Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was created in the early 20th century by crossing the smooth Vizsla with German Wirehaired Pointers, aiming for a coat tough enough for cold weather and dense brush that the original short-haired Vizsla lacked. The characteristic golden rust wiry coat protects against thorns during a hunt. A build up to 30 kilograms stays lean and fast, built to run long distances before holding a steady point on a bird. The breed needs serious daily exercise, without it the dog can quickly become restless indoors. It tends to bond very closely with its owner, sometimes to a clingy degree. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla: how old in human years?

54–64 cmHeight
18–30 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

FCI group: Pointing Dogs
FCI section: Section 1.1: Continental Pointing Dogs, Type Braque
FCI: 239
Country of origin: Hungary

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

5/5
Family friendly

5/5
Grooming need

2/5

At a glance

Height

Males 58–64 cm

Females 54–60 cm

Weight

Males 20–30 kg

Females 18–25 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

wiry, dense, golden rust (wire-haired)

Temperament & Family Life

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is high.

Family friendly 5/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 5/5
Trainability 5/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 2/5

Living with the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

When you say "let's go" to a Vizsla, it already knows where your shoes are, where the lead is, and why on earth you are not at the door yet. This is a very energetic, clever dog, deeply attached to its people, bred to hunt in field, forest and water. It needs a lot of movement every single day: long hikes, running, swimming, and ideally real work for its nose. Flat life without that soon turns into chewed chair legs.

A Vizsla learns easily and wants to please, which makes it a natural for hunting, tracking, canicross or obedience. It is sensitive, so gentle, consistent training with lots of praise works best. With its family it is soft and affectionate, friendly with children and usually fine with other dogs, and calmly reserved with strangers; it will announce visitors but won't guard against them. The hunting instinct is strong, so cats, birds and rabbits interest it in a way that has nothing to do with friendship.

This breed does not like being left alone all day and is happiest wherever you are. In the evening, after a well-spent day, it will settle beside you, rest its bearded head on your knee and look at you as if tomorrow's plans have already been agreed.

Grooming and coat

A Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla's coat is wiry, dense and golden rust, with a beard, moustache and tufted brows that give it the look of a wise old gentleman. The coat is made to shrug off thorns and cold water, so it is easy to keep: a weekly brush with a firm brush and the occasional plucking of stray dead hairs with your fingers is enough. It sheds little and needs few baths, since shampoo softens the coat and takes away its protective harshness.

The beard takes more attention: food and water collect in it after meals, so wipe it so the skin underneath doesn't stay damp. After a walk, check between the toes and through the coat for thorns, grass seeds and ticks. Once a week lift the hanging ears, look inside and give them a sniff, and dry them after a swim. The eyes should be clear and clean; redness or watering after a run through brush is worth showing a vet.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is an athletic, hard-wearing working dog that can be good company for many years when well looked after. The urinary tract, elbows and hips, heart and eyes are the things worth knowing about. Regular vet check-ups and your own sharp eye in everyday life will help you notice changes in good time.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Hyperuricosuria

Hyperuricosuria is an inherited condition in which too much uric acid ends up in the urine, where it can form crystals and stones. You might notice your Vizsla squatting again and again with only a few drops coming out, reddish urine, or more licking than usual. If the dog strains and nothing comes out at all, it needs a vet immediately; if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia means the ball of the thigh bone sits poorly in its socket, so the joint moves unevenly and wears over time. A Vizsla may get up stiffly after resting, avoid jumping or limp a little after a long run in the field. For a dog that lives to move, this matters a great deal, so ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a fault in how the front leg's joint develops: the bones don't fit together as they grow, and the joint starts to wear. It can show as a limp on a front leg, especially after an active day, or a paw that turns out oddly. Keep an eye on a young, fast-growing Vizsla puppy, and ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Subaortic stenosis

Subaortic stenosis is a narrowing below the aortic valve, present from birth, that makes the heart work harder to push blood out to the body. It may first be heard as a heart murmur at a routine check-up, and an owner might notice the dog tiring unusually fast. If your Vizsla suddenly collapses or faints, it needs a vet immediately.
Eye problems

Eye problems cover a range of disorders, from eyelid and eyelash troubles to changes in the lens or retina. A Vizsla crashes through brush and tall grass, so its eyes also get irritated easily: redness, watering, squinting or cloudiness are all signs worth showing a vet. If you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (30 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 315 g of dry food a day, from €17,15 a month For a neutered, normally active 23,3 kg dog. Calculate for your dog