The Wirehaired Vizsla is an exuberant hunter on land or lake, whose dense, wiry coat distinguishes him from his close cousin, the Vizsla. Calm and gentle around the house, these upbeat Hungarians like running, swimming, and upbeat play.
Strong, versatile and intensely loyal, the Wirehaired Vizsla makes an ideal companion for active outdoorsy people who have time and energy to spare. These smart, gentle, affectionate animals quickly become devoted to their owners. In the field, they are exuberant, willing and tireless. In the home, however, they are calm and steady, preferring to snuggle under the covers with their owner rather than being confined in a crate. The breed is typically outgoing and friendly, but not overly pushy. Wirehaired Vizslas are rarely timid or shy. They are not known as an aggressive breed, although they can be expected to take a stand if challenged. WHVs bond strongly with their people and characteristically are great with children and other pets. They can have a stubborn streak and be a bit aloof with strangers, although usually it doesn’t take long for them to warm up. With plenty of activity and affection, the Wirehaired Vizsla’s cheerfulness and overall good-nature will surely shine. The personality traits of this breed, together with its instinctive hunting talents, make it an excellent choice for double-duty as a working gundog and family pet.
The Wirehaired Vizsla should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).All high-energy sporting breeds require a nutrient-dense diet when they are working. This food is very different from the food they will need as a puppy, or as a sedentary pet, or at various other stages of life. WVs are very food oriented, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is something of a “wash and wear” dog, requiring only minimal grooming to maintain them in good condition. Wiping them down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient in between baths. Using a grooming mitt or shedding knife on their coat during shedding season can help keep down the amount of hair they shed in your home. Toenails should be trimmed every four weeks. Most people find it easiest to do this while the dog is in a tub for his monthly bath. A dental care regimen should be begun at an early age to avoid issues later in life.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a high-energy dog who needs a lot of exercise. They love being around their people and are happiest doing things together. This makes the breed a great candidate as a canine partner for owners who love to hike, bicycle, or jog. It is imperative that they have opportunities to run freely—preferably in a securely fenced area, as their hunting instinct is very strong, and the dog will not be able to resist the urge to pursue prey.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a generally healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hyperuricosuria (susceptibility to kidney and bladder stones), elbow and hip dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
The origins of dogs developed in the 20th century are much better documented than older breeds, so we know in detail of how WVs were created in the 1930s. But here’s the short version: Hungarian hunters and falconers wanted a dog with the same drive and versatility of their beloved Vizslas, but with a sturdier frame and a denser coat, the better to work on punishing terrain and in cold weather. They achieved this by judicious crosses of Vizslas and German Wirehaired Pointers.