Vizmaraner Care

A Vizmaraner (sometimes called the "Vizma" for short)--a hybrid of a Vizsla and a Weimaraner--is a large-sized, athletic hunting dog that's also playful, sensitive, and affectionate. Overall Vizmaraner care and maintenance will take a moderate amount of work, and will need to include a good deal of daily exercise--along with plenty of TLC!

Below you'll find details on caring for a Vizmaraner including puppy development, exercise needs, food recommendations, and more. Find answers to your questions about raising a Vizmaraner in the following sections!

As the offspring of two athletic, energetic hunting breeds, Vizmaraner exercise requirements are pretty extensive. These hybrids will need a variety of daily activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make excellent jogging and bicycling companions as well.

Adult Vizmas will need an hour of dedicated exercise per day at the very least. You can start exercising your Vizma puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Vizmaraner exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're a year old
• High prey drive means a leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises should be done with people
• Might be prone to bloat; don't exercise the dog for an hour before or after eating

It's super-important that you exercise your Vizma every day. These hybrids are active and energetic, and without plenty of consistent activity they'll become frustrated, disobedient, and destructive. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Try for an hour of walking (or 30 minutes of jogging/bicycling) per day
• Fetch/Frisbee: Vizmas love chasing balls, sticks, or Frisbees
• Tug-of-War: Great indoor activity; use a rope or old towel
• Canine Sports: Vizmas can excel at obedience or agility trials
• Dog Park: These hybrids usually enjoy the company of other dogs
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity

When indoors, give your Vizma access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides in the morning and evening and playtime in the afternoon.

These hybrids don't need too much maintenance overall. Vizmaraner shedding is pretty light all year long, and drooling is a minor issue.

These hybrids have short, smooth coats that don't shed a great deal. Owners will only need to brush their Vizmas once a week or so with a bristle or rubber curry brush to keep the shedding to a minimum, and to keep the coats in good shape overall. Hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will only be required once in a while.

And a Vizmaraner may drool a bit in anticipation of food, after drinking water, or when especially excited or nervous--but the drooling won't be heavy or frequent like that of a Saint Bernard or Bloodhound. If your Vizma is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.

Though some opinions differ, a majority of veterinarians, breeders, and owners agree that the best food for Vizmaraner dogs is premium dry kibble. These crossbred dogs need plenty of animal proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and omega fatty acids--nutrients every dog requires to maintain its health in the long term. And premium food, while more expensive, provides balanced portions of these ingredients. Cheap, generic food is not recommended for these dogs, as it simply doesn't have enough nutritional value.

Vizmas will do best with premium food formulated for active breeds. Royal Canin and Dr. Tim's are two recommended brands that carry excellent lines of high-energy food.

Technically speaking, Vizmaraners are both outside and inside dogs. While they need plenty of outdoor exercise each day, Vizmas develop deep bonds with their human family members, and will be much happier living inside with their people. And a Vizma is not a good match for apartment life, as these dogs are simply too active for such confined spaces.

In regards to climate, these hybrids are fairly versatile. While they handle hot weather just fine, Vizmas might be a little more sensitive to freezing temps, so they may not be suited for owners living in cold, snowy regions.