Wirehaired Vizsla
Also known as Braque Hongrois à Poil Dur
- Height at the withers
- 54 to 64 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 29 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Hungary
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized Hungarian pointing dog with a dense, harsh coat in golden rust. Sturdy yet lean, and very versatile, it was bred to point and retrieve on rough terrain.
History and origins
Developed in Hungary in the 1930s by crossing the smooth-coated Vizsla with the German Wirehaired Pointer to create a hunting dog with a harsh, weatherproof coat, suited to rough terrain and harsh weather.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Atopic dermatitis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Wirehaired Vizsla FAQ
How big does the Wirehaired Vizsla get?
The Wirehaired Vizsla stands 54 to 64 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 29 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Wirehaired Vizsla shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Wirehaired Vizsla live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Wirehaired Vizsla need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Wirehaired Vizsla good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Wirehaired Vizsla live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
