Intro
So you like short-haired red dogs? You’ve seen a bunch of photos on the Internet and maybe met a couple Vizslas and Ridgebacks on the streets but you wonder which one is best for you? “For you” is key! There’s really no overall “best” dog, it’s really personal and finding the right dog for your lifestyle is so important. The fact you’re reading about the personalities of these breeds is already saying that you’re not just interested in buying a beautiful dog, but you might want to know more about the challenges and benefits to what these dogs were bred for.
Vizslas and Ridgebacks can look very similar at a glance but they’re actually not related at all. They’re not even in the same group of dogs. Ridgebacks are in the Hound Group while Vizslas are in the Sporting Group. In fact, other than their coloring, there is very little in common between these two breeds, yet lots of people are attracted to them and are wondering which one would be best. The great thing is because they’re so different, it’s likely one breed will stand out for you!
Size
Size is the first easy difference between Ridgebacks and Vizslas. Ridgebacks are almost twice as heavy and much larger than Vizslas. Breed standards have Ridgeback dogs around 26 inches, 85lbs and Vizslas at 25 inches, 55 lbs. This is the difference between a large and medium sized dog. It’s the difference between a dog you may be able to lift in an emergency, and one that would be very difficult to carry down a ladder. Lastly it can be the difference between people being very scared (especially some cultures) and those that may see a dog as more approachable.
History
The history of the breed is what drives the behaviors and also what you may need to work with in a home environment. Dogs weren’t initially bred to walk on leash in a city, meet other dogs at the park, and go for off leash hikes while staying close by and being what we may considered well behaved dogs.
Ridgebacks were bred to track, bay, and harass (but not kill) lions in South Africa. They were also used to hunt other big game and used as guard dogs. The signature “ridge” on their back is from their ancestry as semi-wild hunting dogs in Africa. Ridgebacks were initially bred to be independent, have strong prey drive, and were ferocious guard dogs.
Vizslas an an older breed used for hunting by the aristocracy. They were bred to be excellent pointers and hunters, to work well in a pack, but also to sleep at the foot of their very rich owner’s beds. They are the only dog that is the same color from tip to tail. Bred to blend in with a harvested field, even their eyes are a rust hue, matching their entire coat, nose, and even nails. Vizslas are very affectionate indoor dogs that are still used to hunt to this day.
Drive
Both Vizslas and Ridgebacks are very prey-driven dogs. They’re both bred to hunt, however Ridgebacks are bred to bite and kill, whereas Vizslas are bird dogs and bred to point and retrieve. That’s not to say some Ridgebacks may not kill, and some Vizslas may bite harder and kill, but bird dogs are typically bred to have a softer mouth to retrieve feathered birds without ruining the plumage, and the jaws and head structure of the Ridgeback is not bred for a soft mouth.
The size of the dogs is also something to consider if the dog does pick up on prey it wants to chase. If you’re trying to hold back a Vizsla vs a Ridgeback from bolting after prey on leash, you will have a hard time finding a stronger dog to pull against than a Ridgeback. Ridgebacks are STRONG dogs, think a 80lb pitbull. Vizslas also tend to be more driven to please their owners and work for their humans, whereas Ridgebacks are known to be more independent and stubborn.
Home Life
Both Vizslas and Ridgebacks are great companions in the home, however both can be a bit large and rambunctious around little kids and should always be monitored around children (really any dog should be). Given enough exercise/training both are also good in apartments, however it can be harder to give enough exercise to a Vizsla without some larger park to run free.
Both dogs are great settling in the home. Ridgebacks will be better guard dogs, warning if strangers come into the home, and are a much better deterrent due to their size alone if not their breeding. Both are affectionate dogs that love their owners although Vizslas will be much more needier and typically need to touch their owners and always be near them. Personal space doesn’t exist around Vizslas.
Health
Ridgebacks being a larger breed has a shorter lifespan and a couple more health issues than Vizslas. Their lifespan is about 11 years. As with any purebred, good breeders should be testing for the most common health issues and breeding only those without a history in their lines. Ridgebacks are #6 in most affected breeds for thyroid issues and many have hypothyroidism. Other issues are Bloat, degenerative myelopathy (can be tested), dermoid sinus (5-10%).
Vizslas are overall quite healthy and responsible breeders will make sure all the health tests are done before breeding. They tend to live 12-14 years. However, they can have hip dysplasia (both parents should be tested before breeding), epilepsy, cancer (mast cell tumors, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma), and allergies. As they get older, lumps and bumps are common as well as progressive retinal atrophy.
Trainability of Vizsla vs Ridgeback
Since these are both very active and medium-large dogs, training is essential for these breeds especially if these dogs will be out in public, on streets, and trails. Even though these breeds are both intelligent and loyal, neither dog breed is easily trainable for a first-time dog owner. Ridgebacks can be stubborn, unwilling to please, and independent minded while Vizslas can have an overabundance of energy, be slow to mature, and sensitive to corrections. When I speak to training, I’m not referring to teaching a dog to “sit” or give a “paw” for a treat. I’m referring to training a recall from other animals and people, a heel position around prey, and learning to settle anxieties as well as work as a guard dog or a hunting dog.
The activity level
Here’s a big difference between Ridgebacks and Vizslas. Vizslas are bred for endurance, to keep up with horseback and to hunt for extended periods of time over large distances. Ridgebacks are in contrast pretty lazy and can do with about 1/4 of the exercise a Vizsla prefers. Both can still keep up with bikes, and can be good hiking and running partners but Vizslas can go hour after hour, day after day while a Ridgeback can rest for several days.
heat/cold tolerance
Surprisingly I’ve found Ridgebacks less cold and heat tolerant to Vizslas. I’ve heard of more issues with ice issues in the paws of Ridgebacks vs Vizslas but it could also be the small number I can compare to. Since Vizslas seem able to run for hours and hours in the cold, I also find that Ridgebacks will get colder quicker on the same hike. I’ve also found Ridgebacks less heat tolerant to exercising in warm temperatures due to their size (even through they’re from Africa).
Working Vizsla vs Working Ridgeback
Most people reading this aren’t likely to be looking for a dog to work for them. If you were looking for a dog to hunt upland birds with, you wouldn’t be looking at Ridgebacks. And then if you were looking for a guard dog, a friendly Vizsla would not be the best choice. Lastly if you’re looking for a dog for boar or deer hunting, a Ridgeback might not be your first choice, but it wouldn’t be a bad choice. That’s not to say I haven’t seen Ridgebacks retrieve geese, or Vizslas track big game. Both these breeds are quite versatile if bred and trained correctly, but although both can compete in agility and tracking, my assumption would be you’re not choosing these breeds for agility or tracking.
Price of a Vizsla vs Ridgeback
The price of a Ridgeback puppy from a breeder is typically more than a Vizsla. Prices have skyrocketed after Covid and not only can it just be hard to find a breeder willing to sell a first-time owner a Vizsla, it can be over 2 years on a wait-list to get one. I believe prices currently are around 1,800-2k USD for Vizslas and 2,500-3k for Ridgebacks. HOWEVER, for reference I easily spent over 7k just the first year on my puppy. The price of a well bred puppy will most likely save you thousands on vet bills, training, medications (for anxiety, allergies, etc) as well as hours and hours of dealing with anything that can crop up from a poorly bred dog. I strongly advise you not to try and save a couple hundred dollars on the price of a puppy and get the healthiest dog supported by the most helpful breeder, that’s got the best temperament for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
These are both wonderful dog breeds although very different. If you’re not up for walking the dog several hours a day, and don’t relish the idea of a needy dog following around the house, a Vizsla might not be for you. If you want a gentle mild-mannered dog driven to do your bidding in dog sports that doesn’t bark at a stranger at the door, a Ridgeback may not be for you. Meet as many of these dogs as you can and make your choice. Talk to the breeders and see if there’s an ethical breeder around you that can help support your journey. Remember, you’re committing yourself to well over a decade (if you’re lucky!) so choose wisely and take your time!
