Built to survive and hunt through harsh conditions, the Wirehaired Vizsla is an athletic dog that will partake in outdoor games and activities with eagerness. Inside the home, he transforms into an affectionate and gentle dog that will establish a deep connection with his family. He is keen to please his owners, but maybe thin-skinned to tough training. While they may look like its close Vizsla cousin, he is registered and recognized as a distinct breed.
Origins of the Wirehaired Vizsla
They were only developed in the 20th century, but the origin of Wirehaired Vizslas is much more well-recorded than other dog breeds. The history of their smooth-coated counterparts traces back to the Magyar clans of Hungary during the 8th century, where they were admired for their incredible hunting skills, versatility, and demeanor.
In the 1930s, Hungarian hunters yearned to have a dog with the same traits but with a denser, warm, weatherproof coat and a sturdier frame and countenance that would make them thrive through the cold, tough, and mountainous terrains of Northern Hungary. They achieve this by crossing the Vizslas and the German Wirehaired Pointers.
World War II took a toll on the population of the Wirehaired Vizslas. It is believed that other breeds, such as the Pudelpointer, Irish Setter, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, may have been introduced to the breeding program to save the breed.
In the 1970s, the Wirehaired Vizslas were first brought to North America, but the breed only received recognition from the United Kennel Club in 2006 and the United American Kennel Club in 2013.
Characteristics of the Wirehaired Vizsla
Height: 21.5-25 inches
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized dog, with a dense, wiry coat that can be golden sand or russet in color. His face features a bushy beard and shaggy eyebrows, which gives him an animated expression. The eyes and nose’s color perfectly blends well with the coat. Quite taller and heavier than his smooth-coated cousin, the Wirehaired Vizsla sports a regal and graceful look that also radiates a sense of incredible stamina.
This breed has excellent adaptability and a pleasant demeanor. Inside the home, he is a good family companion, gentle-mannered, loyal, and highly-affectionate. While he will establish strong bonds with his owners, he often picks one member as his favorite. He has no issues dealing with children, but strangers can make him display his reserved side. As a quiet dog, he only barks when needed. However, he is highly protective of his home and family and will bark when provoked.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a quick learner and is eager to please its human. But, he has a sensitive side, making it essential for the training to be gentle and fun. Stern discipline and a loud voice may affect his willingness to learn. He will flourish when showered with praise and affection.
Given its hunting ancestry, the Wirehaired Vizsla has a keen nose and loves being outdoors. He will fit well with a country-dwelling family. He requires plenty of exercise and playtime. Not to worry as he will deal with different games and activities, on and in water, with agility, athleticism, and enthusiasm.
Caring for the Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla has a dense, wiry coat that must be kept natural. Brush him occasionally, and bathe him only when necessary. He doesn’t shed that much and will not mess your hand with hair after petting him. Stripping should be minimal, and must only be done to keep him tidy, usually when the beard and eyebrows become too thick. Other grooming routines include primary care, such as brushing the teeth when needed and trimming the nails every couple of weeks.
His diet should have the right balance of all the nutrient groups. A constant supply of clean, fresh water should also be available. Feeding them twice or twice a day following the food label’s feeding guidelines can keep him healthy and in tip-top condition.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a relatively hardy breed, with few widely recognized health problems. Some of the conditions that affect the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, and some eye diseases. Obtaining or adopting a puppy from a reputable breeder increases your chances of getting a healthy pub. They perform vital health checks on prospective parents to decrease the risk of these health issues being passed on to the puppies.