The Wirehaired Vizsla
Bred to hunt fur or feather on land or water, the Wirehaired Vizsla was developed after WWI, by hunters and falconers in Hungary and Austria. They wanted to produce a dog with the same outstanding traits as the Hungarian Vizsla and the same self-coloring, but heavier and sturdier, with thick wiry coat that would be more resistant to extreme weather and rough field conditions. Wirehaired Vizslas are generally close working, methodical hunters with knees noses, fir on point and excellent trackers and retrievers. They are strong swimmers that enjoy the water and are determined to stay on scent, even while swimming. The Wirehaired Vizsla loves to hunt whatever you hunt, from upland birds to waterfowl to furred game. Their versatility extends beyond the field as well. Wirehaired Vizslas can excel in many events, from agility, obedience and tracking to dock diving, barn hunting and lure coursing. Their easy-going temperament and intuitive intelligence also make them excellent therapy dogs and family pets!
CARE REQUIREMENTSl
Grooming
The Wirehaired Vizsla is something of a 'wash and wear' dog, requiring only minimal grooming to maintain them in good condition. Wiping them down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient in between baths. Using a grooming mitt or shedding knife on their coat during shedding season can help keep down the amount of hair they shed in your home. Toenails should be trimmed every four weeks. Most people find it easiest to do this while the dog is in a tub for his monthly bath. A dental care regimen should be begun at an early age to avoid issues later in life.
Physical Exercise
The Wirehaired Vizsla was bred to hunt in fields and forests with easy, and is a high-energy dog who needs a lot of exercise. They love being around their people and are happiest doing things together. This makes the breed a great candidate as a canine partner for owners who love to hike, bicycle, or jog. It is imperative that they have opportunities to run freely, preferably in a securely fenced area, as their hunting instinct is very strong, and the dog will not be able to resist the urge to pursue prey. Wait until your puppy is grown with completely developed bones and joints before engaging in strenuous activity like very long walks, jogging or running, jumping down or over things, and too much up and down stairs - especially down. Let you puppy play , romp and rest when they want! Swimming is excellent exercise as well - just remember to allow your puppy to regulate their activity and rest when they want.
Mental Exercise and Training
Intelligent and intuitive, the Wirehaired Vizsla needs mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Any bored dog can develop destructive habits when bored, but mental exercise will keep them occupied and tire them out just like hard physical exercise. Wirehaired Vizslas are lively, happy, quick learners that are eager to please and can easily learn basic obedience and commands at a young age. Playing games like fetching a toy, "wing on a string" or finding a hidden treat gives your puppy fun mental and physical exercise - and are all good foundations for more advanced skills like tracking, nose work, retrieving and obedience. Bird work and learning manners in the field are important if your puppy will be a hunting companion. They need a light but firm and consistent hand in discipline as well as structure and boundaries. They have a soft temperament, and harsh words or physical punishment should be avoided. They have a strong bond with their families and can develop separation anxiety without proper conditioning.
Nutrition
The Wirehaired Vizsla should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior).All high-energy sporting breeds require a nutrient-dense diet when they are working. This food is very different from the food they will need as a puppy, or as a sedentary pet, or at various other stages of life. WVs are very food oriented, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not.
Grooming
The Wirehaired Vizsla is something of a 'wash and wear' dog, requiring only minimal grooming to maintain them in good condition. Wiping them down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient in between baths. Using a grooming mitt or shedding knife on their coat during shedding season can help keep down the amount of hair they shed in your home. Toenails should be trimmed every four weeks. Most people find it easiest to do this while the dog is in a tub for his monthly bath. A dental care regimen should be begun at an early age to avoid issues later in life.
Physical Exercise
The Wirehaired Vizsla was bred to hunt in fields and forests with easy, and is a high-energy dog who needs a lot of exercise. They love being around their people and are happiest doing things together. This makes the breed a great candidate as a canine partner for owners who love to hike, bicycle, or jog. It is imperative that they have opportunities to run freely, preferably in a securely fenced area, as their hunting instinct is very strong, and the dog will not be able to resist the urge to pursue prey. Wait until your puppy is grown with completely developed bones and joints before engaging in strenuous activity like very long walks, jogging or running, jumping down or over things, and too much up and down stairs - especially down. Let you puppy play , romp and rest when they want! Swimming is excellent exercise as well - just remember to allow your puppy to regulate their activity and rest when they want.
Mental Exercise and Training
Intelligent and intuitive, the Wirehaired Vizsla needs mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Any bored dog can develop destructive habits when bored, but mental exercise will keep them occupied and tire them out just like hard physical exercise. Wirehaired Vizslas are lively, happy, quick learners that are eager to please and can easily learn basic obedience and commands at a young age. Playing games like fetching a toy, "wing on a string" or finding a hidden treat gives your puppy fun mental and physical exercise - and are all good foundations for more advanced skills like tracking, nose work, retrieving and obedience. Bird work and learning manners in the field are important if your puppy will be a hunting companion. They need a light but firm and consistent hand in discipline as well as structure and boundaries. They have a soft temperament, and harsh words or physical punishment should be avoided. They have a strong bond with their families and can develop separation anxiety without proper conditioning.
Nutrition
The Wirehaired Vizsla should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior).All high-energy sporting breeds require a nutrient-dense diet when they are working. This food is very different from the food they will need as a puppy, or as a sedentary pet, or at various other stages of life. WVs are very food oriented, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not.