Dog breed comparison
Vizsla vs German Shorthaired Pointer
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The German Shorthaired Pointer tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Vizsla | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches | 21 inches to 25 inch |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 45 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Vizsla
A Hungarian pointer and retriever kept by Magyar nobility for centuries. It nearly died out after the Second World War, before Hungarian refugees took dogs abroad.
It is known as the Velcro dog for staying close to its people.
Health to watch
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Cancer
The German Shorthaired Pointer
Developed in Germany in the 1800s as an all-purpose gundog that could point, track and retrieve on land and from water. It has won the Westminster dog show and is a top field-trial breed.
It needs more exercise than most families expect, often two hours a day.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Lymphoedema
- Cone degeneration
- Cancer
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Vizsla is friendlier with strangers than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Barking
The Vizsla barks more than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Intelligence
The German Shorthaired Pointer is quicker to learn than the Vizsla.
Good with other dogs
The Vizsla gets on better with other dogs than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
First-time owners
The Vizsla suits first-time owners better than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Drooling
The German Shorthaired Pointer drools more than the Vizsla.
Which to choose
Vizsla or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Choose the Vizsla if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You want a dog that drools less
Choose the German Shorthaired Pointer if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Vizsla or the German Shorthaired Pointer bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Vizsla or the German Shorthaired Pointer?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Vizsla or the German Shorthaired Pointer?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer have?
The Vizsla is prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism. The German Shorthaired Pointer is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, lymphoedema. Both share a risk of hip dysplasia and cancer. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
