Looking for an affectionate yet low-maintenance dog? Then the Vizslas breed is the perfect companion for you! The lightly-built muscular yet gentle Vizslas dogs are energetic and make for great pets. These exciting pets were originally bred to accompany aristocrats, barons, and warlords. Naturally, the Vizslas breed has hunting abilities and possess remarkable noses.
Now, the question is, do Vizslas shed? Yes, the Vizslas breed does shed. Their shedding is on a low to moderate level, and this is one of the best qualities of the breed! The Vizslas breed has earned a low-maintenance reputation because they shed less and don’t require daily cleaning.
While Vizslas dogs are known to be affectionate and gentle, you can also see their protective and fearless side in some situations. The dogs of the Vizslas breed are classified as medium. This means that their size is perfect for families as they are not too large or too small.
Let’s delve deeper into understanding the Vizslas coat and shedding.
The Vizslas Coat
The Vizslas breed has a solid color coat. Most commonly found are the rust-colored Vizslas. The shades of the Vizslas coat vary from copper brown to dark gold sandy shades. However, they are mostly found in one solid color.
The American Kennel Club has rules that state that the Vizslas breed coat should be smooth, short, dense, and close-lying. That means that there is no warm woolly undercoat. That is why you’ll find that in winters, your Vizslas pet might be too cold to step out for a walk.
You’ll find that the Vizslas dogs look similar to the Weimaraner or the Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, Vizslas are smaller and lightly built compared to these breeds. The most defining feature of Vizslas is their lean and defined muscles, which appear very tough.
As we previously mentioned, Vizslas are self-cleaning dogs. Just like cats, these dogs are known to lick and maintain their coat. This means that you don’t need to worry about bathing your Vizslas pet that often.
Some Vizslas pet owners go so far as saying that they have never bathed them. Just a quick bath is usually enough when your Vizslas pet develops that distinguished doggie smell.
These dogs are extremely hygienic and prefer to take care of themselves. This is why Vizslas dogs are much easier to manage and take care of.
How often does the Vizslas breed shed?
Vizslas shed almost all the time, but it’s not so much. The Vizslas dog breed sheds throughout the year, unlike other breeds that shed seasonally. Lucky for you as a pet owner, the shedding is not excessive, so it is manageable.
Most dog breeds have very low standards when it comes to maintaining their hygiene. The Vizslas bred is a relief from that. These dogs will take care of their coat by licking it, just like felines!
You’ll find that Vizslas pets have rough sandpaper tongues, much like their feline counterparts. This makes it easier for them to lick and keep themselves clean.
Although, the Vizslas breed doesn’t have to cough up hairballs like cats. The reason is that the short hair of Vizslas can easily pass through the digestive tract!
All dogs shed. While some might shed more, there is always some degree of shedding in all dog breeds. Many pet owners prefer to have Vizslas dogs as they shed low to moderate amounts.
The Vizslas shedding might be all-year around, but you won’t have a hard time cleaning it. Since the hair is short, it will not show up on your furniture and floor so evidently. The Vizslas breed shed a normal amount, but it’s no way in competition to the amount of shedding by a Labrador or a Golden Retriever.
A daily vacuum around the house will help keep the Vizslas shed hair away. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like hair everywhere, then consider the Vizslas breed as your furry companion!
How to maintain the coat of the Vizslas breed?
The Vizslas breed is considered one of the cleanest dog breeds around the world. That said, you can do things to ensure that their coat is as shiny and healthy as ever.
If you want to control the shedding of your Vizslas pet, then consider brushing them at least twice a week. We recommend you use grooming gloves or a soft bristle brush to keep the hair free of dirt and debris.
Since the Vizslas breed does not have an undercoat of hair, they shed much less. This is also why it’s so much easier for the Vizslas dogs themselves to keep clean. A swipe of wet cloth is often good enough to clean any loose hair or dust that may be on the Vizslas coat.
Unlike other dog breeds like Poodle and Maltese, Vizslas don’t require intensive and regular grooming. Most Vizslas pet owners take their pet for grooming annually or bi-annually. When you have a Vizslas, imagine the money you will save on their grooming!
How to groom Your Vizslas pet?
Since the Vizslas are low-maintenance dogs, there aren’t so many grooming tips than the usual. However, you can make sure to follow some tips for grooming that will ensure your four-legged friend is in top health!
Vizslas, as a dog breed, are extremely affectionate and fiercely loyal to their owners. When you get a Vizslas pet, you’ll notice that it’s very easy and enjoyable to bond with them. If you’re looking to spend quality time with your Vizslas pet, grooming is a great activity.
You will find that grooming your pet is a great bonding activity. The Vizslas pet will feel more connected and calmer when you’re looking after them in such a caring way. Since you don’t have to groom this breed so much, you should make these moments count!
Here are some handy grooming tips for Vizslas pets.
1. Trim your Vizslas pet’s nails once every month. Have a definite oral hygiene schedule set up. And don’t forget to get their ears checked every week so that you’ll have fewer trips to the vet for any health-related issues of your Vizslas pet.
2. You don’t have to bathe them often. However, keep a waterless shampoo on hand. It will help you get rid of the dirt immediately. Also, it’s nice to freshen up your Vizslas pet once in a while with some shampoo and water.
3. To keep your Vizslas pet coat shiny and nice, pay close attention to what you’re feeding them. Look for foods with healthy meat proteins, amino acids, and Omega-3, 6, and 9. Having a nutritious diet is the best way to take care of your Vizslas pet from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do Vizslas Dogs Shed the Most?
The Vizslas dogs shed almost throughout the year. But if you’re looking for a season where they shed the most, it has to be springtime.
In springtime, the Vizslas dogs shed the extra hair they have grown over the winter. As summer arrives, you’ll see the summer coat developing with a slight change in the color of their coat.
You’ll notice your Vizslas female shedding the most during her pregnancy and while she is feeding. This is because the body is going through some hormonal changes. Don’t worry; this excessive shedding is completely normal and temporary.
Why is My Vizsla Pet Shedding So Much?
A healthy, nutritious diet is very important for a Vizslas dog. If the Vizslas breed is fed improper meals of low-quality, then you’ll notice the excessive shedding.
Administer good quality food with high meat proteins, carbohydrates, and omega so that you’re Vizslas pet’s shedding is under control. You can also incorporate the occasional raw egg in their diet for a shiny coat.
The presence of parasites can also be one of the reasons why your Vizslas dog is shedding excessively. Internal or external parasites can lead to skin irritation and hair loss. If you notice your Vizslas pet shedding excessively, consult a vet.
Is the Vizslas Breed Hypoallergenic?
If you’re easily allergic to any suspended matter and dust, then getting a dog is not the best idea. However, a Vizslas breed dog is the perfect solution for your allergies! Vizslas breed is an ideal pet for people with allergies.
The Vizslas breed doesn’t shed too much. That is why it is considered moderately hypoallergenic. No dog breed can be 100% hypoallergenic because they all shed.
The Vizslas breed is not completely hypoallergenic because their fur does release dander. Because of an undercoat’s absence, the shedding is much less and controlled, which makes Vizslas less prone to set off allergic reactions.
Summing Up
Fiercely loyal and extremely lovable, Vizslas are great pets for all types of families. If you’re looking for a dog with some of the best qualities of a cat, then the Vizslas breed is your answer!
With exceptional self-grooming habits and an affectionate demeanor, the Vizslas breed is a favorite among dog owners. You don’t have to worry about shedding and grooming schedules when you have the most hygienic dog by your side!