Vizsla Weimaraner Mix: 9 Pros And 7 Cons (w. Photos) - DogsAndClogs (2024)

Vizsla Weimaraner…

Or Vizmaraners for short, are athletic-looking dogs.

But as you look closer…

You’ll find yourself more curious about this pooch.

Somehow, you can tell there’s more to them than their beautiful appearance…

So, what does this pooch have that enchants many dog lovers?

Continue reading to find out:

• What makes Vizmaraners unique.
• 7 fun facts and trivia about this mix.
• 9 pros and 7 cons of Vizsla Weimaraner mix.
• The difference between a Vizsla and a Weimaraner.
• And so much more…

Vizsla Weimaraner Mix: Appearance

Since most breeders like coming up with unexpected pairings…

Many dog hybrids today tend to turn out with unique looks.

But in this case…

Vizmaraners look exactly the same as their parents. And there’s a simple reason for this.

In the first place, Vizslas and Weimaraners are identical to each other.

They look so similar…

That most people mistake them for the same breed of dog. But in reality, these two Fidos are far from related.

All in all, this shows why Vizmaraners don’t look like most hybrids today.

Body shape

For one, a Vizmaraner has a long and lean body.

And like their parents…

They have long limbs and strong, slim figures.

Not to mention, they have well-developed muscles too.

With that, this pooch is rarely seen with a lot of fat. Instead, all you’ll see are their well-toned, sleek bodies.

Moreover, the tail of Vizmaraners is typically long.

Trivia: Did you know that most Vizslas and Weimaraners get their tails docked? Based on vets, many fur parents do this for health reasons.

And one of them is to prevent future injuries. After all, these dogs have stiff tails.

Thus, they could be prone to breakage.

Also, in case there’s an intruder…

They could grab onto Fido’s tail. This can leave the poor pooch at a disadvantage.

But despite this, some experts believe that docking is unnecessary. In the end, it’s always the fur parent’s choice to make.

So, if you plan on adopting a Vizmaraner…

You might have to consider this option in the future.

Height and weight

Moving forward, let’s talk about the growth of Vizmaraners.

Typically, this dog is a medium-sized breed.

Check out the table below for their average height and weight.

Moreover, there’s an interesting detail about their size…

Vizslas are a bit smaller than Weimaraners.

Coat type and colors

Aside from their size… Vizmaraners also have beautiful fur.

They have short, silky coats that come in different colors, such as:

• Gray.
• Fawn.
• Sable.
• Brown.
• Brindle.

And from that list…

The gray color is the most popular among fur parents.

Fun fact: Weimaraners are also known as “Gray Ghosts.” And this is thanks to their bluish, silver coats.

But that’s not the only reason why they earned that title.

Apparently, Weimaraners hunt like cats. And with that, they move like an assassin in the shadows.

So if you’ll get a Vizmaraner…

Be ready to get spooked by their beautiful and ghostly, gray coats.

Head and face shape

The head shape of Vizmaraners is that of a wide wedge. This means that it’s flat.

But sometimes, they can be a bit round at the top.

Moreover, their muzzles are medium-long in size. Typically, the length of their snout matches how wide their heads are.

Also, Vizmaraners have big floppy ears that are set high. And they hang neatly on the sides of their face.

At first glance, their ears can remind you of breeds, such as:

• Retrievers.
• Dachshunds.
• Bloodhounds.

These Fidos all have cute floppy ears. But have you ever wondered why they do?

Apparently, some people believe that it helps them catch scent particles. And that should aid a dog’s great sense of smell.

But according to science:

Dr. Charles Darwin said this was the result of domestication. He wrote this in his book called “The Origin of Species.”

And to prove his theory…

One researcher tried to domesticate a fox breed. As time went on, the animal’s ear became floppier than natural.

So, there’s your trivia on why Vizmaraners have floppy ears.

Eye shape and colors

Most Vizmaraners have almond-shaped eyes. Though, some of them can also be maw-shaped.

But other than that, this pooch has lovely eye colors such as:

• Blue.
• Hazel.
• Green.
• Brown.
• Amber.

Fun fact: According to a news journal, green eyes are the rarest among dogs. While most would say that it’s blue, there are actually more Fidos with blue eyes nowadays.

This makes Vizmaraners stand out from other dogs with their green eyes.

All in all…

Vizmaraners have a distinct appearance.

Vizsla Weimaraner Mix: Temperament

While their looks can be intimidating…

Vizmaraners are actually big softies.

“What do you mean by that?”

Surprisingly, this pooch has the personality of a kid. This means they’re active and full of energy. Thus, they’re always ready to play.

But this isn’t too uncommon.

After all, they have athletic bodies. With that, it’s only natural for them to enjoy running around.

So if you’re the type to go on adventures…

Vizmaraners could be a great companion for you.

Other than that…

This Fido is gentle and obedient. And these traits make them great family members.

“But wait, are they good with children?”

Even with young kids, this pooch can handle them easily.

But of course, parents should always manage the interaction.

“Okay, but is it easy to train them?”

Well, Vizmaraners are very obedient.

So yes, they’re definitely easy to train.

And this excellent trait comes from their parents. As hunting dogs, this pooch is typically used to training.

Now, everything seems great so far. But there’s 1 more concern.

And it’s their tendency to be clingy.

“Why’s that a problem?”

There are 2 big reasons to worry about this behavior.

For one, this pooch can be prone to separation anxiety. This means that they’re sensitive to being alone.

Next, they’re known to get bored easily.

So, think about this situation.

They feel anxious, and now they’re also bored. What do you think would happen?

Vizmaraners can end up showing destructive behavior.

Based on PetMD, these dogs would do things such as:

• A lot of digging.
• Chew on furniture.
• Peeing everywhere.
• Defecating in the wrong area.
• Persistent barking and howling.
• Biting and scratching other items.

And that’s why they need to be around their family as much as possible.

Learn more: 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Being Destructive + Tips

9 pros of owning a Vizsla Weimaraner Mix

#1: Low-maintenance grooming

As short-haired dogs, Vizmaraners don’t need a lot of grooming.

But to keep their coats smooth and shiny…

Brushing their fur at least once a week is good enough. Other than that, combing their coat also has another benefit.

And it helps when Vizmaraners are shedding.

Yes, despite having short coats…

These Fidos would still shed. But of course, not as heavy as other dogs.

Plus, they don’t have to bathe that often. This means you only give them a shower if they really need one.

Thanks to this, you can avoid trips to the groomer.

All in all, their short coats can help you save time and money.

#2: They can be your lifetime companion

The parents of the Vizmaraner are tough dogs.

So as a hybrid, this pooch also inherits their great health.

With that said, Vizmaraners have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

So, as long as this Fido is well-taken care of…

They can live to the fullest. In fact, some of them can even go beyond 15 years of age.

But of course, it doesn’t mean they’re invincible.

Vizmaraners can still be prone to certain problems such as:

• Epilepsy.
• Allergies.
• Entropion.
• Lymphoma.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Eye-related problems.

And there could be more. Though, these are some of the most concerning ones.

But again, Vizmaraners are active dogs.

With proper care and exercise, they can avoid many health problems.

#3: Vizmaraners are great with kids

Thanks to their playful personality…

Vizmaraners make great friends with children. And that’s the cute part.

These big dogs have the heart of a child. So, it’s nice to see them get along with your own family.

But as I mentioned earlier…

The interactions of your pooch and a child should still get monitored.

And this is only for the sake of their safety.

#4: They’re the best adventure partners

If you’re the type to enjoy going outdoors…

Then Vizmaraners would love to join you.

Their body can handle long physical activities such as:

• Hiking.
• Jogging.
• Swimming.
• Training courses.
• Running marathons.

Not only can they withstand these challenges…

But Vizmaraners will also enjoy them.

After all, they prefer spending time with their fur parents as much as possible.

#5: Easy to train

Vizmaraners love pleasing their fur parents. And that’s why they can be easy to train.

But aside from their obedient nature as hunting dogs…

Did you know that there’s one more reason why they’re intelligent?

Fun fact: Vizslas and Weimaraners are in the top 25 smartest dogs in the world.

This ranking was made by Dr. Stanley Cohren. And you can find more details about this in his book called “The Intelligence of Dogs.”

So with that, you can expect Vizmaraners to be as smart as their mom and dad.

#6: They’re friendly

Despite having the genes of two hunting dogs…

Vizmaraners can still learn to be friendly. That means they can get along even with other animals.

But still…

Like any other canine pal, Vizmaraners require proper training.

Moreover, they should be socialized as early as pawssible. Aside from that, they can be tolerant of strangers too.

Here’s an example.

If Fido can sense that their fur parents are okay with some visitors…

Then your Vizmaraner won’t bark at them. Instead, they’ll just sit back and relax to go with the flow.

#7: Can tolerate hot weather

Thanks to their short coats, Vizmaraners can handle the heat.

With that said, they can still be very active during summers.

So if you live in an area where the climate can be warm…

Then you won’t have to worry too much about this Fido. But of course, too much heat is never good.

So no matter what the weather is…

Always pay close attention to your pooch.

#8: Adjusts well to any type of home

As medium dogs, you’d think that this hybrid would demand a lot of space.

But the truth is, they don’t need that type of setting.

As long as Vizmaraners get enough exercise outdoors, they’ll be fine in your home.

So, it doesn’t matter much if you don’t have a big yard. Or a huge room for them to settle in.

Instead, you can just take this pooch outside for some adventure. You can even go to the dog park. Since they can be friendly, your Vizmaraner could have so much fun.

And this type of activity is very important for them.

Why? Think about it this way. Vizmaraners are willing to adjust to your lifestyle.

But if you can’t take them outside to enjoy themselves…

This poor pooch can end up terribly sad. So, the least that fur parents can do is to ensure Fido can have fun outside.

This makes your bond balanced and fair to each other.

#9: They’re loyal and clingy

Some fur parents want a very affectionate pooch.

And that’s what Vizmaraners are all about.

These furry friends can be very loyal and clingy. With that said, they can be the type to follow you everywhere.

As long as you let them, this Fido would prefer to stay close to you.

So if you’re looking for a best friend you can always hang out with…

Then Vizmaraners can be your ideal life companion.

5 cons of owning a Vizsla Weimaraner Mix

#1: Prone to separation anxiety

As I said earlier, Vizmaraners can be quite sensitive.

And this can be a big con for some fur parents.

After all, there’s no guarantee that you’ll often be at home. Or even if you go to places, you can’t always take a big dog with you.

So, in this case, Vizmaraners are at risk of becoming depressed.

But in the first place…

There aren’t many breeds that are less prone to separation anxiety. The fact is, most dogs prefer to be with their families.

And there’s a reason for this behavior.

Trivia: Dogs are descendants of wolves. And according to science, these canines typically live in packs.

This shows why your furry friends are highly social.

All in all, most Fidos prefer having company over being alone.

So, if you tend to be away for long periods…

Vizmanarers may not be ideal for you.

You might be interested in: Is My Dog Depressed? 19 Symptoms (+Tips To Treat It)

#2: Tendency to be stubborn

The Weimaraner side of this hybrid can be a bit dominant.

And that means they have a tendency to be stubborn.

So, despite being smart and naturally obedient…

Vizmaraners can still have a challenging side. But this isn’t a common thing.

That said, it only happens if the pooch isn’t well-disciplined.

But don’t worry. You can fix this concern with proper training.

And with that…

This pooch is best with experienced fur parents. This makes it easier to handle their stubborn side.

But of course, it doesn’t mean they’re bad as first-time dogs. You can still take care of Vizmaraners as long as you’re ready for them.

So if that’s the case…

You can learn some tips on how to discipline your pooch from this video:

#3: Can be sensitive to cold weather

Earlier, I said this pooch can handle the heat.

But in exchange, they can be sensitive to the cold. And this is expected from any dog with short fur.

That said, how can you tell which temperature is cold for Vizmaraners?

Well, the answer is simple. These dogs have almost the same protection as the human skin.

So if you feel cold, then your Vizmaraner could experience the same.

#4: High prey drive

The parents of Vizmaraners are hunting dogs.

As a result…

It’s natural for them to have a high prey drive.

But of course, this doesn’t make them violent or aggressive.

As I said above, Vizmaraners can be friendly.

So, you won’t have to worry about their prey drive as long as:

• They’re well-trained.
• They’re socialized at an early age.

And in case you still have any doubts…

You can always observe the way they act with other animals. If Fido seems calm and friendly, then you can relax.

But if they’re showing signs of aggression…

You’ll have to train them until their behavior improves.

Not sure how you can manage that? You can try to contact a professional to teach you how.

Check out also: 27 Best Dog Trainers In The World

#5: Heavy exercise needs

Vizmararers need a lot of movement.

And that’s because they need to stay fit and healthy. Plus, being active is part of their natural personalities.

You might think that 30 minutes is already a long activity time for most dogs.

But for Vizmaraners, they’re only getting started at that point.

With that said, this pooch needs at least 1 hour of exercise per day.

Cause if Fido can’t work out…

Not only can they end up sad. But they’ll also become weak and prone to sickness.

Just imagine how it feels for a Vizmaraner. Let’s say you want to do so many things. But you’re unable to pour your energy out.

Wouldn’t that give you a heavy feeling inside?

So, if you’re planning to get this hybrid pooch…

Prepare yourself for lots of physical movements.

#6: Demands a lot of time

Following what I said in #5, this pooch would want a lot of your time.

That’s because they can be sensitive to being alone. Plus, they need you to guide them with their activities.

So to some fur parents, adopting a Vizmaraner needs serious dedication. It’s almost like committing yourself to raising a child.

And like I stated before, these big dogs have a kid’s heart.

With that said…

Vizmaraners are best suited to someone who’s willing to become a full-time fur parent.

Otherwise, you’d work better with breeds that can be easier to take care of.

Read next: 13 Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone For 8 Hours + 9 Tips

#7: Prone to ear problems

Lastly, here’s the biggest concern for Vizmaraners.

And it’s all about their floppy ears.

Remember when I talked about the reason why they have big ears?

Well, they might look cute. But having such big ears can lead to certain risks.

And these problems are:

• Allergies.
• Hair loss.
• Yeast infection.
• Bacteria buildup.
• Affected hearing.
• Tumor inside the canal.
• Catching items or debris inside their ears.

Plus, according to vets:

Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to these risks.

But what happens if your Vizmaraner gets an ear infection?

Here are 9 common symptoms to watch out for:

• Circling.
• Head tilting.
• Crusted skins.
• Difficulty walking.
• Sudden hearing loss.
• Weird eye movements.
• Giving off an unusual odor.
• Redness and swelling around the ears.
• Having yellow, brown, or bloody discharges.

As you can tell from this list, ear infections are no joke.

So, if you suspect this issue in your Vizmaraner…

It’s best to consult the vet right away.

And if this makes you hesitate to adopt this hybrid…

Let me tell you that this issue is preventable.

How?

All you need to do is clean their ears regularly. And in case there’s an injury…

You can always take them to the vet to help disinfect the ears. That’ll help avoid any bacteria buildup that can lead to diseases.

All in all…

These cons can be manageable if you truly want a Vizmaraner.