Vizsla vs Weimaraner: cost, health and care compared
The Vizsla and the Weimaraner side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Vizsla | Weimaraner | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Sporting Group [2] | Sporting Group [3] |
| Weight | 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female) [2] | 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) [2] | 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [2] | 10–13+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 36 [4] | No. 54 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Entropion, Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease, Hypothyroidism… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$19,000 | $8,800–$19,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Vizsla health problems and costs and Weimaraner health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Vizsla or the Weimaraner?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Weimaraner ($880–$1,500 vs $880–$1,400), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Vizsla or the Weimaraner?
The AKC gives the Vizsla a life expectancy of 12–14+ years and the Weimaraner 10–13+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Vizsla and Weimaraner have?
Vizsla: Hip dysplasia, Entropion, Hypothyroidism and Epilepsy. Weimaraner: Hip dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease and Hypothyroidism.
Which is better with kids, the Vizsla or the Weimaraner?
The AKC rates the Vizsla 5 of 5 and the Weimaraner 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.