Which is Better between the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla? A Very Detailed Review.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Vizsla: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Vizsla.

Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla

Factor Dutch Shepherd Vizsla
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1590
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1200 – $1800
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 85.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
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  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Vizsla is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Vizsla. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Vizslas are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Dutch Shepherds can tolerate cold weather. However, Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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.

    Lifespan of Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Vizslas is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Vizslas is 12.0 years.

    Dutch Shepherds live longer than Vizslas.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    Temperament of the Vizsla Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Vizsla.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 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 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-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 Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 54 Vizslas.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Vizsla

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 the 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 Vizsla and the Dutch Shepherd are sold for about the same price.

    Dutch Shepherd Vizsla
    Average Price $1590 $1590
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1200 to $1800

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Vizsla. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Vizsla puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Vizslas?

    A breakdown of the prices of Vizslas?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Vizsla

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Gene that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Gene on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Vizslas are also available for adoption. For example, Scarlet'S Pup 1 is a Male Vizsla that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Vizslas like Scarlet'S Pup 1 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Doc is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Vizslas that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Vizslas do not like to be left alone.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Vizslas?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Vizsla

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Vizslas are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Vizsla

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Vizslas?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Vizslas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Vizslas?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Vizslas are very easy to train.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Vizsla?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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:

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (75 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (76 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Pointer (74 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Vizsla to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Dutch Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Dutch Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Dutch Shepherd versus Great Dane     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomchi     Dutch Shepherd versus Bullmastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Akbash     Dutch Shepherd versus Cockalier     Dutch Shepherd versus Pyredoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Chinese Crested     Dutch Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus English Setter     Dutch Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Goldendoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Boerboel     Dutch Shepherd versus Schipperke     Dutch Shepherd versus Brittany     Dutch Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz     

    Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Vizsla versus Kooikerhondje     Vizsla versus Lakeland Terrier     Vizsla versus Bolognese     Vizsla versus Basenji     Vizsla versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Vizsla versus Lowchen     Vizsla versus Sloughi     Vizsla versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Vizsla versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Vizsla versus Boxerdoodle     Vizsla versus Finnish Spitz     Vizsla versus Norwegian Buhund     Vizsla versus Airedale Terrier     Vizsla versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Vizsla versus Morkie     Vizsla versus Shih Tzu     Vizsla versus Coton de Tulear     Vizsla versus Border Terrier     Vizsla versus Brussels Griffon     Vizsla versus Kai Ken     Vizsla versus Gordon Setter     Vizsla versus Bracco Italiano     Vizsla versus Cane Corso     Vizsla versus Cockalier     Vizsla versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Vizsla better suits you and your family.