Vizsla GSP Mix Breed Traits And Needs

By: Rachel

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Are you wondering if a Vizsla GSP mix is a good cross breed dog? Perhaps you are considering rescuing a Vizsla German Shorthaired Pointer Mix and want to know more about this mixed breed dog.

Both dog breeds share a common gundog hunting purpose and heritage with some similarities in personality too. But there will be unique differences between a purebred hunting dog and a pointer mixed breed dog.

So if you are considering a GSP Vizsla mix, and want to know more about this dog, read on. We take a look at the origins of the Hungarian Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer cross and their likely personality to help you decide if this is the right dog breed for you.


This article is based on research and personal experience as a Vizsla owner. I’m not a qualified dog trainer, Vet or dog behaviourist.


Introduction To The Vizsla GSP Mix

A Vizsla GSP mix dog is a crossbreed of the purebred Hungarian Vizsla and the German Shorthaired Pointer dogs. The GSP Vizsla cross is a high energy and intelligent dog who is also a loyal and cuddly companion dog.

Unlike other vizsla mixed breed dogs it doesn’t have a unique (marketable) blended breed name.

  • Also Known As: German Shorthaired Vizsla Mix
  • Likely Weight: 45-70 lbs (20-32 kgs)
  • Likely Height: 21-25 in (53-64 cms)
  • Likely Size: Medium
  • Energy: Very High

Both purebred Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers have long hunting bloodlines that originate in Europe – the Vizsla as a versatile pointer and retriever in Hungary, the German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) as an all round pointer and retriever in Germany.

This mixed breed shouldn’t be confused with the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, which was originally bred from the Vizsla and German Wirehaired Pointer and is now a separate recognized breed from the Vizsla.

In the following sections we take a closer look at this active vizsla mix dog and what you can expect from the Vizsla German Shorthair mix.

Crossbred vs Purebred Dogs

A crossbred dog is the result of crossing two different purebred dogs. For generations dog breeds have been mixed to enhance their working purpose.

Crossbreeding led to the creation of new purebred dogs like the Golden Retriever and the Weimaraner.

Crossbred dogs are also sometimes called hybrid dogs or designer dogs. Crossbreeding has had more attention in the past decade or so as more breeders mix dog breeds primarily for appearance and not a job.

It is important to note that first generation cross breed dogs are very diverse and there may be little consistency in temperament or appearance.

This guide outlines the possible traits of a German Shorthaired Vizsla dog based on the official standards for both the Hungarian Vizsla and the German Shorthaired Pointer dog breeds.

We aim to provide information about the two purebred dogs and the GSP and Vizsla mix so you can make a more informed choice about whether it is the right dog for your home and lifestyle.

Origins Of The Vizsla GSP Mix

There is no official history of the Vizsla GSP mix breed as an intentional hybrid breed.

While hunting dog breeds have been continuously refined over centuries through cross breeding to enhance their hunting skills, the Vizsla GSP cross is more likely the result of designer dog or accidental breeding.

Despite the fact it may not have been bred for a specific working purpose, the GSP Vizsla mix is a wonderful cross of two active bird dogs with plenty of lovable traits.

Short History Of The Vizsla

Vizsla dogs were bred as close working gundogs to point and hunt game in the fields and forests of Hungary.

Hungary has a long history breeding hounds and the term “vizsla” actually means “pointer” in the Hungarian language. The most likely timeframe for the Vizsla breed as we know it today is from Hungarian breeders in the early 1800s.

The breed’s popularity waned during the 19th century as English Pointers and Setters were in high demand.

In fact attempts to save the breed in the late 19th Century suggest English and German Pointers were used in outbreeding to bring the Hungarian Vizsla back from extinction.

Needless to say their efforts paid off and the Magyar Vizsla survived. The breed was introduced into the United States in 1950 and officially recognised by the AKC in 1960.

Hungarian vizsla purebred dog standing on tree stump in forest.

Short History Of The German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers were also bred in 19th Century for hunting small game on foot in Germany.

Likely bred from the German Bird Dog, tracking hounds and possibly the English Pointer, the GSP is considered one of the most successful breeds in competitive hunting thanks to its keen nose, versatility and stamina.

Two world wars in Europe heavily impacted the progression of the breed. The first German Shorthaired Pointer was shipped to the United States in the 1920s and the breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1935.

Two german shorthaired pointer dogs one solid brown and one liver and roan.

GSP Vizsla Mix Appearance

Hungarian Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers have a similar appearance which makes it much easier to predict the appearance of a GSP Vizsla mix.

Both have an elegant, muscular and athletic frame with a deep barrel chest and shorthaired coat. They also have gorgeous large floppy ears that frame the face and have a long thin tail (sometimes docked).

Whilst similar in shape, GSPs (particularly males) are generally bigger in height and weight than Vizslas, so the size of a GSP and Vizsla mix will be less predictable.

Your Vizsla GSP mix is highly likely to adopt a similar look to this, ranging in size from 21-25 inches (53-64 cms) and weigh 45-70 lbs (20-32 kgs).

There will also be variation in their color depending on their parentage.

German Shorthaired Pointers come in quite a few color variations from solid brown to patched liver and white. On the other hand Vizslas are only a solid golden rust color.

Most Vizsla GSP cross breeds tend to be mostly solid dark liver color, which would indicate the GSP genes dominate in terms of color.

In fact a GSP cross Vizsla can often be mistaken for a purebred GSP if they have a solid dark brown coat.

The best way to know the likely size and color of your Vizsla x German Shorthaired Pointer is to see the parents. Your pup will inherit a combination of their appearance traits.

Vizsla German Shorthaired Pointer Mix Temperament

The Magyar Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer have a similar temperament, which means it is easier to predict the likely personality of the GSP Vizsla cross.

Both are friendly, affectionate, eager to please and playful dog breeds who love to spend time with their humans.

While bred to hunt, they are intelligent and loving companion dogs who expect to live in the home with their owners.

Neither fares well being left outdoors alone and both would much prefer a cuddle on the couch with you.

They can be prone to separation anxiety and need to be given a job to keep busy to stay out of trouble.

It is highly likely your GSP x Vizsla will exhibit these same personality traits.

The main difference is the emotional needs of the two breeds and this cannot be predicted in a cross breed Vizsla.

GSPs are more independent and less needy than Vizslas. Vizslas need far more emotional attention and can be whiny and vocal when not given what they need.

GSPs still love attention, but they are happy being a part of the family and not necessarily the centre of attention like the Vizsla! So this trait will vary from dog to dog.

Vizsla And GSP Mix Grooming And Shedding

One of the best things about the Vizsla German Shorthaired Pointer mix is the low maintenance grooming.

Both breeds have a short coat however the GSP double coat is much thicker and denser than the soft and smooth single coat of the Vizsla.

You cannot predict whether a GSP x Vizsla coat will be single or double. But you can be confident it will be short and shed a lot less than other dog breeds like the labrador.

A weekly brush down with a rubber curry glove or brush is all you need to do to keep their coat looking great.

Nail trimming will be important as both breeds have a short, upright and compact foot pad that lends itself to long nails.

Vizsla GSP Cross Dog Training And Exercise

Both Vizslas and GSPs are very high energy dogs so you can expect your Vizsla GSP cross will be super energetic too!

As intelligent versatile bird dogs, both have a strong prey drive and stamina to be out in the field for hours. So they will have a lot of energy to burn plus need mental challenge too.

A Vizsla GSP cross is likely to point at birds and other small game just like their parents. They will also enjoy long hikes in the woods with their nose to the ground smelling all the things!

This Vizsla mix is best suited to active dog owners who are prepared to spend at least an hour a day exercising your dog.

You should learn how to incorporate mental stimulation to tire them out. Mental work can take the place of excessive physical exercise. This can be through scent work, games like hide and seek and learning tricks.

In terms of training, both GSP and Vizsla dog breeds are very biddable, eager to please and intelligent. These traits will make training your dog easier, and training is absolutely essential to ensure they reared to be well mannered dogs.

Both are more sensitive than other dog breeds, but the Vizsla even more so than the GSP. So you are best to use gentle and calm training and instruction – they are not going to respond well to harsh words.

As both dogs also have plenty of prey drive and intelligence, your vizsla cross GSP is likely to excel at canine sports. Sports like agility, lure coursing, field trials and obedience are ideal.

Vizsla x GSP Health And Lifespan

Vizslas and German Shorthair Pointers are both relatively healthy dog breeds with some genetic disorders known for each breed.

Vizslas have an average lifespan of 12-14 years and GSPs have a similar life expectancy of 10-12 years.

So the life expectancy of your GSP vizsla cross is likely to be in the range of 10-14 years.

It is recommended Vizslas and GSPs are tested for hip dysplasia and eye health. In addition, the German Shorthaired Club of America has additional health tests that are recommended before breeding GSPs.

This includes tests for cardiac health, elbow dysplasia and cone degeneration.

Both breeds are at risk of bloat due to their deep chests. Owners of pointers should be well versed with the symptoms and know how to reduce the risk of bloat occurring.

Note that with a vizsla x GSP the possible health issues are more of an unknown.

Some research shows crossbreeding reduces the risk of genetic disorders found in purebred dogs. But there is no way of knowing what health issues your crossbred dog will have during its lifetime.

If the purebred parents have been tested for known issues as outlined above, you can only monitor your pet’s health throughout their life.

Is A Vizsla GSP Mix A Good Family Dog?

The Hungarian Vizsla cross German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent family dog for active families.

They are loyal, fun, cuddly and playful dogs who are good with kids (with supervision of course) and can be a little goofy.

They are likely to be a sensitive dog who won’t be a good guard dog but will certainly let you know when someone has arrived at the house.

If your family loves to hike, ride, swim and paddle and you can share those experiences with your dog, the GSP and Vizsla mix dog will fit in just perfectly.

However if everyone works full time and/or you have young children who need all of your attention, this is not the best choice of dog for you.

Either way socialization is key to rearing an adaptable and well adjusted pup who can cope with the day to day of family life.

Is A Vizsla Cross GSP The Right Dog For Me?

For active outdoor lovers who work at least part of the week from home, the Vizsla cross GSP is a great dog choice.

You will need to devote time and energy to their physical and emotional wellbeing on a daily basis. But you will be rewarded with a loyal and devoted dog that will give you years of love and affection in return.

If you are still not sure if the GSP Vizsla cross is the right dog for you, here are some more breed comparison guides to help you make your decision:

More Vizsla Breed Information

Or, browse all the vizsla breed guides here.

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Rachel

Rachel is the founder of It's a Vizsla. She is a Hungarian Vizsla owner and general dog enthusiast! She loves to research and share practical tips to help other vizsla owners care for their dogs.