Hungarian Vizsla vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Hungarian Vizsla vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonHungarian Vizsla is originated from Hungary but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) are having almost same height. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) are having almost same weight. Hungarian Vizsla may live 4 years less than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Both Hungarian Vizsla and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) has almost same litter size. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low maintenance.

History

hungarian vizsla - historyThe Hungarian Vizslas existed in the land that is now Hungary, the Pannonian Basin, at least since the 10th century when they were shown on etchings. It is thought that their descendants were various pointers, the extinct Turkish Yellow Dog and the Transylvanian Hound. The Vizsla is a hunting dog with the word being Hungarian for pointer. In 1937 the Carmelite Friars under orders from King Louis I of Hungry. The breed was isolated for centuries in the Basin by the aristocracy and land owners.

The Magyar people of the area developed the breed for hunting as both pointers and retrievers. They were excellent at hunting rabbits and water fowl. With a terrific sense of smell and boundless stamina and energy, the were prized as family and companion dogs as well. This was unusual for a hunting or working dog. Their size made them appealing as well. They were small by comparison to other hunting dogs both pointers and retrievers.

Easy to train, the Hungarian Vizsla works in water, forests and fields. They are able to retrieve in the water as well as on the land. Throughout their history, the breed outlasted the Turkish Revolution, the Hungarian Revolution World War 1 and World War 2, as well as the Hungarian People’s Republic Communist State. Things were a little dicey for the Vizlas several times beginning in the 1800’s when German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers were introduced into the area. The next time was after World War II. Fearful of what this Communist state would mean for the breed, some were smuggled into the United States and Austria.

At that time there were only a dozen or so Vizslas in all of Hungary. Their numbers were brought back from that small breeding stock. This history did result in several different strains grew into their own breeding stock. There are Vizslas in Czechoslovakia, Romania, Serbia and Austria. There developed separate lines that became separate breeds in the Wirehaired Vizsla and the longhaired Vizsla which is very rare.

After World War II, the Hungarian Vizsla came to the United States and the Vizsla Club of American was established as a first step toward AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition. This was attained in 1960. Rex del Geisimino came to the U.S. in 1951 and he was able to respond to commands in both German and Hungarian. Vizslas also came to the United Kingdom in this time frame. There are now about 4500 registered with the KC (Kennel Club of Great Britain). A Vizsla won the distinctive Crufts Dog Show in Great Britain, as Best in Show.

It is believed that this gentle, sensitive and affectionate hunter was part of the original breeding stock or the Wirehaired Vizsla, the Weimaraner and the German Shorthaired Pointers. The Hungarian Vizsla is intelligent and social. The need your attention as well as a lot of exercise to avoid destructive behavior born of boredom. They want to be with you and they can be very protective of you.

belgian shepherd dog malinois - historyThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

Description

hungarian vizsla puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Vizsla has a light build, a short coat, and a distinctive bearing. They are medium in size and muscular, lean dogs looking a lot like the Weimaraner. They are also close in appearance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Redbone Coonhounds. They are more muscular and leaner than the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Weimaraner.

The Vizsla has a reddish nose and their nails and eyes should also be reddish or blending with the color of their coat. They have docked tails in the American standard but not in the United Kingdom, as docking is banned there. If he has a tail, you can see it flying through the air as he runs through the rough land to retrieve fowl.

They have a domed skull with a tapered muzzle that is shorter or equal to the skull. They have eyes that are contrasted with the coat and of medium size. The ears of silky, hang close to the face and the tips are rounded. The coat is rust in color with many shades. He also has a deep chest and hound like face.

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hungarian vizsla dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - The Vizsla is very good with children.

Special talents

Special talents - They are both excellent pointers and retrievers.

Adaptability

Adaptability - They are not very adaptable in living arrangements as they are much more suited for the country than the city.

Learning ability

Learning ability – The Vizsla is a very intelligent breed and easy to train. His learning ability is very high.

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

Health Problems

hungarian vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Hungarian Vizsla has a series of health issues that include:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated but not cured.
  • Cancer of various types – some treatable others fatal.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis – a skin disorder marked by inflammation. This only occurs in young adult dogs.
  • Ear Infections

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hungarian vizsla dogs - caringFeed two to four cups per day of a high quality dry dog food. Break this up into three or four meals. Don’t free feed your puppy.

Feeding the adult

Feed two to three cups per day of high quality dry dog food. Feed in two servings.

Points for Good Health

The Vizsla is an athlete with high energy.

Games and Exercises

The Hungarian Vizsla needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and maybe more. He needs a large yard or open field, but daily brisk walks will do if that is all that is possible. He needs to be stimulated intellectually as well and enjoys fetch, jogging with you, lure coursing, field trials, tracking and scent work, confirmation, agility, barn hunt, dock diving, rally, and obedience.

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Hungary
Belgium
Height Male:
56 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 10 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Colors Available:
solid golden-rust color in several shadings
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Coat:
short, smooth, dense
short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  13. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  14. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  15. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  17. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Hungarian Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  35. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  38. Hungarian Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds