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

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

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

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

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

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

Is English Springer Spaniel or Wirehaired Vizsla bigger?

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

Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Wirehaired Vizsla?

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

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

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

English Springer Spaniel vs Wirehaired Vizsla: Sheds Less?

English Springer Spaniel vs Wirehaired Vizsla: full comparison

Trait	English Springer Spaniel	Wirehaired 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	Low
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The English Springer Spaniel is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 Wirehaired 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 regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Wirehaired Vizsla needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds only lightly. 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 fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Wirehaired Vizsla is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, English Springer Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Wirehaired Vizsla shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Wirehaired Vizsla has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Springer Spaniel and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Springer Spaniel and Wirehaired 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, Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Vizsla on temperament, size and care.

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

English Springer Spaniel vs Wirehaired Vizsla