(Wirehaired Vizsla: Dog Breed At Dog Grooming!)
The wirehaired vizsla is a medium-sized sports dog breed from Hungary with a short, wiry coat and larger eyebrows and beard. It is a close relative of the smooth-coat vizsla, but due to its thick, protective coat, it is a bit tougher. These dogs are energetic but kind, and they are excellent athletes. They are at ease both on land and in the water.
Wirehaired Vizsla History:
The history of the classic smooth-coat vizsla may be traced back to the 800s. Dogs were developed to be swift, agile, and strong in what is now Hungary. They also bred loyal temperaments in their hunting dogs, which made them easy to teach and eager to obey.
Wirehaired vizslas did not become popular until the 1930s. Hunters in Hungary desired a dog that could resist harsh weather, freezing waterways, and rough terrain, similar to the vizsla. Breeders, among other dogs, crossed vizslas with German wirehaired pointers. The final product was a strong dog with a thick coat.
In the 1970s, wirehaired vizslas found their way to North America. However, the breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2014. It is still uncommon all across the world.
How to Care:
Wirehaired vizslas require a lot of activity and mental stimulation daily, but they just require basic maintenance. They also need to be socialized and trained from a young age.
Exercise:
These high-energy canines should be exercised for at least one to two hours each day. Rather than being turned wild in a caged area, they would prefer to engage in physical activity with their people. Long walks, running, hiking, cycling, and swimming are among their favorite activities. Agility and dock diving are two dog activities that are great for emotionally and physically challenging them.
When you’re out and about, always keep your dog on a leash or in a securely gated location. If not controlled, this breed has a high hunting drive and can swiftly flee to chase apparent prey.
How to Groom:
A wirehaired vizsla’s wiry coat doesn’t get filthy easily, and it doesn’t shed much. Depending on how dirty your dog becomes, a monthly bath is recommended. In between bathing, a moist towel can be used to refresh the coat. Every week or so, use a grooming mitt or brush to remove loose fur from the coat. Plan to strip the coat once or twice a year to eliminate dead fur.
Check your dog’s nails once a month to determine if they need to be trimmed. And make it a point to wash its teeth at least once a day. Also, check its ears at least once a week for any wax accumulation, dirt, or other irregularities, especially after swimming. Make sure to dry your dog’s ears after swimming.
How to Train:
In general, wirehaired vizslas are eager to please and respond well to training. They are, nonetheless, sensitive dogs. As a result, you must employ positive teaching techniques; harsh corrections may force children to shut down and fail to learn. Begin training as soon as possible, keeping sessions short and enjoyable.
Also, from an early age, socialize your dog by introducing it to a variety of people, other canines, and settings. You may also need to focus on getting your dog used to being left alone for long periods. Wirehaired vizslas are prone to separation anxiety since they always want to remain at your side. They thrive in a home where someone is there for most of the day.
Health Issues:
Overall, the wirehaired vizsla is a healthy dog breed. However, it is nonetheless susceptible to several inherited health problems1, including
- hip and elbow dysplasia,
- hyperuricosuria (a tendency to kidney and bladder stones),
- glaucoma,
- progressive retinal atrophy,
- cataracts, and
- subaortic stenosis.
Diet and Nutrition:
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Also, feed a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food. Two measured meals are commonly fed each day. However, talk to your veterinarian about the sort of diet and the amount. Dogs with a lot of energy, like the wirehaired vizsla, need a more nutrient-dense diet. To avoid overeating, you must still be aware of snacks and any excess food.