Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: What’s the Difference?

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

Key Differences Between Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer

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.

Let’s go over all of these differences and more now!

Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Size

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!

Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Appearance

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.

However, both of these dogs have short fur with large, floppy ears and long, narrow tails. They point out their prey or game when they see it, paw bent and tail straight.

Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Ancestry and Breeding

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

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

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.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Anna Pozzi