History
Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in the 1930s by the Vasas Jozsef, a famous hunter who had a Csabai Kennel in Hejoscaba. Gresznarik Lazslo, another hunter who also had a kennel and bred German Wirehaired pointers assisted Jozsef. They crossed (Csibi and Zsuzsi) female Vizlas with a German Wirehaired Pointer (Astor von Pottatal) to produce a healthy and muscular dog who will tirelessly work and retrieve games even in icy water.
Dia de Selle is the first known Wirehaired Vizsla, and it developed when the perfect progeny of Csibi and Zsuzsi were crossed. After Second World War, kennels of Hungary started developing this breed, and they used Pudelpointer, Irish Setter, Bloodhound and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon for its enhancement.
Temperament & Personality
Wirehaired Vizsla is a resourceful, powerful and devoted companion particularly for active people who have sufficient time to spend. It creates a strong bond with its family members and also goes well with other pets and kids in the house. It stays calm and gentle within the house premises but become tireless and willing outside. Vizsla is not over-aggressive, but it becomes excited and takes a defensive position if bullied or endangered. They do not mix with the strangers easily and stay shy, but if it is habitual, they will experience a comfortable environment around them.
Exercise
Being an energetic breed, Vizsla requires minimum 30 minutes of heavy exercising schedule every day. It should get adequate off-leash playtime in a big fenced yard. They enjoy playing in the water and taking them to lake or pool for swimming will offer them their favorite activity and at the same time burn off excessive energy. Allowing them to take part in agility training, hunting and tracking will keep them busy.
Grooming
They have a wiry coat which needs brushing twice or thrice a week. Bathe them occasionally with a mild shampoo will keep its furs tidy. They shed seasonally and need frequent brushing to remove their loose furs.
Other grooming methods include nails trimming when they overgrow. Otherwise, they can crack and end up bleeding and pain. They also require proper dental care, which will include brushing their teeth with a vet prescribed toothbrush. Clean their ears with a vet prescribed ear solution to keep their ears clean and infection free.
Health Problems
They do not get ill frequently, but they are prone to few genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis and some eye diseases like ectropion and entropion.
Training
Wirehaired Vizsla has a stubborn nature which makes training very tough and requires a firm but patient trainer. They do best with positive reinforcements like praises, treats, etc. The harsh procedure can make them stubborn. Go gradually with this breed as they learn slowly and steadily.
Obedience and command training will polish their skills and at the same time improve their relationship between the owner and the pet. Also, due to their running and chasing instincts, it is essential to provide them with leash training. Make them familiar with the leash by attaching the leash during their fun time. It is advisable to practice it inside the house premises and when it is familiar take them outside.
Feeding
Wirehaired Vizsla requires a high-quality food, whether it is homemade or dry dog food. Visit a dietician or a vet for approval and supervision. Choosing a diet depending on the age, size and the activity levels will offer the best nutrition. However, sporting breeds need a nutrient-rich diet, and the food is entirely different from the meal they used to eat when they were a puppy. Owners should check their calorie consumption, as they tend to suffer from obesity. Hence, minimize offering treats, table scraps, etc. Divide their meal into two halves for better digestion.
.png)
