Although Weimaraners and vizslas are both incredible hunting dogs of aristocratic origin and share some common characteristics, they can vary in coat color, size, personality and temperament. Some people find the only way to distinguish the two breeds at first glance is by their noses. While vizslas have a self-colored nose, a Weimaraner has a black one. Read on to discover how the two breeds compare in terms of character, attitude and appearance.
Weimaraner vs. Vizsla Personality and Temperament
While both the Weimaraner and vizsla are energetic, family-oriented breeds, they do have several differences when it comes to personality and temperament.
Vizslas can become very attached to their humans and may stick to them like glue. Vizslas will follow you around all day if you let them. However, this probably won’t be an issue due to the breed’s high intelligence and a strong desire to please. For this reason, these pets usually thrive in canine sports or therapy work. Vizslas are also incredibly gentle and have tons of energy. If left alone for long periods, vizslas can become shy and destructive due to their eagerness to play outside.
This breed is quite athletic and benefits from early socialization, early neurological stimulation and various types of training. At least two daily half-hour sessions of running, walking or romping outside are recommended with a vizsla.
A Weimaraner shares a vizsla’s love of the outdoors and friendly disposition. These dogs, instead of working well in canine sports or therapy, make excellent watchdogs and companions. Dogs of this breed can be mischievous when left to their own devices and are known to chase, chew and bark at cats. Like vizslas, Weimaraners benefit significantly from early training and socialization. They’re also classified as sports dogs and will require a few hours of running or other types of exercises daily.
Both breeds share a love of chewing and benefit from mental stimulation and chew toys to keep them satisfied. Also, both vizslas and Weimaraners are instinctive hunters, so furry pets like rabbits and gerbils should be kept securely out of reach.
Are the Weimaraner and the Vizsla Related?
Vizslas are close cousins to Weimaraners and are often confused with them due to their similar temperaments and character traits. The vizsla is several inches shorter than the Weimaraner and considered “distinguished,” while the Weimaraner is thought to be “aristocratic.”
Vizslas are a solid golden color and have a short, smooth coat and no undercoat. The Weimaraner’s skin is soft and sleek, and is usually a silver-grey, blue-grey or mouse-grey color. These dogs are similar to vizslas in that they do not have an undercoat, and will need extra layers and protection in cold or freezing weather.
Ask About a Vizsla Today
It’s hard to come by a dog like a vizsla. This breed is spirited, fun-loving and fiercely loyal. As one of the first hypoallergenic dogs, vizslas lack an undercoat, or the fluffy hairs close to the skin typical of most mammals. Thus, if you’re looking for a furry best friend to join your family — and if some of your relatives are sensitive or allergic to dog hair — vizslas are an excellent choice.
At Golden Meadows Retrievers, our pups are guaranteed against genetic defects for up to three years. If you’re looking for a highly trained, socialized, healthy vizsla from an AKC Breeder of Merit, Golden Meadows Retrievers is the breeder for you! Fill out a puppy info request if you’d like some help finding the perfect vizsla or golden retriever to add to your family. Or, reach out to us with any questions about our puppies or services!