Breed Overview
Height: 21–28 inches
Weight: 45–90 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Colors: Rust or Blue gray
Suitable for: Spacious homes, active families, hunters, outdoorsy people
Temperament: Active, loyal, intelligent
The Vizmaraner is a unique designer breed resulting from the combination of the Vizsla and Weimaraner. Both parent breeds were bred for hunting and tracking, making the Vizmaraner a lover of the outdoors. These dogs often inherit the size and loyalty of the Weimaraner, along with the intelligence and energy of the Vizsla. However, it’s important to note that the Vizmaraner is not suitable for everyone.
Vizmaraner Characteristics
Vizmaraners are medium to large in size, with lean and muscular bodies. They have beautiful coats that come in rust red or slate gray, and they possess boundless energy. However, this high energy level can be a challenge for some owners. It’s crucial to provide ample room for them to roam and ensure they get regular exercise. If you lead an active lifestyle and seek a dog that can keep up with hunting, hiking, and an active family life, the Vizmaraner might be the perfect fit.
Weimaraner Puppies
Finding a Vizmaraner puppy can be a challenge since this designer breed is rare. Weimaraners are relatively common, but Vizslas are more elusive, making it difficult to find a mix of the two. Your best option is to search for a reputable Vizsla breeder who also works with Weimaraners. Prices can vary significantly, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the breeder.
It’s important to be cautious when purchasing a Vizmaraner from breeders. Since they are designer breeds, there is a higher risk of encountering backyard breeders who don’t provide proper care for their dogs. Look for breeders who prioritize the well-being of both parents and puppies, ensuring they receive adequate socialization and healthcare.
The Parent Breeds of the Vizmaraner
The Vizmaraner combines the traits of two distinct parent breeds—the Vizsla and the Weimaraner. The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog, while the Weimaraner hails from Germany. Both breeds have similar roles in hunting and possess rich histories that span centuries. However, the idea to crossbreed them is relatively recent.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Vizmaraner
The Vizmaraner is an active and energetic dog that thrives when engaged in various activities. Whether it’s hiking, running, playing, or snuggling, you’ll always have an enthusiastic companion by your side. They are best suited for active families who have plenty of space for them to roam. Due to their sensitivity and potential for separation anxiety, it is ideal to have someone at home for most of the day to care for them. These clever and
energetic dogs can be a handful at times, but they are highly trainable.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Vizmaraner can be an excellent choice for families looking for a canine companion for their children. This breed is known for being loyal, loving, and playful, forming strong bonds with family members. They particularly get along well with teenagers and older kids who can actively engage with them outdoors and play games together.
While Vizmaraners can safely coexist with younger children, it’s crucial to supervise interactions between them and small children. Until children are old enough to understand and respect a dog’s boundaries and until you can fully trust both the child and the dog to get along well, they should never be left alone. It’s essential to teach children not to pull the Vizmaraner’s tail, or ears, or engage in any behavior that might harass the dog, as even the most patient dogs have their limits.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Vizmaraners generally get along well with other dogs, provided they are properly socialized. They love to run and play with their furry companions, forming deep friendships. However, some Vizmaraners may display anxiety around new dogs, so introducing them gradually to new dogs in your home is recommended.
Due to their hunting instincts and high prey drive, Vizmaraners may have difficulties coexisting with smaller pets such as cats, birds, or small mammals. While some Vizmaraners can be socialized to get along with cats, especially when trained from a young age, others may struggle. It’s important to prevent access to small mammals and birds that a Vizmaraner might mistake for prey.
Things to Know When Owning a Vizmaraner
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
As a large and energetic dog, the Vizmaraner requires substantial nutrition. Expect to feed your dog 2–4 cups of dry food per day, depending on its size, age, and activity levels. Due to their active nature, a diet with higher protein content may be recommended. Look for foods labeled as “active dog” or “high energy” to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
A well-rounded diet for your Vizmaraner should consist of a proper mix of meat proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and natural ingredients. This combination will provide all the necessary nutrients. Dog foods with prebiotics and probiotics can promote a healthy digestive system. You have the option to choose a combination of kibble, wet food, and fresh food to meet your dog’s specific nutritional requirements.
Exercise 🐕
When it comes to energy levels, Vizmaraners are renowned for their vitality. These dogs require a minimum of 90 minutes of solid exercise each day to maintain their health and happiness. Some of this exercise time can be spent in solo play within a yard or other designated space. However, it’s crucial to also engage in interactive social activities with your Vizmaraner to keep them mentally stimulated. Long periods of crating or confinement without ample playtime can lead to anxiety or destructive behavior.
Training 🎾
Fortunately, the Vizmaraner’s intelligence and hunting background contribute to their trainability. While they can be sensitive to punishment and harsh words, a consistent and positive training routine is usually successful. They quickly pick up behavioral cues and are eager to please, making training sessions progress rapidly. With time and positive reinforcement, Vizmaraners can also learn more advanced commands. Their ability to learn is sure to impress you.
Grooming ✂️
The Vizmaraner’s short coat is generally low-maintenance. However, they are considered
a moderately high shedding breed, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat smooth and catch loose hair. Bathing your Vizmaraner every four to six weeks can help maintain their cleanliness. Additionally, using a doggy toothbrush is recommended to prevent plaque buildup and dental diseases.
Health and Conditions 🏥
One advantage of choosing a Vizmaraner over a Weimaraner is better overall health. Although Vizslas and Weimaraners share a similar appearance, they are not closely related. Consequently, Vizmaraners tend to have a healthier gene pool compared to their parent breeds. However, they can still inherit conditions common to either the Vizsla or the Weimaraner.
Minor Conditions
Factor XI Deficiency
Distichiasis
Hypothyroidism
Serious Conditions:
Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Torsion
Male vs Female
While the differences between male and female Vizmaraners are not significant, there are some tendencies worth noting. Males tend to be slightly larger, although this can vary depending on the specific genetics of each dog. In terms of behavior, males tend to be more playful, while females lean towards independence.
Spaying or neutering both males and females of this breed offers significant health benefits. Additionally, the procedure can help with their overall temperament, reducing aggression and promoting relaxation.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Vizmaraner
1. They Have Central European Roots: The Weimaraner is a German hunting dog, while the Vizsla originates from Hungary. Both breeds share similar roles and have long-standing histories dating back centuries. However, the idea to crossbreed them is relatively new.
2. WWII Changed Their Parent Breeds’ Fortunes:
Hungary and Germany experienced contrasting effects on their hunting dogs during World War II. The Vizsla breed nearly faced extinction in Hungary and remains rare to this day. Conversely, it is believed that a significant number of GIs introduced to the Weimaraner while serving in Germany contributed to the breed’s popularity boom in the 1950s.
3. They Have a Beautiful Silky Coat:
Vizmaraners boast a soft and silky coat that is a pleasure to touch. Their coat color can vary, ranging from warm rust to cool blue-gray. However, the most common coat color is a rich, warm brown, slightly darker than that of a Vizsla.
Final Thoughts
While the Vizmaraner may not be a widely recognized breed, it possesses unique charms of its own. However, it’s important to note that this breed may not be suitable for everyone. Due to their high exercise needs, busy owners or apartment living may not provide the optimal environment for a Vizmaraner. However, if you’re seeking a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle from dawn to dusk, the Vizmaraner is an excellent choice. Their tireless efforts to make their loved ones happy make them remarkable companions.