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If you’ve ever seen a Vizsla with an intriguing wire coat and mustache, you probably were looking at a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla! A little larger in bone structure than a standard Vizsla, this sweet and energetic canine athlete loves to run, play, and follow you around like a shaggy shadow.
These intelligent, sometimes headstrong dogs can give inexperienced owners a hard time during training. If you’re interested in learning more about this rare wirehaired breed, look no further than this article! Join us as we break down everything you could ever want to know about the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.
Breed Overview
Height:
21–25 inches
Weight:
40–60 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Golden rust, sandy gold, russet gold, red rust
Suitable for:
Highly active families with or without kids, outdoor enthusiasts, experienced dog owners
Temperament:
High-spirited, affectionate, loyal, social
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is the result of a cross between the Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer, and they were first bred in 1930s Hungary. This new breed had the Vizsla’s dogged work ethic and endurance and the Wirehaired Pointer’s shaggy cold-resistant wire coat and bulky physique. Later, they were crossed with other breeds like the English Pointer and the Irish Setter.
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Characteristics
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Breed Puppies
Wirehaired Vizslas are fairly rare, so you may face problems finding an upstanding breeder. We suggest trying the AKC’s curated adoption marketplace to find accredited and reputable breeders.1 The Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America2 is another great place where you can find info on the breed and connect with owners at events dedicated to the breed. Finally, you can also try networking with owners on Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla social media groups or fan pages.
It can be hard to tell a good breeder from a shady puppy mill at a glance, which is why you want to use accredited breeders when possible. However, you should always use your best judgment combined with some of our tips to make sure a breeder is on the up and up.
- Visit the breeder: Ethical breeders welcome visitors to their facilities so you can ensure their puppies are raised in a clean, spacious, and loving environment.
- Check out the puppies: Take this time to interact with the puppies and inspect them. Do they seem happy, unafraid of people, well-fed, and clean?
- See their parents: Meet your puppy’s parents, if possible, and at least ask for pictures and videos if they’re not on-site, for a peek into how your puppy may look and act when they grow up.
- Ask about health: Respectable breeders screen their litters for the possibility of inherited health problems and welcome questions about breed-related health.
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Breed Origin & History
This breed is still considered to be relatively new even though they were bred in the 1930s in Hungary. The idea for the breed came from falconers and hunters because they wanted a dog that had all the outstanding traits of the Vizsla but that was heavier, sturdier, and more resistant to rough field conditions and extreme weather, hence their wirehaired coats.
Vasas Jozsef was the owner of the Csaba Vizsla Kennel in the town of Hejocsaba, and he initiated the development of a Wirehaired Vizsla by submitting an application to the Hungarian Vizsla Klub, where he outlined the ways that he would develop the breed. This caused a bit of controversy but the proposal was ultimately approved.
While the breed is wildly popular in other countries, it took the American Kennel Club a bit longer to get on board. In fact, it wasn’t until August 18, 2012, that it approved the Breed Standard submitted by the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America, and it wasn’t until June 1, 2014, that they were eligible for registration.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is a loving, loyal, and gentle breed known for their intelligence and high energy levels. They’re a people-oriented dog that bonds closely with their family and as a sensitive breed, want to be with them at all times. Wirehaired Vizslas are a little less serious than standard Vizslas, having more of the German Wirehaired Pointer’s lively and social personality.
This is a social breed when properly socialized, and they can make fast friends with both other animals and strangers alike when they know it’s okay with you. At their core, Wirehaired Vizslas have hearts of gold, though they can occasionally display stubborn streaks. That’s pretty normal in intelligent dogs like this one, but it can be effectively managed with firm handling and a solid foundation of positive reinforcement.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are great family dogs that are remarkably gentle and patient with children. They’re so active that they’ll turn the biggest couch potato into an active jogger in no time! They just need to be taught the rules early on with your supervision to know the difference between acceptable play and being too rough.
Socialization also plays a key factor in familiarizing your dog with the world and their place in it. Poorly socialized dogs, for instance, will be more fearful, while socialized dogs are more well-adjusted.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, Wirehaired Vizslas are quite social with other dogs and even get along with cats when they’re properly socialized as puppies. As a hunting dog, though, their high prey drive makes them poor housemates for rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small prey animals. The most important thing during puppyhood is to carefully expose your Wirehaired Vizsla to many different types of animals, people, and places.
Things to Know When Owning a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are big dogs with big appetites, so you’ll want to feed them the very best complete and balanced dog food. Puppies start with a high-protein formula with 28% to 20% or more protein, while adult maintenance kibble packs closer to 20% or 25% protein. A mix of healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, and other essential trace minerals rounds out the average Wirehaired Vizsla diet. Beware of cheap kibble that substitutes protein for carbs, which makes your dog fuller but contributes to weight gain and lacks the protein they really need.
Exercise 🐕
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are highly active dogs that need at least an hour or more of spirited exercise every day to remain happy and to keep their body in healthy shape. Start with an hour, and allow for more time if they appear to need it, as bored, frustrated, and under-stimulated Wirehaired Vizslas tend to chew and dig. You should also invest in some dog toys for them to play with while indoors and outdoors.
A secure yard is highly recommended, but nearby walking routes can serve the same purpose if you’re a highly active person. Wirehaired Vizslas are fantastic companions if you like to run, jog, hike, or bike. Mental stimulation is just as important as sheer exercise and keeps your Wirehaired Vizsla’s mind active during downtime. They do well with scenting games where you hide their food around the house but also appreciate interactive toys like Kongs or snuffle mats.
Training 🎾
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are inclined to please you but have a sensitive side that takes harsh words very poorly. You have to be firm but gentle, maintaining easy-to-understand boundaries and expectations during sessions. Food is the best motivator when paired with positive reinforcement. This can start as early as puppyhood. Call your dog’s name, and when they respond, answer with tons of praise and a high-value treat. This breed can sometimes be stubborn, but stay patient and your hard work will pay off!
If they don’t answer, that’s okay. Just keep trying, and eventually, they’ll make the mental connection that performing the desired action gets a reward. Ignore any bad behavior, and illustrate good behavior by redirecting them to an acceptable activity instead. Over time, this trains your Wirehaired Vizsla using positive reinforcement.
Again, avoid harsh discipline, such as raising your voice. Not only do they not understand, but your tone will also scare them and could even set back your training efforts by damaging your dog’s trust in you.
Grooming ✂️
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas have a shaggier wire coat than the Vizsla, but it’s fairly low shedding throughout the year and doesn’t get excessively dirty or oily. We recommend a weekly brushing session to keep the coat clean and remove dead hair. Baths can be sparse, though. Every 4 to 6 weeks, you should use a high-quality dog shampoo to give them a full once-over.
During the spring and fall, they’ll shed more heavily, so plan to brush them more often. Also, maybe invest in a vacuum to keep the wiry hair off your furniture!
Health and Conditions 🏥
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are typically a healthy breed with a 12-to-15-year lifespan, but occasionally, certain health problems crop up in them more often than in some other breeds. To detect potential health conditions early and manage them, you’ll need to stay on top of your annual wellness exams.
- Hyperuricosuria: Wirehaired Vizslas are prone to excess uric acid in their kidneys, which causes frequent bladder and kidney stones.
- Eye problems: Wirehaired Vizslas are known to develop glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts, especially toward senior dog age (10+ years).
- Subaortic stenosis: This is a dangerous narrowing in the heart common in Wirehaired Vizslas that can contribute to circulatory problems.
- Joint conditions: Overly strenuous exercise during adolescent bone development can cause arthritic hip and elbow dysplasia in Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas.
Male vs. Female
Male Wirehaired Vizslas are notably larger in build and weight than females. Males grow from 23 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 60 pounds, while females trend smaller at 21 to 23 inches tall and 40 to 50 pounds. Some males can grow 70 pounds or more.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
1. They Hunted With the Magyar
True Hungarians to the bone, the Wirehaired Vizsla’s ancestors have been depicted in Magyar stone etchings of primitive falconers alongside their birds. Modern Vizslas have been depicted as early as the 14th century, but the newer Wirehaired Vizslas have only been around since the 1900s.
2. They Were Born to be Hunters
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has thousands of years of hunting instincts—yes, that little puppy has an impactful heritage! Their keen noses, devout work ethic, and wiry coats make them top-notch for cold weather tracking, hunting, and retrieving.
3. They Nearly Went Extinct
During WWII, the Hungarian regime nationalized the Csabai kennel where the Wirehaired Vizsla was born. In the war’s wake, records regarding the breed were almost all lost. It was only through the efforts of a few dedicated breeders that the breed persevered alongside their Vizsla relatives.
Final Thoughts
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas are bigger and bonier Vizslas with the same sociable, loving, gentle-hearted temperament. They’re exceptionally active dogs that need a regular exercise routine and socialization to curb headstrong behavior and become well-adjusted doggy adults. If you’re an active individual, this could be the perfect dog for you.
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Featured Image Credit: Keith-316, Shutterstock
