Dog Breed Info
Wirehaired Vizsla
(aka: Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, WHV)
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Wirehaired Vizsla Description
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a wire-coated hunting dog, with a distinguished appearance and bearing. They have a lean build and are very robust. The coat is an attractive russet to golden sand in color. Where permitted the tail may be docked to three-fourths of its original length.
Wirehaired Vizsla Temperment
The Wirehaired Vizsla is expressive, gentle, and loving. Keen and trainable to a high degree, they need mental stimulation daily. They need a patient, calm, firm hand. If they do not see you as a strong authority figure they will become stubborn. Reliable with children, loving to play for hours.
Without extensive daily exercise they may be too energetic and excitable for very young toddlers, but are excellent for energetic kids. Able to adapt quickly to family life, and are generally good with other dogs. They are very athletic, and when lacking in exercise they may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize them well to people, places, noises, dogs and other animals. It is very important to obedience train your Wirehaired Vizsla. Without enough exercise, they can be overly eager, prancing around you in sheer excitement.
Wirehaired Vizsla Grooming
The Wirehaired coat is harsh, hard, and loose fitting, with no gloss. There is a winter undercoat and the hair forms a brush on the back part of the forelegs. It is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed.
Wirehaired Vizsla History
The creation of the Wirehaired Vizsla started in the 1930s. It was noticed that some Vizslas had thicker coats which gave them better protection in cover and water. One of these thicker coated bitches was crossed with a German Wirehaired Pointer. The breeder who did this was Mr. Vasas Jozsef. He tried two such matings with the same dog and different bitches. The Wirehaired Vizsla has two cousins, the Smooth Vizsla and the other a rare longhaired Vizsla. The longharied can be born in both smooth and wire litters, although this is quite a rare occurrence. The longhaired Vizslas are not registered anywhere in the world but there are some to be found in Europe.
Wirehaired Vizsla Training
This breed is highly trainable and very willing to please; if you can get them to understand exactly what it is you want of them. If you do not train this breed they may become difficult to handle and control.
Be sure to always be your dogs pack leader to avoid any negative behaviors such as guarding furniture, food, toys, and so on. Well balanced Wirehaired Vizslas, who receive enough exercise, and have owners who are true pack leaders will not have these issues. These behaviors can be reversed, once the owners start displaying leadership, discipline, and provide enough exercise, both mental and physical.
Wirehaired Vizsla Health Problems
The Wirehaired Vizsla is prone to hip dysplasia. Other potential risks are cancer, epilepsy, thyroid disorders, and von Willebrand’s disease