
If you are considering being a Vizsla parent, you should think about the differences between a male and a female Vizsla. Although gender is just one aspect affecting a dog’s personality, there are distinctions to take note of.
Generally, male Vizslas are larger, bulkier, more energetic, and a bit rowdier than females. On the flip side, female Vizslas have a considerably lighter and more compact build. Females are also gentle and more emotionally independent. However, they are more wary of strangers.
No gender is better than the other, but some differences between male and female Vizslas mean one is more suited for certain environments than the other. This guide will help you make the right decision for you!
Physical Differences

Male Vizslas
Vizslas are medium-sized hunting dogs with lean, muscular frames and short, rust-colored fur. Physically speaking, there are no significant differences between a male Vizsla and a female one.
Like most dog breeds, however, male Vizslas grow slightly larger and heavier than female ones. On average, adult males grow up to 22 to 24 inches. They reach their full-grown size at around 6 to 8 months.
Furthermore, males are usually a bit more muscular and athletic, which means they have larger and bulkier builds compared to females. A male Vizsla can weigh anywhere between 45 and 60 pounds.
Female Vizslas
Upon reaching maturity, a female Vizsla’s height will be anywhere between 20 and 22 inches — only a few inches short of its male counterpart.
Females have slimmer, less muscular, and more feminine-looking builds. After reaching its full size, a female Vizsla can weigh around 40 to 55 pounds.
Although female Vizslas may technically be smaller and lighter than male ones, do not be fooled. They are still hunting dogs gifted with physical abilities, making them suited for outdoor runs and exploration.
Temperamental Differences
Male Vizslas
Regardless of gender, Vizslas are easygoing, affectionate pooches with a penchant for adventure and the outdoors. Their high energy levels and gifted physiques make them perfect companions for those with an active lifestyle.
A male Vizsla is a tad more energetic than its female counterpart, so be prepared for long hours of playtime and physical activities with this pup.
In some cases, however, having too much energy might lead to eccentric behavior, like chewing on household items or randomly getting zoomies.
To avoid this, you should provide ample physical and mental stimulation to your Vizsla.
Because of their sociable and people-friendly personalities, Vizslas thrive as family pets. Male Vizslas, in particular, are very affectionate and devoted creatures that form strong attachments with their owners.
While this may be endearing, it also means that male Vizslas are slightly more sensitive. Vizslas do not bode well with isolation, much less a male one. Be prepared to devote a good amount of time and attention to your male Vizsla.
Female Vizslas
Vizslas thrive best when given ample time for regular walks and outdoor explorations. For female Vizslas, it is no different, although their energy levels may be slightly more docile than their male counterparts.
Most of the “feminine” traits associated with a female Vizsla can be observed in their social skills. Just like male Vizslas, they are cheerful and outgoing pups who love to meet and interact with people.
Female Vizslas are as loyal as male ones, and their protective instincts are just as keen. Still, a female Vizsla may take more time to become comfortable around strangers, but once it trusts you, it will shower you with love.
A female Vizsla also sometimes exhibits overly clingy behavior, but it is slightly more independent. It will demand attention and cuddles from its owners but also knows to take time alone.
However, whether you are drawn more to the behavior of a male or female Vizsla, it is recommended to deal only with reputable breeders who highly consider the temperament of the puppies in their breeding practices.
Behavior and Training

Male Vizslas
A male Vizsla is very eager to please its owners because of its desire for their attention. This is why positive reinforcement training is very rewarding for a male Vizsla, who usually desires affection and treats.
This love for attention means that male Vizslas and isolation do not mix well. Frequently leaving a male Vizsla alone might lead to separation anxiety, which leads to bad habits like barking excessively and destructive behavior.
Owners should watch out for the occasional territorial habits of male Vizslas. If it feels threatened, a male Vizsla may get aggressive. This often happens if it has not been properly socialized.
Just like other male dogs, male Vizslas may also have the tendency to mark territories by urinating in certain spots. This behavior can be lessened by neutering your male Vizsla once it reaches six months old.
Neutering also lowers the roaming tendencies and the aggression of your male Vizsla.
Female Vizslas
Female Vizslas have their own set of perks when it comes to behavior and training. This is also why some Vizsla owners believe that a female is easier to train than a male one.
For starters, female Vizslas mature faster than male Vizslas. They also have less dominating personalities than males. Hence, they tend to be more accepting of letting their owner or a trainer take the lead.
Compared to a male’s energetic disposition, the female Vizsla is more grounded. This is a big plus in training, as you will have fewer problems calling and holding its attention when needed.
Additionally, owners have to watch out for the heat cycles of a female Vizsla, which may first occur anywhere between 10 and 12 months of age. The cycle will then reoccur every 6 to 12 months, depending on your Vizsla.
Female Vizslas in heat can get incredibly moody, sensitive, and even aggressive. If you let a female Vizsla outside, it will want to roam around, mark spots with its urine, and sniff other dogs as it looks for a partner.
To avoid any of these unwanted behaviors and accidental pregnancies, spaying your female Vizsla should be a priority.
Health Differences
Male Vizslas
With their love of running, playing, and exercising, it is not surprising that Vizslas are a generally healthy breed. The lifespan of a healthy Vizsla is around 12 to 15 years.
Still, owners should watch out for health issues commonly developed by these dogs. Epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and hyperthyroidism are some of the usual disorders a Vizsla may develop.
For a male Vizsla, you should watch out for reproductive diseases that may afflict your pooch. Males are at risk of testicular cancer and prostatitis, which often go undetected until it is too late.
Luckily, the chances of developing these reproductive health issues can be lessened by neutering your male Vizsla.
Female Vizslas
Aside from the common health issues mentioned earlier, female Vizslas may also face gender-specific health diseases related to their female sex organs.
Mammary tumors and uterine tumors also go undetected in their early stages. If these diseases advance further, surgery is often the best but the most expensive route to take.
A female Vizsla may also develop vaginal prolapse, a condition wherein a mass grows around a female dog’s vulva. Although this is a less common illness, routine veterinary visits should be prioritized to spot this early on.
Just like male Vizslas, the best way to combat these issues is to spay your female pooches. Although sterilized female Vizslas may have occasional mood swings, spaying is one of the best ways to ensure your fur baby’s good health.
With Other Dogs and Pets

Male Vizslas
Male Vizslas may appear shy around other animals at first, but they are sociable dogs that can make friends with other pets. In fact, they can even get along with cats and other dogs.
However, if you have a small pet at home, you might want to keep a watchful eye around your Vizsla. A male Vizsla’s chaotic energy, combined with its hunting instincts, might lead this dog to harm smaller, more vulnerable pets.
Male Vizslas pair better with other dogs — even male ones. If you have other dogs at home, inter-dog aggression is not as likely to occur, as they typically do not attempt to dominate other animals in the household.
Generally, male Vizslas have cheerful and lovable personalities, and they would love to befriend other dogs and pets they come across.
Female Vizslas
A female Vizsla is slightly more reserved when socializing with other dogs and pets. As stated earlier, females are a bit wary around new people — and in this case, new animals.
However, once properly socialized and introduced to other pets, a female Vizsla will be comfortable enough to play and interact with them.
Similar to a male Vizsla, you should also keep small pets such as rodents, birds, and reptiles away from female Vizslas.
Even though they are more gentle than their male counterparts, they still have a high prey drive due to their history as hunting dogs.
Regardless of gender, a Vizsla should receive proper socialization if you want it to get along with humans and other pets.
With Children
Male Vizslas
Vizslas are bundles of pure energy, and they will be no different when it comes to playing and interacting with children. Their company-loving nature will work well with older children who can keep up with their penchant for adventure.
Still, you should be cautious about leaving your Vizsla with younger children like toddlers or infants. A male Vizsla’s boisterous demeanor means they like to play rough, which might hurt the child in the process.
Although they mean no harm, there should always be direct supervision between male Vizslas and children to ensure their safety, security, and happiness.
Female Vizslas
The behavior of female Vizslas is quite similar to that of a male when it comes to children. Since they are quite an affectionate breed, a female Vizsla will love to play and run around with older children.
In a female Vizsla’s eyes, children are like small puppies — their maternal instincts are likely to kick in when dealing with them. They know to be more gentle and more considerate when interacting with kids.
In line with this maternal nature, female Vizslas tend to become overprotective of children in their lives.
To provide an example of how female Vizslas can be effective around children, I’ll cite my previous officemate’s experience as an example. When she was pregnant with her first child, she asked me to source a female Vizsla puppy for her since it is her husband’s dream dog.
As she gave birth, the Vizsla became very protective of the baby and became much more wary of strangers that approaches the daughter. The Vizsla treats her husband as the master of the house, and the child as its own sibling.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Vizslas

Male Vizslas
Male Vizslas have larger and bulkier physiques that suit their inclination toward hunting and other physical activities. These traits make great companions for those with active lifestyles looking for a suitable pet.
They also tend to form very strong attachments to their owners. A male Vizsla will not hesitate to show its affection, love, and devotion for you. Despite not being the typical alpha male dog, it will also go to lengths to protect you!
Another benefit of having a male Vizsla lies in its people-pleasing personality when it comes to training. Male Vizslas will do anything to please their owner and will be inclined to obey a trainer, especially when treats are involved.
Although a male Vizsla is fiercely devoted to its owner, this can cause a few setbacks. Its constant need for attention might be a problem if the Vizsla has to be left alone or if the dog owner needs time away from it.
A male Vizsla can also tend to get rowdy and chaotic. With its boisterous energy and love for rough-housing, a male Vizsla may end up destroying household items or harming smaller creatures like children and other pets.
A male Vizsla also matures later in life, which can be a drawback when it comes to training.
Take a look at the summary of a male Vizsla’s pros and cons in the table below:
Pros | Cons |
Energetic and very active | Can get too rowdy or destructive |
Affectionate and devoted to owners | Needs constant attention |
People-pleasing and easy to train | Matures later |
Non-dominant | Can get aggressive at times |
Friendly and playful | Cannot be left with children unsupervised |
Female Vizslas
Much like its male counterpart, a female Vizsla is a well-rounded pet with distinct traits that make it suited for certain environments. The female bodes well with owners with active lifestyles filled with outdoor activities.
Female Vizslas are loving, devoted pets that will not hesitate to shower those it trusts with affection. However, it also tends to be more independent, which is great for owners who need their downtime as well.
Because it matures earlier than a male Vizsla, trainers usually have an easier time with a female Vizsla. It has no problem letting others take the lead.
Furthermore, female Vizslas are relatively calmer and more gentle, which is great when interacting with children. Its motherly instincts ensure that playtime with kids is relatively less aggressive.
Still, there are a few drawbacks to owning a female Vizsla. It is more wary of strangers, so an owner must ensure that it is properly socialized before introducing it to new people.
Owners might encounter problems with a female Vizsla’s independent nature because this means it might have a mind of its own at times. Thus, the training stage is crucial for keeping a female Vizsla in line.
Although it knows when to be gentle and considerate, a female Vizsla can also be aggressive sometimes, especially when it feels protective of its owners or people it trusts.
Finally, you may encounter more possible health disorders with a female Vizsla, especially if it has not been spayed. Mood swings can also be a drawback for unspayed female Vizslas.
You can keep track of a female Vizsla’s pros and cons with this summary below:
Pros | Cons |
Cheerful and sociable | Wary around new people |
Matures earlier | Can be prone to mood swings |
More independent | Has a mind of its own at times |
Calmer and more gentle | Aggressive when protective |
Good with children | Prone to more health disorders |
Should You Get a Male or Female Vizsla?
As mentioned, no gender is better than the other. Vizslas, in general, is a great hunting dog breed that makes for devoted pets. However, certain situations suit a male or a female Vizsla better than the other.
A male Vizsla is a good match for people who have active lifestyles. As a hunting dog breed with an abundance of energy, a male Vizsla will thrive in activities like hunting, running, and outdoor expeditions.
Furthermore, if you wish to keep your pets intact, you will likely have an easier time managing a male Vizsla.
A female Vizsla, on the other hand, is more fit as an all-around family pet, especially if you are living with small children. Its smaller frame fits with apartment living as long as it still goes out from time to time.
Although it is still a good companion for hunting and other outdoor activities, female Vizslas are more adaptable. Its independent nature also fits well for owners who need to be alone occasionally.
At the end of the day, choosing a certain gender over the other will come down to your preferences.
Gender does not necessarily influence a dog’s temperament or personality, and there are other factors to consider when getting a Vizsla, such as its overall costs.
Frequently Asked Questions

Are Male or Female Vizslas Calmer?
Generally speaking, female Vizslas have been found to be calmer than their male counterparts. Although they are still a playful bunch, female Vizslas mature faster and take on a more reserved demeanor than male Vizslas.
Male Vizslas are overactive most times, bordering on rowdy. However, with proper training, it is possible to keep your male Vizsla calm and at bay.
Are Male or Female Vizslas More Affectionate?
While Vizslas are ultimately very loving dogs who form strong attachments to their owners, male Vizslas are a tad more affectionate than female ones, and they will not hesitate to demand their owners’ attention.
A male Vizsla is so devoted to its owners that it will not be eager to let you out of its sight. With this, you should be prepared for long hours of snuggling and playtime with this pooch.
Are Male or Female Vizslas Easier to Train?
There is a lot of debate over which gender of Vizsla is easier to train. From a general point of view, owners will have a better time managing a female Vizsla due to its maturity and non-dominant attitude.
Male Vizslas may love to please their owners most of the time, but you may encounter issues with it having too much energy.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of gender, Vizslas are exceptional hunting dogs that also make for adoring and good-natured pets. Both male and female Vizslas are great additions to any family as long as you treat them with love and kindness.
If you’re still debating the merits of a male versus a female Vizsla, you should first remember that these male and female characteristics are general observations that aren’t set in stone.
These generalized traits are not the mark of a Vizsla’s personality and temperament, but they are good starting points in deciding what will fit your current way of living.
After everything you have learned about male and female Vizslas in this article, which one would you choose? Let us know your take on the topic of male and female Vizslas in the comments below!