Last Updated on April 27, 2023
The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is a medium to large size dog, standing between 21 and 25 inches (55 and 63cm) tall and weighing between 40 and 60 pounds (18 and 27kg).
Hungarian Pointers are beautiful dogs. They are friendly, athletic, energetic, highly intelligent, and very clean.
Because they are so loyal and affectionate, they are often called Velcro dogs. They can have separation anxiety if left alone for a long time.
That said, they have outstanding trainability and make excellent watchdogs.
If you are thinking about getting a Vizsla puppy, many things could influence your dog’s cost.
The bloodline and breeder’s reputation can increase the price, while color trends change all the time and impact prices, especially with puppies in rare colors.
Keep reading about the various factors that can influence the price of a Vizsla.
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How Much are Vizsla Puppies?
Purebred Vizsla puppies can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,200, depending on their breeding.
However, there are quite a few factors to keep in mind when you would like to buy a puppy that could influence their prices.
Meet some adorable Vizsla puppies in this video:
Should you buy a puppy or an older dog?
Vizsla puppies under six weeks are likely to be much more expensive than one of eight weeks old or even older. This is because people want to get their puppies as young as possible.
Getting an older Vizsla dog can be cheaper because of the purchase price and because they may have already had their vaccines and been potty trained.
That said, older dogs could come with behavioral issues that may take extra training and attention to rectify.
How Much Does a Vizsla Cost from a Breeder?
Buying a Vizsla from a breeder might cost anything between $500 and $1,700, depending on the breeder.
The average cost for Vizsla puppies under six months is $1,100. Purebred dogs can be in a price class of up to $3,200.
How to find a reputable breeder and avoid puppy mills?
A trustworthy Vizsla breeder will be keen on inviting you into their home where they breed the puppies and will be able to show you at least one of the parents.
Such breeders will also show affection towards the puppies so that the pups won’t show fear. A concerned breeder will take time to ensure that you are the right home for the puppy.
Suppose a breeder is hesitant to allow you into their home or to see the parent dogs.
In that case, it could be a sign that they are a puppy mill, as these unreputable breeders don’t care about their dogs’ health and living conditions and are only focused on making a profit.
To find a good breeder, you can consult the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) website, where almost 1,000 members have pledged to be good stewards of the breed.
Here are a few of those breeders.
- Jarvis Vizslas, Potlatch, Idaho
- Mehagian Vizslas, Phoenix, Arizona
- Tiszabec’s Vizslas, Livonia, New York
Adoption Fee for a Rescue Vizsla
To rescue and adopt a Vizsla can cost anywhere between $150 and $300.
You will also need to consider the extra expenses that an adopted dog may need, such as additional behavioral training or health checks.
Finding a purebred dog at a shelter can be challenging. Still, suppose you would like to give a Vizsla rescue a loving home.
In that case, you can try and search for a dog at one of these breed-specific rescue organizations.
- Utah-Idaho Vizsla Rescue, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Montana
- Vizsla Rescue Haven, Oakley, California
- Colorado/Wyoming Vizsla Rescue Group, Colorado, Wyoming, Western Kansas, Western Nebraska, and New Mexico
Factors Affecting the Price of a Vizsla Puppy
There are quite a few factors that impact the cost of a Vizsla, such as whether it is purebred or mixed, if the dogs are trained and socialized already, and the breed’s popularity in the buyer’s location, which increases demand. The age of the dog always impacts the cost.
- Bloodline and breeder’s reputation: When a buyer is interested in a puppy of parents of purebred show quality that comes from a reputable breeder, he will have to be prepared to pay a substantially high price. Such reputable breeders invest a lot of money in taking care of their breeding dogs and new puppies.
- Registration papers and pedigree: These also influence the Vizsla puppy’s price. Purebreds are more expensive. If the breeder’s dogs and puppies are registered with the AKC, that could also be added to their fees.
- Health screenings and medical expenses: Reputable breeders make sure that their breeding dogs and puppies are tested frequently for different medical conditions. These health screenings assure healthy dogs. Some breeders will even take their puppies to the vet for exams, essential vaccines, flea prevention, and microchip implantation, before selling them. This drives up the price of their puppies.
- Age: Most people prefer to buy a puppy as young as possible. So, a puppy under six weeks old will cost less than a pup of eight weeks old. The older the puppy, the cheaper the price will be.
- Gender: Female dogs mature faster than males. They also cost more to buy and fix. This is because spaying a female dog is more expensive and also a more invasive procedure than neutering a male dog.
- Coat colors: Coat color trends changes and popular coat color and markings depend on the ruling fashion. For some colors to be more popular might only be temporary. Specific coat colors that are higher in demand, will make the price rise for that color. There are eight colors of Vizsla allowed by the AKC breed standard.
- Markings: Most Vizslas also have white markings on the chest, spreading from the top of the sternum to a part between the elbows when the dog stands up straight. These markings can also be found around the muzzle, on parts of the face as well as the paws. For the purebred color combinations, those that are accepted at standard kennel clubs are more expensive with the rarer colors always costing more.
- Others: The quality of puppies is the most significant factor that impacts the price of Vizsla pups. Supply and demand are also strong factors, for if the demand is high and the supply is low, the price will also be high and vice versa. Your location and the location of the breeder can also impact the cost of the puppy. Puppies that need to be flown to their new homes will naturally add to their cost. If training and socialization are done prior to selling, it can also influence the pup’s price.
Initial and Long-Term Ownership Costs
A new owner should be prepared to spend between $605 and $2,240 on supplies for their dog.
These supplies include food and treats, food and water bowls, a bed and crate, a collar and a leash, some toys, and the necessary grooming essentials.
Some other costs would be for the vet to ensure vaccine shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Added to those, there might also be a dog license and miscellaneous supplies.
This does not include the initial cost of the Vizsla puppy, which ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on where you buy them and its pedigree.
Long-term ownership costs depend on the years you get to enjoy your Vizsla. They cost about $1,455 annually when you consider their annual vet costs, food, grooming, and exercise needs.
1. Veterinary Fees
The medical expenses for a Vizsla puppy during the first year could come to about $595. For adult Vizsla dogs, the annual price goes up to $605.
Spaying or neutering and gastropexy procedures may add between $250 and $850 to this expense.
The most common health issues in a Vizsla include gastric dilation-volvulus with an estimated cost to treat it of between $1,500 and $3,000.
Cancer also commonly affects this breed and costs between $500 and $10,000 to treat.
Vizslas can also suffer from epilepsy which costs $200 to $500 in treatment per year. A cherry eye surgery, on the other hand, will cost about $300 to $800.
Hip dysplasia may also need surgery at a cost of about $3,500 to $7,000 and hyperthyroidism treatment will cost about $350 to $800.
2. Dog Food and Treats
The monthly dog food cost for a Vizsla may come to around $50 to $100. Vizslas should eat twice daily and it is good for them to also get treats.
Treats, however, should be very healthy and add to their nutritional needs. Vizslas require to be fed high-quality nutritional food to sustain their muscular, strong physique.
3. Training Costs
Professional training is recommended for Vizsla puppies.
Seven to nine private lessons could cost anywhere between $900 and $1,200 and another five 1-hour group lessons could add up to $150 to $200.
So, the cost of training your Vizsla could be in the range of $1,050 to $1,400.
4. Grooming Essentials
As Vizsla dogs are low-maintenance, they can easily be groomed at home by their owners.
However, if you prefer to take the dog for grooming, a professional could do it up to six times per year.
It could cost from $40 to $55 for each visit.
This will include a bath, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing and styling. A year of grooming can cost up to $330.
5. Pet Insurance Coverage
Pet insurance is actually a safety net against unexpected costs, to budget more comfortably. This includes accident and disease coverage.
The monthly cost for pet insurance is about $45.
6. Environmental Maintenance
Environmental maintenance will require you to provide your Vizsla dog with a comfortable, dry, and clean place to sleep. It may cost an estimated $120 to 420 yearly.
It is also important to keep the yard clean so, a poop scoop and disposal bags will be necessary. The monthly cost for this can be about $10.
7. Entertainment Costs
Thanks to their hunting background, Vizslas need a lot of exercise and they just adore being outdoors. You will still need to buy them some toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
You might also have to hire a dog walker once in a while or regularly, depending on your situation.
The monthly amount for entertainment might cost you between $5 and $35.
8. Pet Supplies
Having all the supplies you need ready for your new Vizsla puppy, can cost between $180 and $800. This money will go towards buying a collar, leash, and ID badge.
Other costs might also be involved, such as a bed, crate, and food and water bowls.
Expenses for Owning this Hungarian Pointer
If you travel a lot, a pet sitter can cost an additional $30 per day while you are on holiday.
Vizsla puppies also tend to do some damage to furniture and shoes, so keep that in mind when making your budget for repairs.
Prepare to add about $75 a month to your budget for the unexpected.
Monthly Expenses
To keep a Vizsla as a pet will cost the owner about $121 per month. All essential expenses are included in this.
However, there might be additional costs, like medical expenses (spaying/neutering), dog walking as well as dog boarding.
Pet insurance might also be another cost to pay annually.
Yearly Expenses
The estimated yearly cost to own a Vizsla is about $1,455. These are only the expenses of the essential products your dog will need.
There might be unexpected vet costs, or you would need to board your dog if you have to go away. Be prepared for any extra expenses that may pop up.
Lifetime Expenses
The lifetime expenses of owning a Vizsla may cost around $21,445, seeing that the lifespan of a Vizsla is about 10 to 14 years.
This includes all essentials like supplies, training costs, food, treats, medical expenses, licenses, microchips, and grooming expenses.
There are also the costs of spay/neuter procedures, dog walking and boarding, and pet insurance.
With all these additional costs added, the total cost can average the amount of $97,180 for 13 years.
Vizsla Price Range Summary
The cheapest Vizsla is one you can get for free. Although the puppy might be free, remember there will still be additional costs for you as the owner to maintain a happy and healthy puppy.
To rescue and adopt a Vizsla puppy might cost you $50 to $500. The fee is only to cover the expenses of the workers who are volunteers at the shelter.
Buying a Vizsla from a reputable dog breeder may cost you anything between $400 and $3000+, depending if the dog has a champion lineage.
Of course, the owner must keep in mind that owning a puppy will also have an ongoing maintenance cost.
| Vizsla Category | Price Range |
| Purebred Puppy | $1000 – $2000 |
| Show-quality Puppy | $3500+ |
| First-Year Total Costs for a puppy | $3500 |
| First-Year Total Costs for an adult dog | $1455 |
| Adopting an older dog | $50 – $500 |
Conclusion: Should You Buy a Vizsla?
If you have the money, not only to pay for the initial price of the puppy but to be prepared to pay for all the ongoing additional costs, you should definitely look at buying a Vizsla.
This is a low-maintenance, healthy dog breed, so a Vizsla could be a lovely companion for the whole family.
Because Vizslas are very energetic and love the outdoors, they will need an active family that would be prepared to play, exercise, and be really active with this affectionate dog.
As Vizsla is very clingy as well, their owners should be people who will be there for them most of the time.
They would not keep up with owners who go away for long periods of time because they get separation anxiety.
Do you have a Vizsla at home? We’d love to learn more about your dog and where you got him in the comments below.
Further reading:
Janine is an experienced content writer and travel journalist based in Cape, Town, South Africa.
Raised by a bundle of botanists, researchers, and biologists, she is passionate about things related to the animal kingdom, including, our furry friends. However, as a terrible allergy sufferer, she is limited in her pet selection and so has grown up surrounded by curly-haired Poodles.