Is the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla?

The Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla?

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

Is Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla bigger?

Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla?

For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: full comparison

Trait	Vizsla	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	Very Low	Low
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Vizsla is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds only lightly. The Wirehaired Vizsla asks for a light 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 Vizsla learns at a pace few breeds can match, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Wirehaired Vizsla learns at a pace few breeds can match, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Vizsla is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Wirehaired Vizsla is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Vizsla if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla better for families with children?: Both the Vizsla and the Wirehaired Vizsla are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla?: The Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Vizsla or the Wirehaired Vizsla?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla bigger?: Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Vizsla or Wirehaired Vizsla?: For apartment or apartment living, Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla are an even match — either can work well.

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla