Wirehaired Vizsla

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Gentle, Trainable

GROUP: Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Wiry

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Turkish Yellow Dog, Transylvania Hound, Wimaraner

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Origin

Hungary

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Registration

2014

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Size

23 - 25 Inches (Male)

21.5 - 23 Inches (Female)

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Weight

55 - 65 Pounds (Male)

45 - 55 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members or familiar individuals can vary. Certain breeds may display aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
It is important to consider a breed's tolerance and patience towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature. While some breeds are known for being particularly good with children, all dogs should be supervised when interacting with young children or those who have limited exposure to dogs, regardless of the breed.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While all dogs should be supervised during interactions and introductions with other dogs, certain breeds may have a natural inclination to get along with fellow canines, both in the home environment and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed is likely to leave behind can vary. Breeds that shed heavily will typically require more frequent brushing to manage their shedding and they are also more likely to trigger allergies in some individuals. Additionally, such breeds may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean from loose hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of a breed in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming and another coat maintenance can vary. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for grooming when selecting a breed. Some breeds may necessitate frequent bathing, brushing and trimming, requiring more effort and resources for coat maintenance. It's important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming to keep their nails in good condition.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you value cleanliness and prefer to avoid dogs that leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes, it may be advisable to choose a breed that is not prone to excessive drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness exhibited by a breed towards strangers is an important consideration. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will happily welcome a new human whenever they encounter one.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed has for play can vary. While some breeds may maintain a strong desire to play tug-of-war or fetch even as adults, others might prefer to relax and spend most of their time on the couch with their owners. It's essential to consider the energy level and playfulness of a breed when selecting a dog, especially if you're looking for a companion that enjoys and actively engages in play activities beyond puppyhood.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Certain breeds have a natural inclination to notify you when they sense the presence of unfamiliar individuals. These specific breeds are more prone to responding to any perceived risk, be it a mail carrier or even a squirrel spotted outside the window. Moreover, these breeds are more likely to grow comfortable with strangers who come into their home and are welcomed by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed refers to how well they handle transitions and modifications in their surroundings. This encompasses their ability to adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other fluctuations that occur in their day-to-day lives.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The trainability of a dog breed determines how readily they can be taught new commands and behaviors, as well as their willingness to learn. While certain breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and strive to make them proud, others have a more independent nature and may prefer to follow their own desires, disregarding instructions and choosing their own actions and preferred locations.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are essential factors to consider. High energy breeds possess a strong enthusiasm for physical activity and are always eager for their next thrilling escapade. They typically engage in running, jumping and playing throughout the day to channel their abundant energy. On the other hand, low energy breeds exhibit a more relaxed demeanor and are content with lounging around, resembling couch potatoes who enjoy spending their time snoozing.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
Ensuring an adequate amount of mental stimulation is crucial for the happiness and overall well-being of a breed. Purpose-bred dogs often possess certain skills or qualities that make them well-suited for jobs involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive tasks. Without sufficient mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with your preferences or desires. Therefore, providing appropriate mental challenges for these breeds is essential to prevent them from engaging in potentially undesired projects.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Golden Rust

098

Golden

093

Red

140

Red Golden

153

Rust

161

Rust Golden

163

Sandy Yellow

169

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

White Markings

014

About The Breed

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a spirited hunting dog that thrives on both land and water, setting it apart from its close relative, the Vizsla. What distinguishes this lively Hungarian breed is its dense and wiry coat, which is a notable contrast to the sleek coat of the Vizsla. While displaying a calm and gentle demeanor at home, Wirehaired Vizslas exhibit a strong enthusiasm for activities such as running, swimming and engaging in lively play. Although closely related to the Vizsla, they are recognized as a distinct breed. The most prominent feature that sets them apart is their coat type, characterized by a shaggy beard and eyebrows that accentuate their bright and animated expression. In terms of size, both Vizsla breeds are categorized as medium-sized but an ideal Wirehaired Vizsla will typically stand slightly taller and have a slightly heavier build compared to its smooth-coated counterpart. Both breeds share the striking golden-rust coloration with a smartly matching nose and eyes that complement their coats.

What to Expect When Caring for A WIREHAIRED VIZSLA

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Wirehaired Vizsla: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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The Wirehaired Vizsla as a breed typically enjoys good health overall. Reputable breeders proactively assess the health of their breeding dogs and ensure they are free from various medical conditions. These include hyperuricosuria which makes the breed more susceptible to kidney and bladder stones, as well as elbow and hip dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Keeping an eye on these health concerns helps maintain the well-being of the Wirehaired Vizslas.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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The Wirehaired Vizsla is known to be a relatively low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. Keeping them in good condition typically requires minimal effort. Regularly wiping them down with a damp cloth is often sufficient between baths. During shedding season using a grooming mitt or shedding knife can help reduce the amount of hair they shed in your home. Trimming their toenails every four weeks is recommended and many find it convenient to do so while the dog is in the tub during their monthly bath. Implementing a dental care routine from an early age is advisable to prevent potential oral issues in the future.
Health

Exercise

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The Wirehaired Vizsla possesses a remarkable amount of energy and thrives on ample exercise. They genuinely enjoy the company of their human companions and find true happiness in engaging in activities together. This quality makes them an ideal choice for individuals who revel in hiking, cycling or jogging adventures. Providing the Wirehaired Vizsla with opportunities to run freely is of utmost importance preferably within a securely enclosed area, as their instinct to hunt is exceptionally powerful and the dog may find it irresistible to chase after prey.
Health

Training

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The Wirehaired Vizsla is a vibrant, cheerful and highly eager-to-please breed. They possess abundant energy and remarkable intelligence though they tend to grow bored quickly. This characteristic can pose a challenge when it comes to training requiring the implementation of enjoyable, captivating and appropriately timed training sessions. It is crucial to establish a balance between gentle firmness and consistency in disciplining this breed, as the Wirehaired Vizsla thrives when provided with structure and clear boundaries. Due to their gentle nature, it is important to steer clear of harsh words or physical punishment. These dogs form deep connections with their families and without proper conditioning, they can develop separation anxiety.
Health

Nutrition

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For optimal health, the Wirehaired Vizsla thrives on a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially produced or carefully prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is essential to select a diet that corresponds to the dog's specific age category, be it as a puppy, adult or senior. As high-energy sporting breeds, Wirehaired Vizslas require a nutrient-rich diet especially when actively working. This diet significantly differs from what they need during their puppy phase or if leading a more sedentary lifestyle. Since Wirehaired Vizslas are highly food-motivated, it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and weight. Treats can serve as valuable training aids, but excessive indulgence can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Consult with your veterinarian if any concerns arise regarding your dog's weight or diet. Furthermore, ensure that clean and fresh water is readily accessible to your Wirehaired Vizsla at all times.

Historiography

The documentation surrounding the origins of more recent dog breeds, such as those developed in the 20th century tends to be more comprehensive compared to older breeds. Accordingly, we have detailed knowledge about the creation of Wirehaired Vizslas in the 1930s. Here is a concise account of its genesis: Hungarian hunters and falconers desired a dog that possessed the same dedication and versatility as their beloved Vizslas but with a stronger physique and a thicker coat allowing them to operate effectively in challenging terrains and cold climates. To accomplish this, they selectively crossbred Vizslas with German Wirehaired Pointers successfully incorporating the desired characteristics into the new breed.

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