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Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: What’s the Difference?
By August Croft,
11 hours ago
Given the number of hunting dog breeds out there today, you may be wondering about all of the differences and similarities between the Vizsla vs German shorthaired pointer . What qualities do they share with one another besides a penchant for hunting game, and in what ways do these two fantastic dogs differ?
In this article, we will go over all of the differences between the Vizsla and the German shorthaired pointer. We will address their physical appearances so that you can learn how to tell them apart upon first glance. Additionally, we will discuss their ancestries, behaviors, and lifespans in case you are considering adopting either of these two breeds. Let’s get started!
Comparing Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer
The Vizsla is shorter than the German shorthaired pointer, though they both weigh a similar amount on average.
Vizsla
German Shorthaired Pointer
Size
20-24 inches tall; 45-60 pounds
21-25 inches tall; 45-60 pounds
Appearance
Athletic and muscular body covered in a short, shiny coat. Only comes in a unique rusty red color, and has large, floppy ears. Tail is thin and long, and their noses are also red in color
Short and shiny coat only found in solid black or brown, or a mixture of color and white. Often spotted, with floppy ears and a tail that points straight back when they find their mark. Barrel chested and long legged with webbed toes
Ancestry
Originated in Hungary during the 800s AD; bred for hunting throughout the Hungarian wilderness
Originated in Germany during the 17th century; developed from many different breeds in an attempt to make the perfect bird dog
Behavior
Very friendly to humans and animals alike, though it does need to be kept entertained and active all day long. May get destructive if left alone
Eager to please, highly trainable, and very active. Requires a lot of exercise and doesn’t like being left alone, but loves to relax with their family after a hard day’s work
Lifespan
12-15 years
12-14 years
Key Differences Between Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer
The Vizsla only comes in one distinct red color, while the German shorthaired pointer comes in black, brown, or white.
There are a number of key differences between the Vizsla and the German shorthaired pointer. The Vizsla is shorter than the German shorthaired pointer, though they both weigh a similar amount on average. Additionally, the Vizsla only comes in one distinct red color, while the German shorthaired pointer comes in black, brown, or white. Finally, the German shorthaired pointer is a much newer breed of dog compared to the Vizsla.
Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Size
The Vizsla reaches 20-24 inches tall total, while the German shorthaired pointer reaches 21-25 inches tall.
While the Vizsla and the German shorthaired pointer weigh basically the same on average, depending on gender, there is a difference in the height of these two breeds. For example, the Vizsla reaches 20-24 inches tall total, while the German shorthaired pointer reaches 21-25 inches tall. As you can see, the differences are subtle and often overlap, but the German shorthaired pointer grows just slightly taller than the Vizsla!
While both the Vizsla and the German shorthaired pointer are built similarly, there are some key differences in their appearances that can help you tell them apart. For example, the Vizsla only comes in a solid, unique rusty red-brown color, while the German shorthaired pointer comes in black, white, brown, and spotted coats.
There are a few distinct differences in the breeding of the Vizsla versus the breeding of the German shorthaired pointer. For example, the German shorthaired pointer originated in Germany during the 17th century, while the Vizsla originated in Hungary as far back as 800 AD . This makes the Vizsla a much older dog breed compared to the German shorthaired pointer.
In addition, both of these breeds were created as bird and hunting dogs , though the Vizsla was bred with the Hungarian wilderness in mind, and the German shorthaired pointer was not. This may make the Vizsla a sturdier and more rugged hunting dog overall in comparison to the German shorthaired pointer, though both dogs are extremely capable breeds!
Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Behavior
Both breeds are highly trainable and eager to please, though the Vizsla needs to be entertained more than the German shorthaired pointer does.
In terms of behavior, there are many overlapping qualities between the German shorthaired pointer and the Vizsla. For example, both breeds are highly trainable and eager to please, though the Vizsla needs to be entertained more than the German shorthaired pointer does. At the end of a hard day’s work, a German shorthaired pointer wants nothing more than to relax with their family, while the Vizsla may still want more playtime.
However, both breeds require ample exercise before they feel tired. They may both exhibit destructive behaviors if left alone without being exercised properly, so keep this in mind if you are interested in adopting either of these two breeds.
Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Lifespan
The Vizsla lives slightly longer on average compared to the German shorthaired pointer.
A final difference between the Vizsla and the German shorthaired pointer is their lifespans. There is only a subtle difference between their average ages, though the Vizsla lives slightly longer on average compared to the German shorthaired pointer. For example, the German shorthaired pointer lives anywhere from 12-14 years, while the Vizsla lives a year longer on average, for a lifespan of 12-15 years.
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