The practice of combining two prominent dog breeds has been prevalent ever since the 90s. Numerous breeders adopted this practice to encourage the finest of two dog breeds.
Are you on the lookout for a gorgeous hybrid pup? Do you want the best of both worlds? Well, one of the lesser-known yet amazing mixes is that of a German Shepherd and a Vizsla. It is shocking how they haven’t turned heads yet, considering what a match made in heaven they are!
So, without much delay, let’s get you all the information you might need to make up your mind about Vizsla German Shepherd Mixes!
At A Glance
- Height: Male- 56 – 64 cm, Female- 54 – 60 cm
- Weight: Male- 25-35 kg, Female – 20 -28 kg
- Most Suited for: Families, Working Dogs
Introduction
If you adore both Vizslas and German Shepherds, then behold this beauty! A child of the two breeds will be an amazing pup for your home. Both breeds are hardworking dogs with a high level of energy.
But the similarities fade away after that. The two breeds have many wonderful characteristics that, when mixed, result in a social, pleasant, and hardworking puppy!
Both have outstanding companions and working skills, resulting in a kind, diligent, and social dog. In everything it does, it oozes intellect. It also learns new skills quickly and enjoys working. Protection, loyalty, kindness, an outgoing attitude, and excellent social skills are among several appealing traits that make this dog a perfect companion.
If the hybrid pup inherits Vizsla’s short-haired coat, you won’t have to work too much to keep it clean. If it possesses the German Shepherd’s thick coat, it’ll require much grooming.
Recommended: 12 Vizsla Mix Breeds You Might Just Fall In Love With
History
The best way to know about any mix-breed canine is to understand its parents to the best ability. Let us take a look at both the parents of a Vizsla German Shepherd Mix:
German Shepherd
The American Kennel Club said that the German Shepherd happened to be the brainchild of Captain Max von Stephanitz. He believed his home Germany’s shepherd dogs to be of the highest grade. To prove this, he set out to create one better breed among numerous available at the time.
Around WW I, the German Shepherd dog served as a Red Cross rescue canine. It also served as a puppy carrier, guard, and messenger for the German troops. Even in World War II, these brilliant dogs resumed their roles.
The existence of the German Shepherd as military canines aided in the popularization of the German Shepherd or GSD in Americans’ eyes. Numerous allied soldiers remarked on the German army canines’ intelligence and tenacity.
Vizsla
The Vizsla dogs have existed for more than 1,000 years. It is in sharp contrast to the other parent, the German Shepherd, who originated a little over a hundred and fifty years ago.
The Vizslas are alternatively known as Hungarian Pointers. American Kennel Club claims this breed most probably descended from the hunting dogs who inhabited Hungary. It was around the time Magyars colonized the nation a thousand years ago.
This dog is an excellent pointer and retriever. The Vizsla is present in various paintings and a few other works of art that represent the accompanying breed hunters.
These dogs have also been referenced in the literature that depicts the breed as aiding their falconry handler. The Vizsla, similar to the German Shepherd, served as a service dog in World War I. Because of its exceptional scenting ability, forces desired to have the Vizsla dogs on the field.
Moreover, they functioned exceptionally as search and rescue canines. Around time, these dogs also served as messengers.
Vizsla German Shepherd Mix Personality
Although the German Shepherd is a family pup, its principal function is as a working dog. The German Shepherd is a very smart animal who yearns for work. The handlers or masters need to start training them at a young age.
Only then will the German Shepherd grow up feeling it has a useful purpose in life. German Shepherds have preferred police or military dogs. They are exceptional service dogs and are an asset for helping blind people and rescue operations.
Vizslas are not far behind. In the U.S., the Vizsla is not just a hunting partner but even an excellent service dog.
Thus, when you get a Vizsla German Shepherd Mix, be prepared to have a highly intelligent dog who yearns for a purpose in life. It can be an asset for you if you train the pup properly.
The Vizsla is a friendly animal, unlike the German Shepherd. GSD’s may be distant and reserved at times. Vizslas get along better with kids than German Shepherds. Vizslas have an innate affection and love towards kids independent of any previous experience with them.
Your pup can inherit any of the two contrasting traits. It is imperative to note that almost any dog, regardless of a breed, can adjust well with human kids and adults as well as other animals if they are introduced to them during their puppyhood.
Vizslas vs. German Shepherds
When it comes to an inexperienced master, Vizslas are more flexible. On the other hand, the German Shepherd thrives when it has a master educated about the breed. Such an owner can give the exercise that the GSD requires.
Despite a few personality variances, both the Vizsla and the German Shepherd are considered great dog breeds. Moreover, the two species are also fairly trainable. Thus, you won’t have many hindrances in training an offspring of the two.
German Shepherds are rather tolerant of other animals, such as cats. In contrast, the Vizsla is animal-friendly, irrespective of whether or not it has been socialized with other pets.
One notable distinction between the two breeds is their “stranger-friendliness.” The German Shepherd doesn’t get along well with strangers.
The Vizsla seldom encounters strangers. But when it does, the pooch is usually quite friendly. When adopting a GSD-Vizsla mix, however, early socialization will help ensure that the desired puppy is people-friendly.
With some contrasting traits, a combination of Vizsla and German Shepherd is likely to be an incredible amalgamation of the two personalities! It might be a perfect balance.
Physical Characteristics
German Shepherds and Vizslas are of similar size. The Vizsla is only a hair shorter than the German Shepherd. (Usually, only by 1 inch in height at the shoulders).
The GSD is a larger dog than the Vizsla. German Shepherds weigh around thirty pounds more than the Vizsla. Thus, your hybrid will be a fairly medium to a large-sized pup.
GSDs are large, muscular dogs that are longer than their height. They are powerful, elegant, and well-muscled. These pups sport a loping stride that allows them to cover a lot of ground while performing functions.
The German Shepherd’s muzzle is long, their skull is square, and their ears are pointed and upright. They have bushy, long tails and somewhat slanted rear and back legs. German Shepherds’ coats are often brown and black, with deep, rich hues.
Solid sable or solid black, red colors, and a variety of mixes are some of the other coat options. Black masks on the muzzles and a dark saddle patch on their backs are frequent. White German Shepherds cannot compete in AKC shows, even though this shade is growing increasingly fashionable.
In contrast, a male Vizsla stands 22 – 24 inches tall at the shoulder. A female Vizsla stands 21 to around 23 inches tall at the shoulder. The physiques are muscular and well-balanced. Vizslas grow between the ages of one and two years.
However, they achieve full size around the age of six to eight months. The coat of a Vizsla is sleek, thick, and silky, without any undercoat. Vizslas are considered “wash and wear,” requiring only a short rubdown with a rubber curry brush.
It’s a strong golden rust color (alternatively known as a russet). The Vizsla coat is very low maintenance. On the other hand, you have to put time and effort into maintaining GSD coats.
Usually, the hybrids have a tan color with certain black undertones. Of course, they can inherit other shades from their parents as well.
Grooming Requirements
One major area where the two breeds vary is in their grooming requirements. The Vizsla pup takes little grooming and other maintenance. On the other hand, the GSD sports a coat that demands more effort.
The German Shepherd will have a moderate-length double fur coat that is water-resistant and dirt-resistant. Yet, there are certain disadvantages of this coat.
The GSD’s exterior coat is generally close to the body. However, it is a “shedder,” which means you may expect a lot of fur on surfaces where the pup spends a lot of time.
Additionally, at least two times a year, the GSD will “blow” its coat. Blowing the coat causes a large amount of hair to fall out all at bulk. This ‘blowing’ has been compared to a “snowstorm” by some onlookers, hence the phrase.
The German Shepherd is not considered hypoallergenic due to the obvious quantity of shedding it is liable to. However, neither is the Vizsla.
Thus, the grooming requirement will depend on which gene the Vizsla German Shepherd mix inherits. You will have to be prepared for both scenarios.
Final Words
Vizsla German Shepherd mix is quite a good hybrid match that offers you the best of both worlds. It will be an extremely smart and intelligent pup you need to keep active, physically and mentally.
Many characteristics of the hybrid, such as the coat and the personality traits, will depend on the dominant parent gene. Thus, you will have to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios. We hope this article helped you understand Vizsla German Shepherds better!
