Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador Retriever if you want a great companion. Choose Vizsla if you want less shedding and better health.
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Vizsla
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Vizsla tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever and 12–14 years for the Vizsla. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Vizsla is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Vizsla is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever versus $1,000–$2,500 for a Vizsla. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Vizsla is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Labrador Retriever (25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Vizsla (18–27 kg (40–60 lbs)).
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Labrador Retriever and Vizsla bring very different personalities to the table. Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing and active, while Vizslas tend to be affectionate, gentle and energetic.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Labrador Retriever and Vizsla need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
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.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Labrador Retriever and Vizsla are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Vizsla by roughly $300/year.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
Choose Vizsla if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Labrador Retriever 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?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Vizsla at 5/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
The Labrador Retriever is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Vizsla. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Vizsla costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,100 for the Vizsla. The Labrador Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years on average, while the Vizsla lives 12–14 years. The Vizsla tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Labrador Retriever is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Vizsla (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.