When it comes to grooming, the Wirehaired Vizsla requires little maintenance. Its harsh coat can be kept in good shape by an occasional once-over with a firm-bristled brush. Its prominent eyebrows and beard can be combed to keep them tidy and tangle-free.
Dry shampooing is fine for routine maintenance, but a bit more effort is required to clean a Wirehaired Vizsla after a day in the field. When a bath is necessary, such as after a hunting trip or other swampy adventure, mild soap or shampoo products should be used.
Bath time provides an excellent opportunity for owners to check for nicks, scratches, thorns, ticks, fleas or other conditions that may need attention. Wirehaired Vizslas are not heavy shedders. Loose hairs usually are easily removed by plucking, stripping or simply running a damp cloth over the dog’s coat.
A nearly natural state is required in the show ring for this breed. Its coat cannot be clipped or trimmed, other than minor tidying-up of stray hair between the toes. Toenails can be trimmed as necessary.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is an active and energetic breed that requires a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. This breed needs a long daily walk and would also benefit from some active playtime during the day or time spent in a fenced yard. These dogs also do well when trained for dog sports like agility or for hunting.
It is imperative that they have opportunities to run freely—preferably in a securely fenced area, as their hunting instinct is very strong, and the dog will not be able to resist the urge to pursue prey.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized dog and should be offered a dog food diet that is formulated for dogs of that size. This breed is also highly active, so you may want to consider an active breed formula to ensure that its daily energy needs are met.
They should do well on a high-qualitydog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).All high-energy sporting breeds require a nutrient-dense diet when they are working.
This food is very different from the food they will need as a puppy, or as a sedentary pet, or at various other stages of life. WVs are very food oriented, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.
Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is generally considered to be a healthy breed, in part because of the hybrid vigor associated with the outcrossing of several different breeds so recently in its history. They have a fairly long life expectancy, averaging 12 to 15 years.
Reported health concerns in this breed, although not necessarily common or hereditary, may include Addison’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism), Cushing’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism), hypothyroidism, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, metabolic muscle disease, canine stress syndrome/malignant hyperthermia, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, atopy (allergies), ear infections (otitis), reproductive disorders (infertility), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), corneal dystrophy and juvenile/developmental cataracts.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is an intelligent dog that was developed for its pointing and retrieving skills. This breed should be started on training and socialization from a young age and they need plenty of daily exercise to prevent the development of problem behaviors.
This breed is considered to be of average trainability so you shouldn’t have a problem as long as you maintain a firm and consistent hand in training and use positive reinforcement-based training methods. The Wirehaired Vizsla can be trained for a variety of dog sports including agility, tracking, pointing, retrieving, and obedience.
