Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus Vizsla: Introduction
- Dachshund versus Vizsla: Overview
- Dachshund versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Vizsla
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Vizsla
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Vizsla
- Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the Vizsla
- Price of Dachshund versus Price of Vizsla
- Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Vizsla
- The Intelligence of the Dachshund versus the Intelligence of the Vizsla
- The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Vizsla
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Vizsla
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Vizsla
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Vizsla
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Vizsla?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than Vizslas?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Vizsla?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Vizslas?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Vizsla
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus Vizsla: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Vizsla? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund and the Vizsla better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dachshund and the Vizsla.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund and the Vizsla is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dachshund and for the Vizsla. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund and the Vizsla.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dachshund or the Vizsla
Dachshund versus Vizsla: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Vizsla is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Vizsla is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Vizsla belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Dachshund versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund to the Vizsla based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | Dachshund | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $1200 – $1800 |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | 85.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 11 | 32 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 49 | 25 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Vizsla. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Vizsla is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Vizsla is a better pet than the Dachshund. So, you should get the Vizsla!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dachshund and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Vizsla
Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Vizsla are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Vizsla
The Dachshund and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Vizsla are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Vizsla
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Vizsla.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Vizslas weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Vizslas are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Temperament of the Dachshund Versus the Vizsla
The Vizsla has a better temperament than the Dachshund.
This is because the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 69.4 percent, the Dachshund has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 85.2 percent, the Vizsla has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dachshund and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 49 Dachshunds and 54 Vizslas.
Price of Dachshund versus Price of Vizsla
The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Vizsla puppy is $1590. The price of the Vizsla typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. However, the price of a Vizsla can be as low as $350 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Vizsla puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Dachshund is more expensive than the Vizsla.
| Dachshund | Vizsla | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1730 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $1200 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dachshund and Vizsla. For different price points, the charts show how many Dachshund puppies or how many Vizsla puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Vizslas
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dachshund puppy or the Vizsla puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Vizsla
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds and many Vizslas are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Dachshund named Slinky that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Slinky on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dachshunds, Vizslas are also available for adoption. For example, Ryder is a Male Vizsla that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Vizslas like Ryder that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Oscar is the name of another Dachshund (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Dachshunds and Vizslas that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Dachshund versus the Intelligence of the Vizsla
| Dachshund | Vizsla | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 49 out of 130 dog breeds | 25 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Dachshund has an obedience intelligence rank of 49 out of 130 dog breeds. The Dachshund belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Dachshunds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Vizsla has an obedience intelligence rank of 25 out of 130 dog breeds. The Vizsla belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Vizslas tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Vizsla is more intelligent than the Dachshund.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Vizsla
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dachshund and the Vizsla over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dachshund is more popular with dog owners than the Vizsla. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dachshund is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Vizsla is 32 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dachshund
Popularity of Vizsla
| Year | Dachshund Popularity Rank | Vizsla Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 34 |
| 2014 | 11 | 34 |
| 2015 | 13 | 32 |
| 2016 | 13 | 31 |
| 2017 | 13 | 30 |
| 2018 | 12 | 31 |
| 2019 | 11 | 34 |
| 2020 | 10 | 35 |
Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Vizsla
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund and the Vizsla are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Vizsla is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dachshund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Vizsla than for the Dachshund.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in Vizslas.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds here.
Vizsla Health Problems
Vizslas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Vizsla puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Vizsla puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Vizsla breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Vizslas for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Vizslas here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dachshunds and Vizslas
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Vizsla Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Vizsla ranks 45 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 273 Vizslas, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Vizslas, and how common these diseases are in Vizslas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dachshund and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the Vizsla:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | Vizsla Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | 45 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | 51 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | 70 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | 163 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 161 out of 198 dog breeds | 143 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 105 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Vizsla
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
Vizslas are very easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Vizsla
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Vizslas do not like to be left alone.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Vizsla?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than Vizslas?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Vizsla?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
Vizslas are very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Vizsla?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Vizslas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Vizslas?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
Dachshunds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Vizslas have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Vizsla
Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dachshund:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Vizsla that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Vizsla:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dachshund and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Vizsla to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus Skye Terrier Dachshund versus Pomapoo Dachshund versus Flat-Coated Retriever Dachshund versus Bracco Italiano Dachshund versus Irish Terrier Dachshund versus Collie Dachshund versus Belgian Tervuren Dachshund versus Borzoi Dachshund versus Estrela Mountain Dog Dachshund versus Schipperke
Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds
Vizsla versus Pug Vizsla versus Pomsky Vizsla versus Pyrenean Shepherd Vizsla versus Patterdale Terrier Vizsla versus Goldendoodle Vizsla versus Pomchi Vizsla versus Whoodle Vizsla versus Schipperke Vizsla versus Australian Shepherd Vizsla versus Belgian Tervuren
Conclusion: Dachshund versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dachshund and the Vizsla better suits you and your family.