Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
A rugged, wire-coated version of the Vizsla with the same affection for its people and plenty of stamina.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 58–64 cm · Females 54–60 cm
- Weight
- Males 25–32 kg · Females 22–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–150 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Wire-haired, short
- Colours
- Gold, Red
- Bred for
- Pointing, Retrieving, Water work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Hungary
- FCI
- Group 7, no. 239 · Pointing dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 5/5 – Very high |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- run, hike or hunt regularly
- want a dog that stays close to you
- like a weatherproof, low-fuss coat
Think twice if you …
- work long hours away from home
- live in a small flat with little access to open ground
- want an independent, aloof dog
Care
Temperament
Affectionate, sensitive and very people-oriented. It is lively outdoors and usually gentle indoors once tired.
Exercise
Needs at least one and a half hours of real exercise daily. Running, hiking, field trials, swimming and scent work are all good outlets.
Grooming
The wiry coat needs a weekly brush and occasional hand-stripping of loose hair. Shedding is modest and it dries fairly quickly.
Training
Learns quickly and wants to please, but is sensitive to harsh handling. Keep sessions positive and varied, with plenty of recall practice.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia and some eye problems are the main concerns, as in many gundogs. Ask the breeder for hip and elbow scores and recent eye examination results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in Hungary in the 1930s by hunters who wanted a Vizsla with a tougher coat for cold weather, water and thick cover. Smooth Vizslas were crossed mainly with German Wirehaired Pointers, giving a slightly heavier dog with a harsh coat, beard and eyebrows.
Living with one is a lot like living with a smooth Vizsla: it is very attached to its family, likes to be close and needs a great deal of exercise. Without enough running and things to do it can become restless or vocal. Given a busy, outdoor life it is affectionate, sensitive and good company.
Did you know?
The breed was created by crossing smooth Vizslas mainly with German Wirehaired Pointers to cope with harsher hunting conditions.