Wirehaired Vizsla

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a hunting dog breed that originated in Hungary. Also known as Dr�tsz?r? magyar vizsla and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, this breed is not only an exceptional hunter and retriever dog but is also prized for its level personality that makes it a great family companion.

This breed, though sometimes mistaken for its cousin Vizsla, is in fact a completely separate breed that was developed during 1930s. The aim was to produce a dog with Vizsla colouring but heavier coat and more substantial frame to be able to work in cold weather and could retrieve from icy water. For this purpose, two Vizsla female dogs with excellent pedigree were selected and crossed with German Wirehaired Pointer. The resulting litters with longer coats were selected and they became the foundation for Wirehaired Vizsla.

This is a lively and russet breed that is considered to be the smallest retriever breeds though this dog stands between 22-25 inches and weighs about 45-60 lbs. Though lean and slightly built, these dogs are robust and strong. It has moderately wide and slightly doomed skull, blunt muzzle and well developed nose with wide nostrils. Medium size eyes that hold lively and intelligent expression, are oval shaped and dark brown in colour. Ears hang close to the cheeks. The lean body comes with solid, taut and straight back, short, broad and mascular loin, deep and wide chest and slightly tucked-up belly. Short coat of this breed is wiry, dense and close-fitting. It comes in golden rust colour with possible different shades.

This breed is recognized by AKC, FCI, CKC and KC(UK) as well as many other clubs and registries.

Color

The WHV dog is found in uniform gold colour with various shades. A small white on chest or throat, as well as white markings on toes are accepted.

Coat

The coat is short, wiry, dense and close-fitting. This water repellent coat provides the dog necessary protection in very harsh cold conditions.

Personality

Undoubtedly an excellent pointing and exceptional retrieving dog, the WHV is equally prized for its level and balanced personality. Lively and very affectionate, this breed makes very playful and extremely gentle playmate of children. It is human oriented and thrives on attention; lack of which may lead to destructive or depressed behavior. Same is true of Exercise. This high energy dog needs lots of mental and physical stimulation. The WHV love to be around their master and family most of the time. They are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive dogs that do not take well to harsh handling. While having above average trainability qualities, these dogs can be stubborn and need firm and consistent owner who can use positive and firm methods to train this dog. Fearless and brave, this breed has well developed protecting instincts and will make very good and dependable watch and guard dogs. The Wirehaired Vizsla loves water and will enjoy swimming if provided the opportunity. It is a very good choice as a multipurpose dog who can be a great hunter, retriever, watch and guard dog as well as very loving and tractable family companion.

Care

The wiry coat of this breed needs brushing with firm bristle brush to keep it clean. This breed should be bathed when necessary.

Training

They are dogs with above average trainability. Very tractable and eager to please, these dogs will thrive on positive training methods; that accompany lots of praise and appreciation. This sensitive breed will not tolerate harsh training methods. If subjected to harsh reprimand, they can easily get damaged.

Activity

Thirty to sixty minutes off leash exercise in a large area is what this dog will love most. This high energy dog needs to release its pent up energies and exercise is the best way to do that. An under exercised WHV will become destructive.