The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium to large-sized dog that features a dense, wiry coat in golden rust color. They are closely related to the Vizslas, which are known for their smooth coats, but Wirehaired dogs are a bit taller and heavier than the Vizslas. These dogs also feature a shaggy beard and eyebrows that give them a lively expression.
Wirehaired Vizslas are known to be excellent hunting family companions. They would do well in living with active owners who can give them enough training and exercise. But other than hunting dogs, they also make great family dogs even for those with children.
These dogs love people, so only get one if you’re sure that you can give him enough attention. This way, he’ll surely return all your care with equal love and attention.
Wirehaired Vizsla Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Sporting |
| Breed Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 23-25 inches (male); 21.5-23 inches (female) |
| Weight | 55-65 pounds (male); 45-55 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Wirehaired Vizsla Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Wirehaired Vizsla History
Wirehaired Vizslas were believed to have been created in the 1930s in Hungary. During this time, hunters wanted a tough, wiry dog that will be able to survive the harsh weather conditions and challenging fields in northern Hungary. So, a plan was submitted to create such a dog.
After several debates, the plan was approved, and the breeding started. It is believed that the breeders crossed the smooth-coated Vizsla with German Wirehaired Pointers. This resulted in the Wirehaired Vizslas, which were immediately used as hunting companions.
Unfortunately, the dog’s number started to decline during World War II. Because of this, it is believed that a few other dog breeds were introduced to save the Wirehaired Vizslas. This included the Pudelpointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Irish Setters, and Bloodhound.
By the early 1970s, importation of the breed to the US started. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the American Kennel Club fully recognized them.
Now, they rank 167th as the most popular dog breed in the US today. They are considered a rare breed, with only a few hundred existing in North America and probably a few thousand worldwide.
Wirehaired Vizsla Temperament
Wirehaired Vizslas are gentle, loyal, and trainable dogs. They adapt well to any living conditions, making them excellent family companions.
Indoors, these dogs are usually calm. They love spending time with their owners, but there are times when they choose to stick around with only one person. They are also reliable playmates for older children and pets they grew up with, but toddlers need supervision.
Like any other hunting dogs, the Wirehaired Vizsla needs their regular exercise outdoors. Be sure that you have a secured fence if you let him play in your backyard as they may chase smaller animals.
Exercise is crucial for these dogs, so they don’t get bored. A bored Wirehaired can be destructive, which he will show mostly through excessive barking.
These dogs are aloof to strangers. As they tend to be protective, expect that the Wirehaired Vizsla will bark if he senses someone suspicious. This makes them excellent watchdogs too.
Socialization is essential with any dog breed, as this helps them become more well-rounded. It also helps get them accustomed to anything new, so they know how to respond well.
Training may come a bit challenging as Wirehaired Vizslas can be stubborn dogs. However, you’ll be able to handle this well if you remain consistent and firm as a leader. These are intelligent dogs, so be sure that you stay ahead of him.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Wirehaired Vizslas don’t have any special dietary requirements. All you need is to provide them high-quality and well-balanced meals daily. You should ensure that it contains essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If you’re going to provide your dog with home-cooked meals, you should only buy high-quality ingredients. Animal meat is an excellent protein source, fish oils for fats, and whole grains for carbohydrates. You can also add fruits and vegetables for fiber, which aids in easier digestion. For dog food, choose the ones that are of premium quality. Check the label and ensure that it doesn’t contain any fillers, additives, and by-products that can harm your dog. It also shouldn’t have any ingredient your dog is allergic to. A dog’s feeding requirement may differ from one dog to another, so it’s still best to ask your vet some advice regarding nutrition specific to your dog’s needs. This should include the number of calories you feed them in a day, which would highly depend on your dog’s age and activity level.
- Grooming: Wirehaired Vizslas, as their name implies, have a dense, wiry double coat. These coats shed hair seasonally, but it’s very minimal. Grooming them weekly during the shedding season will help keep shedding to a minimum. Baths can be given occasionally, depending on if your dog gets too messy or smelly. However, ears should be regularly cleaned to avoid ear infection. The coats should never be clipped and must retain natural. But make sure to trim the nails, so it doesn’t get too long. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort to your dog.
- Exercise: Wirehaired Vizslas are highly energetic dogs who need their regular exercise. They are most especially happy when they do activities with their owners, so letting them run around alone in the backyard should not suffice. You can take them with you in your jog, bike, hunt, or swim. Play sessions in a securely fenced area are great too.
- Health: Wirehaired Vizslas are generally healthy dogs. But like many other dog breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, and as dog owners, it’s essential to be aware of what these are. Certain health problems common to this breed are hip dysplasia, eye disease, and cancer. It’s essential to give them the right amount of care and nutrition to prevent these. You can also have your dog take some screening tests to detect certain health conditions early. Meeting at least one of your dog’s parents is an excellent thing to do, too. This way, you’ll be able to know possible diseases your dog may acquire. Don’t forget to monitor your dog’s behavior continuously. If you notice any changes, be sure to take him immediately to the vet.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Wirehaired Vizslas is 12-14 years.
Fun Facts about Wirehaired Vizslas
- Wirehaired Vizslas originated from Hungary in the 1930s.
- They were developed by crossing the Smooth-Coated Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer.
- They were developed to hunt in harsh weather conditions and rough terrain.
- They were almost wiped out during World War II.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014.