Vizsla – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

The prospect of raising a Vizsla is an exciting one! As you bring a new dog into your home, however, there are a few things you should know about, particularly when it comes to planning your finances. The dog should never be a financial burden on you or your family, so we have developed a cost calculator to help you get a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost to raise a Vizsla! This accounts for things like supplies, food, medical expenses, training costs, grooming costs, and other essentials as well as the cost of the puppy or dog itself. A Vizsla puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,700 with the average price being $1,100. First-year expenses are around $3,985 and will be about $1,455/year (or $121/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Vizsla is $21,445. This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs could include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure and additional services, such as dog walking and dog boarding, as well as pet insurance. With all these included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), we estimate the total cost of owning a Vizsla to fall between $66,275 and $131,600, with an average cost of $97,180 for 13 years. In this article, prices in the higher range apply for people willing to buy high-end products and services and/or living in an expensive area, while the lower range will probably be more relevant if using cheaper products and services and/or living in a less expensive area. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, see what applies to you and get experts’ opinions on Vizslas. At the bottom of the article, we have also added a cost calculator that will allow you to assess your personal situation and get a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise your puppy! Quick Links The price of Vizsla puppies 80% of the puppies found after reviewing 200 ads for Vizslas from reputable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind fell within the $500 to $1,700 range. The average cost being $1,100 for puppies under 6 months. For purebred dogs, prices can be as high as $3,200. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostVizsla$500 - $1,700$1,100 Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation. Whether you decide to buy or adopt a Vizsla, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$200 - $70051 $701 - $1,200 70 $1,201 - $1,700 64 $1,701 - $2,200 13 $2,201 - $2,700 1$2,701 - $3,2001Total 200 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that Vizsla breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist, autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test) annually until the age of 8. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian The cost of supplies for a Vizsla Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Vizsla into your home that much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $185 and $790. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $410 mark for a medium-sized dog. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $40$15Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $30 - $100 $60First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 Things do get cheaper as your dog grows, with the cost for each subsequent year falling between $75 and $330. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $185. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$185 - $790$410Subsequent Years$75 - $330$185 Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering. Should you train your Vizsla? Our expert animal behaviorist and dog trainer recommends that a Vizsla gets ample professional training. Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., suggests private lessons for positive leadership as well as for crate training and group lessons for house manners and socialization. Training should run you anywhere between $900-$1,200 for 7 to 9 private lessons plus $150-$200 for five 1-hour group lessons. Training CostRangeAverage CostVizsla$1,050 - $1,400$1,225 Dog training books are affordable and will also help you come to terms with the basics of raising and training a Vizsla dog. "Vizslas have a lot of energy and are smart. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation and are good for active families."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist Medical expenses for a Vizsla According to our consulting licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM, first year medical expenses for a Vizsla puppy should be around $595. Even if the number of visits to the clinic are lower for adult dogs, the cost of medication as the Vizsla gets bigger drives the annual price up close to $605. Spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures will add between $250 and $850 to the medical bills (more details below). Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$380 - $825$605 Vet cost for the first year When it comes to prices, Dr Brooks estimates that a dog owner will pay $65-$170 for each of the three recommended visits for a Vizsla puppy, with the first one being scheduled at about 8 weeks of age. This will cover the exams, essential vaccines including rabies, the first doses of heartworm and flea prevention as well as a fecal examination. Most of her clients also follow her advice to purchase heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They cost $60-$105 and $70-$105. Some dogs may also need additional vaccines depending on activities and lifestyle: Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit).Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme, if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or lives in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). Some owners will also decide to spay/neuter their dog. Vet clinics usually charge $150-$450 to perform this procedure on a Vizsla. It is even possible to find low-cost sterilization clinics that will do it for as low as $50 to $100 depending on your location. Generally, the procedure is more expensive for female dogs (spays). For larger, deep-chested dogs like Vizslas, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also advises performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter to help prevent the possibility of GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) later in life. GDV is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery. A gastropexy procedure typically adds between $200 and $400 to the spay/neuter bill. Vizsla veterinary expenses for the following years Leslie Brooks expects dog owners to bring their adult Vizsla to the clinic for an annual checkup. Yearly visits are usually priced between $125-$265 which includes the exam, vaccines, and a heartworm test (as well as blood work for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any potential issue). Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing flea and heartworm prevention medication, which usually fall in the $80-$150 and $175-$250 ranges respectively for a dog this size. Annual booster shots for the optional lifestyle vaccines presented above will add $15-$45 each to the medical bill. Finally, some dogs may require a fecal examination costing an extra $40-$50. This is mainly if the pet is exposed to wildlife and/or other dogs or shows inconsistent stool quality. Health problems to be aware of Not all Vizslas will have the following health problems listed by Dr Brooks, but it is important to be aware of them when considering this breed. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800ArthritisMedium$50 - $400 per monthCancerMedium$500 - $10,000Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)High$1,500 - $3,000 Hypothyroidism: cost estimate for blood tests and lifelong medications. Arthritis: the $50-$400 monthly cost estimate is for various pain medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc. depending on severity of the pet’s condition. If the Vizsla just needed joint supplements and pain medication, the price would probably be closer to $50-$100/month. Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer (the most common are Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma for a Vizsla) and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications. "Vizslas may develop cancer later in life, which can be very costly to treat and manage."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Dog health insurance One might consider enrolling their dog in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the average annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote. What is the cost to feed a Vizsla? Vizslas are pretty big dogs, with large ones growing over the average of 55 lb. (usually 45 to 60 lb.). As a result, puppies tend to consume 170 lb. of dry food on average during their first year. This puts food expenses in the $130-$265 range. Adults typically eat more, close to 260 lb. a year, and therefore will require $140-$405 worth of food every year. This is based on the recommendations and costs of four popular brands: Purina, Purina One, Blue Buffalo and Pedigree. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$130 - $265$195Adult Dog$140 - $405$245 You may also want to have some additional treats on hand to help with obedience training or simply please your dog. This can add $115-$335 to your food-related expenses based on prices seen on Amazon, PetSmart, and Walmart. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$115 - $335$240 Keep in mind that prices are largely related to the quality of food and treats you buy – if you opt for premium grade products, your expenses are bound to be higher by quite a considerable margin. Four dog food brands compared A Vizsla puppy can be expected to eat around 170 lb. of dry food during its first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.5$27.78 (Walmart)$138.90Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.11$21.98 (Walmart)$241.78Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.5$25.83 (Walmart)$129.15Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.6$44.08 (Amazon)$264.48 An adult will need close to 260 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.9$44.98 (Amazon)$404.82 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your Vizsla after consulting with your vet to decide which type of dog food would best suit your dog. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceMedium Puppy30 lb.6$65.99 (PetSmart)$395.94Medium Adult30 lb.9$64.99 (PetSmart)$584.91 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming budget for a Vizsla Typically, Vizslas do not require a ton of upkeep and could be groomed at home by their owner according to our dog groomer, Corryne Smith. Otherwise, she suggests taking the dog to a professional up to 6 times a year, with prices ranging from $40 to $55 for each visit. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but will benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds. Usually a professional dog grooming session includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning as well as hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostVizsla$0 - $330$165 DIY grooming kits can be found for about $75 on Amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart (prices found range from $25 to $290). Additional costs that comes with a Vizsla Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on your location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your Vizsla, as it can be illegal, depending on local regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies much easier. Microchip Microchips create a unique identification to your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S states and will range from $25-$50. Dog walking If you cannot walk your dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter with over 10 years of experience, highly recommends hiring a professional for a daily 30-minute walk. It is imperative that an energetic dog such as the Vizsla gets some sort of daily exercise as well as outdoor time. On average, these are affordable. A 30-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $25 ($20 to $50 for 30 minutes) depending on your location. But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Vizsla in the care of a dog boarding service. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services, and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book dog boarding services in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so. If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea. Make sure to let them know that your Vizsla will need daily exercise. Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will probably have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc. Yearly and monthly cost of a Vizsla The cost of the first year with a puppy The total first year expenses that come with raising a Vizsla averages out at $3,985, with the spectrum ranging from $2,410 to $5,685. Keep in mind that many of the essential expenses that come with raising a puppy fall within the first weeks. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$500 - $1,700$1,100Supplies$185 - $790$410Training$1,050 - $1,400$1,225Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$245 - $600$435Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,410 - $5,685$3,985 The dog owner might also want to take into consideration the following costs. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 With a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $6,335-$13,160 range through the course of the puppy’s first year only. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$3,010 - $7,315$5,100With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,335 - $13,160$9,580 Yearly and monthly cost with a Vizsla for the following years After the first year, the annual cost of owning a Vizsla does go down and will run you anywhere between $720 and $2,245, with an average cost of $1,455. This puts your monthly expenses in the $60-$187 range. Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$75 - $330$185Medical$380 - $825$605Food & Treats$255 - $740$485Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$720 - $2,245$1,455Estimated Monthly Cost$60 - $187$121 Again, you might also want to consider additional services that could drastically change your budget like buying insurance and/or hiring a dog walker 5 times a week for 30-minute walks and leaving your dog in a boarding facility for a week while going on vacation. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,070 - $3,025$2,020With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$4,995 - $9,870$7,300 Total cost of ownership for the Vizsla On average, Vizslas live for 13 years (usually 12 to 14 years). Using the metrics and figures above, we estimate that the total cost of owning a Vizsla falls within the $11,050-$32,625 range, with a $21,445 average. Total Cost of Ownership (13 years)RangeAverage CostVizsla$11,050 - $32,625$21,445 Adding spay/neuter as well as pet insurance, the average cost of ownership will be around $29,340. Finally, with 30-minute professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week in a dog boarding facility every year on top of that, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $66,275 to $131,600 averaging $97,180 for the 13 years spent raising a Vizsla. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (13 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$15,850 - $43,615$29,340With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$66,275 - $131,600$97,180 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Vizsla cost calculator The cost of a Vizsla – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Vizsla puppy? On average a Vizsla puppy will cost $1,100 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,700. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Vizsla need training and how much will it cost? Having a Vizsla professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on socialization, crate training, positive leadership, and house manners. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Vizsla? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Vizsla puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively). 5 - How much food does a Vizsla eat and how much will it cost? A Vizsla puppy will eat around 170 lb. and an adult close to 260 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $130 and $400 for a puppy and $140 to $585 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Vizsla be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Vizsla is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $55 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Vizsla, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Vizsla. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.