Wirehaired Vizsla

Looking for an active companion who enjoys nature and has a lively spirit? A Wirehaired Vizsla might be just what you need. These dogs are full of love and excitement, making them a perfect match for a busy family.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Golden rust in varying shades
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
22 to 25 inches
Type
Gun Dog
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
40 to 60 pounds
Family

Personality

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a vibrant and energetic breed that brings joy and affection to those who can dedicate time and care to them. These dogs thrive on activity, love to learn, and enjoy training as long as it’s enjoyable and rewarding. They are attentive and often show a natural instinct to protect their families. They form strong connections with their owners and dislike being left by themselves.

History

The age of the Vizsla breed has sparked a lot of debate. Many believe it closely resembles the Weimaraner, with some suggesting that the Vizsla was created by mixing the Weimaraner with different pointers in the 20th century. On the other hand, Hungarian breeders argue that the Vizsla is the older breed, claiming there are records of them from the 11th and 12th centuries. These dogs were used for hunting alongside the Magyars and their falcons. This perspective is likely the more accurate one, indicating that Vizslas have been aiding Hungarian hunters for centuries. However, during the early 20th century, when the breed faced challenges, pointers were added to the breeding program to help preserve and strengthen the Vizsla population.

Ideal Owner

Owners of Wirehaired Vizslas need to get ready for plenty of outdoor activities and training sessions. These dogs are suited for life in the countryside. While they are strong and have great endurance, they can be sensitive and may struggle in busy city settings. They are smart and flexible, able to learn and perform any task you teach them.

Exercise Needs

The Wirehaired Vizsla requires regular physical activity every day. True to their history as hunters and retrievers, they particularly enjoy games that involve fetching, especially in water. It's important for them to have ample time to run freely and explore without a leash.

Space Requirements

Wirehaired Vizslas struggle in city settings. These are big, energetic dogs that thrive in rural areas where they have plenty of room to move around, both indoors and outdoors.

Training

Wirehaired Vizslas love to work alongside their owners and thrive in training that is enjoyable and rewarding. They can achieve a high level of obedience and are eager to participate in dog sports like agility. However, they may occasionally seem unresponsive, especially when something thrilling, like a squirrel, grabs their attention. Therefore, teaching them a reliable recall is essential.

Grooming

The thin coat is simple to look after and needs minimal upkeep. Aim to brush it once a week and look for any swellings, bruises, or injuries they may have gotten.

Suitability for Family Life

Wirehaired Vizslas are excellent pets for energetic families with older kids who enjoy spending time outside and going for long walks.

Did You know?

Wirehaired Vizsla dogs were first used for hunting with falcons. It is said that they still have a natural connection to birds of prey.

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Need to Know

Suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Minimal drool
Requires grooming every other day
Quiet dog