Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
The Wirehaired Vizsla is not just a variety of the smooth coated Vizsla, because it is a separate purebred breed, but they are close relatives. It is because the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in 1930s from the original Vizsla and German Wirehaired Pointer. The two men who are credited for developing this breed are Vasas Joszef and Gresznarik Laszlo. The reason of developing a new breed was a need of hungarian hunters and falconers for a dog similar to Vizsla, but with denser coat and sturdier frame.
2) Utilization
The Wirehaired Vizsla is just amazing versatile hunting breed, capable of hunting in the field, forest or water. Their main skills are excellent sense of smell, amazing retrieving and pointing ability, high prey drive and absolute determination to the hunt. These dogs are able to hunt in very difficult terrain or in extreme weather conditions without any problems. It is no wonder, that even today, the Wirehaired Vizsla is very often used for this utilization.
3) Companion
Even though, these dogs were bred for hunt, they are also favourite companion dogs of many many people. It is mostly due to their adaptability, easy going nature, playful, loyal and affectionate temperament. This is also quite intelligent and easily trainable breed. These dogs love its people and want to be around them all they long. It is also very sensitive breed that does not bear rough handling. The Wirehaired Vizsla is typically okay with other dogs in the family and they are good playful partners for older kids. Other household pets might be problematic due to the Vizslas high prey drive, but this can be vastly influenced by early socialization.
4) Exercise
It is important to say, that even though this is trainable, affectionate and loyal breed, it is not a dog for everyone. It is mostly due to their very high energy level and exercise needs. These dogs are workers and they need some job or activity in their daily life that will occupy them physically or mentally. It does not need to be hunting, but you will have to take your Vizsla on long daily walks, hikes or jogs every day. These dogs also love swimming and playing different games such as hide and seek or fetch. These dogs are also great adepts for various dog sports such as agility, obedience trials, dock diving or of course hunting trials. If you will not provide them with enough exercise, they can develop some unwanted behaviour such as destruction.
5) Coat
This dog was bred to have a dense coat that will protect it from bad weather conditions and indeed, the Wirehaired Vizsla has a very dense, close lying, wiry and strong coat. The undercoat is water repellent. This dog is famous for their pronounced eyebrows and harsh beard, which gives them determined and kinda wise expression. The color of this breed is golden sand to russet. They can also have small white marks on the chest and feet.
6) Size
This is very athletic and muscular dog breed with average height between 54-64 cm, which is 21-25 inch and weight is usually between 20-30 kg, which is 45-65 pounds. Females tend to be slightly smaller and lighter than males.
7) Two Vizslas
The obvious difference between the Wirehaired and Smoothhaired Vizsla is the coat. The other, not so obvious difference is the size, because the Wirehaired Vizsla is slightly bigger and stronger in bone. When the first Wirehaired Vizslas were born, their temperament was described identically to the temperament and characteristics of the smooth haired Vizsla, but some people claim, that the Wirehaired Vizsla tend to be little bit more chilled out and calm, but it is still a very lively and active breed. Overall, the difference in temperament of both breeds is not big.​

8) Name
The Wirehaired Vizsla has a very descriptive name. Well, they do have wiry coat and the word Vizsla can can be translated to english as a searcher or tracker, which is describing their utilization perfectly.

9) Maintenance
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a so called wash and wear dog, meaning they do not need almost no grooming and they will keep their coat in great condition. You can brush their coat to remove any dirt, loose and dead hair and minimize the shedding. Other than that, you should also regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.

10) Health
The average lifespan of Wirehaired Vizsla is between 12-14 years. For the most part, this is a pretty healthy breed, but of course, they can suffer from some health issues. This breed may be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, dysphagia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy or various eye problems.