10 Dog Breeds Similar to the Vizsla
The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed with roots that go back to ancient times. It’s believed to be a cross from the two ancient dog breeds, the Turkish yellow do, which is extinct, and the Transylvanian hound. It’s a sporting dog in the pointer category, valued for its hunting skills. They also make amazing family and companion dogs. Before settling on a new family pet, check out these 10 dog breeds similar to the Vizsla.
10. Weimaraner
Dog Forums explains that the Weimaraner has striking similarities to the Vizsla. Both grow sleek coats and belong in the hunting dog category. Vizslas are exceptionally athletic with a high energy drive but require a lot of attention. They tend to develop emotional issues when not given enough attention. The Weimaraner will follow you everywhere you go, but they’re not quite as needy as the Viszla, and they’re slightly larger. Still, the Weimaraner requires more emotional support than most other dog breeds. They’re also athletic hunters that can develop separation anxiety.
They’re beautiful dogs that require training from a young age to avoid behavioral problems such as disobedience. The advantage of owning a Weimaraner over a Vizsla is that they’re more protective over the human members of their family. They have big personalities, love to be entertained, and must have mental and physical stimulation. They’re excellent companion dogs for active families who enjoy getting outside and engaging in activities with the family dog.
9. Labrador
The Labrador is The Puppy Mag choice as a compatible breed to raise with a Vizsla because they are similar. The Labrador is also a hunter, although not in the pointer category. They’re energetic and can experience separation anxiety, but not as intensely as the Vizsla or the Weimeraner. They’re family-oriented dogs when trained from puppyhood. They’re easier going with playful and friendly natures. They’re the same size, except for a stockier build and shorter at the shoulder.
They love to engage in daily exercise and are happiest with a daily walk and a fenced area to roam and play. Labradors do not crave the same level of attention as the Vizsla and may be easier to manage. They tend to become stubborn if not trained as puppies to be obedient. The two breeds can form solid relationships because of their similarities when paired with a Vizsla as a companion pet. However, the Labrador will usually be the first to give in as their energy level is a notch lower than the Vizsla.
8. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are like the long-haired version of a Vizsla. Physically, the only difference is the long flowing red coat versus the sleek brown coat of the Vizsla. Setters are hunters who love to work the fields and stalk small game animals and fowl. They share a similar personality type, high energy levels, and a love of play. The visually stunning dog has a driving need for their owners’ attention. Like the Vizsla, they easily suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
They love to be the center of attention. If trained from the time they’re puppies, you can teach them to share the love with other family pets. If you’re a Vizsla owner and choose to add an Irish Setter to the family, prepare for the differences. Irish Setters need weekly grooming to stay on top of the shedding. You’ll also need to divide your time between the two dogs because they’re both somewhat high maintenance. These are emotionally fragile dogs who need to feel loved. Both require daily exercise and playtime.
7. Golden Retriever
Dogell experts compare the Golden Retriever and the Vizsla. They confirm that the Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the USA. They’re intelligent and visually stunning. They have a high level of energy and love to play. Golden Retrievers are affectionate, and they seek to please their owners. The easygoing nature of the breed makes them a joy to be around if you train them right from the puppy stage. Unlike the Vizsla, they have long hair, and they’re prolific shedders.
Prepare to sign on for weekly brushing and cleaning up the hair if they’re indoor dogs. You’ll need a powerful vacuum. They do require attention, but they’re not usually the jealous type. They’re similar in build to the Vizsla but have a stockier body. Retrievers are not in the pointer category, but they’re strong hunters who love to flush out the game for their masters. The two breeds are highly compatible if you’re looking for a pal and companion for your Vizsla.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds share some similarities with the Vizsla, but they’re in a separate category of dogs. Aussies love herding, but they are also capable hunters. Aussies have a smaller stature, but their strong muscles make up for the height difference. Both breeds range between 45 to 65 pounds at maturity. The Australian Shepherd can hold its own with a Vizsla, and its life expectancy is a year or two longer, with an average range of 12 to 15 years. Aussies are hard-working, intelligent dogs who love to have a job to do. They’re adventurous and require daily exercise to burn off excessive energy.
They also require a lot of human affection and attention. Like the Vizsla, they’re emotionally fragile and suffer separation anxiety when left alone for extended times. The two breeds love to play and can make exceptional companions. They form strong bonds with other animals due to their friendly nature. Both are tolerant of hot weather, but the Aussie, a prolific year-round shedder, drops even more hair in the summer. The double coat requires weekly brushing and grooming to help keep the mess at bay in the house. Vizslas and Australian Shepherds are highly compatible breeds with enough differences to make life between the two interesting.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are remarkably similar to Vizslas in their body style. Although slightly larger, they have a sleek single coat and are close in size and weight at maturity. They’re intelligent and energetic dogs that love to play outdoors and go for walks. Greyhounds need to burn off their extra energy and exercise to keep their lean and muscular bodies in shape. Their easygoing nature makes them adaptable to the differences between them and Vizslas.
They’re playful, friendly, loyal, and affectionate. Like the Vizsla, they suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for over 6 to 8 hours. When pairing a Greyhound and a Vizsla together, it’s best not to leave them alone for long periods. Although they can keep each other entertained for a few hours, both will get antsy if their owner is gone for a long. The two dogs will still experience stress and separation anxiety and may get on each other’s nerves. Both dogs need training from puppyhood because of their stubborn nature.
4. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a breed with a stunning black and white coat with sleek fur like a Vizsla. The black spots distinguish it from other breeds. However, it still sheds short hair, requiring weekly brushing. The build is the same, and the personality traits are alike. Dalmatians have high energy levels and love daily exercise, and require activity. It helps to burn off extra energy and keep their muscular bodies in shape. They’re intelligent, friendly, and entertaining dogs but need a firm hand. It’s best to start training this bullheaded dog from puppyhood.
They’re among the most stubborn and willful, but once trained, they adapt to obedience well in general. Vizslas and Dalmations are compatible breeds that have the potential to form strong bonds. They can keep each other entertained when left alone, but the odds of misbehaving as a team are high. Dalmatians also have a strong need for attention and affection. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. They make a striking pair when standing side by side. Both are attractive dogs to add enjoyment and variety to the household.
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hepper explains that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is another dog breed similar to the Vizsla. It’s a gorgeous breed with short hair, a sleek coat, and a lovely physical appearance. The dog is bred for hunting and valued for its high levels of endurance. With a little training, they’re proficient in the field and will work hard to please their masters. The agility and stamina of this dog are impressive by any standards. Although they share physical similarities to the Vizsla, there are marked differences between the two breeds. The average Rhodesian Ridgeback has a different personality.
They’re slightly taller at the shoulder, and their musculature makes them more powerful. They’re faster runners and may require more exercise and playtime because of their excessive energy levels. They’re about 3 inches taller at maturity and 20 pounds heavier. The lifespan is about 12 years, and the intelligent breed is highly trainable. Although they’re smart dogs, they’re extremely strong-willed. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks are harder to train if you don’t acquire them when they’re still in the puppy stage.
They’re generally friendly to humans and other dogs. The sleek coat doesn’t need much grooming, and they make wonderful family dogs. Hunters may benefit from combining the hunting skills of the Rhodesian Ridgeback with the Vizsla for full coverage in the field. They will likely become best friends if you pair them, and both are well-trained. They make a powerful hunting team. When the hunt is over, they’re just as good as house dogs and companion pets for singles, couples, or families.
2. German Shorthair
A-Z animals confirm that the German Shorthair is a dog breed most like the Vizla. They’re in the pointer category of hunting dogs. The shorthaired dog grows to a height slightly shorter than the Vizsla, but the weight averages are the same. Both have sleek, shiny coats with large, floppy ears and red noses. German Shorthaired Pointers have white and brown coats. They’re not as barrel-chested as the Vizsla, but the muscles are athletic.
Both breeds originated in Hungary and are the products of ancient breeds bred for hunting birds. They’re friendly dogs that get along with most humans and other dogs. Like the Vizsla, they are energetic and require human attention and entertainment. The difference is that they tend to become destructive when left alone. The Vizsla becomes stressed and anxious, but they don’t generally resort to destructive behaviors. Under the influence of the German Shorthair Pointer, they may exhibit misbehaviors. These dogs are generally compatible if you consider adding a German Shorthaired Pointer to the family.
1. English Pointer
The English Pointer is in the same class and category as the Vizsla, as a pointing hunter. The popular sport dog, like the Vizsla, is a barker until you train puppies to contain their enthusiasm. Its sleek and shiny coat is low maintenance, and the breed is great with kids. Although English Pointers make exceptional family dogs, they require a lot of strict training. This dog is intelligent and stubborn. It’s not a wise choice for inexperienced dog owners. They require a firm hand with consistency to develop obedience skills.
English Pointers have a comparable lifespan but are slightly taller and heavier at maturity. The breed originated in the United Kingdom around 1650 AD. It’s also an ancient breed, like the Vizsla, originating in Hungary about 1350 AD. The similarities in the temperament are remarkable, but the Vizsla is easier to handle, although both are energetic hunters who need daily exercise and playtime. The breeds are well-matched if you can handle the energy of the two combined.
