The Vizsla Pitbull mix also known as the Pitbull Vizsla, is a relatively new designer dog breed that has quickly gained popularity due to its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition. This breed is a result of breeding a purebred Vizsla and a purebred Pitbull, which results in a dog that inherits the best traits from both of its parent breeds.
Photo credit: christianshenouda
In this blog, we will explore the characteristics, temperament, and potential health concerns of the Vizsla Pitbull mix, as well as provide some helpful tips for those considering bringing one of these pups into their family.
If you’re considering trying to adopt or buy one of these adorable pups then read on to learn everything you need to know about the Pitbull Vizsla mix before taking the leap of faith!
Vizsla Pitbull Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 45–60 pounds |
| Height: | 21–24 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Coat colors: | light chocolate brown. |
| Temperament: | loyal, fierce, active, playful. |
| Suitable for: | Families, active singles/couples, hunters. |
What Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Look Like?
The Vizsla Pitbull mix is a “designer” dog breed with American Pitbull Terrier and the Hungarian Vizsla parent breeds.
The Pitbull Vizsla mix has a lean muscular build which we can thank the parent breeds for, obviously depending on the amount of each parent breed will determine the amount of muscle your specific dog has but they will definitely be an athletic dog.
They may have the smooth / short coat of a Pitbull or the dense coat of a Vizsla and be a variety of colors which could consist of golden, reddish-brown, or dark brown. They may also have the long, droopy ears of a Vizsla or the short, floppy ears of a Pitbull.
Photo: @christianshenouda
Typically you will see that the Vizsla Pitbull mix has longer legs than their Pitbull counterpart but also will also have a shorter snout because of the Pitbull’s blockier head.
Overall, the Vizsla Pitbull mix is likely to be a good-looking, athletic dog with a friendly expression.
The History of the Vizsla Pitbull Mix
The Vizsla Pitbull mix is a relatively obscure designer breed so the history of the breed is relatively spotty and hard to track down unfortunately.
It is clear though that the mixed breed has been around for a few decades. Though, unfortunately, the cross-breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Pitbull History
The Pitbull’s history, however, is far more concrete. It traces back to the early 1800s in the United Kingdom, when breeders were searching for a cross between terriers and English bulldogs.
Unfortunately, the Pitbull’s reason for being has its lineage in the blood sport days of the English gentry, having been bred for bull baiting and dog fighting. Today, the practice is outlawed across much of the world and the Pitbull has a rather murky reputation for being aggressive – mostly due to this lineage of dog fighting.
Since then, Pitbull’s have grown more popular than ever and you’ll find them in many households across the US.
How Popular Are Pitbull’s?
Usually, the metrics for a dog’s popularity in the United States are measured by the American Kennel Club, but the Pitbull is not officially recognized as a breed by the AKC, due to their rather murky legal ownership, with different states having different rules about Pitbull ownership. Despite this, Pitbullinfo.org posits that Pitbull’s make up roughly 20% of the American dog population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Pitbulls can make good pets for the right owner. Like any breed of dog, pitbulls require regular training, socialization, and exercise to be well behaved. They are intelligent and are very loyal to their owners, but they can also be stubborn and may require a firm hand during training.
Pitbulls can also be energetic and playful, and they may not be well-suited for families with small children or elderly individuals who are not able to keep up with their high energy levels.
If you’d like to own a Pitbull you should make sure that you have adequate strength to handle the dog safely. That aside, they’re a great family dog and are (mostly) good with their pack.
How Did Pitbull’s Come About?
Since the 1800s in Britain, Pitbulls have been a thing – the creation of cross-breeding between an English Mastiff and a bulldog, they were originally bred for bloodsport and bull baiting.
In the 19th century, pitbulls were brought to the United States and were used for a variety of purposes, including hunting wild pigs, guarding and herding livestock, and as family pets. Over time, the breed’s reputation has been tarnished by its association with dogfighting, and pitbulls are often misunderstood and feared as a result.
However, with responsible ownership and training, pitbulls can be loving and loyal pets.
When Did First Cross-Breed Pitbull’s?
As they have murky legal status in the United States, the cross-breeding history of Pitbulls in the United States is not readily available. In general, given the Pitbull’s reputation for aggression, they are not widely crossbred with other dogs.
However, some breeders crossbreed Pitbulls to circumvent some of the legislation surrounding their ownership. Popular Pitbull crosses, likely created in the 1990s and early 2000s, include:
- Pomeranian Pitbull Mix (Pom-Pit)
- Greyhound Pitbull Mix (Grey Pit)
- Pitbull Yorkshire Terrier Mix (Yorkie Pit)
- Pitbull Beagle Mix (Beagle Bull)
- Pitbull Great Pyrenees Mix (Pyrenees Pit)
Vizsla History
The Vizsla is a Hungarian dog, bred from two the Transylvanian Hound and the (now extinct) Turkish yellow dog. “Vizsla” in Hungarian means “pointer”. They were bred for their hunting capabilities and their overall speed and strength, the ability to take down a duck or pheasant made them perfect hunting companions for European aristocracy and royalty, though their lineage traces back to the Magyar Tribes of the Carpathian basin in the 8th century.
Vizslas were prized by Hungarian nobles and were used to hunt a variety of game, including hare, fox, and pheasant. The breed was nearly extinct after World War II, but was revived through the efforts of dedicated breeders. Today, Vizslas are popular as companion and family pets, as well as for hunting and other canine sports.
How Popular Are Vizslas?
The Vizsla is recognized by the American Kennel Club and last year ranked 32nd of 193 dog breeds in overall popularity.
Who Are Vizslas A Good Dog For?
Vizslas are a good dog for active individuals or families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention. Vizslas are known for their high energy levels and need plenty of outdoor time to run and play.
They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn and may require a firm hand during training. Vizslas are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature, and they can make good companion and family pets.
However, they may not be well-suited for households with small children or elderly individuals who are not able to keep up with their high energy levels.
How Did Vizslas Come About?
“Vizsla” is the Hungarian word for “pointer”, however, they were originally bred from a cross between the Turkish yellow dog and the Transylvanian Hound. Though their lineage dates back to the 8th century. They migrated from Europe with the English settlers to North America and served Americans faithfully as hunting dogs.
How Did First Cross-Breed Vizslas?
Despite being 32nd in overall national popularity in 2021, Vizsla’s are often cross-bred with other athletic dogs to provide the ultimate in an athletic companion, whether it be as a hunter/gatherer, or as a family pet.
Some of the most popular Vizsla crossbreeds include:
- German Shepherd Vizsla Mix (German Vizsla)
- Vizsla Labrador Retriever Mix (Labralas)
- Vizsla Boxer Mix (Vizsla Boxer)
- Vizsla Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Vizsla)
- Vizsla Beagle Mix (Vizsleagle)
What is The Temperament of a Vizsla Pitbull Mix?
The Vizsla Pitbull has the perfect mix of strength, power and intelligence combined from both of the parent breeds. Given that both of these breeds were bred for tough, arduous work, it’s no wonder they’re always ready to go.
Despite all that power, they also have a more tender side which comes from the Vizsla and makes them the perfect family dog. They are loving and have a deep sense of loyalty and are protective of their owners.
Are Vizsla Pitbull Mixes Friendly?
Vizsla Pitbull Mixes are typically friendly dogs as long as they are trained and socialized with people and dogs early on. As with most breeds, they’re only as well-trained as their environment so it’s important to keep that in mind as you raise your dog.
It can be difficult to change a dogs behavior once they’ve already learned a habit so its good to get them out early so there isn’t any issues later on in life.
Are Vizsla Pitbull Mixes Easy to Train?
The Vizsla Pitbull mix is an incredibly intelligent breed so training should come naturally as long as you’re consistent.
They can be stubborn and distracted but starting early is key to helping them learn as much as possible fast. Food is a great motivator and also having key commands and praising makes this a lot easier.
Start training your pup as early as 6-8 weeks with short sessions, this helps them focus throughout your training session and not get bored or distracted. Praise as they complete certain tasks and jackpot them with treats every once in awhile to let them know they’re doing a good job.
Vizsla Pitbull Mix Size
Pitbull Vizsla mixes tend to be fairly hefty dogs, weighing anywhere between 40 and 70 pounds and up to 22 inches in height at their shoulders. This is obviously dependent on how much of each parent breed they have.
Similar Sized Breeds
Many of the smaller dog breeds will be similar in size to the Pitbull Vizsla; breeds such as the English Bulldog, and English Mastiff.
Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Shed?
As the Pitbull Vizsla is a short-haired dog, they do not often shed, however, they should still be brushed at least once per month.
How Much Exercise Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Require?
Given the history of both of these breeds, they require moderate levels of exercise. Once-a-day walkies are a necessity and sometimes, a run free in a dog park or on your own land.
How Long Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Live?
The lifespan of the Vizsla is between 12-15 years, while the Pitbull is between 12-14 years.
Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the Vizsla Pitbull mix is anywhere between 12-14 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Vizsla Pitbull mix lives like diet and exercise.
What Health Conditions Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Have?
Unfortunately for many owners, this particular crossbreed does come with a host of potential health problems, including cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, hip & elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and a host of gastrointestinal issues. Though some of these health problems are preventable with an active lifestyle and a balanced diet.
How Do I Find a Vizsla Pitbull Mix For Sale?
Before looking at breeders, you should try to find a Vizsla Pitbull Mix for adoption at a local shelter. While it may be difficult to find a Vizsla Pitbull mix at shelters it could be beneficial to check all local adoptions first before contacting a reputable dog breeder.
Apart from the fact that you’ll pay much less to adopt, you’ll be happy knowing you are giving that dog a loving home.
How Much Does a Vizsla Pitbull Mix Cost?
A Pitbull Vizsla will cost, on average around $1000 USD – though there is a definite variation on price based on breeder and location.
Is the Vizsla Pitbull Mix The Right Breed For You?
If you’re wondering whether or not this breed is right for you – it’s probably best to consider what sort of lifestyle you lead and whether or not this active dog will fit into that. If you’re a hunter and could give this dog a purpose beyond a family pet, then go for it – they’ll fit right in! Beyond that, if you’re a little timid around Pitbulls, or have younger children that might be intimidated, then this is probably not the breed for you. Furthermore, check your state’s laws concerning the adoption of Pitbull mixes.