Yorkshire Terrier vs Vizsla
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Vizsla
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
Vizsla Overview
Vizslas embody elegance and athleticism with their sleek rust-golden coat and muscular build. Distinguished by their noble bearing and expressive amber eyes, these medium-sized sporting dogs possess a lean, well-proportioned frame. Their close-lying coat and distinctive facial features, including a self-colored nose and athletic profile, reflect their Hungarian heritage as versatile hunting companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Vizslas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Vizslas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Vizslas.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Vizslas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier and Vizsla, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 44-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Vizsla Temperament
The Vizsla is characterized by being affectionate, gentle, energetic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Yorkshire Terrier and Vizsla, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Vizsla
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Vizsla
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Vizsla
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Vizsla
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Vizsla
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Vizsla Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Vizslas need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Vizslas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Vizsla Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- Lymphoma
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
Vizsla
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and versatile
- Low grooming needs
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Separation anxiety prone
- Needs constant companionship
- May be too energetic for some
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Yorkshire Terrier and Vizsla, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.