A combo of the Vizsla and Weimaraner, the Vizmaraner is a unique designer breed. Both parent breeds were bred for hunting and tracking, so it’s no surprise that the Vizmaraner loves the outdoors. These dogs often combine the size and loyalty of the Weimaraner with the intelligence and energy of the Vizsla. The end result will charm your socks off, but be warned that the Vizmaraner is not for everyone.
Breed Overview
Height:
21–28 inches
Weight:
45–90 pounds
Lifespan:
10–15 years
Colors:
Rust or Blue gray
Suitable for:
Spacious homes, active families, hunters, outdoorsy people
Temperament:
Active, loyal, intelligent
Designer breeds can be hard to describe, but all Vizmaraners have a lot in common. The parent breeds are quite similar, so it’s not surprising that their genes often combine well. Vizmaraners will be medium or large in size, with lean, muscular bodies, beautiful coats in rust red or slate gray, and boundless energy. This energy can be a problem for some owners—you’ll want to make sure your dog has lots of room to roam throughout the day and gets some solid exercise every day. But if you want a dog that can stand up to hunting, hiking, and active family life, the Vizmaraner might fit the bill.
Vizmaraner Characteristics
Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
Vizmaraners are a rare designer breed, so it’s hard to even guess at a price. Although Weimaraners are relatively common, Vizslas are quite rare, so it’s not surprising that it’s hard to find a mix of the two. Your best bet is to find a Vizsla breeder that also keeps Weimaraners. The price you’ll pay will vary from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the breeder.
Because Vizmaraners are a designer breed and not purebred, you run a higher risk of finding them sold by backyard breeders who don’t take good care of their dogs. Look for breeders that properly care for parents and puppies alike, including adequate socialization and health care.
The Vizmaraner is an active, energetic dog that needs to have a lot going on. Whether you’re hiking, running, playing, or snuggling, you’ll find you have an excited companion. They do best with active families in homes with lots of space. They can also be quite sensitive and struggle with separation anxiety, so it is easiest to care for one in a setting where someone is home with them for most of the day. This clever and energetic breed can sometimes be a handful, but you’ll be pleased to know that they’re pretty trainable too.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
If you’re looking for a dog that will be a great companion for your children, the Vizmaraner may be a good choice. This breed is loyal, loving, and playful. They form strong bonds with the people in their family. They especially get along well with teenagers and older kids who can run around outside and play games with them.
Vizmaraners can also safely live with younger children, but you should always supervise interactions between your dog and small children. Children shouldn’t ever be left alone with a dog until they are old enough to understand and respect its boundaries and until you can completely trust both to get along well. You also shouldn’t allow small children to pull your Vizmaraner’s tail or ears or otherwise harass it, as even the most patient dogs can have their limits.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Vizmaraners get along well with other dogs as long as they are socialized. They will love to run and play with other dogs and can form a deep friendship. Some Vizmaraners will be anxious around new dogs, while others will happily make friends. If you’re not sure, you should introduce new dogs into your home gradually.
Vizmaraners are hunting dogs with high prey drives. This can be a problem when it comes to smaller pets like cats, birds, or small mammals. Some Vizmaraners can be socialized to get along with cats, especially if they’re trained from a puppy, but others might struggle. You shouldn’t allow your Vizmaraner to have access to small mammals and birds that it might confuse for prey.
Things to Know When Owning a Vizmaraner
Food & Diet Requirements
A large, energetic dog like the Vizmaraner needs its fuel, so it is not surprising that they go through a lot of it. You should expect to feed your dog 2–4 cups of dry food a day, depending on its size, age, and activity levels. Because these dogs are so active, a food with a higher protein content may be recommended. These foods are sometimes sold under labels like “active dog” or “high energy” foods.
In general, your dog’s food should have a proper mix of meat proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and natural ingredients that will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients that it needs. Dog foods with prebiotics and probiotics can help your dog have a healthy digestive system. You can choose to feed your dog any combination of kibble, wet food, and fresh food to meet its nutritional needs.
If there’s one trait Vizmaraners are known for, it’s their energy. These dogs need at least 90 minutes of solid exercise a day to stay healthy and happy. Some of this time can be solo play in a yard or other space, but you should also try to spend some social time interacting with your Vizmaraner, too. This will help keep them mentally stimulated. Vizmaraners shouldn’t be crated for long periods of time or left in a room without room to play. Without stimulation, many Vizmaraners can get anxious or destructive.
Training
Luckily, the Vizmaraner’s intelligence and hunting background give it a big leg up in training. These dogs can be sensitive to punishment and harsh words, but a steady, consistent, and positive training routine is nearly always successful. They pick up behavioral cues quickly and are eager to please, so training will go quickly. They can also learn more intricate and advanced commands when given time and positive reinforcements. Their learning ability is sure to wow you.
Grooming ✂️
The Vizmaraner’s short coat is generally pretty neat and tidy. They are generally a moderately high shedding breed, so you’ll still want to brush yours regularly to keep the coat smooth and catch shed hair. You may want to bathe your Vizmaraner every four to six weeks as well and use a doggy toothbrush to prevent plaque and dental disease.
One great reason to get a Vizmaraner instead of a Weimaraner is better health. Even though Vizslas and Weimaraners look very similar, they aren’t closely related. This means that these dogs tend to have a healthier gene pool than either of their parent breeds alone. However, they can inherit any of the conditions that their parent breeds are prone to.
Minor Conditions
Factor XI Deficiency
Distichiasis
Hypothyroidism
Serious Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Gastric Torsion
Male vs Female
The differences between genders aren’t very pronounced in the Vizmaraner, but they are there. Males tend to be a little bigger, although this depends on your dog’s precise genetics. They also tend to be a little more playful, while females tend to be more independent.
Both males and females have serious health benefits that come from getting spayed or neutered. Neutering can also help their personality, making both males and females less aggressive and more relaxed.
Hungary and Germany were both hit hard by WWII, but the effect on their hunting dogs was very different. Hungary’s Vizsla nearly became extinct and is still rare today. On the other hand, it’s believed that a large number of GIs introduced to the Weimaraner while serving in Germany helped contribute to that breed’s popularity boom in the 1950s.
3. They Have a Beautiful Silky Coat
Vizmaraners have a soft, silky coat that’s a delight to pet. It’s also a beautiful color. They can be anywhere between a warm rust color and a cool blue-gray, but they most often have a very warm brown coat that’s a little darker than a Vizsla’s.
Final Thoughts
The Vizmaraner might not be a common breed, but it has its own unique charms. It’s not the right dog for everyone—its high exercise needs make it unsuitable for busy owners or apartment living—but if you’re looking for a dog that can work and play from sunup to sundown, the Vizmaraner is a great option. You really can say that a Vizmaraner will be tireless in its efforts to make its loved ones happy.
Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a
passion for pets . She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University.
Chelsea loves reading, writing, sewing, and board games. She's lived in half a dozen
US states and two countries. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages.
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