs in modern day Hungary.
The Hungarian Vizsla arrived in the United States after WW2 and was formally recognised by the AKC in 1960.
Short History Of The Poodle
The Poodle also has a long history, documented at least as far back as the 17th Century in both Germany and France and now the national dog of France.
Originally bred as a water dog to retrieve waterfowl, they are now one of the most popular dog breeds but rarely used for hunting.
Poodles were recognised by the AKC in 1886 and are part of the non-sporting category. There are three official poodle sizes – Standard, Miniature and Toy poodles.
Vizsla Doodle Appearance
The vizsla doodle is most commonly a cross breed between the Standard Poodle and the Vizsla.
Based on their parentage they are likely to be an elegant, medium to large sized dog ranging in size from 15 to 24 inches high.
They will have large floppy ears, a long tail, and a lean and muscular frame.
In terms of color there will be a range of possibilities. Vizslas come in just one solid color, golden rust.
But poodles come in a wide range of solid colors from cream all the way through to black.
Their coat will vary from curly to wavy. But it is likely you will need to groom your vizsladoodle more than you would a purebred vizsla as vizslas have such short easy to maintain coats.
The best way to know the likely size and color of your vizslapoo is to see the parents as your pup will inherit a combination of their appearance traits.
Vizsladoodle Temperament
Vizslas and poodles have many similarities in temperament that makes the vizsla x poodle a relatively predictable cross breed when it comes to personality.
Both are both renowned as friendly, playful and affectionate dogs so there is a good chance your vizsladoodle will have all of these characteristics.
Poodles and vizslas are also intelligent, eager to please and highly trainable so training your vizslapoo and teaching them tricks should be pretty easy.
In terms of risks relating to temperament, both breeds dislike being left alone and are prone to separation anxiety. As a result your poodle cross vizsla will need plenty of attention and cuddles from you.
Both these breeds need plenty of mental stimulation and can be prone to boredom so you will need to keep your mixed breed dog busy when you are out.
In terms of what is different and therefore less predictable, the vizsla temperament is renowned as very emotionally needy and sensitive than the poodle.
And while poodles can also experience separation anxiety, they are on the whole more independent dogs than vizslas.
So the degree of clinginess will vary depending on the genetic makeup of each mixed dog.
With any mixed breed dog, proactive socialization and training from an early age will help combat any negative traits.
Vizslapoo Grooming And Shedding
Both Vizslas and Poodles have a single coat and shed less than other breeds.
The biggest difference though is that while the vizsla has a short coat that does shed, the poodle has a long and curly coat renowned to shed very little.
So while there is no guarantee your vizslapoo will by hypoallergenic, they are highly likely to shed much less than other breeds like labradors and shepherds.
However what will be different is the grooming requirements. Vizslas are known as a wash and wear dog. A weekly brush and the occasional bath are all that is required to keep a vizsla looking great.
On the other hand poodles need much more attention to keep their curly long hair unmatted and clean.
It is hard to predict the type of coat a vizsla poodle mix will have. But it is likely you will need to clip your vipoodle as the poodle genes tend to dominate when it comes to their coat.
Vizsla Cross Poodle Dog Training And Exercise
With two high energy parents, your vizsla poodle mix is going to be an active and energetic dog! But thankfully they are both intelligent and easily trained too!
The hunting heritage of both breeds means they have plenty of energy to burn and this is best done off leash.
Best suited to active dog owners, you can expect to spend at least an hour a day exercising your dog.
In terms of training, both breeds are people focused and eager to please which makes training easier.
Your vizsladoodle will excel when trained with positive training methods that are made to be fun.
As both dogs also have superior intelligence, your vizsla cross poodle is likely to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking and obedience.
Vizsla Poodle Cross Health And Lifespan
Vizslas and poodles are both relatively healthy dog breeds with some genetic disorders known for each breed.
Vizslas have an average lifespan of 12-14 years whereas poodles have a longer than normal lifespan of between 10-18 years.
So the life expectancy of your poodle vizsla cross could be anywhere from 10-18 years.
While it is recommended vizslas and poodles are tested for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eye health, the Poodle Club of America has a longer list of health tests that are recommended before breeding poodles.
However with a vizsla poodle mix the possible health issues are more of an unknown.
While some research shows crossbreeding reduces the risk of genetic disorders found in purebred dogs, there is no way of knowing what health issues your hybrid dog will have during its lifetime.
Assuming the purebred parents have been tested for known issues as outlined above, you can only monitor your pet for issues throughout their life based on the known issues of both breeds.
Is A Vizsla Poodle Mix A Good Family Dog?
Overall the vizsla poodle mix is a good family dog for active families looking for a medium sized energetic dog.
Vizsladoodles are good with kids, although their size and energy can make them a little overwhelming for toddlers and babies.
Your vizslapoo is unlikely to enjoy spending a lot of time outside on their own, and are better suited to living indoors.
Poodle vizsla mixes will enjoy a game of fetch in the yard with kids, a longer walk with the family or a play with other dogs at the dog park and love to spend time with their owners in the family home.
They are loyal and affectionate, playful and obedient and love to be a part of the family unit.
Is A Vizsla Cross Poodle The Right Dog For Me?
If you love an intelligent and energetic dog, the Vizsla cross Poodle is a great dog choice.
You will need to devote time to training and exercising them on a daily basis. But you will be rewarded with a smart and loyal dog.
If you are still not sure if the Vizsla Poodle mix is the right dog for you, here are some more breed comparison guides to help you make your decision:
- Lab Vizsla Mix – The Vizslador
- Vizsla GSP Mix
- Vizsla Dobermann mix
- Vizsla Beagle Mixed Dog
- Vizsla and Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
More Vizsla Breed Information
- Dogs Similar To Vizsla Dogs
- Hungarian Vizsla Pros And Cons
- Vizsla Grooming Guide
- 15 Mouthy Dogs To Love
- Vizsla vs Weimaraner
Or, browse all the vizsla breed guides here.
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