Wirehaired Vizsla

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Wirehaired Vizsla

40-55 lbs

23-25"

Hungary

Hungarian Vizsla, Magyar Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Drotszoru Magyar Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a Hungarian dog that has its roots in royalty. He is a medium-sized dog that is able to get along with animals of all kinds given proper socialization. He is also a beloved family dog. He was originally bred for hunting – pointing and trailing – as well as falconry. He is descended from the Turkish Yellow Dog, Weimaraner, and the Transylvania Hound. It is thought that the Magyars brought the dog’s ancestors to Hungary . The Wirehaired Vizsla is generally gold in color with small white marks on its chest; it is sturdily built, but incredibly light on its feet.

                
                Purpose
              
falconry, trailing

                Date of Origin
              
middle ages

                Ancestry
              
turkish yellow dog, transylvania hound, weimaraner

Wirehaired Vizsla Health

Average Size

Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs

Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 40-55 lbs

Major Concerns

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

Hip Dysplasia
Hemophilia A

Occasional Tests

Blood
Blood Test
Hips
X-Rays

Wirehaired Vizsla Breed History

The Wirehaired Vizsla has a history that is believed to go back to the Middle Ages; however, the Vizsla as it is known today is actually a fairly new breed. Hunters and falconers in Hungary wanted to develop a strong dog with a tough, wiry coat which would help to protect the dog in tough weather conditions indigenous to eastern Europe. In fact, they came together to develop a plan in the 1930s and submitted the plan to the Hungarian Vizsla Club, which finally approved the plan, although many were skeptical. They approved the plan with the stipulation that the golden-rust color of the Vizsla be preserved. In order to develop the new breed with longer, more wiry hair, smooth Vizslas were crossbred with a German Wirehaired Pointer, Pudelpointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and an Irish Setter. It is possible that a Bloodhound was also interbred in order to produce the modern Wirehaired Vizsla. Wirehaired Vizslas first came to the United States in the early 1970s. The breed is still rare in America; it was only recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1978, and then by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association in 1986. The Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America was formed in 2003. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006; however, they are listed as the Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla. The Wirehaired Vizsla gets its name from the breed from which it descended – the Smooth Vizsla. Because of its coat, “wirehaired” was added to make the distinction between the two variations of the breed.

Wirehaired Vizsla Breed Appearance

The Wirehaired Vizsla has a lean head with a moderately wide skull. The muzzle tapers and is squared at the end. The powerful jaws are covered by lips that are neither loose nor hang down and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. It has medium-sized, oval shaped eyes that are slightly darker than the rust colored coat. The ears are low-set, somewhat long, and they hang close to the cheeks. He has a thick, low-set tail which is often docked at least one-third of the original length, and it is carried horizontally. The hair on his head is short and coarse; the hair on his muzzle is longer, giving the impression of a beard. His eyebrows are pronounced and the hair is longer and finer on the ears. The hair on the body is long, but close-fitting.

Wirehaired Vizsla Breed Maintenance

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a highly active dog, and he must receive a generous amount of exercise in order to remain happy and healthy. He loves to chew, so toys are a must for the Wirehaired Vizsla. The Vizsla is very intelligent and he aims to please his human counterparts, so begin training soon after bringing him home. He needs consistent and kind commands; he responds to praise rather than criticism. The Vizsla is very easy to groom. Weekly brushing will generally keep his coarse coat in top shape. Use a rubber curry brush. It is recommended that you begin brushing your Wirehaired Vizsla puppy soon after bringing him home so that he will become accustomed to a grooming routine. Trim his nails every other week. Brushing his teeth two or three times a week is recommended; however, gum disease and bad breath can be prevented with daily brushing.

Wirehaired Vizsla Temperament

The Vizsla is lively, gentle, affectionate, highly intelligent, and very people-oriented. He generally wants to please his owners, but he can be stubborn at times. A Vizsla that is not properly socialized may be too excitable or timid. The Vizsla needs at least an hour of exercise every day. If he is not allowed to release all that energy, the Vizsla can become destructive when left alone inside the home. He needs to be exposed to lots of people, other animals, and experiences. He is very good with children; however, he does best with older children. Younger children may be overwhelmed by his high energy level.