Conformation:
The wirehaired vizsla is
similar to the smooth vizsla in many aspects, though it is a distinctly separate
breed. The WHV
is recognized under its own breed standard by registries
worldwide.
Physically, the wirehaired
vizsla is generally a little larger and heavier-boned than the
smooth vizsla. They share the same uniform coloration, with nose and
eyes that blend harmoniously with the coat. The WHV coat is coarse and
wiry and has furnishings on the head and body. Its bushy eyebrows
accentuate a lively, intelligent expression and its golden rust
color blends into dried grasses and brush in the field. The tail is
docked 1/4 in countries where docking is permitted, and dewclaws are
removed.
HEIGHT AT
WITHERS (Shoulder)
Dogs:
58 - 64 cm (22 3/4 – 25 ¼ inches)
Bitches: 54 - 60 cm
(21 1/4 – 23 ½ inches)
The breed
standard does not specify a weight range but WHV tend to be
approximately in the 55 - 65 lb. range for males, and 45 - 55 lb.
range for females
(25 – 30 kg for males, 20 – 25 kg for
females).
Known Health
Issues:
Unfortunately, WHV are susceptible to certain health
problems. Some diseases
are hereditary while others can be influenced by nutrition and
environmental factors.
The
most commonly seen problems in WHV are hip dysplasia, eye disease,
and cancer.
Responsible breeders test their dogs for the more
common genetically transmitted disorders. However, none of the
available tests are 100% foolproof, and even cleared parents may
produce affected offspring.
Please go to our Health page
and learn more about these issues and how they affect the WHV
breed.
Breed
History:
Originating in 1930s, wirehaired vizslas
were developed by hunters and falconers wanting a versatile hunting
and family dog.
The outstanding traits and golden rust coloring of the vizsla
was adapted to be able to withstand the harsh winter conditions of
the northern Hungarian uplands. Development of WHV began with
crossing smooth vizslas with a German Wirehaired Pointer. Pudelpointer, Wirehaired
Pointing Griffon, Irish setter and possibly even a Bloodhound were
believed to have been used at one time. The WHV breed was officially
recognized as a Hungarian breed with its own standard by Fédération Cynologique
Internationale (FCI) in 1966. The first wirehaired vizslas
were imported to North America in the early 1970s, recognized by the
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in 1978, and by the North American
Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) in 1986. By January 2008, over
500 wirehaired vizslas have been registered by NAVHDA. You can view
more detailed WHV information on the History
page.
If the WHV sounds like the breed for you
please check out:
Selecting a WHV
Breeder
