This is our first Vizsla. They are pretty rare around where we live. We drove nearly 500 miles each way to meet and adopt her. Our vet says he's only seen 5 of them.
Why we got the Vizsla: 1) I wanted a dog large than DW's Boston Terrier to accompany me on hikes and runs and just piddling in our two acre yard. 2) DW didn't want a big, smelly, shedding dog such as a lab or golden retriever. 3) Female Vizslas average 40-45 pounds...much smaller than the bigger retrievers. 4) vizslas are relatively clean dogs...not odorless, but free of the nastier odors. They are catlike in that they tend to clean themselves. 5) they are loving and loyal, stick to you like Velcro...too much for some people. 6) their hair is very short and while not shed free, they shed much less than other retriever dogs.
The negatives: 1) they are high energy...will my energy level be able to cope with keeping her properly exercised so that she does not become bored or destructive? 2) there are times when you need a dog to take a time out so you can, for example, mow the lawn on a riding mower. When not running, hiking, walking, or hunting with you, their favorite place is on top of you. So far, our Hannah howls in protest when put in her crate or the kennel outside. But, she's only 11 weeks old and was just taken from her parents and siblings...so we'll see if she calms a little over the next few weeks.
I saw my first Vizsla two years ago on a camping trip. She was a beautiful dog, so I stopped to chat with her human mom. Some of the above was explained to me, and the rest I researched. The more I researched, the more I wanted to add one to our family. So far, so good.
R