Strong lookalikes

1. Weimaraner
   I believe that there are four strong lookalikes of the Vizsla and i believe the most obvious one is the Weimaraner. These two breeds share an almost identical athletic body type, sleek smooth coat and similar coloring. Both are also lively and high energy dogs that thrive attention and they are both known as a so called velcro dogs. Overall, the Weimaraner is an extreme lookalike to the Vizsla, with very few differences setting them apart.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
   The Rhodesian Ridgeback is another breed that closely resembles the Vizsla, especially when it comes to body structure and coat color. Of course, the distinctive ridge of hair along the Ridgeback’s back sets it apart. The Ridgeback is also a more robust dog with greater muscularity, giving it a slightly larger, more solid frame compared to the Vizsla’s sleek build.
3. Redbone Coonhound
   The main difference between the Vizsla and Redbone Coonhound is, that the Coonhound has slightly longer body and they have more pronounced hound-like appearance. Otherwise, these two dogs share very similar appearance, wheter it is their coat type, coloration or body type.
4. Wirehaired Vizsla
   The Wirehaired is a completely separate breed from the shorthaired Vizsla, which is why it makes the lookalike list as well. Of course, their coat sets them apart, but otherwise, these two dogs look almost identical. The breed was developed by crossing the Shorthaired Vizsla with German Wirehaired Pointers, Irish Water Spaniels, and other hunting breeds. The goal was to maintain the same qualities as the Shorthaired Vizsla—such as its excellent hunting ability and affectionate temperament—while adding a more durable, heavier coat

Moderate Lookalikes

1. Bavarian Mountain Hound
   Now i will show you six breeds that i consider as moderate lookalikes. I think, that the Bavarian Mountain Hound definitely fits into this category perfectly, especially in terms of body structure and coat color. But they also have more distinct hound appearance, with longer ears and a more pronounced snout
2. Red Nose Pitbull
   I personally would not say that Pitbulls are very simlar to Vizsla, but there are tons of questions online about Red Nose Pitbulls and their resemblance with the Vizsla, so i put them into this category as well. The resembalnce is particularly due to their coat coloration and overall build, but the Red Nose Pitbull is much more compact and stocky, compared to the lean Vizsla.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
   This list is full of athletic hunting dogs and the German Shorthaired Pointer is definitely one of them! Once again, they have similar body type and coat type and even the head shape is similar. The GSP typically has different color, most often a mix of liver and white.
4. Labrador (Fox Red)
   The Labrador can resemble the Vizsla, especially if it is the so-called Fox Red Labrador. This variety of the Yellow Labrador has a deeper, fox-red coat, making it much more similar to the Vizsla. However, Labradors are generally stockier, with a broader head and a slightly longer coat.
5. Braque du Bourbonnais
   The Braque du Bourbonnais is another hound in this video with similar elegant and athletic Vizsla like appearance. But this French pointing breed typically comes in lighter colors, such as fawn or liver roan, which sets it apart from the Vizsla’s rust-colored coat.
6. Doberman (Red and Rust)
   It’s true that the Doberman is generally a more compact dog with a more muscular frame and a different head shape. However, when it comes in the red and rust coloration, I believe it deserves a spot among the moderate lookalikes. The overall body structure and coat color do resemble the Vizsla, though the distinct rust markings on the Doberman still set it apart.

More Distinct but Still Related in Appearance

1. Bracco Italiano
   The Bracco Italiano shares a similar athletic build with the Vizsla, but with some noticeable differences that make it more distinct. One of the key differences is their larger, floppy ears, which give them a unique appearance. While their body structure and coat type are similar to the Vizsla, the Bracco Italiano typically has a longer, heavier build and a more distinct head shape.
2. English Pointer
   Most pointers and hounds share some similarities with the Vizsla, so I decided to include the English Pointer in this video as well, as it's one of the most popular pointers. Both breeds have a lean, athletic body and are known for their incredible stamina and energy. However, the English Pointer is generally taller, with a more angular frame, and typically comes in different colorations, unlike the solid rust color of the Vizsla.
3. Blue Lacy
   The Blue Lacy i sone of the rarest breeds in this video, but they do share some notable similarities with the Vizsla, especially in terms of body structure. Both breeds are lean, agile, and have a strong hunting background.
4. Pharaoh Hound
   The Pharaoh Hound is a very elegant, athletic breed that can come in a tan or reddish color, making them look somewhat similar to the Vizsla. However, the Pharaoh Hound is typically lighter and more refined in appearance, with longer legs and large, almond-shaped eyes. The biggest difference, of course, is the pointy ears, which set these two breeds apart.
5. Plott Hound
   Last, but not least, is the Plott Hound. The Plott Hound is a strong, muscular dog known for its impressive hunting abilities, especially when it comes to tracking and trailing large game. While it shares the Vizsla's athletic build and some similarities in coat color, the Plott Hound is generally more robust and has a broader chest. But I still believe that there are some similarities, and that some people might confuse the two breeds.

1) Lhasa Apso
Let’s start with the breed that is the easiest to mistake for a Shih Tzu, as there are almost no differences - or better to say no differences in appearance, because when it comes to temperament, they couldn’t be more different! While the Shih Tzu is the ultimate companion dog, the Lhasa Apso is more like a big dog in a small body—courageous and surprisingly good as a watchdog. I’ve made a detailed video comparing the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso, so be sure to check it out in the video description or the first pinned comment!

​2) Maltese
The Maltese may lack the Shih Tzu’s iconic face shape, but their silky white coats and playful personalities make them equally charming companions. I’m sure plenty of people would confuse these two breeds! This ancient toy breed is known for being affectionate and lively. And by the way, I’ve also made a detailed comparison video—Shih Tzu vs. Maltese—so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out! Link is in video description.

3) Löwchen
The Löwchen, commonly nicknamed as the Little Lion Dog is a rare dog breed, but you can not deny the similarities between them and Shih Tzus, especially thanks to their similar coat. And their cheerful and outgoing nature makes them great companions as well, just like Shih Tzu!

4) Bichon Frisé
After the Maltese, the Bichon Frisé is the second breed from the 'Bichon dog family' on this list. These dogs all share a striking resemblance to the Shih Tzu, and you’ll see more Bichons later in this video. The similarities with the Shih Tzu come down to their flowing coats and small size, which make them equally adorable companions

5) Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The Russian Bolonka is another rare and unknown dog in this video with big similarities to Shih Tzu. The only true purpose and utilization of Russian Bolonka is companionship. They were bred for being great loving, playful and cheerful companions and that is exactly what they are.

6) Havanese
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, is another breed from the Bichon group. It’s also another breed I’ve compared in detail with the Shih Tzu in a separate video, so don’t forget to check that out! The Havanese is an exceptional companion dog, known for its loving, affectionate, and calm nature.

7) Havana Silk Dog
Often times confused with Havanese, the Havana Silk Dog is a re-created breed of a dog, that was popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and that is generally believed to be developer in colonial Cuba. The breed was developed by dedicated Havanese breeders in an attempt to re-develop this old, extinct dog breed.

8) Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is not as similar to Shih Tzu as the previous breeds, especially due to different coloration, head shape and completely different temperament, which is more energetic and courageous. However, thanks to their luxurious coat and tiny size, many people still confuse these two breeds.

9) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is basically a color variation of a Yorkie, but it is considered as a separate breed. And the colors of Biewer Terrier resembles the Shih Tzu more than the typical Yorkshire Terrier, so i believe they deserve a spot in this video as well.

10) Coton de Tulear
Another Bichon dog breed in this video, this time the Coton de Tulear. Its fluffy white coat and sweet nature resemble a Shih Tzu’s charm. Originating from Madagascar, they’re cheerful, loving, and incredibly people-oriented.

11) Kyi-Leo
The Kyi-Leo is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Maltese—two breeds I’ve already mentioned in this video—so it’s no surprise that this mix also makes it onto the list! They’re friendly, adaptable, and known for their silky fur.

12) Pekingese
The Pekingese and Shih Tzu don’t just share similar temperaments and appearances—they also share a royal history in Asia. However, the Pekingese is easy to distinguish from the Shih Tzu, thanks to its flatter face and distinct build.

13) Bolognese
Once again – a dog from the Bichon dog family, this time the Bolognese, which basically look like a Shih Tzus italian cousin, with its fluffy white coat and gentle temperament. They’re calm, devoted, and happiest when spending time with their families.

14) Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The second terrier in this list is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They have longer bodies and face, but they still can be confused with the Shih Tzu quite easily. But of course, their temperament is completely different, as terriers tend to be more feisty, courageous and active.

15) Chinese Imperial Dog
The Chinese Imperial Dog, also known as Imperial Shih Tzu is a Shih Tzu variation. It is a Shih Tzu, that is deliberately bred to be smaller than the Shih Tzu's written standard of 9 pounds. So it is only logical to include them in this video as well. BUT, i have to say, that i would be very careful when buying the Chinese Imperial, because majority of these dogs are bred by bad breeders who only want to sell these dogs for good profit and they do not care about their health. Very often they suffer from various health issues and they are extremely fragile. I believe that the Shih Tzu is small enough and i believe that you will make a better choice of buying a purebred Shih Tzu rather than this Chinese Imperial Dog.