Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla better for families with children?

Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Vizsla are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla?

The English Springer Spaniel sheds more than the Vizsla. If shedding is a concern, the Vizsla is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla bigger?

English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?

English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Vizsla is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?

For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla: Easier to Groom?

English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla: full comparison

Trait	English Springer Spaniel	Vizsla
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The English Springer Spaniel has noticeably higher grooming than the Vizsla.

Size and living space

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Vizsla is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Springer Spaniel is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Vizsla is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Springer Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Vizsla is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Springer Spaniel is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Vizsla is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, English Springer Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Vizsla is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Vizsla has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Vizsla on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Vizsla if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla better for families with children?: Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Vizsla are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla?: The English Springer Spaniel sheds more than the Vizsla. If shedding is a concern, the Vizsla is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Vizsla?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla bigger?: English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?: English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Vizsla is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?: For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla