Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Vizsla: Introduction
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla: Overview
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla
- The Similarities Between the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla
- Size (Weight and Height) of Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
- Lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
- Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Vizsla
- The Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Popularity of Vizsla
- Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Vizsla
- Tolerates Being Alone: Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
- Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs shed more than Vizslas?
- Which one drools more, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla?
- Does the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
- Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
- Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs. Vizsla
- Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla?
- Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
- How Kid-friendly are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and Vizslas?
- Is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Vizsla: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla: Overview
Both the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla are similar in size. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla
| Factor | Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 55 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $1800 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Temperament Score | 54.5 percent | 85.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 169 | 32 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Vizsla is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Vizsla. So, you should get the Polish Lowland Sheepdog!
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla
Below is a list of where the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla are most different:
The Similarities Between the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus the Vizsla
The Vizsla has a better temperament than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 percent while the temperament score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 54.5 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 54.5 percent, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 11 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and 54 Vizslas.
The Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Popularity of Vizsla
| Year | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Vizsla Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 157 | 34 |
| 2014 | 170 | 34 |
| 2015 | 164 | 32 |
| 2016 | 169 | 31 |
| 2017 | 176 | 30 |
| 2018 | 170 | 31 |
| 2019 | 173 | 34 |
| 2020 | 175 | 35 |
Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Vizsla than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
2 health tests are recommended for Polish Lowland Sheepdog while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and in Vizslas.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla:
| Disease | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank | Vizsla Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 1 out of 8 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 60 out of 198 dog breeds | 143 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 106 out of 182 dog breeds | 163 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 116 out of 144 dog breeds | 105 out of 144 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 |
*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: Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Vizsla
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Vizslas do not like to be left alone.
Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs shed more than Vizslas?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Vizslas are very easy to groom.
Does the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs. Vizsla
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.
Are Polish Lowland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and Vizslas?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Vizslas are very easy to train.
Is the Polish Lowland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog or the Vizsla?
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Vizslas are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and of the Vizsla to other breeds:
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Mudi Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bloodhound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chow Chow Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Collie Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chihuahua Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Beagle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Akita Chow Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Havanese Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Akita Chow
Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds
Vizsla versus Akita Vizsla versus American Eskimo Dog Vizsla versus Havanese Vizsla versus Braque du Bourbonnais Vizsla versus Collie Vizsla versus French Spaniel Vizsla versus Mudi Vizsla versus Border Collie Vizsla versus Berger Picard Vizsla versus Dogue de Bordeaux Vizsla versus Kerry Blue Terrier Vizsla versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Vizsla versus Leonberger Vizsla versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Vizsla versus Aussiedoodle Vizsla versus Boxerdoodle Vizsla versus German Wirehaired Pointer Vizsla versus Pomchi Vizsla versus Kooikerhondje Vizsla versus Chinook Vizsla versus Kishu Ken Vizsla versus Standard Schnauzer Vizsla versus Bolognese Vizsla versus Boxer Vizsla versus Boston Terrier
Conclusion: Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Vizsla better suits you and your family.