When it comes to choosing between the Australian Shepherd and the Vizsla, many potential pet owners find it difficult to decide. Both breeds share many qualities, including a similar height and weight range, life expectancy, and high intelligence. However, they also have several differences that you should consider before making a decision. For instance, Vizslas may not be the best dogs to have around small animals, while Australian Shepherds tend to be more pet-friendly. In this guide, we will explore both breeds in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Visual Differences
Image Credit: (L) Eve Photography, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory
At a Glance
Vizsla
Average height (adult): 23–27 inches
Average weight (adult): 40-55 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Exercise: 2 hours a day
Grooming needs: Moderate
Family-friendly: Yes
Other pet-friendly: With a lot of training
Trainability: Intelligent, Excellent
Australian Shepherd
Average height (adult): 18–23 inches
Average weight (adult): 40–65 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Exercise: 1 to 2 hours a day
Grooming needs: Moderate
Family-friendly: Yes
Other pet-friendly: Often
Trainability: Intelligent, Excellent
Vizsla Overview
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Hungary in the 9th century. It was initially known as the Hungarian Point and bred for pointing and retrieving. Typically owned and trained by hunters, the breed has a strong prey drive that may make it challenging to own around smaller animals.
Over the centuries, the Vizsla’s skills have been utilized in various endeavors, including as military dogs. Vizslas served in the Turkish Occupation, the Hungarian Civil War, and both World Wars. The breed was first recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1936, and it arrived in America after the Second World War. Today, the Vizsla is a popular choice among pet owners, and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1960.
The Vizsla is the smallest pointer breed, with a short, coarse coat that can come in shades of gold or red. The breed has no undercoat and features floppy ears, medium-sized eyes, and brown coat markings on the throat, paws, and chest.
Personality/Character
The Vizsla is an energetic, affectionate, and loyal dog breed that craves attention and loves being close to its owner. They enjoy running and playing, and their loyalty sometimes makes them anxious when separated from their owners for extended periods. The breed has earned the nickname “Velcro Vizsla” due to its attachment to its owner.
Training
The Vizsla is known for its intelligence, making it an excellent learner during training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and should not be punished or yelled at during the training process. However, Vizslas tend to struggle with living with smaller animals like cats. It can take years of training and patience to train a Vizsla to live with a cat unsupervised.
Exercise
Vizslas require a minimum of two hours of exercise per day, and much of it must be off-leash. They are easy to train, making it relatively easy to fulfill their exercise needs. If you have no yard, off-leash dog parks or beaches can provide sufficient exercise for your Vizsla.
Suitable For
Vizslas require attention and are unsuitable for owners who are away from home for long periods. They are not ideal for apartment living; they require ample space and enjoy running around. Vizslas may not be the best pets for those with small pets like gerbils or hamsters, but with proper socialization and training, they can learn to live with cats.
Australian Shepherd Overview
The Australian Shepherd is a breed that traces its roots back to the Basque Country, a region on the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. The breed was developed by American settlers living on the West Coast of the US in the 19th century. These settlers imported sheep primarily from Australia, which also brought working dogs to herd them. Over time, these dogs evolved into what we know today as the Australian Shepherd.
The breed has a medium build, with an average height of 18-23 inches and a weight range of 40-65 pounds. Australian Shepherds are known for their thick, double coats of fur that come in several colors, including black, blue merle, red, and red merle.
Personality/Character
The Australian Shepherd is a loyal, intelligent, and energetic breed that always wants to feel useful. As a working dog, they are natural herders and may attempt to herd other animals or small children. Positive reinforcement is the best training technique to earn their trust and respect.
Training
The Australian Shepherd is quick-witted and exceptionally intelligent, making them an easy breed to train. Positive reinforcement enhances their training and socialization need, as they can become territorial and overprotective without proper training.
Exercise
Australian Shepherds are working dogs and require physical and mental stimulation daily. They need a few hours of exercise, like running or hiking, per day, along with mental workouts consisting of command training.
Suitable For
Australian Shepherds make great family pets and are comfortable with a single owner or a couple. They have high energy levels that make them unsuited for apartment living, and they prefer a yard to run around. The breed is very pet-friendly and comfortably lives with other pets, including cats.
Which Breed is Right for You?
Choosing between the Vizsla and Australian Shepherd can be a challenging task. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you have smaller pets like gerbils or hamsters, it may not be ideal to get a Vizsla as they are not compatible with those animals. On the other hand, Australian Shepherds make excellent family pets who coexist comfortably with other pets.
No matter the breed you choose, early socialization and training will enhance your pet’s behavior and make them great companions. We hope that our guide helps you make the right choice for you and your family.
Featured Image Credit: (L) Eric Isselee, Shutterstock | (R) MirasWonderland, Shutterstock
