The wirehaired vizsla breed was developed in Hungary in the 1930s as a cross between the vizsla dog and the German wirehaired pointer. After barely surviving World War II, the breed was eventually imported to the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1970s, and the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 2014. Wirehaired vizslas are versatile hunting dogs who can be used on land or as bird dogs in the water.
Wirehaired vizsla characteristics
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Wirehaired vizslas are members of the American Kennel Club's sporting group. A female wirehaired vizsla grows 21.5 to 23 inches tall and weighs 45 to 55 pounds. Males are slightly larger, growing 23 to 25 inches tall and weighing 55 to 65 pounds.
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They are lean dogs with a balanced and robust appearance. Dogs have a wire coat with eyebrows and a beard. They have medium-size ears that lay close to the face and a straight, tapered tail. A natural tail will fall to just below hock level, but some people prefer to dock the tail.
The breed comes in varying shades of golden rust. Small white markings on the chest, throat, or toes are allowed. White on other parts of the body or white patches larger than 2 inches are not permitted under the breed standard.
Wirehaired vizsla temperament and training
Though breed is not a reliable indicator of personality, wirehaired vizslas tend to be calm, gentle, and loyal. They are great additions to the family and do very well with children. They are very playful and affectionate dogs. While they are loyal to their family, they also love meeting strangers. It is important to socialize them with other dogs and in a variety of situations as well.
The breed is very intelligent and eager to please. This makes the wirehaired vizsla easy to train. Be sure to keep training sessions upbeat and stick to positive reinforcement training. Be consistent in your expectations and boundaries.
Wirehaired vizsla grooming
A wirehaired vizsla's dense coat may shed moderately, and these dogs may even drool occasionally. They have short hair and minimal grooming needs. Bathe them once per month and wipe down their coat with a damp cloth between baths. Use a grooming mitt to remove loose hair when they are shedding.
Be sure to check and clean your pup's floppy ears regularly. Check the nails and trim them each month.
Wirehaired vizsla exercise
Wirehaired vizslas may be gentle with family, but they are also very high-energy dogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Take them on long walks and runs or teach them to run alongside you as you bike or skate.
Keep in mind that they are hunting dogs and may pursue prey if you let them off the leash. Make sure they are in a safe, enclosed area before allowing them to run free.
Wirehaired vizsla health concerns
The breed is generally healthy, and the vizsla life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. Be sure to obtain your wirehaired vizsla puppy from a reputable breeder who does the recommended health testing on dogs, including an ophthalmological exam and hip evaluation.
Wirehaired vizslas are susceptible to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. They are also susceptible to kidney and bladder stones and subaortic stenosis.