Is the Komondor Better than the Vizsla as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Komondor Versus Vizsla: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Vizsla

Komondor versus Vizsla: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor 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.

Komondor versus Vizsla: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Vizsla

Factor Komondor Vizsla
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
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
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $840 $1590
Price Range $550 – $800 $1200 – $1800
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 85.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • click here
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 32

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Vizsla

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

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Vizslas get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Vizslas are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Vizslas do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Vizslas are very easy to groom.
  • Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Vizslas have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Komondors can tolerate cold weather. However, Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Vizsla

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Vizsla are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Vizsla

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Vizsla

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors 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 Komondors.

    Temperament of the Vizsla Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Vizsla.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 54 Vizslas.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Vizsla

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 is more expensive than the Komondor.

    Komondor Vizsla
    Average Price $840 $1590
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1200 to $1800

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Vizsla

    Popularity of Vizsla

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Vizsla Popularity Rank
    2013 159 34
    2014 168 34
    2015 163 32
    2016 177 31
    2017 163 30
    2018 173 31
    2019 181 34
    2020 178 35

    Health Problems of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Vizsla than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Vizslas.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor 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 Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor 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 Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors 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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • click here
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Vizslas here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors 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 Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 45 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 51 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 70 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 105 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 143 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 163 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Vizsla:

    Disease Komondor Rank Vizsla Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 163 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 90 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

    *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: Komondor versus Vizsla

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Vizslas do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Vizslas?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Vizsla

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Vizslas are very easy to groom.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?

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

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

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Vizsla

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Vizsla?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Vizslas?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Vizslas?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Vizsla?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Vizslas are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Vizsla vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (76 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Pointer (74 percent match with Vizsla). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Pomchi     Komondor versus Pug     Komondor versus Labrador Retriever     Komondor versus Valley Bulldog     Komondor versus Lowchen     Komondor versus Standard Schnauzer     Komondor versus Standard Poodle     Komondor versus Ibizan Hound     Komondor versus Pharaoh Hound     Komondor versus Chinook     Komondor versus Japanese Spitz     Komondor versus German Pinscher     Komondor versus Redbone Coonhound     Komondor versus Affenhuahua     Komondor versus Stabyhoun     Komondor versus Lhasa Apso     Komondor versus Maremma Sheepdog     Komondor versus Redbone Coonhound     Komondor versus Dachshund     Komondor versus Scottish Deerhound     Komondor versus Frenchton     Komondor versus Swedish Vallhund     Komondor versus Bloodhound     Komondor versus Field Spaniel     Komondor versus Japanese Spitz     

    Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Vizsla versus Sloughi     Vizsla versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Vizsla versus Chorkie     Vizsla versus Carolina Dog     Vizsla versus Whippet     Vizsla versus Chorkie     Vizsla versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Vizsla versus Puggle     Vizsla versus Collie     Vizsla versus West Highland White Terrier     Vizsla versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Vizsla versus Saint Bernard     Vizsla versus Tibetan Terrier     Vizsla versus Standard Poodle     Vizsla versus Brittany     Vizsla versus Bolognese     Vizsla versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Vizsla versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Vizsla versus Miniature Poodle     Vizsla versus Border Terrier     Vizsla versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Vizsla versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Vizsla versus Puli     Vizsla versus Cockapoo     Vizsla versus Ibizan Hound     

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