German Shorthaired Pointer vs Vizsla
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Vizsla | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Large | Medium |
| Adult weight | 20.4 to 31.8 kg | 20 to 27.2 kg |
| In pounds | 45 to 70 lb | 44 to 60 lb |
| Adult height | 53 to 64 cm | 53 to 61 cm |
| Energy | Very high | Very high |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Usually good |
| Country of origin | Germany | Hungary |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the German Shorthaired Pointer is 20.4 to 31.8 kg and the Vizsla 20 to 27.2 kg.
- Both have very high energy in their published profiles.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Vizsla usually lives longer: 12 to 14 years against 10 to 12 years.
Temperament
German Shorthaired Pointer: Gentle, affectionate and even-tempered, alert, biddable and very loyal.
Vizsla: Affectionate, energetic and gentle, the Vizsla is a lean, light footed hunting companion that forms strong attachments and loves being part of family activities.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
German Shorthaired Pointer
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be x-rayed for under the hip and elbow scoring schemes
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Subaortic stenosis, heard as a murmur on cardiac auscultation and confirmed by echocardiography
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV), a surgical emergency in deep chested dogs
Vizsla
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
- Autoimmune thyroiditis, with a thyroid evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Common questions
Which is bigger, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Vizsla?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 20.4 to 31.8 kg for the German Shorthaired Pointer and 20 to 27.2 kg for the Vizsla, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Vizsla?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 12 years for the German Shorthaired Pointer and 12 to 14 years for the Vizsla. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Vizsla better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin