Let's talk Wirehaired Vizslas
The hairier cousin of the Vizsla, the Wirehaired variety has all the same great qualities but with a thicker coat and a slightly sturdier frame. A cross between the original Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer, the idea with the Wirehaired Vizsla was to better equip them for the harsh conditions of the Hungarian landscape where they have traditionally been used for hunting. However, the Wirehaired Vizsla makes an equally good companion animal – and, in fact, just like their cousin, they are actually huge softies at heart.
Official name: Wirehaired Vizsla
Other names: Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Hungarian Wire-haired Pointer, Drótzörü Magyar Vizsla
Origins: Hungary
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? | |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| *Energy Level | Moderate (one to three hours daily) | *friendly pet? |  |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
*Can stay alone? | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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59 - 65 cm
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25 - 29.5 kg
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55 - 60 cm
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20 - 25 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age | From 8 years |
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Get to know the Wirehaired Vizsla
All you need to know about the breed
With their beautiful russet-gold coat, bright hazel eyes and broad moustache – not to mention their bushy ‘eyebrows’ – the Wirehaired Vizsla certainly has bags of character. As well as their distinguished good looks, they have a lovely temperament, too. Very affectionate dogs, Wirehaired Vizslas form deep bonds with their human family.
A cross between the original Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer, the Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in the 1930s. In their native homeland of Hungary, the Vizsla has traditionally been used for hunting – specifically pointing and retrieving – and it was felt they needed better protection from the tough terrain and cold climate. The main difference, therefore, is the dense, wiry coat of the Wirehaired Vizsla. They also have a slightly bulkier frame.
Although some say the Wirehaired Vizsla is the calmer of the two breeds, they nonetheless have an abundance of energy, endless stamina and a very playful way about them. As such, they require an active, outdoorsy owner who is able to keep up with these tireless tail-waggers. Overall, though, the Wirehaired Vizsla makes a brilliant companion – and, in fact, so attached are they to their people that they are sometimes dubbed the “Velcro Vizsla”, much like their short-haired cousin.
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2 facts about Wirehaired Vizslas
1. A jolly good sport
Just like their cousin, the original Vizsla, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a breed that can run very quickly – up to 40mph (64km per hour) – placing them among the world’s top 10 fastest dogs. They are also excellent swimmers, can do well at canine sports such as agility, obedience and field trials, and can even make good therapy dogs. So, a consummate all-rounder.
2. Hair of the dog
One of the main differences between the two Vizslas is their coat. In the case of the Wirehaired Vizsla, their fur is coarser, spikier and more wiry, and they also have a dense undercoat that gets thicker in the winter. They have more facial hair, too, with the tufts on their muzzle appearing to form a moustache and beard, along with what look to us like ‘eyebrows’ but are actually just their brow ridge.
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History of the breed
Hailing from Hungary, the history of the original Vizsla breed dates back more than a thousand years. At that time, the Magyar people settled in the region and either brought hunting dogs with them or developed them from the local breeds. These became the ancestors of the modern-day Vizsla.
However, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a more recent addition. With all the good traits of the original Vizsla, the idea was to better equip them for outdoor life in the Hungarian countryside. So, in the 1930s, the Vizsla was crossed with the German Wirehaired Pointer – and possibly other breeds such as the Irish Setter – and the Wirehaired Vizsla was the result. A sturdier, spikier version, the breed was recognised in Europe by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1963.
Today, the Wirehaired Vizsla has a loyal and devoted following of their own, both in Hungary and beyond. Although still relatively rare, even in their native homeland, they also have a presence in some other countries, including in the US after being introduced there in the 1970s. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised the breed in 2014.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Wirehaired Vizslas
1. Body
Muscular, lean body with powerful limbs and medium tail.
2. Coat
Wiry, dense double-coat ranging from russet-red to sandy gold.
3. Head
Slightly domed head with blunt muzzle, oval ears and prevalent facial hair.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Wirehaired Vizsla
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Caring for your Wirehaired Vizslas
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Despite their thick, wiry coat, with its dense, water-repellent undercoat, the Wirehaired Vizsla is quite low maintenance grooming-wise. A gentle brush once or twice a week, along with the occasional bath, should do the trick. The Wirehaired Vizsla is not an especially high-shedding breed either. However, they will need their teeth brushed daily (or as often as possible…), claws clipped as required and ears checked regularly. In terms of how much exercise they need, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a high-energy breed – and, while they are usually calm at home, this does depend on them having at least one to three hours of physical activity every day. This should include the chance to run freely as well as long daily walks and playtime. The Wirehaired Vizsla enjoys swimming, too, and can do well in canine sports. Eager to please, the Wirehaired Vizsla is usually a pleasure in terms of training. However, as they can also be very sensitive, patience and praise should be the order of the day. Early socialisation and puppy-training classes are recommended for your Wirehaired Vizsla.
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All about Wirehaired Vizslas
Although they have traditionally been used for hunting, Wirehaired Vizslas make equally good companion animals – as long as they get plenty of exercise that is. This is a breed that forms a deeply strong attachment to their human families and, once trained and socialised, the Wirehaired Vizsla is usually great with children too. However, little ones should always be supervised – as with any breed. Also, be careful to keep smaller pets away.
Unfortunately, while they are much in demand, Wirehaired Vizslas remain quite hard to come by. According to one relatively recent estimate, even in their native Hungary there are only some 30 litters a year being registered annually. While the Wirehaired Vizsla can be found in other countries too, such as in the UK and the US, they remain fairly uncommon there as well.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/