Vizsla vs Weimaraner

The vizsla and the weimaraner are both incredible hunting dogs with names that are easy to misspell. If you’re able to give these two dog breeds the affection and exercise they need, you’ll be rewarded with a committed companion that takes nearly no maintenance. So which dog should you get? Today, we’re comparing the vizsla vs weimaraner to help you decide which hunting dog will best fit your needs. We’ll go over intelligence, temperament, maintenance, and more so you can make an informed decision.

Vizsla Overview

The vizsla is a medium-sized pointer-retriever sport dog breed that originated in Hungary. The standard coat for this breed is a solid golden-rust color that can come in a variety of shades. They range in height from 22-25 inches, and will grow to around 40-66 pounds as adults.

With lean physique and short coat, the vizsla can often be mistaken with other breeds, like the weimaraner, redbone coonhound, and Rhodesian ridgeback. Unique characteristics of vizslas include a reddish colored nose that blends with the coat, as well as eye and nail color that blends with the coat.

Intelligence

Bred as hunting dogs, vizslas are known for their trainability and intelligence, particularly in the field. While they are typically used as pointers, they make great retrievers as well. Because of their intelligence, this breed requires a great deal of mental stimulation. Vizslas typically respond poorly to harsh, aggressive training styles due to their sensitive temperament.

Temperament  

Vizslas thrive on interaction, attention, and exercise. They are incredibly affectionate and loyal. Without affection and interaction, this breed can become quickly bored and destructive. Being great companions, Vizslas make great household dogs, as long as they are given energy outlets frequently. They are happy, carefree, sensitive, and quickly form bonds to strangers. Despite this, vizslas can be trained as guard dogs.

A vizsla will typically whine or cry if they are unhappy or feel neglected. They may bark at strangers if they feel their pack space is threatened.

Maintenance

Vizslas are incredibly clean, rarely needing bathed. They typically don’t take on the “dog smell” noticeable by humans. Vizslas aren’t well-suited for cold weather, and will require warm shelter in cold-weather climates. Average lifespan is around 9 years. Vizslas are a relatively healthy breed. To reduce risk of health disorders, pick a responsible, proven breeder.

Weimaraner Overview

Since the beginning, weimaraner’s were bred for hunting. This breed originated in Germany in the 19th century, and was bred for Grand Duke Karl August to hunt large game like bears, boar, and deer. Sometimes called “weim” for short, this breed is large and athletic. Weight ranges from about 55 to 88 pounds. Typical height ranges from 22 to 28 inches.

The weimaraner’s short coat can range in colors from charcoal-blue, to a variety of grey shades. Due to coat color, this breed is sometimes referred to as “the Grey Ghost.” There are a few long-hair weimaraners, but this variation is not accepted by the AKC. The tail is often docked. Eye color typically starts off blue, and shift to a shade of yellow that can almost appear spooky.

Intelligence

Sometimes called “the dog with the human brain,” weims are very intelligent. They have a strong prey-drive. Cats, local squirrels, and bunnies beware: the weimaraner will likely follow its drive to hunt, even if trained not to do so. Weims are great at hunting, tracking, pointing, and retrieving. Their sense of smell is top-notch. Almost half of a weimaraner’s brain is devoted to smell! This breed is credited for helping sniff out missile parts during the Cold War. 

Temperament  

Weimaraners strongly desire close companionship with their owners, but sometimes take on an attitude of, “I’m better than you.” They have such high energy and stamina that constant exercise is a must. Most would be happy chasing birds all day, every day. If they aren’t entertained, they will get into mischief. If a weim is bored with an activity, he or she may have no problem just walking away from you.

They are wonderful house pets, but can be stubborn if dominance is not well established. Be sure not to establish dominance through force, as weims are known to respond very poorly to harsh training and discipline techniques. While weimaraners aren’t known as barkers, they will bark if they feel threatened, making them good guard dogs.

Maintenance

This breed is quite healthy, avoiding many of the major health issues some dogs face. Being deep-chested, the weimaraner is prone to bloating if he or she eats too much at one time. Grooming is a piece of cake thanks to a short, smooth coat. Because of this coat, they don’t do well in cold weather. Early training is an absolute must, as is frequent physical activity.

Vizsla vs Weimaraner Conclusion

When comparing the vizsla vs weimaraner, the matchup is extremely close. Both dogs are friendly, low maintenance, intelligent, and high energy. Both make excellent hunting dogs as pointers or retrievers, but do not handle cold temperatures well. The weimaraner is larger than the vizsla. A vizsla adult will typically be about 20 pounds lighter than a weim adult. Weimaraners can prove more difficult to train due to a sometimes stubborn disposition. Both dogs need affection and attention, and they’ll both reward you by reciprocating that affection!

Which would you rather own: a vizsla or a weimaraner? Let us know in the comments below!