The subject of Vizsla vs. Weimaraner is widely talked about in the dog world. This is not surprising, given the many comparable traits of the two breeds. If you’re considering getting either of the two, this article will help you out!
The Vizsla and the Weimaraner are similar in their looks but differ in temperament. Both breeds are loyal, energetic, and intelligent. However, Weimaraners are more attentive and sociable than Vizslas. Meanwhile, Vizslas are usually calmer and more devoted to their owners.
In this article, we will talk about all the similarities and differences between the Vizsla and Weimaraner. From history, maintenance, lifespan, and puppy prices, we’ve got it covered!
| Vizsla | Weimaraner |
| Height: 21–24 inches | Height: 23–27 inches |
| Weight: 45–60 pounds | Weight: 55–90 pounds |
| Temperament: Devoted, Calm, Energetic | Temperament: Attentive, Sociable, Energetic |
| Activity Level: Very High | Activity Level: Very High |
| Health: Average | Health: Average |
| Lifespan: 12–15 years | Lifespan: 10–13 years |
| Price: $1,000–$3,000 | Price: $600–$1,200 |
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Breed History
Vizsla
The Vizsla breed originated from Russia and was a companion dog of the Magyar tribe. The tribe eventually settled in Hungary, and this is where the Vizsla was refined into an alert and smart gun dog.
The Vizsla is also known as the Hungarian Pointer. During the World Wars, this swift hunting dog was tasked to deliver confidential messages. The existence of the Vizsla was also considered top secret by the Hungarian military.
In 1950, the Vizsla breed was introduced to the United States, where it could showcase its great stamina, graceful trots, and intelligence. It has championed several dog sports conducted by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner originated from Weimar, Germany. It was born when aristocrats who loved hunting mixed the Bloodhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Pointer, Great Dane, and other breeds.
Its name came from Karl August, the former Grand Duke of Saxe- Weimar- Eisenach. It was in his court in Weimar where it was believed that Weimaraners were bred.
The Weimaraner was originally bred to hunt wild boars, wolves and bears, and eventually, smaller animals. In the 1920s, the Weimaraner breed arrived in the United States, where it soon gained popularity.
Appearance
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are closely similar in their looks; however, the Weimaraner is taller and heavier than the Vizsla. The Weimaraner stands 23 to 27 inches, while the Vizsla stands 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder.
Given their height, Weimaraners weigh more than Vizslas. Vizslas weigh 45 to 60 pounds, while Weimaraners weigh 55 to 90 pounds. The Vizsla also has a longer and leaner body than the Weimaraner.
Vizslas usually have red to rusty colored coats, while their eyes and nose are brown. Because of their color and looks, they are often confused with the Rhodesian Ridgeback and red Labrador.
Meanwhile, Weimaraners are available in silver and blue coats and have blue eyes and silver noses. They are also sometimes called silver ghosts because of their coat. This breed is often confused with the silver Labrador.
These two wonderful dogs also have short and smooth hair. They may have a small, white spot on their chest or toes. However, spots on any other parts of their bodies are not usually appreciated and are frowned upon.
Both the Vizsla and Weimaraner have the same shape of ears. Their ears are large, triangular, and drop just below their jaw. However, the Weimaraner’s ears stand a little higher on its head than the Vizsla’s.
Their muzzles are both narrow and long, with the Vizla’s being slightly shorter. Their noses are also both square.
Temperament and Personality
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are both very affectionate and devoted to their families. They are not only loyal but also friendly, even with guests in the house.
According to dog experts, these two hunting breeds are more prone to separation anxiety compared with other breeds. That’s why they are best suited to families who can spend most of their time with them.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner were bred to be intelligent and have an intense appetite for work. Therefore, you must expect these breeds to be very energetic and curious.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are also very patient with small children. That’s why they are great family pets. However, because of their high prey drive, they are not suited to families with small pets like cats and birds.
This is also the reason they must be kept on a leash when they are taken on walks. They might chase birds, squirrels, or other smaller animals in their surroundings.
Meanwhile, both intelligent dogs can do well in a multi-canine home. For as long as they were properly socialized during the puppy stage, there should be no problem with them living with other dogs.
Exercise and Training
Since the Vizsla and Weimaraner are both hunting dogs, they both need a lot of exercise, be they physical or mental stimulation exercises. Failing to give them the proper exercise and training is like wasting a wonderful dog.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner need at least an hour of physical exercise like walking, hiking, running, or playing. Giving them toys or playing games that require them to think is also very important.
These highly energetic and intelligent dogs may become bored and develop destructive behaviors if they are not given the right amount of exercise and training that they need.
Early socialization is also very crucial for both the Vizsla and Weimaraner. These breeds are clingy and may become overprotective and jealous of others if not properly socialized, especially the more dominant Weimaraner.
It is important to note, however, that socializing a Vizsla and a Weimaraner with other smaller animals rarely works, according to experts. Their high-prey drive kicks in and makes it difficult to train them.
On the other hand, if you really want to make this work, you can follow what my friend did, which is to acquire his Vizsla at a very young age, which was at 2 months old. After this, he socialized it with his cats daily until it has ingrained that they all belonged to the same pack.
However, this does not apply to other cats outside the household, which still brings out its prey drive.
Positive reinforcement is highly recommended when training these breeds. Giving treats or a healthy snack to a Vizsla and a Weimaraner as a reward is enough to motivate them to do better during training.
Here is a video of a Vizsla and a Weimaraner having some playtime with their human and other canine companions;
Vizsla & Weimaraner Archie & Sebastian fooling around.
Nutrition Needs
The Weimaraner can eat 3 cups to 3 ½ cups of dog food per day, while the Vizsla needs 3 cups of dog food per day. The Vizsla and Weimaraner are muscular dogs, and they require 25% of proteins in their diet.
Aside from proteins, it is also important that their diet contains the right amount of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Adding fiber is also crucial because this will help them easily pass stool.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are energetic breeds and may move around a lot, making them thirsty. Ensuring that a fresh bowl of water is always accessible will keep them hydrated.
You may adjust the amount of dog food these dogs need depending on their weight, health condition, and daily activities. However, do not feed them before exercise as this may cause bloating.
Grooming Needs
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are both low to moderate shedders. This is because of their short and dense coats. Shedding from these two breeds is also less noticeable compared to other breeds.
Because of this, they do not require a complicated grooming process. Brushing their coats once a week with a quality brush and bathing them every 6 to 8 weeks will do the trick unless they accidentally roll on dirt.
However, the large ears of these breeds must always be kept clean. Carefully wipe them with hypoallergenic dog wipes to prevent any bacterial infections.
Their eyes must also always be checked for any problems, usually once a week. But as long as you don’t notice any unusual changes, there’s nothing to worry about.
Trimming their nails may also be needed if they grow too long and are already touching the ground. Be careful not to cut it too short, or this will lead to painful bleeding of their nails.
Only cut until the keratin or white part of the nail. If you are not sure how to properly cut your dog’s nails, it is best to bring your dog to a professional groomer.
Lifespan and Health Problems
Both the Vizsla and Weimaraner are healthy breeds. But just like other dogs, they can be prone to some health concerns. Having them tested and bringing them to the vet regularly can help prevent and correct these conditions.
Hip dysplasia is a condition common to big dogs like the Vizsla and Weimaraner. This occurs when the hip joint loosens during the growing stage of the dogs.
Further, this can lead to malfunctioning and degradation of the joint socket. If left untreated, this can cause arthritis, muscle atrophy, and difficulty moving.
Entropion and progressive retinal atrophy are two of the most common eye problems encountered by the Vizsla and Weimaraner breeds.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll inwards. When this happens, eyelashes rub into the sensitive cornea. This leads to eye irritation. Surgery may be needed to correct this ocular condition.
Meanwhile, progressive retinal atrophy is a hereditary condition caused by the degeneration of tissue in the retina. This can lead to cataracts and the formation of cloudy spots on the eyes of the dog.
Autoimmune thyroiditis is another health condition commonly seen on Vizslas and Weimaraners, usually at two to five years old. This is caused by hormonal imbalances, which lead to unexplained weight gain in dogs.
This health problem can also cause mental dullness in your usually smart Vizsla and Weimaraner. You may also notice your dog becomes less energetic and often looks lethargic.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner may also have heart problems. Some of the common signs and symptoms are consistent panting, getting tired quickly, and mood changes.
Have your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately if you notice these signs. Also, ensuring that their vaccines are updated will help keep your Vizsla and Weimaraner healthy.
If given the right care, these two breeds can enjoy a longer life by your side. The Weimaraner’s lifespan is 10 to 13 years, while a Vizsla’s lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Puppy Price
The price of a Vizsla puppy can cost $1,000 to $3,000. Meanwhile, the price of a Weimaraner puppy ranges between $600 and $1,200. Expect these prices to go upwards if you are getting a puppy from a champion bloodline.
Low puppy prices must send you red flags because they have been produced in puppy mills. Only buy puppies from reputable Vizsla and Weimaraner breeders since they can give you your money’s worth.
Aside from puppy prices, there are other expenses when taking home a Vizsla or a Weimaraner. These include vaccines, microchips, grooming kits, collars, food, and other things that your Vizsla and Weimaraner will use every day.
Similarities Between Vizsla and Weimaraner
These two wonderful breeds will not be mistaken for each other for no good reason. Both breeds originated in Europe, the Vizsla from Russia, while the Weimaraner is from Germany.
These two breeds were considered assets by their countries because of their services. The Vizsla served its country by transporting messages during the wars, while the Weimaraner was a great hunting companion.
They also share almost the same looks and sizes. Both are medium to large-sized dogs, but the Weimaraner is a couple of inches larger than the Vizsla.
They have the same looks, from their long muzzles to their triangular ears. One can easily confuse the two. However, the Vizsla’s coat is usually red, while the Weimaraner’s coat is silver.
They also have almost the same temperament. Both are friendly and playful.
These two breeds love to be around their humans, so giving them a lot of attention is very important. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are fast, sophisticated, and powerful breeds. But despite their strong reputation, these two breeds are very loyal and loving to their families.
Vizsla vs. Weimaraner: Which Is Better for You?
While no breed is better than the other, it is best to assess your lifestyle and personality when choosing between a Vizsla and a Weimaraner. In this way, you and your new furry friend can have a win-win situation.
A Weimaraner could be a great fit for you if:
- You are an experienced dog owner — because of its dominant and sometimes independent personality.
- You have an active lifestyle.
- You have sufficient time to train and exercise them.
Meanwhile, a Vizsla is your perfect match if:
- You can devote time to training and exercising your dog.
- You can socialize it with other dogs in the house.
- You can spend quality playtime with it.
Regardless of which one you choose, you should put your best effort into raising your dog. Keep in mind that the Vizsla and the Weimaraner are both velcro dogs that need constant attention.
Hence, you should only bring home one of these breeds if you are committed to providing ample time and care for your pooch. That said, you can never go wrong with either.
Final Thoughts
The Vizsla and Weimaraner are attention-loving and highly energetic breeds. They need sufficient exercise to remain healthy. They must also always be around their humans because they are highly at risk of anxiety.
These two breeds are physically strong and intelligent. Socializing and training them during the puppy stage will surely give you a great family and companion dog.
What are your thoughts about this comparison? Share with us your take on the topic of Vizsla vs. Weimaraner in the comment section below!
