The Vizsla, with its impeccable qualities, has made itself known worldwide that many are willing to pay regardless of what the Vizsla price is. Out of this high demand is the big question, “How much does a Vizsla cost?”
This inquiry touches on the average price of acquiring a Vizsla puppy from a breeder and the initial and annual expenses incurred while owning this magnificent dog breed.
This article will guide you on the Vizsla’s purchasing and maintenance costs. Stick to the end so you become financially knowledgeable of the Vizsla puppy prices and all the other expenses of owning this dog.
How Much Does a Vizsla Puppy Cost?
Reputable breeders typically sell their Vizsla puppies with a price range stretching from $1,000 to $1,800. If these gun dogs come from champion bloodlines, the average cost of each one is expected to spike anywhere between $2,500 and $3,000.
A few things also factor in the price, like the breeder’s reputation, demand for Vizsla puppies, and the age and sex of the dog.
It’s also worth noting that the Vizsla comes in two varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Both are distinct, so expect most breeders to put different price tags on them, too.
The table below shows how much the Vizsla price is for each variety:
Variety | Puppy Price |
Hungarian Short-haired Vizslas | $500 – $1,700 |
Hungarian Wire-haired Vizslas | $1,000 – $1,500 |
Some Vizsla puppies may be offered at even cheaper rates. Although this may seem like an excellent deal, chances are that they’re being sold by a backyard breeder.
Any unreliable breeder does not guarantee the well-being of these Vizsla dogs. Though you can save money in this one-time cost, you might set yourself up for more expensive dog ownership in the succeeding years.
Vizsla puppies from puppy mills are likely to have genetic illnesses due to poor breeding practices. If you acquire one with bad health from a breeder, you’ll end up bringing your dog often to the vet.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Vizsla From a Shelter?
Adopting a Vizsla from animal shelters or non-profit organizations typically costs between $150 and $600. This is a more affordable alternative than purchasing your puppy from a Vizsla breeder.
This adoption fee will vary depending on the age of the Vizsla you’re getting. Vizsla puppies are usually priced higher, while adult Vizslas are in the average price spectrum.
If you want to adopt two adult dogs in the same local shelter, you may be offered bonded Vizslas at a special price.
I remember one of our rescue missions where a purebred Vizsla named Harley was surrendered to us. Apparently, the owner had to let go of Harley due to financial difficulties. Harley was quite sickly and skinny when we got her.
We rehabilitated Harley and coordinated with our local veterinarian for the proper medications and supplements needed to bring him to full health. It took us months, and we were successfully able to rehome him for about $550, which already considered our expenses for nursing him.
First-Time Expenses of Vizsla Ownership
Now that you know how much a Vizsla puppy costs from a breeder, the next step is determining how much the first-year expenses are to prepare for your future dog.
It will require several essential items to help it adjust to its new home. It needs food, treats, feeding bowls, accessories, grooming kits, and more. It’s best to have these ready before you bring your Vizsla puppy home.
Below are the common first-time expenses associated with owning a Vizsla:
- Food and Treats: The Vizsla dog has high energy levels, so you must complement it with a complete and balanced diet. Aside from this, you also have to invest in healthy treats, which should comprise 10 percent of your dog’s diet. A bag of treats and dog food for medium-sized dogs may cost you $70 to $110.
- Bowls: Stainless steel food and water bowls are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to be contaminated by bacteria, so invest in these items for your Vizsla puppy. In choosing these dog bowls, go for those that are size-appropriate. Pet stores sell these for $10 to $30.
- Toys: Your Vizsla puppy needs toys to keep it mentally stimulated. Invest well in chew toys that are not easy to chew apart to avoid choking hazards. Having toys will keep your Vizsla dog preoccupied, thus preventing the onset of destructive behaviors due to boredom. These toys from your local pet store can be priced at $30 to $60.
- Dog Bed: Vizslas sleep through the night and have around 4 to 6 hours of intermittent naps during the day. That said, they will need a warm, cozy bed for their slumbers. The bed should be size-appropriate and made from high-grade materials. A quality medium-sized dog bed can cost you $40 to $200.
- Collars and Leashes: Well-fitted collars and leashes that could cost $15 to $50 are vital in dog training or dog walking. You may also have to purchase a harness for your Vizsla puppy. This is much safer since most puppies tend to pull strongly, and a collar can cause tracheal problems.
- Crates and Carriers: A crate is essential when crate training your Vizsla. This serves as its personal space, which allows your dog to feel comfortable if the environment becomes overwhelming. Purchase this along with a carrier for its vet trips. Medium-sized crates and carriers can cost you between $50 and $370.
- Grooming Essentials: Your Vizsla puppy is fairly low in maintenance since it lacks an undercoat and sheds very little. Still, it requires regular upkeep, which involves nail trimming, coat brushing, ear cleaning, as well as teeth brushing. A complete kit for grooming costs around $50 to $160.
- Initial Vet Visits: Your vet should regularly monitor a Vizsla’s health. Doing so helps detect early signs of illnesses before they get worse. The fee you pay your vet depends on where you live, so prepare about $100 for $500 for health tests and consultations.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Vizslas, like other breeds, are highly susceptible to parvo, distemper, and rabies. Keep your dog up-to-date with vaccinations to prevent these bacterial and viral infections. Allocate around $50 to $200 for your dog’s vaccine shots.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Some Vizsla breeders already give their puppies deworming and flea and tick medications before they’re sent to their new homes. If your puppy hasn’t received these treatments yet, these procedures can take around $40 to $300 off your budget.
- Neutering or Spaying: Most Vizsla puppies are sold by a breeder under a spay or neuter contract. This requires new owners to sterilize their puppies once they reach a certain age. Prepare to pay about $50 to $500 for these surgeries.
- Microchipping: Microchips are implanted under your dog’s skin. This stores essential details about the dog owner and the canine. In case your Vizsla goes missing, someone who finds it can scan through the chip and easily find your location. This can cost you between $40 and $60.
- Dog License: A dog license comes in handy in case your dog goes missing, somebody finds it, and you need to prove that you’re the owner. This formal record of ownership needs to be renewed annually or every number of years. Dog licenses have fees ranging from $10 to $20.
- Other Essentials: There are miscellaneous expenses on top of the items listed above. You may have to purchase poop bags, potty training pads, vitamins, or clothes for your Vizsla. Any of these can get you spending $20 to $50.
All these items may seem quite costly, but some of them are one-time purchases only. If you used to have a dog, then you might already have owned some of these things.
Meanwhile, here is a summary of the first-time expenses of owning a Vizsla puppy:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $30 – $60 |
Beds | $40 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $200 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,610 |
The table above shows that you need around $505 to $2,610 to provide the basic needs of your Vizsla puppy. Note that these figures are exclusive of the Vizsla price.
If this initial cost is quite hefty, check out reputable Vizsla breeders that give away freebies, like treats, toys, and collars.
Annual Cost of Owning a Vizsla
An average Vizsla lives around 12 to 14 years. Throughout its lifetime, dog owners must continuously provide the appropriate care and support to guarantee it lives a happy, healthy life.
Indeed, owning a dog comes with multiple recurring expenses. That said, pay attention to your Vizsla’s needs and requirements and carefully plan your finances.
The table below shows the annual cost of owning a Vizsla:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $500 – $1,000 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $600 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $400 |
Vaccinations | $100 – $250 |
Grooming Essentials | $150 – $450 |
Leashes and Collars | $25 – $70 |
Beds and Crates | $150 – $500 |
Toys | $50 – $200 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $900 |
Other Essentials | $50 – $80 |
Yearly Total | $1,875 – $4,450 |
Average Monthly Cost | $156 – $370 |
Taking care of a Vizsla can make you spend around $1,875 to $4,450 annually or $156 to $370 for monthly expenses. The item that usually gets the biggest budget is your dog’s food and treats.
Pet insurance is costly, too, but this is incredibly helpful in case your Vizsla puppy suffers from conditions like hip dysplasia. If such happens, this insurance will offset your vet bills.
Along with this is your dog’s routine veterinary care. You should get your Vizsla checked once every year as an adult. If it becomes a senior dog, twice a year is ideal to keep its health top-notch.
Although Vizsla ownership involves a great amount of money yearly, remember that these are mere estimates only.
The exact figures for your expenses will depend on your dog’s additional needs and lifestyle and the prices in your location.
Other Potential Expenses to Consider
Apart from making a thorough list of all the costs of essential items your Vizsla puppy needs, you must also set aside a plan that covers other unexpected bills.
Having a special budget for the additional costs of dog ownership is one way to keep yourself financially prepared.
Here are the other potential expenses you might encounter when raising a Vizsla:
- Pet Sitting: Vizsla dogs are people-oriented and can’t bear being alone for long periods, making them prone to separation anxiety. Since leaving your dog at home with no one to keep it company is not a good idea, hiring a pet sitter is recommended. Pet sitters or dog walkers charge $20 to $30.
- Pet Daycare: If you are away for a few days, you can drop off your Vizsla in a pet daycare where well-trained personnel can take care of it. This place allows your canine to get properly socialized with other dogs. Dog boarding can cost you $30 to $50 for a full day.
- Dog Training: Dog trainers help keep your Vizsla from showing undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking or peeing in inappropriate places. This is achieved through potty training, obedience, and verbal commands. Usually, dog training costs around $100 to $200 per session.
- Grooming Services: Getting your Vizsla professionally groomed is convenient if you don’t have time to do it at home. Pet salon services include nail trimming, coat brushing, teeth brushing, and bathing. Depending on the grooming services you choose for your dog, you may have to shell out around $30 to $90.
- Emergency Medical Costs: Your Vizsla may get sick or need surgery at any point. This means you have to pay unexpected vet bills if your pet insurance doesn’t cover it. Since no dog is 100 percent immune to health problems like hip dysplasia, always allocate an amount of $1,000 to $5,000.
All the items, except for emergency medical costs, are optional. Still, it’s crucial that you set aside a reasonable amount of money in case you need to acquire any of these services.
Best Places to Find Vizsla Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Dubbed a rugged, elegant athlete, the Vizsla is a breed worth boasting about. Its confident stance highlights its impressive features, making this breed well-loved by many.
With their rising breed popularity, the demand for these deep-chested dogs consequently increases. Those interested in having a Vizsla puppy are much better off acquiring their dog from a trusted breeder than puppy mills.
To help you in your thorough search, here are some places where you can find a breeder with Vizsla puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is popular in the United States. This is where you can find a trusted breeder with healthy Vizsla puppies. Each puppy has a profile containing significant details, such as the breeder’s location. They also have health guarantees since they were produced based on ethical breeding practices.
- Wegler Vizslas – Wegler Vizslas is a proud member of the Vizsla Club of Illinois. With this breeder’s passion for Vizslas, they successfully maintained a breeding stock with sound form, behavior, and health. Their dogs frequently compete in field trials and hunt tests conducted by the American Kennel Club and other kennel clubs.
- Crimson Sky Vizslas – Crimson Sky Vizslas is a reputable breeder based in Florida with over 20 years of experience producing superior-quality Vizslas. This breeder’s primary objective is to ensure that each of their dog’s bloodline conforms to the breed standards. This is one of the go-to places if you want a Vizsla puppy that may potentially become the next AKC champion.
Each breeder above may only sometimes have available litters since they breed based on quality instead of quantity. If you missed out on all the puppies they had, you can check out other options.
Adoption is another means to acquire your Vizsla puppy. Consider visiting your local rescues and see if they have Vizsla dogs that are up for adoption.
Below are some of the non-profit organizations where you can adopt a Vizsla puppy:
- New Hope Vizsla Rescue – New Hope Vizsla Rescue is located in Pennsylvania. They work alongside nearby organizations to rescue as many Vizsla dogs as possible. Countless homeless pets of this breed have been successfully removed from poor conditions, rehabilitated, and eventually rehomed to loving and responsible families.
- South Coast Vizsla Club – The South Coast Vizsla Club is fervently run by a small team of devoted members who continuously provide Vizsla lovers the opportunity to adopt a Vizsla or a Vizsla mix. Their process always starts by filling out an adoption application form. If you and the dog you like are a match, you’ll have your Vizsla home sooner than you think.
- The Tampa Bay Vizsla Club – The Tampa Bay Vizsla Club was established around 1986 with the purpose of saving and protecting the Vizsla breed. With their focus and dedication to preserving the well-being of these dogs, countless canines have been taken out from any puppy mill they come across with. More Vizsla dogs are waiting to get adopted, so check out their gallery and see if one of them ticks the boxes.
In case these resources do not have Vizsla dogs available, you may ask for referrals from a trusted breeder, veterinarian, or other Vizsla owners.
You can also join several social media groups and ask where Vizsla puppies are available for sale or adoption.
To convince you even further, witness the elegance of the Vizsla breed by watching the video below:
Money-Saving Tips for Vizsla Owners
As expected with most dogs, owning a Vizsla means constantly spending for its care and maintenance throughout its lifetime.
While dog ownership requires you to shell out money, it doesn’t always mean that you have to spend all your funds in the bank.
Here’s a list of helpful tips on how to be resourceful in having a Vizsla breed:
- Groom your Vizsla at home. Frequently visiting your local pet salon will make you spend heaps of money. For you to save cash, it’s best if you purchase your own grooming kit and take care of your Vizsla’s maintenance at home.
- Make homemade treats. Your Vizsla’s dog treats can be costly, depending on the brand you choose. If you want to cut costs effectively, you can make dog treats at home that are as healthy and delicious as the ones you buy from the pet store.
- Invest in high-quality toys and accessories. Durable toys and accessories for your adult Vizsla keep you from purchasing new dog items in the future. Always choose brands that have been tested and proven so the items last a long time.
- Invest in a health insurance plan. A Vizsla is prone to various health conditions like hip dysplasia. Pet insurance will help ease your vet bill if any minor or serious conditions occur. This is helpful, especially if your adult dog needs a major operation, which is certainly expensive if you live in big cities in the United States.
Make it a habit to follow these money-saving tips in owning a Vizsla. Although the amount you put aside when you follow these tactics isn’t much, you’ll realize how positively significant its impact is on your budgeting in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Vizsla comes with many responsibilities that require a financial commitment. You have to regularly use your funds for its basic needs, such as dog food, treats, and yearly check-ups.
Meanwhile, other items, such as the dog bed, accessories, and food and water bowls, may only be replaced once worn out. That said, choose products that are made from robust materials.
If you can adequately provide all these and are sure about getting a Vizsla, buy the puppy from a legitimate breeder. You’ll save heaps when you get a healthy puppy.
Once you bring it home and it’s introduced to your family, give it the best lifestyle possible. Give it healthy meals, encourage exercise, and continuously train it. All these help in keeping your Vizsla content in life.
Hopefully, this detailed guide has helped you determine whether you’re financially set to own a Vizsla. Feel free to share your opinion about Vizsla costs by commenting below!