Health Overview

OVERVIEW

For many years the Hungarian Vizsla has been considered to be a fairly healthy breed. Responsible breeders adhere to a code of conduct which requires that they use individuals that are of good temperament, physically sound, health tested and free from known hereditary diseases.

Historically this approach seemed to work well with most vizslas living long and healthy lives. Recently though there is mounting evidence to suggest that in our breed there may now be some serious health conditions that are over represented

OVERSIGHT

Health issues in the Breed are within the remit of the Joint Health Panel – representing the membership of the two UK Kennel Club recognised Breed Associations – the Hungarian Vizsla Club and the Hungarian Vizsla Society In 2025 the JHP organised and published a survey to explore health, behavioural and lifestyle issues

BREED HEALTH PROBLEMS

The Kennel Club Breed Health and Conservation Plan (2021) confirms that in the UK the Vizsla’s principal health concerns are

(*click on the name of the condition to read more*)

1. Cancers – especially Haemangiosarcoma (common) and Lymphoma
2. Epilepsy
3. Immune Mediated Disease
4. Vizsla Inflammatory Polymyopathy
5. Hip Dysplasia
6. Glaucoma

BREEDERS

Breeders should make it their priority to actively investigate the health problems that their stock is producing and mitigate where possible. This applies equally to the owners of stud dogs – whose impact on the gene pool has the potential to be especially deleterious

There are Kennel Club/BVA screening schemes for Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and Glaucoma – and these are intended to better inform breeding decisions. The Hungarian Vizsla Club’s Code of Conduct, and that of the Hungarian Vizsla Society require these tests to be undertaken BEFORE mating – and so too does the Kennel Club’s HEALTH STANDARD for the Hungarian Vizsla

OWNERS

We recommend that prospective puppy buyers do a great deal of research before purchase. Please think carefully if the parents are not health tested and GRILL your prospective breeder about the other significant health problems that cannot be tested for.

The Dog Breeding Reform Group has excellent ADVICE for the owners of puppies that go on develop breed related health problems that could have been avoided. Click on the link or Image for helpful guidance on what to do if things go wrong. Breeders must be held to account.