Get ready to discover the Vizsla Doberman mix, a distinguished crossbreed with a striking appearance and devoted personality.
This article delves into the unique qualities of the Doberman Vizsla mix, exploring their likely physical attributes, temperament, and exercise needs, offering a comprehensive guide for those intrigued by this distinctive mixed breed.
So whether you’re adopting a Vizsla Doberman mix puppy, think your vizsla mix rescue may be a doberman cross or you’re simply curious about what a vizsla doberman cross looks like, this article is your guide to understanding Doberman x Vizsla mixes.
This article is based on research and personal experience as a Vizsla owner. I’m not a qualified dog trainer, breeder, Vet or dog behaviourist.
The Vizsla Doberman Mix Breed At A Glance
The Vizsla, known for its energy and velcro nature, joins forces with the Doberman, a watchful dog renowned for its fearless and protective nature.
This combination creates a mixed breed dog that’s not only smart and full of energy but also possesses the potential for diverse talents.
- Also Known As: Vizslamann, Doberla
- Likely Weight: 45-100 lbs (20-45 kgs)
- Likely Height: 21-28 in (52-70 cms)
- Likely Size: Medium-Large
- Energy: High
They are usually large vizsla mix breeds – intelligent, loyal, energetic and family-friendly canine companions.
In the following sections we take a closer look at this gorgeous vizsla mix dog with super smelling abilities and what you can expect from the vizsla dobermann cross dog.
Purebred vs Crossbred Dogs
A mixed breed dog refers to the deliberate cross breeding of two different purebred dogs.
They’re not to be confused with mongrels or mutts, whose genetic makeup contains three or more breeds.
Crossbreeding gets a lot of bad attention as more breeders mix dog breeds primarily for appearance and not a job.
But for generations dog breeds were cross bred to enhance their working purpose. Crossbreeding led to the creation of new purebred dogs like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Golden Retriever and the Weimaraner.
And while I don’t support the crossbreeding of designer dogs for profit, crossbreeding inevitably happens and mixed breed information is helpful so owners can learn more about the dog.
So this guide outlines the possible traits of a Vizsla Dobermann mix dog based on the official standards for the Hungarian Vizsla and the Doberman Pinscher dog breeds.
We provide pictures of and information about the purebred parents and the Vizsla and Doberman mixed dogs so you can better understand their personality and needs.
It is also helps future owners of vizsla doberman mix puppies make an informed choice about whether it is the right dog for you.
Origins Of The Doberman Vizsla Mix Breed
While both purebred Vizslas and Dobermans originated in Europe, they were bred for very different purposes. The Vizsla was bred as a pointer and retriever in Hungary, while the Doberman Pinscher was bred as a protection dog in Germany.
There is no official history of Vizsla Doberman hybrid pups being bred as a deliberate hybrid breed.
While dog breeds have been refined over centuries through cross breeding, Vizsla Dobermans are most likely the result of accidental or designer dog breeding.
Despite the fact this mixed breed was not likely bred for a specific working purpose, the Doberman Pinscher Vizsla mix is an interesting cross of two sleek medium sized dogs with working backgrounds and plenty of lovable traits.
Short History Of The Vizsla
Originally bred by Hungarian aristocracy, Hungarian vizslas were bred for their exceptional hunting prowess and companionship qualities.
They are renowned for their adept pointing and retrieving of small game and are still bred for this purpose today.
Vizslas reached the United States during the early 20th century. Their undeniable charm and hunting capabilities quickly caught the attention of dog aficionados on American soil.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) granted official recognition to the Hungarian Vizsla breed in 1960 and it is one of the top 50 favorite breeds in the country.
In addition to their hunting abilities, the affectionate, intelligent and sensitive nature of the Vizsla is what draws many dog lovers to the breed.
Short History Of The Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher, named after its German creator Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, has its origins in the late 19th-century. Dobermann, a tax collector and dog breeder, sought to develop a breed that combined fearlessness, loyalty, and intelligence to assist him in his work collecting taxes.
Drawing from dog breeds including the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Greyhound, Dobermann created a versatile guardian and companion dog.
The breed is celebrated for its elegant and powerful appearance, as well as its innate protective instincts. The cropped ears and docked tail contribute to the dominant and fearless stance of the Doberman.
While ear cropping and tail docking has been banned in Europe and Australia and is no longer part of the Doberman breed standard in the UK, the requirements remain in the US breed standard.
The Doberman Pinscher’s initial purpose centered on personal protection and security tasks. This strength and vigilance means they are a highly valued guard dog. But they are affectionate and loyal companions to their owners too.
The breed was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century and recognized by the AKC in 1908. It quickly became the breed of choice for police and military roles.
Doberman Pinschers are adored for their multifaceted traits ranging from devoted family companion to dedicated working dog.
Vizsla Doberman Cross Appearance
The best way to know the likely size and color of your Vizsla x Doberman is to see the parents as your pup will inherit a combination of their appearance traits.
However this isn’t always possible, particularly for Vizsla Doberman mix rescue dogs.
Thankfully Hungarian Vizslas and Doberman Pinschers have a similar appearance which makes it quite easy to predict the general appearance of a Doberman Vizsla mix.
Both have an elegant muscular frame with a deep chest and shorthaired coat. Both breeds are born with floppy ears that frame the face and have a long thin tail.
Purebred Dobermans typically have cropped ears and a docked tail, but this is rare in Doberman hybrid dogs unless deliberately bred by a hybrid dog breeder. Your cross breed Dobie is more likely to have a full length tail and soft large ears.
Whilst similar in shape, Dobermans (particularly males) are larger in height and weight than Vizslas, so the size of a Doberman and Vizsla mix will be less predictable and vary with each puppy.
Your Vizsla Doberman mix is highly likely to be a medium sized dog, ranging in size from 21-28 inches (52-70 cms) and weigh 45-100 lbs (20-45 kgs).
There are a lot of possible color combinations thanks to the black, red, blue and fawn colors in the Doberman breed plus the wheaten brown color of the Vizsla.
Common color combinations include black and rust, brown and rust, full black and full brown.
If you think you’ve seen a black vizsla dog it is likely to be a doberman vizsla cross.
Doberman x Vizsla Temperament
Vizslas and Dobermans have some similarities in temperament, but it isn’t as easy to predict the vizsla x doberman personality as it is their looks.
Both are renowned as loyal and affectionate dogs who love being around their family, so there is a good chance your cross will have these characteristics too.
Dobermans and vizslas are also both intelligent and highly trainable, so training Doberman mix breeds is not going to be as difficult as it is for other mixed breed dogs.
Both breeds can get into trouble when bored and need plenty of mental stimulation, so you will need to keep your mixed breed dog busy when you are not at home.
Despite their similarities, there are also differences in temperament that make a mixed breed temperament less predictable.
While Vizslas are sensitive, eager to please and don’t like being left alone, Dobermans are far more independent, protective and a little stubborn.
So your Vizsla Doberman cross could be cuddly and playful or more watchful and restrained.
And while both dog breeds are loving towards their owners and families, Dobermans tend to be more aloof towards strangers and other dogs than the effusive Vizsla.
So socialization and training from an early age is essential for your Doberman x Vizsla to ensure they mature into well mannered dogs regardless of their genetic makeup.
Vizsla Dobermann Mix Grooming
One of the best features of the Magyar Vizsla Dobie mix is the low maintenance grooming.
Both breeds have a short single layered coat that is super easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing.
Based on this genetic similarity, you can be confident your mixed breed vizsla will also have a smooth short coat that:
- sheds a lot less than breeds like the labrador, and
- doesn’t require clipping like a vizsla poodle mix.
A weekly brush down with a rubber curry glove or brush is all you need to do to keep their coat looking great.
Nail trimming will be important for your Dobie cross, as both purebreeds have a short, upright and catlike foot pad that tends to result in long nails if not trimmed regularly.
Vizsla Cross Doberman Training And Exercise
Both Vizslas and Dobermans are large, high energy dogs so you can expect your Vizsla Doberman cross will be super energetic too!
As intelligent versatile working dogs, both have a strong prey drive and stamina to be on the job for hours at a time. So they will have a lot of energy to burn plus need mental challenge too.
This Vizsla mix is best suited to active dog owners who are prepared to spend at least an hour a day exercising your dog.
A Vizsla Dobie cross will enjoy long walks, games of fetch and mental challenges to tire them out.
Mental work can take the place of excessive physical exercise. This can be delivered through obedience training, scent work, games like hide and seek, puzzles and learning new tricks.
In terms of training, both Dobermans and Vizslas are eager to please and intelligent – traits that will make training your dog easier.
Which is great because training really is essential for this hybrid breed. As a large and energetic dog, training will help manage issues like leash pulling and reduce the risk of problems such as aggression and over-protectiveness.
Both breeds respond best to a positive training approach. So I recommend you use gentle and calm training and instruction – your pup is not going to respond well to harsh words.
As both dogs also have plenty of prey drive and intelligence, your vizsla cross Doberman is likely to excel at canine sports. Sports like agility, lure coursing and obedience are ideal.
Doberman And Vizsla Mix Health And Lifespan
Vizslas and Dobermans are both relatively healthy dog breeds with some genetic disorders known for each breed.
In terms of lifespan, Vizslas have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. While Dobies have a similar life expectancy of 10-12 years.
So the life expectancy of your Dobie vizsla cross is likely to be in the range of 10-14 years.
In terms of genetic health problems, it is recommended Vizslas and Dobermans are tested for hip dysplasia and eye health. In addition, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America outlines additional health conditions for the breed.
This includes tests for cardiac health, hypothyroidism and vWd (von Willebrand’s disease).
Of course, the possible health issues for a mixed breed are more of an unknown. In fact some research shows crossbreeding reduces the risk of the genetic disorders in purebred dogs.
But there is just no way of knowing what health issues your mix dog will have during its lifetime without testing.
And finally, both breeds are at risk of bloat due to their deep chests. Owners of vizsla mixes should be well versed with the symptoms and know how to reduce the risk of bloat occurring.
Are Doberman Vizsla Mixes Good Family Dogs?
The Hungarian Vizsla cross Doberman is a good family dog for active families.
They are loyal and affectionate dogs who are good with kids (with supervision of course).
If your family is looking for an energetic medium sized dog that can live inside with you, the Doberman and Vizsla mix dog will fit in perfectly.
Plus when socialized from an early age they should also get along with other dogs and family cats.
However if there’s no one at home most days and/or you have young children, this may not be the best choice of dog for you.
Their need daily active exercise and attention may make it too challenging with a young family.
Either way socialization is key to raising a well adjusted pup who can cope with the day to day of family life.
Before You Go
I hope you found this guide helpful to identify your vizsla mix rescue or better understand your doberman vizsla cross.
If you’re curious about other vizsla mixed breeds and their appearance you make like:
Or, browse all the vizsla breed guides here.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Liked this post? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest to see more guides like this one in your feed.
