Wirehaired Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla (veez-luh) is a smart, sensitive, sporty dog with a relatively recent history.

Hunters and falconers developed the Wirehaired Vizsla dog breed in Hungary in the 1930s by selectively crossing Vizslas with German Wirehaired Pointers. The goal, according to the breed standard, was to create “a sturdy, versatile hunting dog able to withstand harsh winters in the field, forest, and water.”

The resulting Wirehaired Vizsla dog is indeed sturdy. The breed standard describes them as “robust and lean” and notes that their movement is “powerful yet graceful, with far-reaching drive enabling the breed to hunt in all elements and cover any terrain encountered by the walking hunter.”

Medium in size, the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla dog weighs 45–65 pounds and stands up to 25 inches tall. But what instantly makes the breed stand out is their characteristic golden rust, weather-resistant wire coat and their endearingly bushy eyebrows and beard.

Caring for a Wirehaired Vizsla

Wirehaired Vizslas may have been made for hunting, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make excellent family dogs, too—especially if their family understands that they need two things in abundance: exercise and companionship.

Wirehaired Vizslas top the charts when it comes to energy and love of play. In other words, families who can’t commit to providing daily mental stimulation and physical exercise need not apply.

But because these dogs have a very high prey drive and can follow their powerful noses into trouble, all exercise should be either on a leash or within a securely fenced area. With enough outdoor playtime, Wirehaired Vizsla dogs are content and calm indoors. 

And while you’ll experience regular shedding if you add a Wirehaired Vizsla to your home (especially when they lose their dense undercoat twice a year), their grooming is otherwise minimal.

Wirehaired Vizsla Health Issues

Wirehaired Vizslas are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12–14 years. Still, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues.

Hyperuricosuria

Hyperuricosuria (HUU) causes elevated levels of uric acid in a dog’s urine. Affected dogs are predisposed to forming bladder stones and sometimes kidney stones.

These stones can be difficult to treat and often require surgery. Dogs predisposed to HUU may require management with a special diet.

Hip Dysplasia

When a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly, it can result in a loose-fitting joint (hip dysplasia).

Management for mild cases involves weight loss, physical therapy, supplements, special diets, and anti-inflammatory medications, but severe cases may require corrective surgery. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis if left untreated. 

Common signs of hip dysplasia include:

• Limping

• Reluctance to navigate stairs, get up, or jump

• Shifting weight to the front legs

• Loss of muscle mass in back legs

• Hip pain

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia describes an elbow joint that hasn’t developed correctly, and it’s one of the most common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs’ elbows. Anti-inflammatory medication can help with pain and inflammation, but your vet may ultimately recommend surgery to treat this condition.

Common signs of elbow dysplasia include:

• Limping, especially after exercise

• Reluctance or unwillingness to walk or exercise

• Stiffness in the elbow joint

• Grating or crackling sound when elbow joint is moved

Subaortic Stenosis

Subaortic valvular stenosis (SAS) is a genetic heart condition that hinders blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This makes the heart work harder, negatively affecting a dog’s health.

Dogs with this condition may not show visible symptoms, but some may be weak, have difficulty breathing, or faint. Treatment involves medication and exercise restriction to prevent straining the heart.

Eye Problems

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla dogs may develop eye conditions later in life, including:

• Glaucoma: a disease where pressure builds up in the eye, leading to pain, optic nerve damage and blindness.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a family of eye disorders in which the eye’s retina slowly deteriorates, leading to blindness.

• Cataracts: a condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and hinders vision; this can be corrected with surgery.

What To Feed a Wirehaired Vizsla

Work with your veterinarian to choose the best dog food and feeding plan for your pet. A vet can recommend a food that meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and is nutritionally complete for your pet’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), size, lifestyle, and health.

How To Feed a Wirehaired Vizsla

Most adult Wirehaired Vizsla dogs do well eating two meals a day: once in the morning and again in the evening. Wirehaired Vizsla puppies have a higher metabolism and may need three feedings per day (morning, midday, evening).

Work with your vet to create the best feeding schedule for your dog as they age. 

How Much Should You Feed a Wirehaired Vizsla?

Your AAFCO-compliant dog food packaging will include guidance for how much to feed your dog based on their size. This is a great starting point, but the best advice comes from your vet, so always ask them if you’re feeding your dog the right amount.

Be mindful of how many dog treats you give your Wirehaired Vizsla. Treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calories. 

Nutritional Tips for Wirehaired Vizslas

If your Wirehaired Vizsla is eating a complete and balanced dog food that’s AAFCO-compliant, they’ll receive all needed nutrients. But your vet may recommend dog supplements to treat or prevent specific health conditions. For example, joint supplements may help dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia.

Always talk to your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

Behavior and Training Tips for Wirehaired Vizslas

Wirehaired Vizsla Personality and Temperament

Wirehaired Vizslas were born to work. However, the hunting breed can adjust well to the life of a family pet, as they’re loyal, affectionate, and smart dogs.

But keep in mind: The energy that serves them well on the job won’t simply go away because they’ve traded hunting fields for family life. Potential families must be prepared to provide their energetic Wirehaired Vizsla with lots of exercise and attention.

Wirehaired Vizslas love people and are gentle enough to play with children, but their hunting instincts could cause problems with other pets that could be mistaken for things to chase. Their high prey drive also means that all outdoor play must be either on a leash or within a fenced area. 

Wirehaired Vizsla Behavior

Wirehaired Vizslas need exercise and companionship. Bored, lonely dogs with energy to spare are more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like excess barking.

They may also experience separation anxiety, though proper socialization and a lifestyle that doesn’t keep you away from home for long periods can help this issue. 

Wirehaired Vizsla Training

It’s important to safely expose Wirehaired Vizsla puppies to different animals, people, environments, and objects during their first 16 weeks of life. This socialization helps dogs be well-behaved, comfortable, and confident in different settings as they age.

Talk to your Wirehaired Vizsla breeder about how they approach socialization, and ask your veterinarian about socialization activities that are safe for your pet’s age. 

When training, keep sessions varied to hold your Wirehaired Vizsla’s attention. And while all dogs respond best to positive, rewards-based training, this approach is especially important for the smart and eager-to-please Wirehaired Vizsla. Positive reinforcement training builds the human-animal bond, while also providing dogs with crucially important mental and physical exercise. 

Fun Activities for Wirehaired Vizslas

• Long walks

• Jogging

• Hiking

• Swimming

• Hunting

• Obedience training

• Skills training

• Nose work

Wirehaired Vizsla Grooming Guide

Considering that the Wirehaired Vizsla was bred in part for their coat, it should come as no surprise that their fur is both protective and easy to care for. But while brushing needs are minimal, be prepared for some shedding.

Skin Care

If your Wirehaired Vizsla spends a lot of time outdoors, check for ticks, twigs, burrs, and other nuisances that can get caught in their fur and irritate their skin. Pay attention for signs of skin irritation, and reach out to your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Coat Care

The Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America (WVCA) notes that coats within the breed can vary dramatically, with some dogs exhibiting little to no wire texture. Others, according to the club, may have a very wooly coat.

Your exact grooming routine depends on the coat your dog inherits, but you can generally expect to provide regular brushing (a few times throughout the week) to reduce shedding. Some dogs may also benefit from stripping their old, dead undercoat to allow for coarser hair to grow back. 

Bathing frequency depends, in part, on your dog’s lifestyle. Keep in mind that too many baths can strip the skin of healthy oils, so ask your veterinarian how often bathing is needed.

Eye Care

Wirehaired Vizslas are prone to several eye conditions, so contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice signs like redness, discharge, or cloudiness.

A Wirehaired Vizsla’ bushy eyebrows can also cause eye irritation if they become too shaggy. Occasionally trimming your dog’s eyebrows may be necessary.

Ear Care

Clean your dog’s ears after they’ve been in water (such as after a swim or bath) to prevent ear infections. Ask your vet if a regular ear cleaning schedule is appropriate for your Wirehaired Vizsla and which ear-cleaning products to use.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Here are some questions to consider before adding a Wirehaired Vizsla to your family:

1. Do I have the time and energy to provide a smart, intelligent dog with mental and physical exercise multiple times each day?

2. Can I keep a dog either on a leash or within a securely fenced yard when exercising them outdoors?

3. Do I live in a home without small animals that could be mistaken for something to chase?

4. Do I have the knowledge and skills to provide a dog with extensive socialization and positive training?

5. Am I home enough to give a dog close companionship every day?

6. Am I OK with fur on my furniture and clothes?

7. Am I financially prepared to provide regular veterinary care?

8. Can I provide a dog with a loving home for their lifetime, which could be 14 years or more?

If you can answer these questions with an enthusiastic “Yes!” you may be ready to parent a Wirehaired Vizsla.