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Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: What’s the Difference?

The number of dog breeds in the world is countless. Each of them has different characteristics that distinguish them from others. There are dogs that stand out for their physical attributes while others for their personality and character. 

vizsla vs wirehaired vizsla
Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: What’s the Difference?

People need a pet to feel accompanied all the time. Dogs are considered excellent and loyal companions with whom you can spend a lot of time having fun. In the case that you have a family, some of them can be a great option to play with the children. There are two dogs that are considered different breeds, although they are part of the same family: The Vizsla and the Wirehaired Vizsla

The Vizsla is a canine characterized by its high level of physical activity and excess energy. They love to run, jump, play, exercise and do any other physical activity together with their human family members.

This breed does not like to stay indoors for a long time as they need to release all the energy they accumulate throughout the day. In addition, they often suffer from separation anxiety as they hate being alone for a long time. 

The Wirehaired Vizsla belongs to the Vizsla family but is considered a different breed. This dog is characterized by having a denser coat, unlike the Shorthaired Vizsla.

A Wirehaired Vizsla also stands out for its hunting skills thanks to its excellent and gifted nose. They have an above-average training capacity. This breed has a lively, affectionate, sensitive, and at the same time, courageous personality.

Related Reading: Vizsla vs Basenji: What’s the Difference?

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: History 

The Vizsla dog breed originated in Hungary. These canines were used by warriors belonging to the Magyar tribes which invaded Central Europe during the Dark Ages. Vizslas were used as hunting dogs.

Later, after a series of events, among which we can highlight the First World War, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to a group of breeders’ efforts, they managed to preserve it. 

The Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in the 1930s by Vasas Jozsef with the aim of creating a canine with the same characteristics as a Shorthaired Vizsla but with a more robust coat capable of adapting to cold weather work.

They crossed traditional Vizslas together with German Pointers, which had the necessary characteristics to obtain this canine desired by Vasas. First World War and Second World War affected not only Shorthaired Vizslas but Wirehaired Vizslas as well. This breed was officially recognized in 2014. 

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: Physical Characteristics 

Vizslas are considered medium-large dogs. The height of a male of this species varies between 56 cm and 66 cm while that of a female between 51 cm and 61 cm. A male Vizsla can weigh between 20 kg and 27 kg while a female between 18 kg and 25 kg. 

This breed is characterized by having a short, hard, golden-oxide coat. The Vizsla has large, floppy ears, brown or amber eyes, and a reddish nose that blends in with the rest of its fur. The skull of this canine is wide, its muzzle is shorter than the length of its head, its chest is deep, and its limbs are long. 

On the other hand, the Wirehaired Vizsla is also a medium-large breed, although they are usually larger than traditional Vizslas. A male of this breed will have an approximate height that varies between 57 cm and 66 cm, while the female between 52 cm and 60 cm. The weight of a male Wirehaired Vizsla is between 45 kg and 50 kg while that of a female is between 43 kg and 48 kg. 

This canine has a muscular but slim and shapely body. In fact, it is usually more robust than a traditional Vizsla. Its biggest difference and distinctive feature is its hard (wire) and dense coat, which protects it from cold climates.

The head of a Wirehaired Vizsla is broad, its muzzle is short, its tail is straight, and its jaws are strong. Another striking feature is that it has a kind of wire-haired beard and eyebrows. This dog has a yellow seed coat with different shades. 

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: Personality and Behavior 

The Vizsla is a very active and energetic dog that loves to exercise, play, run, and jump together with its owners or members of its human family.

In short, they need to do any physical activity to stay healthy and not get bored as if they are left home alone for a long time they could become destructive. It is for this reason that their owners must provide them with daily exercise routines. 

This breed presents a loving and friendly personality to all members of its human family, including children. For that reason, it is considered an excellent pet for families.

However, they can also get along with strangers and other animals, but it is advisable to train them before that. It is essential to know that Vizslas tend to suffer from separation anxiety as they can feel very sad when left alone for a long time. 

Like traditional Vizslas, Wirehaired Vizslas make excellent hunting dogs due to their high level of physical activity.

They are tenacious dogs with an extraordinary sense of smell and work together with their hunter companion, who is their owner most of the time. They love to do any activity well and to satisfy the members of their human family. They are very intelligent, so training them will not be complicated. 

In addition, this breed is characterized by being kind, affectionate, obedient, tolerant, docile, and friendly. It is an excellent pet for families with children, but like Shorthaired Vizslas, they need prior socialization training. 

vizsla vs wirehaired vizsla
Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla

Vizsla vs Wirehaired Vizsla: Life Expectancy 

Both breeds of dogs usually have the same life expectancy, which varies between 12 and 15 years. They could live much longer, but that will depend on other factors such as food and care. Diseases could negatively affect how long any of these breeds can live, so it is vital to regularly take them to a veterinarian to rule out any condition. 

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.