Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Vizsla: Introduction
- Harrier versus Vizsla: Overview
- Harrier versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Vizsla
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Vizsla
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Vizsla
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Vizsla
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Vizsla
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Vizsla
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Vizsla
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Vizsla
- Do Harriers shed more than Vizslas?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Vizsla
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Vizsla?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Vizsla
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Vizsla?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Vizslas?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Vizsla: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Vizsla.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Vizsla.
Harrier versus Vizsla: Overview
Both the Harrier and the Vizsla are similar in size. The Harrier and the Vizsla are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Harrier 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.
Harrier versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Vizsla
| Factor | Harrier | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $1800 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 32 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Vizsla is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Vizsla. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Vizsla
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Vizsla are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Vizsla
The Harrier and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Vizsla are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Vizsla
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Vizsla.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Vizsla
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Vizslas is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Vizslas is 12.0 years.
Vizslas live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Vizsla
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, 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.
You can find more Harriers and Vizslas that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier 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 Harrier and the Vizsla over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Vizsla is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Vizsla is 32 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Vizsla
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Vizsla Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 34 |
| 2014 | 181 | 34 |
| 2015 | 183 | 32 |
| 2016 | 186 | 31 |
| 2017 | 183 | 30 |
| 2018 | 189 | 31 |
| 2019 | 186 | 34 |
| 2020 | 190 | 35 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Vizsla
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Vizsla than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Vizslas.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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 Harriers 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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers 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 Harrier and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Vizsla:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Vizsla Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 143 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 45 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 51 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 70 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 105 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 163 out of 182 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Vizsla
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Vizslas do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Vizslas?
Harriers shed moderately.
Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Vizsla
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Vizsla?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Vizslas are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Vizsla
Harriers 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.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Vizsla?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Vizslas?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Vizslas are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Vizsla?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Vizsla to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Saluki Harrier versus Aussiedoodle Harrier versus Bichon Frise Harrier versus Bolognese Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Harrier versus Clumber Spaniel Harrier versus Miniature Poodle Harrier versus Leonberger Harrier versus Chi-Poo Harrier versus Gordon Setter Harrier versus Pointer Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Bernedoodle Harrier versus Akita Chow Harrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Harrier versus Basset Hound Harrier versus Italian Greyhound Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus Carolina Dog Harrier versus Puggle Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund Harrier versus Vizsla Harrier versus Cavapoo
Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds
Vizsla versus Canaan Dog Vizsla versus German Shorthaired Pointer Vizsla versus Chow Chow Vizsla versus Redbone Coonhound Vizsla versus Mountain Cur Vizsla versus Bolognese Vizsla versus Briard Vizsla versus Neapolitan Mastiff Vizsla versus Mountain Cur Vizsla versus Great Pyrenees Vizsla versus Cesky Terrier Vizsla versus Brussels Griffon Vizsla versus Norwegian Buhund Vizsla versus Irish Terrier Vizsla versus Yorkshire Terrier Vizsla versus Saint Bernard Vizsla versus Irish Water Spaniel Vizsla versus Miniature Schnauzer Vizsla versus Estrela Mountain Dog Vizsla versus Sealyham Terrier Vizsla versus Pomsky Vizsla versus Maltese Vizsla versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Vizsla versus Toy Fox Terrier Vizsla versus Labrador Retriever
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Vizsla better suits you and your family.