The Vizsla is a beautiful breed that is unknown to many people, though they seem to be rising in popularity. This active dog has a great temperament and a manageable size, but they can be difficult to find. Not only can it be difficult to find a Vizsla breeder or rescue nearby, but these pups are also often quite expensive. So, are there breeds that are similar to the Vizsla, and in what ways are they similar?

Dogs With a Similar Appearance to Vizslas

1. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is surprisingly similar to the Vizsla in their looks. There are a few clear differences between the breeds, though. Weimaraners are much larger than Vizslas and have a blue or grey coat, while the Vizsla is a golden rust color. They have a similar build, though, and a similar lifespan. The Weimaraner was also bred as a hunting dog, and they tend to be highly trainable, affectionate, and loyal. Both breeds have similar exercise needs.

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2. Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound may not seem to have much in common with the Vizsla, but these two breeds share a remarkably similar coat color. Redbone Coonhounds are larger, and their body type is much heavier and thicker than the lean, athletic build of the Vizsla. Both breeds have a similar lifespan, though, and both are extremely loyal and affectionate. They are also both sturdy dogs that were bred for hunting.

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3. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, like the Redbone Coonhound, has an extremely similar coat color to the Vizsla, but this breed is much larger. They have long legs, but they share a similar athletic build to the Vizsla, as well as cute, floppy ears. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a loyal breed, but they are less outgoing and friendly than the Vizsla, and they are also less likely to get along with other dogs. These hunting dogs were bred to hunt large game, like lions, so they are quite fearless.

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4. American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) comes in a variety of colors, with one of the popular ones being a shade of red that is similar to the Vizsla. These dogs are often referred to as Red Nose Pit Bulls, but they are not a separate breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier. These two breeds share little in the way of body type, with the APBT having a stocky, muscular body. Like the Vizsla, the APBT is loyal and affectionate towards their family.

Dogs With Similar Hunting Skills

5. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer may not share the distinctive coat color of the Vizsla, but this breed is similar in both temperament and hunting skills. They share a similar body type, with both breeds exhibiting extreme athleticism in their build. The GSP is a committed hunting dog with a high energy level, much like the Vizsla. They are also loyal and loving to their people, and they have a bit of a goofy streak that can be quite endearing.

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6. Brittany

The Brittany is a gundog breed that is not overly similar to the Vizsla in appearance, though they do often have the same red color of the Vizsla spattered throughout their coat. This breed has a longer coat than the Vizsla, but they are similar in build underneath the hair, with both having a lean, athletic build, though the Brittany doesn’t share the long legs and delicate appearance of the Vizsla. This breed is highly trainable and intelligent.

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7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a hunting dog bred for retrieving waterfowl, especially ducks, and they share a commitment to hunting and loyalty to their people with the Vizsla. This breed also has a red coloration to their coat, but the Nova Scotia’s coat is not as deep in color as the Vizsla, and they often have small patches of white. Both breeds are energetic and need plenty of exercise and gentle training.

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8. Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is similar in color to the Vizsla, but their coat has a slightly redder tint than the golden-toned Vizsla. This breed shares a sense of grace, beauty, and athleticism with the Vizsla, as well as loyalty, trainability, and hunting strength. Irish Setters tend to be a little goofier and rambunctious than Vizslas, though they require about the same amount of exercise daily.

Dogs With a Similar Temperament

9. Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle can have a red coat that is similar to the color of a Vizsla, and both breeds do have athletic, lean bodies. Aside from that, these breeds don’t share much in the way of looks. However, what they lack in similar looks, they make up for in personality. Both breeds are high-energy and require plenty of exercise every day. They are highly trainable, but both respond best to gentle training methods due to their sensitivity.

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10. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever may have recently been dethroned as America’s favorite dog, but this breed is still exceptionally popular and for good reason. They have a gentle, fun personality and a need for daily activity, much like the Vizsla. The Labrador is highly trainable, intelligent, and affectionate, but they may be more social and outgoing than the Vizsla. When it comes to looks, these breeds share very little, aside from cute, floppy ears.

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11. Dalmatian

The Dalmatian may have a distinctive spotted coat, but they are surprisingly similar in build to the Vizsla. They are also similar in temperament, with both breeds sharing loyalty and affection toward their people. Both are bright, alert, intelligent, and highly trainable, not to mention athletic and active. However, the Dalmatian does tend to have a more aloof personality with strangers.

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12. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a loving, loyal, and gentle dog, much like the Vizsla. They share little in common when it comes to appearance, though. Golden Retrievers are often more laidback than Vizslas too, and they have lower exercise needs, but it’s still important to get a Golden up and moving every day to prevent obesity and joint problems. This dog typically acts like they’ve never met a stranger, so they may be slightly more outgoing than a Vizsla.

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13. Greyhound

The Greyhound is a sighthound, so they have a different hunting technique than the Vizsla. They’re also much larger than the petite Vizsla. Those things aside, these breeds have a lot in common. They share a similar body type, with a muscular, lean, athletic build. They are active dogs that can also enjoy spending the afternoon lying on the couch, but both breeds do best with daily activity. They have similar temperaments, with both breeds being loving, gentle, and sweet-natured, not to mention sharing an air of regality.

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14. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a herding breed that has little in common with the Vizsla in the way of looks. They are, however, similar in temperament and energy levels. Both breeds are loving, intelligent, and highly trainable. They are exuberant and ready to take on any adventure you’re willing to take them on. Both breeds can become destructive and noisy if not provided with enough exercise and enrichment, so make sure to plan for daily activities.

Final Thoughts

There are quite a few breeds that are similar to the Vizsla, whether you’re looking for a breed that is similar in looks or temperament or if you’re looking for a hunting companion. Nothing can replace the beautiful, unique Vizsla, but all the breeds on this list have great qualities that make them excellent pets for a variety of households.

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Featured Image Credit: valery.kruk, Shutterstock