Pyrenean Shepherd vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed ComparisonHungarian Vizsla is originated from Hungary but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Hungarian Vizsla may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Pyrenean Shepherd. Hungarian Vizsla may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Pyrenean Shepherd. Hungarian Vizsla may live 5 years less than Pyrenean Shepherd. Hungarian Vizsla may have more litter size than Pyrenean Shepherd. Hungarian Vizsla requires Low Maintenance. But Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Hungary
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 10 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla
Pyr Shep
Colors Available:
solid golden-rust color in several shadings
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
Coat:
short, smooth, dense
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

hungarian vizslaThe Hungarian Vizslas existed in the land that is now Hungary, the Pannonian Basin, at least since the 10th century when they were shown on etchings. It is thought that their descendants were various pointers, the extinct Turkish Yellow Dog and the Transylvanian Hound. The Vizsla is a hunting dog with the word being Hungarian for pointer. In 1937 the Carmelite Friars under orders from King Louis I of Hungry. The breed was isolated for centuries in the Basin by the aristocracy and land owners.

The Magyar people of the area developed the breed for hunting as both pointers and retrievers. They were excellent at hunting rabbits and water fowl. With a terrific sense of smell and boundless stamina and energy, the were prized as family and companion dogs as well. This was unusual for a hunting or working dog. Their size made them appealing as well. They were small by comparison to other hunting dogs both pointers and retrievers.

Easy to train, the Hungarian Vizsla works in water, forests and fields. They are able to retrieve in the water as well as on the land. Throughout their history, the breed outlasted the Turkish Revolution, the Hungarian Revolution World War 1 and World War 2, as well as the Hungarian People’s Republic Communist State. Things were a little dicey for the Vizlas several times beginning in the 1800’s when German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers were introduced into the area. The next time was after World War II. Fearful of what this Communist state would mean for the breed, some were smuggled into the United States and Austria.

At that time there were only a dozen or so Vizslas in all of Hungary. Their numbers were brought back from that small breeding stock. This history did result in several different strains grew into their own breeding stock. There are Vizslas in Czechoslovakia, Romania, Serbia and Austria. There developed separate lines that became separate breeds in the Wirehaired Vizsla and the longhaired Vizsla which is very rare.

After World War II, the Hungarian Vizsla came to the United States and the Vizsla Club of American was established as a first step toward AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition. This was attained in 1960. Rex del Geisimino came to the U.S. in 1951 and he was able to respond to commands in both German and Hungarian. Vizslas also came to the United Kingdom in this time frame. There are now about 4500 registered with the KC (Kennel Club of Great Britain). A Vizsla won the distinctive Crufts Dog Show in Great Britain, as Best in Show.

It is believed that this gentle, sensitive and affectionate hunter was part of the original breeding stock or the Wirehaired Vizsla, the Weimaraner and the German Shorthaired Pointers. The Hungarian Vizsla is intelligent and social. The need your attention as well as a lot of exercise to avoid destructive behavior born of boredom. They want to be with you and they can be very protective of you.

pyrenean shepherdThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

Description

hungarian vizsla puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Vizsla has a light build, a short coat, and a distinctive bearing. They are medium in size and muscular, lean dogs looking a lot like the Weimaraner. They are also close in appearance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Redbone Coonhounds. They are more muscular and leaner than the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Weimaraner.

The Vizsla has a reddish nose and their nails and eyes should also be reddish or blending with the color of their coat. They have docked tails in the American standard but not in the United Kingdom, as docking is banned there. If he has a tail, you can see it flying through the air as he runs through the rough land to retrieve fowl.

They have a domed skull with a tapered muzzle that is shorter or equal to the skull. They have eyes that are contrasted with the coat and of medium size. The ears of silky, hang close to the face and the tips are rounded. The coat is rust in color with many shades. He also has a deep chest and hound like face.

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hungarian vizsla dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - The Vizsla is very good with children.

Special talents

Special talents - They are both excellent pointers and retrievers.

Adaptability

Adaptability - They are not very adaptable in living arrangements as they are much more suited for the country than the city.

Learning ability

Learning ability – The Vizsla is a very intelligent breed and easy to train. His learning ability is very high.

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

Health Problems

hungarian vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Hungarian Vizsla has a series of health issues that include:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated but not cured.
  • Cancer of various types – some treatable others fatal.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis – a skin disorder marked by inflammation. This only occurs in young adult dogs.
  • Ear Infections

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hungarian vizsla dogs - caringFeed two to four cups per day of a high quality dry dog food. Break this up into three or four meals. Don’t free feed your puppy.

Feeding the adult

Feed two to three cups per day of high quality dry dog food. Feed in two servings.

Points for Good Health

The Vizsla is an athlete with high energy.

Games and Exercises

The Hungarian Vizsla needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and maybe more. He needs a large yard or open field, but daily brisk walks will do if that is all that is possible. He needs to be stimulated intellectually as well and enjoys fetch, jogging with you, lure coursing, field trials, tracking and scent work, confirmation, agility, barn hunt, dock diving, rally, and obedience.

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Vizsla vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hungarian Vizsla vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hungarian Vizsla vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hungarian Vizsla vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Hungarian Vizsla vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hungarian Vizsla vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hungarian Vizsla vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hungarian Vizsla vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyrenean Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Pyrenean Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison