A Detailed Comparison of the Hovawart and the Vizsla.

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Hovawart Versus Vizsla: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Vizsla.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Vizsla.

Hovawart versus Vizsla

Hovawart versus Vizsla: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Vizsla is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Vizsla is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Hovawart belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Hovawart versus Vizsla: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Vizsla

Factor Hovawart Vizsla
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $1800
Average Price No Data $1590
Temperament Score 91.7 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Vizsla is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Vizsla is a better pet than the Hovawart. 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 Hovawart and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Vizsla

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Vizsla

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

  • Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs. However, Vizslas get along well with other dogs.
  • Hovawarts are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Vizslas are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Hovawarts are not easy to train. However, Vizslas are very easy to train.
  • Hovawarts 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.
  • Hovawarts 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.
  • Hovawarts can tolerate cold weather. However, Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Vizsla

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Vizsla are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Vizsla

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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 Hovawart versus Vizsla

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

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

    Hovawart versus Vizsla

    Temperament of the Vizsla Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Vizsla.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 54 Vizslas.

    Hovawart versus Vizsla

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Vizsla

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Vizslas do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Vizslas?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Vizsla

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Vizsla?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Vizslas are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?

    Hovawarts 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.

    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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Vizsla

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Vizsla?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Vizslas?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Vizslas?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Vizsla?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Vizslas are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (76 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Pointer (74 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Sealyham Terrier     Hovawart versus Golden Retriever     Hovawart versus Patterdale Terrier     Hovawart versus Chorkie     Hovawart versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Hovawart versus Standard Schnauzer     Hovawart versus Miniature Poodle     Hovawart versus Bordoodle     Hovawart versus Stabyhoun     Hovawart versus Sloughi     Hovawart versus Afador     Hovawart versus Norwegian Buhund     Hovawart versus German Longhaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Hovawart versus Maltipoo     Hovawart versus Belgian Malinois     Hovawart versus Pharaoh Hound     Hovawart versus Aussiedoodle     Hovawart versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Hovawart versus Goldador     Hovawart versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Hovawart versus Papillon     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Vizsla versus Cockalier     Vizsla versus Australian Kelpie     Vizsla versus Shihpoo     Vizsla versus Boykin Spaniel     Vizsla versus Pointer     Vizsla versus Boykin Spaniel     Vizsla versus American Water Spaniel     Vizsla versus Samoyed     Vizsla versus Pomsky     Vizsla versus Norwegian Buhund     Vizsla versus English Toy Spaniel     Vizsla versus Brittany     Vizsla versus American Foxhound     Vizsla versus Schipperke     Vizsla versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Vizsla versus Belgian Malinois     Vizsla versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Vizsla versus Bloodhound     Vizsla versus Great Pyrenees     Vizsla versus Portuguese Water Dog     Vizsla versus Dachshund     Vizsla versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Vizsla versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Vizsla versus Biewer Terrier     Vizsla versus Boxerdoodle     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Vizsla better suits you and your family.