Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

Leah" resides in the US, imported from the Netherlands. She is currently the top producing dam in the US, with 6 champion offspring in two litters, as of 2007. Photo with thanks to "Leah" owners Carolyn DeFiore and Bob Borowski of Vidor Wire-Haired Vizslas in Michigan. www.wirehairedvizslas.com

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Origin / History The Hungarian Vizsla is a breed of pointing dog used in ancient Hungary for rat hunting purposes. It was bred from a variety of toy dogs brought by the Magyars, the goal being a sturdy, hardworking dog with the sharp senses of a skilled vermin hunter. Its name means “alert and responsive,” the traits that make up the ideal pointer. Over the years, it also took on the role of family companion and retriever.

Although the earliest record dates back to 1357, it is believed that the Vizsla has existed as early as the 9th century. However, it did not gain much ground even in its home country and has faced near-extinction more than once in its history. It did give rise to several other breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Weimaranan, and it is believed that these breeds were used to revive the Vizsla. In the 1930s a different breed, the Wirehaired Vizsla, was created from the original stock. The breed is now known in show circles as the Short-Haired Vizsla to distinguish from its younger cousin.

Appearance The Vizsla is a lean, long-legged dog with a slim head and short, single-layer coat. Its ears are long with rounded tips, set rather low and hanging close to the dog’s cheeks. The eyes are usually dark and set off by a prominent brow. Its tail is also low-set and often docked to about one-third the original length. Its feet are noticeably cat-like, a product of its long hunting ancestry.

Colours The Vizsla’s coat should be golden rust or russet gold; light to dark shades are acceptable. They may be a small white spot on the chest and white markings on the toes.

Temperament Vizslas are lively and playful, but gentle-mannered when indoors. They are very affectionate and will not hesitate to show it: they’ll snuggle up to their owners and go great lengths to please people they love. They can also be a bit sensitive, so owners should never raise their voice or leave the dog alone for long. Some lines tend to be high-strung, but this can usually be corrected with proper training.

Height and Weight Males usually stand 22 to 24 inches at the withers, and females 21 to 23 inches. Ideal weight is 45 to 60 pounds for males and 40 to 55 pounds for females.

Common Health Problems Vizslas are generally healthy, but due to limited breeding, some lines are sicklier than others. Hip dysplasia, digestive problems, allergies, and hypothyroidism are some of the most common concerns. There is also a high incidence of ectropion (eyelids curling outward) and entropion (eyelids curling inward).

Living Conditions Although built for the outdoors, Vizslas prefer to stay in the house and will make excellent apartment dogs. Ideally, though, there should be at least a small yard where they can satisfy their hunting instincts. Yards should be well-fenced as these dogs can wander off to follow interesting scents. Because of their thin coats, Vizslas are easily affected by hot and cold weather. They should sleep indoors and get ample protection during harsh weather.

Exercise Requirements Like most working dogs, the Vizsla is very energetic and needs a lot of exercise. Besides the daily walk or run, they should get plenty of play time and run off the leash in a fenced area once in a while. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise tend to be restless and may even be destructive.

Training Requirements Vizslas are very trainable. They learn fast and are open to new ideas, especially when trained young. Almost any kind of training will work for this breed, from simple catch and retrieve to shows and competitive obedience.

Life Expectancy Vizslas live an average of 12 to 15 years.

Grooming Vizslas don’t need much grooming, but their skin is prone to infection because of their thin coats. Occasional rubbing and gentle brushing should be enough to maintain the coat. Use mild soaps or dry shampoo during baths.

Famous Examples

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Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
Alma at 4 months old	Alma "on point" at 2 years old.
Zöldmáli Alma is international work and beauty champion Wirehaired Hungarian Vizsla bitch. Currently the most successful working Wirehaired Vizsla ever existed all over the World. She was the European Winner of 2007 too.
Photos and information with thanks to Zsófi, www.zoldmali.hu

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
	UKC TAN, UKC CH. Zoldmali Ivan, NAVHDA NA, CGC "Ivan" was imported to the US from Zoldmali Kennels in Hungary. He is the first Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla to obtain the TAN (UKC Natural Ability certification) in the USA. "Ivan" carries the tradition of the Zoldmali kennels and his ancestors by being correct in conformation, temperament and natural hunting ability. "Ivan" is owned by Carolyn DeFiore and Bob Borowski of Michigan USA.
Photos with thanks to Carolyn DeFiore and Bob Borowski of Vidor Wire-Haired Vizslas in Michigan. www.wirehairedvizslas.com