Wirehaired VizslaCharacteristics, history, training and care
Wirehaired Vizsla. · Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Wirehaired Vizsla (Drótszőrű magyar vizsla) is a golden-rust Hungarian pointing dog with a wiry coat, beard and eyebrows, more robust than the Smooth-haired Vizsla. The FCI standard describes it as affectionate and intelligent, self-assured and easy to train, but it does not tolerate harsh treatment; it keeps in touch with its owner and searches for game with passion.
Quick facts
| Common name | Wirehaired Vizsla (Drótszőrű magyar vizsla) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Hungary |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 27 March 1963 (group 7, pointing dogs; standard no. 239); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 58–64 cm at the withers; 25–29 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 54–60 cm at the withers; 20–25 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Wiry, close-lying, 2–3 cm, with a dense, waterproof undercoat |
| Common colours | Golden rust, dark sandy gold |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with a great deal of exercise |
| Temperament | Affectionate, intelligent, self-assured, keen |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, eye diseases |
History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed was created in the 1930s by crossing the Smooth-haired Vizsla with the German Wirehaired Pointer, and that its breed characteristics are identical to those of the Smooth-haired Vizsla.
Wikipedia says the breed was developed by Vasas József, owner of the “Csabai” Vizsla kennel, together with Gresznarik László, who had a kennel of German Wirehaired Pointers. Wikipedia stresses that it is a completely separate breed from the Smooth-haired Vizsla.
How the breed developed
- 1930s – Vasas József and Gresznarik László create the breed.
- 27 March 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 2000 – The current FCI standard.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Independence | ★★★★★ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★★ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★★ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★★ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a lively, golden-rust hunting dog, lean and dry, but more robust than the Smooth-haired Vizsla. Its appearance shows its qualities as a versatile pointing dog: stamina, working ability and an easily satisfied nature.
General appearance
The coat is wiry, close-lying, strong, dense and without lustre, with a topcoat of 2–3 cm and a dense, water-repellent undercoat. On the lower legs, chest and belly the hair is shorter and softer. The eyebrows and beard give it a lively expression.
| Feature | Wirehaired Vizsla |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height at the withers | males: 58–64 cm; females: 54–60 cm |
| Weight | 20–29 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Wiry, with a beard |
| Colour | Golden rust |
| Type | Pointing dog |
The standard accepts various shades of golden rust and dark sandy gold (“semmelgelb”). A small white patch on the chest or throat, no more than 5 cm across, and white on the toes are not faults.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as affectionate and intelligent, self-assured and easy to train, but it does not tolerate harsh treatment. It keeps in touch with its owner and searches for game with passion.
The AKC gives it the top score for ease of training, playfulness and need for mental stimulation. It needs an active owner who gives it work to do.
Tips for effective training
- Be gentle. It does not tolerate harshness.
- Give it a job. It needs stimulation.
- Use rewards. It is easy to train.
- Let it swim. It is bred to work in water too.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The standard says it must work in the field, in the forest and in water. The AKC gives it the top score for energy, so it needs serious daily exercise and activities for the mind.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Running or long walks | daily | Energy |
| Swimming and retrieving | weekly | Instinct |
| Hunting or dog sports | weekly | A busy mind |
Tips for a balanced life
- Suited to very active owners.
- Do not leave it alone for long.
- Check the ears often.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The wiry coat should be brushed once a week; the AKC gives it 1 out of 5 for grooming needs. The beard should be wiped after meals, and the ears checked regularly.
Common health problems
The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but the following can occur:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Eye diseases | Inherited conditions | Poor vision |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' hip tests.
- Clean the ears regularly.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
An active hunting dog needs good-quality food adapted to its workload.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
| 29 kg | 1,400 kcal | 1,570 kcal | 350–450 g |
- Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Made from two breeds. The Smooth-haired Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer.
- A separate breed. It is not just a variety of the Vizsla.
- A waterproof coat. The undercoat repels water.
- More robust. Than the Smooth-haired Vizsla.
- Easily satisfied. The standard praises its nature.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from the Vizsla?
Its wiry coat, beard and more robust build.
Is it good with children?
Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.
What colour is it?
Golden rust.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–14 years.
