Vizslas and Weimaraners have a considerable similarity with one another. There are times that Vizslas is mistaken as the “younger sibling,” and Weimaraners are the older ones. Despite having similarities, they are separate breeds.
Despite their appearances and temperament being closely similar, they are not related to each other. There are still significant differences between them. Let’s compare their similarities and differences from a more comparative perspective.
Comparison between Vizsla and Weimaraner
The Vizsla is an ancient breed that originated in Russia and came from the famous Magyar Tribe. They are the ones who accompanied them on their journey across Europe. They are hunting dogs that will follow their masters.
On the other hand, Weimaraner is a popular breed that originated back in the 19th century. It is from a small town called Weimar in Germany. They are a mixture of German Shorthaired Pointer, Bloodhound, the blue Great Dane, English Pointer, and other breeds. They were initially hunting, but they became hunting games for smaller animals because of more enormous beasts.
Let’s now differentiate them based on their general appearance, behavior, exercise, nutrition, and price.
General Appearance
In reality, they look like identical twins because of their similarities. However, there are differences in their size and coloring.
Size
The Vizsla is smaller than the Weimaraner. Vizslas are usually lighter-boned and look like a square, but they are longer than taller if they are measured.
On the contrary, Weimaraner is slightly bigger than a Vizslas. Weimaraner is enormous because of their bones and substance. However, their length appears moderate.
Head
There are similarities and differences between the Vizsla’s and Weimaraner’s heads. On the one hand, the Vizsla’s head is lean and muscular, with an average broad skull between its ears. There’s also a median line down the forehead. Unlike Vizsla, Weimaraner’s head is long and aristocratic. There’s also a short median line over its forehead.
Sometimes, muzzle and skulls have similar and different sizes. Vizsla’s muzzle and skull have the same equal length or, sometimes, a little shorter. While the Weimaraner’s head from the nose is similar to the size of stop to occiput. Both of them have lips that cover their jaw.
A Weimaraner’s eye colors are usually light amber, blue-gray or gray, while the Vizsla’s eye color is blended to their coat color. A Vizsla’s nose is a self-colored nose but usually a black nose. On the other hand, a Weimaraner’s nose has a gray color.
Both of them have long ears, but Vizsla’s ears are low and close to their cheeks. On the contrary, Weimaraner’s ears are high and also close to their cheeks.
Neck, Forelegs, Body, Hindquarters, Feet, and Tails
Both Vizslas and Weimaraner have long, clean-cut necks with no dewlaps. Their neck is strong, smooth, and muscular. In contrast, the chest of a Vizsla is broad and reaches to its elbows. On the other hand, the Weimaraner has a deep and well-developed chest. Both of their ribs are also well-sprung.
In terms of their body and tail, there are some differences between them. A Vizsla has a non-sloping topline in their short back. They also have a firm backline. On the other hand, a Weimaraner strong back. It has a moderate length in a straight line.
Vizslas have long, wide, moderately laid back, and sloping shoulder blades. Their legs are muscular, straight and elbows close. Their feet are round, cat-like, and compact with toes close. Their nails are brown and short.
On the contrary, Weimaraner has a well-laid-back shoulder with a prominent prosternum with straight legs. Their feet are compact, firm, and webbed. Furthermore, their toes are arched with close and thick pads. Their nails are short and color gray or amber.
Both breeds should have balanced hindquarters with the forequarters in angulation. Vizslas has a moderate angulation of stifle and let down parallel hocks. In comparison, the Weimaraner has more muscled hindquarters and well-angulated stifles, and straight hocks. On the other hand, both breeds have docked tails.
Coat and Color
A Vizsla has solid golden rust in different shadings. Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, with no undercoat. On the other hand, a Weimaraner has a solid color of mouse-gray to silver-gray in a sharp, smooth, and sleek coat.
Temperament
A Weimaraner is fearless, friendly, obedient, and alert. It also has an aloof personality and an “I’m better than you” behavior. You can also see his eyes appear black and might dilate whenever they’re excited. On the other hand, Vizslas are gentle-mannered, lively, sensitive, and affectionate. They are also curious and outgoing, happy and carefree. They are less solemn than a Weimaraner.
Both of them are active and excellent hunting companions, both water and woods.
Exercise
The Vizsla and Weimaraner have the exact needs in terms of exercising. They both need a lot of exercises.
It should be at least an hour of intense exercise. It can be running, jogging, playing with other dogs, or playing “fetch” with them.
Nutrition
Weimaraners usually have 3 ½ cups of food per day, while Vizslas have 3 cups every day. It must be full of nutrients to support their nutritional needs—at least 25% protein for energetic dogs like them. There are human foods that are safe for them, such as:
- Carrots
- Fish
- Dairy
- Apples
- White rice
- Chicken
- Blueberries
- Bananas
Conclusion
Vizsla and Weimaraner are not that different from each other. There are more similarities than differences. Both are good family companions; that’s why it is understandable if people have difficulty choosing between them.
In the end, a family or a person will choose a dog that will match their personality and lifestyle. All kinds of dogs need affection, love, care, and happiness; that’s why it is better to choose carefully.
