Wire-haired Vizsla

Infobox Dogbreed
altname = Hungarian Wire-haired Vizsla
ankcgroup = Group 3 (Gundogs)
ckcgroup = Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
ckcstd = http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=VWH wire-haired
country = Hungary
fcigroup = 7
fcinum = #239
fcisection = 1
fcistd = http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:AhbKazMzzygJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/239gb2000_en.doc+&hl=en&gl=ca&ct=clnk&cd=1 wire-haired

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image_caption = A three-month-old Wire-haired Vizsla puppy
kcukgroup = Gundog
kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/98 wire-haired
name = Wire-haired Vizsla
ukcgroup = Gun Dogs
ukcstd = http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/HungarianWire-HairedVizsla wire-haired

The Wire-haired Vizsla (pronounced|ˈviʒlɒ, approximately "VEEZH-luh"), is a dog breed originating in Hungary. Wire-haired Vizslas are known as excellent hunting dogs, and also have a level personality making them suited for families. The Wire-Haired Vizsla is a versatile, natural hunter endowed with an excellent nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct. The breed has a firmness on point, is an excellent retriever, and has the determination to remain on the scent even when swimming. The overall appearance embodies the qualities of a multi-purpose pointing dog, endurance, working ability and an easily satisfied nature. This is a dog of power and drive in the field, yet is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. [cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/HungarianWire-HairedVizsla|title=UKC Wire-Haired Vizsla Breed Standard|accessdate = 2008-06-16]

Description

Appearance

The Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla is a medium-sized, wire-coated hunting dog, with a distinguished appearance and bearing. They have a lean build and are very robust. The coat is an attractive russet gold. The tail should be docked to three-fourths of its original length. [cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/HungarianWire-HairedVizsla|title=UKC Wire-Haired Vizsla Breed Standard|accessdate = 2008-06-16]

Color and coat

The Wire-Haired Vizsla is not recognized by the AKC, and it is considered a rare breed in the United States. The breed was first recognized in Europe by the FCI, under the Hungarian Standard in 1966. Introduced to North America in the 1970's, they were first recognized by NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) in 1983, then recently in 2006 by the UKC (United Kennel Club). [cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/HungarianWire-HairedVizsla|title=UKC Wire-Haired Vizsla Breed Standard|accessdate = 2008-06-16] They are also recognized by in North America by the ARBA (American Rare Breed Association), as well as American Field (Field Dog Stud Book) registeries and by the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club). There are currently less than 400 Wire-haired Vizslas in the US.

The coat is wiry, close-lying, strong, and dense. ? of an inch to 1? inch (2-3 cm) in length with a dense, water-repellent undercoat. The outline of the body is not to be hidden by the longer coat. Pronounced eyebrows along with a strong, harsh beard, ? of an inch to 1? inch (2-3 cm) long on both sides of the muzzle reinforce the determined expression. The coat should never be long, soft, silky, shaggy, crinkle, wooly, thin, lacking undercoat or lacking brushes on the legs.

ize

*Males
**Height: 22¾ - 25¼ inches (58 - 64 centimetres)
**Weight: 45 - 65 pounds (20 - 29 kilograms)
*Females
**Height: 21¼ - 23¾ inches (54 - 60 cm.)
**Weight: 40 - 55 lb (18 - 25 kg)

Overall balance and symmetry are not to be compromised for size. [cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/HungarianWire-HairedVizsla|title=UKC Wire-Haired Vizsla Breed Standard|accessdate = 2008-06-16]

Temperament

Like the Vizsla, Wire-haired Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.

They are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training [cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/|title=AKC Vizsla Breed Standard|accessdate = 2007-11-25] . Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, making the most of their natural instincts. However, they must be trained gently and without harsh commands or strong physical correction, as they have sensitive temperaments and can be easily damaged if trained too harshly (Gottlieb, 1992). Vizslas are excellent swimmers and often swim in pools if one is available. Like all gun dogs, Vizslas require a good deal of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Thirty minutes to an hour of exercise daily in a large off-leash area is optimal (Coffman 1992).

The Vizsla thrives on attention, exercise, and interaction. It is highly intelligent, and enjoys being challenged and stimulated, both mentally and physically. Vizslas that do not get enough attention and exercise can easily become destructive or hyperactive. Under-stimulated Vizslas may also become depressed or engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviours such as persistent licking (Coffman 1992). Vizslas are very gentle dogs that are great around children. The Vizsla wants to be close to its owner as much of the time as possible. Many Vizslas will sleep in bed with their owners if allowed, burrowing under the covers.

Common Illnesses

Although the Wire-haired Vizsla is not generally considered as a sickly dog, breeding from a small number of dogs has led to heritable illnesses in some offspring, including:
* dysphagia-megaoesophagus (difficulty swallowing, drooling and muscle wasting)
* Hip dysplasia
* hypothyroidism
* sebaceous adenitis
* digestive problems (including intolerance to certain foods or food allergies)
* eye conditions such as:
** ectropion (the upper or lower eyelid curls outward which gives the look of "droopy eyes")
** entropion (the upper or lower eyelid, but in most cases the lower lid, curls inward towards the eye, therefore irritating the cornea)
* idiopathic epilepsy is becoming more common in this breed (Gottlieb 2002)

Responsible breeders do not select dogs for breeding if they have such inherent problems.

History

under the Hungarian standard in 1966. It is also recognized by the KC (UK). Introduced to North America in the 1970s, the WHV was first recognized by [http://www.navhda.com/ North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association] in 1983. The breed is currently recognized in N. America by CKC, NAVHDA, FDSB, UKC and ARBA. It was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 2007. Currently there are between 300 - 400 Wire-haired Vizslas in North America (US and Canada).

ee also

*Vizsla, a breed that contributed to the original development of the Wire-haired Vizsla.

References

External links

* [http://www.uhwva.com/ United Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla Association (UKC National Breed Club, USA)]
* [http://www.completedogsguide.com/dog-breeds/Hungarian-Wirehaired-Vizsla/ Overview of the Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla (by Complete Dogs Guide)]
* [http://www.whvca.us/ Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America, (US Breed Club/AKC Foundation Stock, est. 2003)]
* [http://www.hwva.org.uk Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Association (UK)]