Wirehaired Vizsla Dog Breed

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a breed that the AKC places in the Sporting Dog Group. They are not for first-time dog owners although they are great dogs for those who are experienced as well as ready to live a life accommodating this relatively unique breed.

PROS

1. Very calm
2. Loves to please
3. Sheds very little
4. Great agility dog
5. Is not aggressive
6. Bonds very closely
7. Highly intelligent
8. Great sense of smell
9. Extremely affectionate
10. Loves to play endlessly
11. Low grooming requirements
12. Wonderful family companion
13. Gets alongs well with other dogs
14. Tends to not have that "doggy smell"
15. Does very well with obedience training
16. Can exercise in most any environment for several hours daily

CONS

• Not hypoallergenic
• Matures very slowly
• Can be aloof to strangers
• Tends to be destructive when bored
• Serious hereditary health problems
• Must be trained at a very early age
• Must be exercised at length every day
• Separation anxiety can develop quickly
• Will dominate a household where there is no master
• Doesn't respond at all well to harsh training methods

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized dog whose three distinct features are immediately obvious: they have a snuggly coat of broken-looking hair; they have a bit of a beard; and the color of their nose, eyes, and mouth is the same as the coat but either darker or lighter in shade. Once you live with one of these dogs, you'll also quickly notice that they are versatile and highly energetic yet also rather calm.

The result of attempting to train this breed can be frustrating if you don't understand what is required. Even for those who are experienced with Wirehaired Vizslas, the dog's smarts can be a challenge, but often in a humorous instead of vexing way. If you are not patient, calm, consistent and capable of being firm-- this breed may not be for you.

As Wirehaired Vizslas are extremely fond of their families and bond will bond closely with you, these dogs are very sociable and enjoy the company of loved ones as well as other dogs. They also have a superior sense of smell and love to hunt, so if you have very small, furry pets, you should be very careful.

Although these dogs love to snuggle in bed and lay on the couch with you, this is often after a very busy day being with you while you run, bike, or enjoy some other strenuous exercise. These are extremely active dogs, and you really should have somewhere to take them to let them run freely on a daily basis. While they will frolick at length, they will be very calm once home. Wirehaired Vizslas also enjoy agility activities and toys!

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla temperament is one that has a basic duality that you will enjoy: calm in the home and active in the field. These dogs train easily, but they require training at a very early age (around 10 to 12 weeks old). They have a background in hunting, and they are able to endure most any environment. They love to get out in the open and stretch their legs, get a scent to chase down, and swim. They also love getting home, relaxing on the couch or in the bed with you, and to be a true part of your family.

This breed is great for very active people and families with children. Wirehaired Vizslas absolutely need a lot of mental and physical stimulation or they will become either depressed or hyperactive in a destructive way. Harsh training is not good, as they are sensitive dogs who are sharp enough to figure out things. While they can be headstrong, it's only because they are waiting for you to understand that they need a purpose-driven task.

They may be a little aloof with strangers, but they are not aggressive unless actually threatened. They are versatile dogs that are great in agility, obedience, and other types of training. Above all, they are highly affectionate and they are great with a doting family as well as the company of other dogs.

The Wirehaired Vizsla has a fair amount of possible health concerns. Recently, there was even a new hereditary condition discovered after a number of annual surveys carried out by the Hungary Wirehaired Vizsla Association: HUU, a urinary infection that is the canine equivalent of kidney stones. It should also be noted that while another ailment, muscle inflammation, has been known to occur, the number of reported cases has increased in recent years.

The list of issues includes:

• Anemia
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Eye ailments
• Kidney stones
• Skin allergies
• Ear infections
• Thyroid issues
• Joint dysplasia
• Addison's Disease
• Bowel inflammation
• Cushing's Syndrome
• Reproductive disorders

Nevertheless, these are merely possible problems. A well-bred, well-cared-for Wirehaired Vizsla has a typical life span of 12 to 15 years.