Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting breed. The Wirehaired Vizsla comes from Hungary. Individual Wirehaired Vizslas vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Hungary
- Height
- Males
About the Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting breed. It stands 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Overview
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla [ a ] ( Hungarian : Drótszőrű magyar vizsla ) or Hungarian Wirehaired Pointer is a Hungarian breed of pointer dog . It is a versatile hunting dog that was traditionally and currently used to hunt, point, and retrieve , referring to the dog''s natural ability in tracking , pointing , and retrieving game .
History
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is a completely separate breed from the more commonly known shorthaired Vizsla . The Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in the 1930s, initially by Vasas Jozsef, owner of the Csabai vizsla kennel along with Gresznarik Laszlo, who owned the de Selle German Wirehaired Pointer kennel. Their aim was to produce a dog that combined the color of the Vizsla with a heavier coat, and a more substantial frame, better suited for working in cold weather and retrieving from icy water. Two Vizsla bitches (Zsuzsi and Csibi), both of whom combined excellent pedigrees with good working ability, were selected to breed with a totally liver colored German Wirehaired Pointer sire (Astor von Potat). Zsuzsi''s sire was known to have offspring with longer coats. The best of Zsuzsi''s and Csibi''s offspring were selected and bred together and Dia de Selle, the first WHV to be exhibited, was born. She had the same body as the shorthaired vizsla, but her head was the shape of the German Wirehaired Pointer. While her coat was not rough and thick enough, she was the promising beginning of the creation of the new breed. After Jozef and Laszlo, Koloman Slimák worked on creating a Wirehaired Vizsla in Slovakia. It is suggested [ according to whom? ] that he added infusion of Irish Setter and Pointer in addition to German Wirehaired Pointer into his own line of smooth-haired Vizslas. Other anecdotal evidence suggests that Pudelpointer , Bloodhound and Irish Setter blood were added during the period of the Second World War when many other Hungarian kennels became involved in the development of the breed. It has also previously, but incorrectly been suggested [ according to whom? ] that the breed was created by backbreeding of smooth Vizsla''s most heavily coated offspring. In 2009, there were approximately 400-450 Wirehaired Vizslas in the US and between 2,500 and 3,000 worldwide.
Recognition
The Wire-haired Vizsla was recognized in Europe by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale under the Hungarian standard in 1963 as the Drótszőrű Magyar Vizsla. Introduced to North America in the 1970s , the breed was first recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1977 and North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association in 1986. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. It was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 2007. The breed was admitted into AKC ''s Foundation Stock Service Program in 2008. Effective January 1, 2009, the Wirehaired Vizsla became eligible to compete in AKC Companion and Performance events. The Wirehaired Vizsla was permitted to show in conformation in the AKC Miscellaneous Class starting January 1, 2011. They joined the Sporting Group and became a fully recognized breed on July 2, 2014. The breed is also recognized in North America by the American Rare Breed Association and the Field Dog Stud Book registries.
Temperament
The Wirehaired Vizsla is often viewed as an affectionate breed that bonds well with people. The breed has a level personality making them suited for families.
Characteristics
The Wirehaired Vizsla is of medium size, with the withers height for dogs usually in the range 58 to 64 cm and that for bitches some 4 cm less.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Wirehaired Vizsla?
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a withers height of 58-64 cm for males and 54-60 cm for females. They have a distinctive wire-haired coat and are known for their athletic build, energetic personality, and strong hunting instincts. They are a versatile breed, well-suited for active families and hunters.
Is the Wirehaired Vizsla a good family dog?
Wirehaired Vizslas are a social breed that thrive on interaction and attention. They are generally good with children, especially if socialized from an early age. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are best suited for active families who can provide the necessary attention and exercise.
What health problems do Wirehaired Vizslas have?
Wirehaired Vizslas are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and certain types of cancer. A life expectancy of 12.92 years has been reported in a UK breed club survey, but regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Wirehaired Vizsla puppy cost?
The cost of a Wirehaired Vizsla puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between £800-£1,500 (approximately $1,000-$2,000 USD) for a puppy from a reputable breeder. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
Where do Wirehaired Vizslas come from?
The Wirehaired Vizsla comes from Hungary. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Wirehaired Vizsla, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.