Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: What’s the Difference?

Most people keep pets in their homes, primarily to have a companion to be with them all the time. Many of them adopt any type of animal as a pet, be it dogs, cats, birds, snakes, etc. 

The most popular and adopted pets are dogs. These animals are characterized mainly by being obedient and loyal towards their owners and members of their human family. There are many breeds of dogs around the world. Two of them are the Vizsla and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 

The Vizsla is one of the most incredible canines out there. They not only present an attractive and elegant body in the eyes of others, but they are also excellent hunters. They are active and energetic animals with a high level of physical activity and need to exercise daily. In addition, they are very intelligent, so in most cases, they can be easily trained. 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also a large, strong, and muscular dog whose main physical attribute is the ridge on its back. This hound is characterized by having a sweet and calm temperament.

It is a type of canine that is usually very attached to its family, so it needs to be together with them all the time. In fact, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be very protective if it notices that a member of its family is in danger. 

Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: History 

Vizsla dogs originated in Hungary when the Magyar tribe attacked Central Europe during the Dark Ages. During history, this dog was on the brink of extinction due to certain unfortunate events, one of them being the First World War. However, after these events, they managed to survive to this day thanks to a group of breeders who love these canines. 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in South Africa between the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, this canine was known as the “African Lion Dog.” This event occurred when Europeans explored the Cape of Good Hope. As time passed, farmers improved the breed for use as hunting dogs in Africa’s unexplored lands. This breed received the name “Rhodesian Ridgeback” in the middle of the 20th century. 

Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: Physical Characteristics 

The Vizsla is a medium-large canine that can measure between 56 cm and 66 cm in males while females are between 51 cm and 61 cm. This breed’s male weighs between 20 kg and 27 kg while the female between 18 kg and 25 kg. 

The Vizsla is characterized mainly by having a beautiful, short, and hard coat of a golden-oxide and reddish color. It has a reddish nose and brown or amber eyes (depending on the genetics of its parents). This breed has floppy ears, a broad head, and a snout shorter than the length of its head. The body of this type of dog is slim but muscular and strong. 

In the case of a Rhodesian Ridgeback, both the male and female of this breed measure between 61 cm and 69 cm and weigh between 27 kg and 41 kg. This canine’s total size will depend on its age, gender, and development throughout its life. 

This breed of dog has a strong, muscular, active, and agile body characterized by having a ridge along its back. A physical peculiarity of this canine is that when its eyes are dark, its nose is black, but when its eyes are amber, then its nose is brown. The eyes are round and have a color that matches their fur.

The ears of a Rhodesian Ridgeback are medium in size, rounded at the ends, and broad at the base. This hound’s coat is short, dense, smooth, and of a color that can vary from light wheat to reddish wheat. 

Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: Personality and Behavior 

The Vizsla is a canine with a loving and friendly personality towards its owners and its human family members. However, if they receive proper training from puppies, they can get along very well with other people, including family friends, strangers, and even other animals.

We have to bear in mind that Vizslas hate loneliness, so it is not a good idea to leave them alone for a long time as they can feel sad and anxious, which could affect their health. 

As we have said before, these dogs are active and energetic, so they will not hesitate to do any physical activity that entertains them and makes them feel healthy. They love to run, jump, play, and do any exercise together with their loved ones. They hate being left home alone as they are made to spend most of their time outside the house. 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was a hunting dog in the past, which allowed it to develop and evolve its character. These canines are characterized by being curious, playful, energetic, and loyal.

They adore being with their loved ones, especially with their owners and members of their human family. However, it is a little more reserved with strangers, and that is why the training you can give it from puppies is essential. 

This breed is very calm and sweet but can sometimes appear threatening when it notices that its family is in danger. They can be easily trained as they have innate qualities that not any other breed of dog has.

Its protective instinct is natural, so you must prepare it so that it learns to control its emotions, especially when trying to protect a family member. 

Vizsla vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: Life Expectancy 

The Vizsla has a life expectancy that can vary between 12 and 15 years. In the case of a Rhodesian Ridgeback, the number of years may be less. It can live between 10 and 12 years. It should be noted that the time that either of these two canines can live will depend on food, care, and quality of life in general.