Get ready to discover the Vizsla Lab mix, a popular crossbreed with a lovable blend of traits from two adored pure breed dogs.
Popularly known as the Vizslador, this article delves into the unique qualities of the Vizsla Labrador mix dog. We explore their likely physical attributes, temperament, and exercise needs, offering a comprehensive guide (with pictures) for those intrigued by this friendly vizsla mixed breed.
So whether you’re adopting a Vizsla lab mix puppy, think your vizsla mix rescue may be a Labrador cross or you’re simply curious to see what a Lab Vizsla mix dog looks like, this article is your guide to understanding Vizsla x Labrador mixes.
This article is based on research and personal experience as a Vizsla owner. I’m not a qualified dog trainer, breeder, Vet or dog behaviourist.
The Vizsla Lab Mix Dog At A Glance
The Vizsla, renown for its energy and gentle nature, joins forces with the Labrador Retriever, a friendly and outgoing breed (and one of the world’s most popular dogs) to produce this adorable vizsla hybrid breed.
Below is a summary of the traits you are likely to see in a Vizsla lab mixed breed dog.
| Also Known As | Vizslador, Labrala, Labrador Retriever Vizsla mix |
| Likely Weight | 44 – 80 lbs (20 – 36 kgs) |
| Likely Height | 21 – 25 inches (53 – 63 cms) |
| Likely Size | Medium |
| Energy | High |
| Coat Colors | Black, brown, cream, fawn, rust |
| Temperament | Active, loving, loyal, friendly, intelligent |
In the following sections we take a closer look at this gorgeous vizsla mix dog with super hunting abilities and what you can expect from the Hungarian vizsla labrador retriever mix combination.
Purebred vs Crossbred Dogs
A mixed breed dog refers to the deliberate cross breeding of two different purebred dogs. Also known as hybrid dogs, they are different to mongrels or mutts, whose genetic makeup contains three or more breeds.
I don’t support the crossbreeding of designer dogs for profit, but crossbreeding inevitably happens and mixed breed information is helpful new dog owners.
So this guide outlines the possible traits of a Vizsla Labrador mix dog based on the official standards for the Hungarian Vizsla and the Labrador Retriever dog breeds.
We provide pictures of and information about the purebred parents and the Vizsla and Labrador mixed dogs so owners of vizsla lab mix puppies and dogs can better understand their personality and needs.
What Is A Vizslador?
The Vizslador, also known as a vizsla lab mix, is a first generation cross between the purebred Hungarian Vizsla and Labrador Retriever dog breeds.
While dog breeds have been refined over centuries through cross breeding, Vizslador puppies are most likely the result of accidental or designer dog breeding.
Despite the fact this mixed breed was not bred for a specific working purpose, the Labrador Retriever Vizsla mix is a well matched cross of two intelligent sporting dogs with hunting backgrounds and a bucket load of lovable traits.
Short History Of The Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is an elegant and intelligent breed of dog, with origins back to Hungary in Europe.
Bred to point and retrieve small game for their aristocratic owners, the breed is renowned for its exceptional scenting abilities, agility, and versatile nature.
Over the years, the Hungarian Vizsla’s gentle temperament and striking appearance led to its popularity beyond hunting circles, earning it a place as a beloved family companion and show dog.
Today the Hungarian Vizsla continues to flourish as a skilled and devoted hunting partner and cherished family pet worldwide.
The breed was officially recognised by the AKC in 1960 and hovers in popularity between number 30-40 on the most popular dog rankings.
Short History Of The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever dog breed has its origins in the coastal region of Newfoundland, Canada.
Originally known as the St. John’s Dog they were valued by local fishermen for their swimming and retrieving abilities, and strong work ethic.
During the 19th century, they were brought to England and subsequently refined through breeding with other retriever breeds into the iconic breed we know today.
The Labrador Retriever’s primary purpose has historically been as a versatile and reliable working dog. Its skills in retrieving game, especially from water, made it an invaluable asset for hunters and fishermen.
Their gentle temperament and intelligence also led to them being trained as guide dogs for the blind and service dogs for people with disabilities.
Recognised by the AKC in 1917, the Labrador Retriever continues to be a versatile dog breed to this day. They not only excel in hunting and assistance work, but also as cherished family companions and therapy dogs.
Their friendly and easy going nature has seen them in top place as the AKC’s most popular dog for many years.
Lab Vizsla Mix Appearance
The best way to know the likely size and color of your Vizsla x Labrador is to see the parents as your pup will inherit a combination of their appearance traits. However this isn’t always possible, particularly for Vizsla Lab mix rescue dogs.
Thankfully Hungarian Vizslas and Labradors have some similarities which makes it much easier to predict the appearance of a Labrador Vizsla mix.
Both parent breeds are medium sized dogs with a shorthaired coat. They both have large floppy ears and a long tail. So you can be confident your lab vizsla mix will be similar in appearance.
Your Vizsla Labrador mix will range in size from 21-25 inches (53-63 cms) and weigh 44-80 lbs (20-36 kgs).
When it comes to size, Labs (particularly males) tend to be bigger in height, frame and weight than Vizslas. So the adult size of your Labrador and Vizsla mix is more difficult to predict.
Your mix may have the sleek, hound look of the vizsla or inherit the larger and stockier frame of the lab.
In terms of color, Vizsla lab mix puppies can be a range of colors. This is because while there is only one vizsla color, there are three Labrador colors – black, yellow and the chocolate lab.
So it is possible to breed a chocolate vizsla mix, a black vizsla lab mix, vizsla yellow lab mix dogs and even a rust colored mix similar to a purebred vizsla.
They do tend to be a solid color, and a lab and vizsla mix puppy litter can even contain puppies with different colors!
In fact a chocolate vizslador is often confused for a purebred GSP!
Vizsla Labrador Mix Dog Temperament
The Magyar Vizsla and Labrador Retriever have many similarities in temperament, which means it is relatively easy to predict the likely personality of the Lab Vizsla cross.
In fact it is the similarities in temperament that make this one of the best vizsla mixes.
Both are friendly, affectionate, eager to please and playful dog breeds who love to spend time with their humans.
They can be trained to hunt, but they are also intelligent and loving companion dogs too.
It is highly likely your Labrador x Hungarian 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 Labrador cross Vizsla.
While Vizslas tend to suffer from separation anxiety, don’t like to be left alone and are super cuddly, Labrador Retrievers tend to be a little more independent and and more easy going than Vizslas.
Don’t get me wrong – Labs still love to be close to their owners, but they are happy being a part of the family and not necessarily the centre of attention like the Vizsla! So how this trait passes down to lab vizsla mix dogs will vary from puppy to puppy.
Vizsla And Lab Mix Grooming
Grooming is one area that will differ between vizsla lab mixes.
Both parent breeds have a short coat. However the Labrador double coat is much thicker and denser than the soft and smooth single coat of the Vizsla. As a result Labradors shed a lot more than vizslas.
So while both Vizslas and Labradors have an easy care coat, a cross breed dog is likely to shed and require more maintenance than what is required grooming a purebred vizsla.
You cannot predict whether a Vizsla x Labrador dog coat will be single or double, but you can be confident that:
- Their coat will be short and easy to maintain.
- It won’t require clipping like a vizsladoodle will.
A weekly brush is recommended to keep their coat looking great and regular nail trimming will be important too.
Labrador Vizsla Mix Training And Exercise
Both Vizslas and Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs so you can expect your cross will be high energy too!
However purebred Labs are not quite as high energy as vizslas, so you may not need to run them as hard as purebred vizslas – but this will vary between vizsla lab puppies.
Nonetheless this Vizsla mix is best suited to active dog owners who are prepared to spend at least an hour a day exercising your dog.
They will love long walks, playing fetch, learning to catch a frisbee and if they are more lab than vizsla, love to swim too!
As both breeds are highly intelligent, activities for mental stimulation are a good way to tire them out too. Your mix will love games like hide and seek, learning new tricks and doing mental puzzles.
In terms of training, you should expect a highly trainable dog as both Vizsla dog breed and Lab parent breed are eager to please, enthusiastic and intelligent.
Training will be essential to ensure they grow up to be well mannered dogs – particularly if your pup inherits the Labrador’s genetic food obsession or the Vizsla’s tendency to jump and be overexcited.
Neither breed responds to harsh training methods and positive reinforcement is recommended as the best tool to train your dog.
Vizsla Lab Cross Health And Lifespan
Vizslas and Labs are both relatively healthy dog breeds with some genetic disorders known for each breed.
In terms of lifespan, Vizslas have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. Similarly, Labradors have a similar life expectancy of 11-13 years.
So the life expectancy of your Labrador vizsla cross is likely to be in the range of 11-14 years.
A high quality dog food and healthy diet is essential for your dog. Training to prevent overeating and stealing food will be essential for this hybrid breed as labs tend to be very food focused.
In terms of genetic health problems, it is recommended Vizslas and Labradors are tested for hip dysplasia and eye health. In addition, the Labrador Retriever Club of America outlines additional health conditions for the breed.
This includes tests for elbow dysplasia and EIC (exercise induced collapse).
Of course, the possible health issues for a mixed breed are more of an unknown. In fact some research shows crossbreeding reduces the risk of the genetic disorders in purebred dogs.
But there is just no way of knowing what health issues your mix dog will have during its lifetime without testing.
Is a Vizsla Labrador Cross A Good Family Dog?
The Hungarian Vizsla cross Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice as a family dog.
They are loyal, fun, intelligent and playful dogs who are good with kids (with supervision of course) and can be a little cheeky.
Plus when socialized from an early age they should also get along with other dogs and even the family cat.
They are likely to be sensitive, they won’t be a good guard dog, but they will certainly let you know when someone has arrived at the house.
If you have young children you will need to be careful as these hybrid dogs are likely to be bouncy and overly friendly with your little ones.
If your family has time to get outdoors, is happy for their dog to live inside with them and has time to train and give plenty of attention, the Labrador and Vizsla mix dog will fit in just perfectly.
And of course, as with any dog breed, socialization is key to rearing an adaptable and well adjusted pup who can cope with the day to day of family life.
Before You Go
I hope you found this guide helpful to identify your vizsla mix rescue or better understand your labrador vizsla cross. You can discover more breeds similar to the vizsla here.
Or, if you’re curious about other vizsla mixed breeds and their appearance you make like:
- Meet The Vizsladoodle
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Vizsla Mix Dog
- Vizsla Beagle Cross
- Vizsla GSP Cross Breed
- The Vizsla Doberman Mix Breed
Or, browse all the vizsla breed guides here.
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