Description

The head of the Wirehaired Vizsla is lean and noble. The skull is moderately wide between ears with median line down forehead and a moderate stop. The skull is a little longer than muzzle. Muzzle although tapering, is well squared at the end. The nostrils are well developed, broad and wide. Jaws strong and powerful. Lips covering jaws completely and neither loose nor pendulous. The color of the nose is brown. Eyes are Neither deep nor prominent, of medium size, a shade darker in color than coat. Slightly oval in shape, eyelids fitting tightly. Yellow or black eye undesirable. Ears are moderately low set, proportionately long with a thin skin and hanging down close to cheeks. Rounded "V" shape, not fleshy. The Mouth is sound and strong white teeth. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Full dentition desirable. The neck is strong, smooth and muscular, moderately long, arched and devoid of dewlap. The shoulders are well laid and muscular, elbows close to body and straight, forearm long, pasterns upright. The back level is short, well muscled, withers high. Chest moderately broad and deep with prominent breast bone. Distance from withers to lowest part of chest equal to distance from chest to ground. Ribs well sprung and belly with a slight tuck-up beneath loin. Croup well muscled. Hindquarters are straight when viewed from rear, thighs well developed with moderate angulation, hocks well let down. The feet are round with toes short, arched and tight. Cat-like foot is required, hare foot undesirable. Nails short, strong and a shade darker in color than coat, dewclaws should be removed. The Gait/Movement is graceful, elegant with a lively trot and ground covering gallop. The tail is moderately thick, rather low set, customarily one third docked. When moving carried horizontally. Hair on head short and harsh, longer on muzzle, forming beard. Pronounced eyebrows. Longer and finer on ears. Longer over body, fitting closely to neck and trunk. Short harsh hair fitting closely and smoothly to fore-limbs. Coat color is russet gold. Small white marks on chest and feet should not be penalised.

Origin

The creation of the Wirehaired Vizsla started in the 1930s. It was noticed that some Vizslas had thicker coats which gave them better protection in cover and water. One of these thicker coated bitches was crossed with a German Wirehaired Pointer. The breeder who did this was Mr. Vasas Jozsef. He tried two such matings with the same dog and different bitches. The Wirehaired Vizsla has two cousins, the Smooth be born in both smooth and wire litters, although this is quite a rare occurrence. The longhaired Vizslas are not registered anywhere in the world but there are some to be found in Europe.

Temperament

Lively, gentle mannered and demonstratively affectionate, fearless and with well developed protective instinct. Intelligent, obedient, sensitive, very affectionate and easily trained. Bred for hunting fur and feather, pointing and retrieving from land and water. Loving, demonstrative and gentle, the Vizsla is somewhat willful and distractible, but smart and trainable. This breed needs a patient, firm hand. They are reliable with children, able to adapt quickly to family life, and are generally good with other dogs. Energetic and athletic, the Vizsla must receive sufficient exercise or they may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize this dog well and get him accustomed to noises at an early age. Look for breed lines that are not high-strung or shy. Vizslas are known as chewers. They have many talents such as: tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdogging and competitive obedience.

Height

Height: Dogs 22.5-25 (57-64cm.) Bitches 21-23.5 inches (53-60cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20-27kg.) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25kg.)

Known Health Problems

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Conditions for Living

The Wirehaired Vizsla is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise Requirments

This is an energetic working dog with enormous stamina. They need to be plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Grooming

The Wirehaired coat is harsh, hard, and loose fitting, with no gloss. There is a winter undercoat and the hair forms a brush on the back part of the forelegs. It is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed. These dogs are average shedders.

Group

Gun Dog