Hailing from Hungary, the Wirehaired Vizsla temperament is gentle, loyal, and smart.
The Wirehaired Vizsla – also known as the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla – was developed by hunters and falconers in the 1930s.
They wanted a sturdy dog with a wiry, tough coat – as opposed to the smooth coat of the traditional Vizsla – that could withstand the harsh field conditions and winter weather in northern Hungary.
Today, the Wirehaired Vizsla spends their days as a family companion.
Wirehaired Vizsla Temperament and Personality
They are extremely easygoing.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is known for his calm and gentle demeanor.
However, you can only enjoy this personality trait if you give him the exercise he needs. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a distressed, high-strung Wirehaired Vizsla who will look for any means necessary to release his pent-up energy. This, of course, often results in the destruction of your home and property.
He is very easygoing.
Though he is not timid – not by a long shot! The Wirehaired Vizsla is very outgoing and eager to make new friends.
They can pick favorites.
Wirehaired Vizslas are generally personable with their family members, but they tend to pick one person out as their favorite.
They’re wary of strangers.
Around strangers, the Wirehaired Vizsla dog can be aloof, as he is protective of their family. It doesn’t last long, though. He tends to warm up pretty quickly, once he realizes that his masters approve of the stranger.
He can, however, make a pretty good guard dog if he senses his masters are afraid of an oncoming stranger. He can turn from an affectionate family dog to a bodyguard in no time flat!
However, it is very rare that the Wirehaired Vizsla will become aggressive. The only reason this could happen is if he senses an immediate threat to himself or his family, or if another dog challenges him to a fight and he accepts the challenge.
Wirehaired Vizslas are great with children.
This breed is well-known for being excellent with children – making them a near perfect family dog. But, because of their size, they should always be supervised around young children.
Older children are better equipped to handle the energy level of the Wirehaired Vizsla. For instance, you really wouldn’t want to unleash this dog around a toddler for fear that someone is going to accidentally get hurt.
What’s really great about the Wirehaired Vizsla is that, because he has such a high energy level, he can match kids toe-for-toe when it comes to playtime. They can be out in the yard, playing for hours – which allows you to get some much-needed work and housework done!
Great with other pets.
Wirehaired Vizslas are also great with other animals – especially when raised together. Be careful around smaller animals, though, due to their hunting origin.
While cats may be okay, you should probably stay on the safe side and keep the Wirehaired Vizsla away from super-small animals, like hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits.
They are clever and expressive.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is an upbeat dog with a clever personality. While they can be stubborn, it’s hard to get mad at them when their expressive personality shines through!
Not made for apartment life.
This is not a breed that does well in apartments. They are high-energy and need room to run around in a securely fenced yard.
How Do You Train a Wirehaired Vizsla?
The Wirehaired Vizsla temperament is lively and intelligent.
They are eager to please but get bored easily – so keep training sessions fun and short.
Most importantly, you must remember that this is a breed who needs to know that you are in charge, not him. A lot of breeds are like this.
If he thinks he’s ruling the roost, then he’ll walk all over you, and then it’ll be much harder to train him. Establish early on that you are the leader of his “pack,” and you two will enjoy a less-strained relationship.
Use positive reinforcement as Wirehaired Vizslas are sensitive and do not respond to harsh training methods.
Use lots of praise, treats, and affections – avoid using loud or harsh tones or your efforts will be counterproductive.
Wirehaired Vizsla’s are quick learners and have fantastic memories – once they have a command down, they won’t forget it.
And, early socialization will ensure your Wirehaired Vizsla puppy grows into that happy, affectionate adult.
On that note, start training your Wirehaired Vizsla the moment you bring him home. He’s like a little kid in that he’s a sponge, perfectly capable of understanding you and what you want from him even at a young age. It’s never too early to help him establish positive patterns that will last him a lifetime.
Finding the Perfect Wirehaired Vizsla
Are you convinced the Wirehaired Vizsla is perfect for you? Now it’s time to decide whether you would like to adopt or purchase a Wirehaired Vizsla for sale from a breeder.
A Wirehaired Vizsla for sale from a breeder is purebred and more expensive than one from a rescue organization.
Additionally, breeders sell Wirehaired Vizsla puppies whereas rescue organizations typically have adults available for adoption.
Consider your lifestyle before getting a puppy. Do you have the time to train, and socialize a puppy? If not, perhaps adopting an adult dog is a better option.
To find your perfect Wirehaired Vizsla, check out the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America. They have information on breeders and rescue organizations.
Wirehaired Vizsla Puppies for Sale
Purebred Wirehaired Vizsla puppies for sale will cost between $800-$1000.
The Wirehaired Vizsla cost depends on litter availability (the average litter size is between 6-10 puppies), location, and bloodline.
Wirehaired Vizsla price for adoption will cost between $150-$500 depending on the rescue organization.
Wirehaired Vizsla Rescue and Adoption
If you weighed the options and decide adoption is best for you, you can find information at the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America. Or, you can contact your local or nearby rescue organization to inquire if they any Wirehaired Vizsla’s available.
Wirehaired Vizsla rescue is great for families who are looking for an adult dog with basic training under their belt.
Adults don’t require as much time, patience, and attention as puppies; a perfect companion for busy families.
Wirehaired Vizsla Breeders
If rescue isn’t for you, you can go the breeder route. A great place to start your search for Wirehaired Vizsla breeders is the AKC Marketplace. Here, you can find breeders based on your location, whether they are of distinction, and if they have litters available.
Take your time when researching and choosing a breeder. Not all Wirehaired Vizsla breeders are reputable.
A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed, have a clean and sanitized kennel space, and be able to answer your questions.
Breeders should also ask you questions in return to determine if the Wirehaired Vizsla is the right dog for you.
Caring for a Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla weighs between 45-55 pounds, depending on the sex. Males stand between 23-25 inches while females stand between 21.5-23 inches tall.
Wirehaired Vizslas can live between 12 and 14 years.
Often, the life expectancy depends on his genetics, but you can do your part too by getting him the exercise he needs and feeding him a proper diet.
Don’t allow him to become overweight, as obesity comes with its own set of what are, frankly, preventable health problems.
How Do You Groom a Wirehaired Vizsla?
If you look at the Wirehaired Vizsla vs. Vizsla are very similar but the Wirehaired Vizsla is distinguished by their wiry, tough coat.
These dogs require minimal grooming – including occasional brushing. A wipe down with a damp cloth in between bathes is enough to keep their coat in tip-top shape.
Wirehaired Vizsla shedding is light and they are considered hypoallergenic. They will need a grooming mitt during shedding season to avoid leaving clumps of hair in your house.
Be sure to trim his toenails every 4 weeks. If you don’t regularly trim them, then it becomes uncomfortable for him to walk – which makes getting that exercise he so desperately needs a whole lot harder.
You should also start brushing his teeth when he’s a puppy and continue a regular weekly regimen over the course of the dog’s life. If you wait until he’s older to start, then he may not liking you playing around inside his mouth and simply won’t let you do what you need to do to keep him healthy.
Staying Healthy: Wirehaired Vizlas Health Issues You Need to Know About.
Wirehaired Vizslas are healthy, but they can suffer from a few health ailments such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia – similar to hip dysplasia, just in the elbow
- Ear infections
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy– an eye disease that leads to blindness
- Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – a chronic condition
- Addison’s disease – a disease affecting the dog’s adrenal glands
- Cushing’s disease – a disease wherein the body makes too much cortisol
- Epilepsy
Note: If you are concerned about your Wirehaired Vizsla's health, as you should, then get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. And read it!! No serious dog parent should be without such an invaluable resource.
Exercise
Wirehaired Vizslas have a high-energy temperament.
They need a lot of exercises and love to do activities with their humans.
They make an ideal companion for active families who enjoying hiking, biking, or jogging. Wirehaired Vizsla’s will also enjoy games of a fetch in a securely fenced backyard.
If a Wirehaired Vizsla does not get enough physical and mental exercise, they could become bored and develop destructive or behavioral problems. Learn how exercises can combat this destructive behavior.
You can also train him on agility sports or (and he’ll love this one!) take him hunting. It’s in his blood, after all. Why not help him flex those primitive muscles of his and take him out on a hunt with you?
I truly cannot say it enough: you and your Wirehaired Vizsla will both be at your happiest if you give him the right amount of exercise every day. If you want a calmer dog, and you don’t think you can give the Wirehaired Vizsla the exercise he needs, then this is not the dog for you.
Wirehaired Vizsla vs. Vizsla
It may seem like the only difference between these two dogs is the consistency of their coats, but there’s actually more to them than that. For instance, if you’re not a fan of regular barking and howling, then you’re better off with the Wirehaired Vizsla, as these are some of the Vizsla’s favorite pastimes.
Aside from that, these two dogs are pretty similar. They’re both good for people who have never owned dogs before (though the Wirehaired Vizsla is slightly better), and they’re both great with kids and other dogs and animals (though the Vizsla is slightly better with this department).
The Vizsla is slightly better with strangers, though both dogs are incredibly affectionate toward their family members. The Vizsla is slightly mouthier than the Wirehaired Vizsla, though both dogs are very much about nipping and chewing. This is definitely a personality trait you’ll have to help them work on, no matter which dog you choose.
Conclusion: Why the Wirehaired Vizsla?
The Wirehaired Vizsla has a gentle, intelligent temperament and is a loyal family dog.
They absolutely adore their human companions – especially children. Just don’t get one of these dogs while your children are still in their toddler years, as someone can accidentally get hurt. Older children are more ideal for a dog with this high of an energy level.
The Wirehaired Vizsla’s hypoallergenic coat makes him the perfect candidate for a family with allergies. They also have minimal grooming needs.
This breed is great for active families who will include them in their daily physical activities.
If you are searching for a happy-go-lucky, affectionate and clever dog, the Wirehaired Vizsla is the breed for you!
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.