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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Vizsla

Two athletic, short-coated dogs for active owners; the Ridgeback is larger, reserved and heat-tolerant, the Vizsla smaller and wants company.

Rhodesian Ridgeback profileVizsla profile

Verdict

The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Vizsla are athletic, short-coated, quiet dogs that need a lot of daily exercise and a secure setting. Both get along with children, shed at a moderate level, ask little in grooming, and neither is an ideal first dog or a good fit for an apartment.

The Ridgeback is the larger at 70 to 85 pounds, a reserved and independent hound with a strong will and a high heat tolerance, though it dislikes cold. It does not greet everyone. The Vizsla, at 44 to 60 pounds, is more energetic, wants 90 minutes or more, is more trainable, and is an affectionate dog that wants its owner home most of the day.

Choose the Rhodesian Ridgeback if

  • You live in a hot climate
  • You want a dignified, loyal and reserved dog
  • You are an experienced owner with a securely fenced yard
  • You can handle a strong-willed 70 to 85 pound dog

Choose the Vizsla if

  • You want a close, affectionate companion that shadows you
  • You are home most of the day and run, hike or hunt
  • You prefer the more trainable dog
  • You can provide 90 minutes or more of daily exercise

Side by side

Rhodesian Ridgeback Vizsla
AKC group Hound Group Sporting Group
Size class Large Medium
Typical weight 70 to 85 lb 44 to 60 lb
Height 24 to 27 in at the shoulder 21 to 24 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
AKC popularity, 2025 41 of 202 36 of 202
Shedding Moderate Moderate
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy High Very high
Trainability Average Easy
Barking Seldom barks Seldom barks
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Fair Poor
First-time owners Challenging Challenging
Heat tolerance Excellent Average
Cold tolerance Below average Below average
Temperament
  • dignified
  • independent
  • loyal
  • reserved
  • strong-willed
  • affectionate
  • energetic
  • sensitive
  • loyal
Health concerns to know about
  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • dermoid sinus
  • bloat
  • hypothyroidism
  • degenerative myelopathy
  • hip dysplasia
  • epilepsy
  • hypothyroidism
  • certain cancers
  • allergies
Suits
  • experienced owners
  • active households
  • people with a secure yard
  • runners and hikers
  • hunters
  • owners home most of the day

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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