Dog breed comparison
Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Vizsla tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Vizsla | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Hound Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches | 24 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Developed in southern Africa from dogs brought by European settlers and the native Khoikhoi dog, used to hunt lions by holding them at bay.
Its ridge of hair running backwards along the spine is a defining trait.
Health to watch
- Dermoid sinus
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Degenerative myelopathy
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The Vizsla barks more than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Easy to train
The Vizsla is easier to train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Friendly with strangers
The Vizsla is friendlier with strangers than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Shedding
The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds more than the Vizsla.
Energy
The Vizsla has more energy than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Good with children
The Vizsla is better with children than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Which to choose
Vizsla or Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Choose the Vizsla if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
Choose the Rhodesian Ridgeback if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Questions.
Is the Vizsla or the Rhodesian Ridgeback bigger, and which lives longer?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Vizsla tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Vizsla or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The Vizsla is generally easier to train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Vizsla or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The Vizsla is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Rhodesian Ridgeback can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Vizsla sheds less than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Vizsla and Rhodesian Ridgeback have?
The Vizsla is prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to dermoid sinus, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism. Both share a risk of hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
