Wirehaired Vizsla

also known as Drótszőrű magyar vizsla, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

Pros Summary


The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized, sporting dog breed that originated in Hungary. They were originally bred as a hunting dog for upland game and retrievers. The breed's name "Wirehaired Vizsla" comes from its wiry coat and its origin as a Vizsla breed. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2013.

Breed Information


Type

Is Wirehaired Vizsla a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Wirehaired Vizsla name? How do you say Wirehaired Vizslas?

Wirehaired VEESH-la

Purpose

What were Wirehaired Vizslas originally used for?

falconry, trailing

Lifespan

How Long Do Wirehaired Vizslas Live? What is average life expectancy for a Wirehaired Vizsla? How long can Wirehaired Vizslas live?

12-14 years

The average Wirehaired Vizsla lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Wirehaired Vizsla Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Wirehaired Vizsla?

What is the average height of a Wirehaired Vizsla? How big is a Purebred Wirehaired Vizsla height? Wirehaired Vizsla dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
Female 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Wirehaired Vizsla? How much should Wirehaired Vizslas weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 45-60 pounds (20 - 27 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 9.5 pounds (4 kg)
Female 40-55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 9.5 pounds (4 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Wirehaired Vizslas get fat easily?

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Wirehaired Vizslas Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Wirehaired Vizsla is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Wirehaired Vizsla personality? What are Wirehaired Vizsla dogs best known for?

Friendly
Intelligent
Going
Loving
Loyal
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Wirehaired Vizslas heavy shedders? How Much Does a Wirehaired Vizsla Shed?

Wirehaired Vizsla will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Wirehaired Vizsla dog?

Wirehaired Vizslas are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Wirehaired Vizsla is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Wirehaired Vizslas come from?

Hungary

Ancestry

What are Wirehaired Vizslas descended from?

turkish yellow dog, transylvania hound, weimaraner

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Wirehaired Vizsla breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Rare Breed Association

Date of Birth

When were Wirehaired Vizslas first bred? How old is the Wirehaired Vizsla breed?

middle ages

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Wirehaired Vizsla?

Sporting (AKC:2014)

Wirehaired Vizsla Appearance


Litter Size

How many puppies can a Wirehaired Vizsla have in a litter? How many puppies can a Wirehaired Vizsla have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Wirehaired Vizsla can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Wirehaired Vizslas are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Wirehaired Vizsla Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Wirehaired Vizslas have a lot of health problems?

The Wirehaired Vizsla is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Wirehaired Vizsla?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Wirehaired Vizslas?

Hip Dysplasia
Hemophilia A

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Wirehaired Vizsla breed?

Blood
Blood Test
Hips
X-Rays

Wirehaired Vizsla Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Wirehaired Vizslas have a lot of energy?

Wirehaired Vizslas are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Wirehaired Vizslas need socialization? How social are Wirehaired Vizslas?

The Wirehaired Vizsla dog has below average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be independent and aloof, and they are content with spending time alone and not requiring as much interaction and companionship as other breeds.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Wirehaired Vizslas get?

The Wirehaired Vizsla dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Wirehaired Vizsla have? Do Wirehaired Vizslas sleep a lot?

Wirehaired Vizslas are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Wirehaired Vizsla drool a lot?

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Wirehaired Vizslas are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Wirehaired Vizslas exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Wirehaired Vizslas mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Wirehaired Vizsla running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Wirehaired Vizsla dogs have a high prey drive?

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Wirehaired Vizsla?

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Costs


Wirehaired Vizsla Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Wirehaired Vizsla?

The Wirehaired Vizsla have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Wirehaired Vizslas lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Wirehaired Vizsla dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Wirehaired Vizsla dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Wirehaired Vizsla do well in apartments? Are Wirehaired Vizslas good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Wirehaired Vizsla in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Wirehaired Vizslas living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Wirehaired Vizslas good with kids? Are Wirehaired Vizslas good around children?

Wirehaired Vizslas are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Wirehaired Vizslas good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Wirehaired Vizslas good with cats? How friendly Wirehaired Vizslas are toward cats?

Wirehaired Vizslas are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Wirehaired Vizsla dogs get along with other dogs? Are Wirehaired Vizslas OK with other dogs?

Wirehaired Vizslas are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Wirehaired Vizsla dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Wirehaired Vizslas friendly with strangers?

Wirehaired Vizslas are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Wirehaired Vizslas like to play? Are Wirehaired Vizslas playful?

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Wirehaired Vizsla is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Wirehaired Vizsla easily trained?

Wirehaired Vizsla dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligence
    Wirehaired Vizslas are highly intelligent and trainable.
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't bark, this one could be a good choice as they're known for being quiet.
  • Versatility
    They excel in a variety of activities such as hunting, agility, and obedience.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed is well-adapted for the demands of therapy dog work.
  • Boat Dog
    The Wirehaired Vizsla breed generally has a fondness for being on boats.
  • Loyal
    They are loyal and protective of their families.

Cons

  • Coat Care
    They have a thick, wiry coat that requires regular grooming to maintain.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Wirehaired Vizslas may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Wirehaired Vizsla breeds may not do well in a domestic setting.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Wirehaired Vizslas are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Energy
    They have a high energy level and require regular exercise.