English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
English Springer Spaniel
A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
VS
Vizsla
A sleek, athletic Hungarian pointer known as the 'Velcro dog' for its intense bond with its owner. Vizslas are gentle, affectionate, and need plenty of exercise and human companionship.
Quick Answer
Choose English Springer Spaniel if you want a great companion. Choose Vizsla if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
English Springer Spaniel
Attribute
Vizsla
medium
Size
medium
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
18–27 kg (40–60 lbs)
46–51 cm (18–20 in)
Height
53–64 cm (21–25 in)
12–14 yrs
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5Better
3/5
Grooming
1/5Better
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla: Grooming Routine and Shedding
English Springer Spaniel sheds more; Vizsla is easier to maintain.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Shedding
3/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
3/5
vs1/5Better
The English Springer Spaniel sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Vizsla (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Vizsla has a slight edge.
English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla: Common Health Issues
Vizsla tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Lifespan (years)
12–14
vs12–14
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–14 years for the English Springer Spaniel and 12–14 years for the Vizsla. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Cost to Own: English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla
Vizsla is less expensive to own annually.
English Springer Spaniel
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$250
Annual Total$1,300
Vizsla
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,100 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,000 for a English Springer Spaniel versus $1,000–$2,500 for a Vizsla. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Temperament Differences: English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
The English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla bring very different personalities to the table. English Springer Spaniels are friendly, playful and obedient, while Vizslas tend to be affectionate, gentle and energetic.
Size & Build: English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla
Both breeds are similar in size.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs18–27
Height (cm)
46–51
vs53–64
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The English Springer Spaniel weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) and the Vizsla weighs 18–27 kg (40–60 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
How Much Exercise Do English Springer Spaniels vs Vizslas Need?
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Training: English Springer Spaniel vs Vizsla
Both breeds are equally trainable.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Springer Spaniel
Vizsla
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary — English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla: Which Is Right for You?
On balance, the Vizsla has the edge — it's less shedding (2/5), better health profile (4/5). For most families, the Vizsla is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Vizsla by roughly $200/year.
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — English Springer Spaniels tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Vizsla if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Vizslas are generally more robust (4/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Vizslas tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the English Springer Spaniel and Vizsla have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?
The English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Vizsla at 5/5. The English Springer Spaniel is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla easier to train?
The English Springer Spaniel is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Vizsla. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla?
A English Springer Spaniel puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Vizsla costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,100 for the Vizsla. The English Springer Spaniel is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do English Springer Spaniels or Vizslas live longer?
The English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years on average, while the Vizsla lives 12–14 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Springer Spaniel or Vizsla live in an apartment?
The English Springer Spaniel is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Vizsla (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.