How to Identify A Vizsla

Various breeds are often mistaken for Vizslas, and Vizslas are often mistaken for other breeds.  Redbone Coonhounds, Weimaraners and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are some of the most commonly confused breeds.   On rare occasion, Vizslas have even been mistaken for Dachshunds, the little weiner dogs.  Here are some ways to identify a Vizsla:


Body:

The body structure of a Vizsla is very similar in appearance to a Weimaranar and redbone coonhound.  Weimaranars and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically a bit larger than Vizslas and Redbones.

v_profile.jpg (11863 bytes)

 Redbone_in_cali2.jpg (21459 bytes)

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Vizsla

 Redbone Coonhound

Dachshund - notice the length of the legs, which, in addition to the black nose, is usually a good indication it is not a V.   May also be confused due to the popular  Weineraner mix (note, this is a joke!!)


Nose:

This is probably the easiest way to identify a Vizsla.  A vizsla will always have a reddish colored nose that blends with the coat color.  If it is black, brown, or another color, it isn't a V.  If it has black around the nose or eyes, it isn't a V, at least not a pure V.

nose.jpg (9197 bytes) weimy.jpg (4015 bytes) rhody_face.jpg (8854 bytes) redbone_face.JPG (4428 bytes)
Vizsla Weimaraner Rhodesian Ridgeback Redbone Coonhound



Back:

Vizslas sometimes have variations in their coat color along their back (saddle-type marks), but they do not have a ridge.   (Unless their hackles are up, but even then the hair points upward, not backward)

v_back.jpg (8341 bytes) ridge.jpg (6217 bytes)
Vizsla Rhodesian Ridgeback


Eyes:

Vizslas usually have golden colored eyes, but this does vary a bit.  When vizslas are young, they may have green, yellow, grey, blue or ??? colored eyes. 

eyes_grey.jpg (3761 bytes) eyes_6month.jpg (4992 bytes) eyes_1year.jpg (3965 bytes)
10 week old Vizsla puppy same dog at about 5 months same dog at about1.5 years of age (and a bit blurrier.....)


Tail:

Most vizslas have a docked tail (usually done to protect the dog from when hunting).  They are usually left with 2/3 - 3/4 of the length of the natural tail. 

v-tail.jpg (4382 bytes) rhody_tail.jpg (10407 bytes) redbone_tail.jpg (1892 bytes)
Vizsla Rhodesian Ridgeback Redbone Coonhound

 


Ears:

Incorrect Correct