The Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla breed is a medium-sized dog. He has a lean but robust body and a strong bone structure.
Male Wirehaired Vizslas measure 58–62 centimetres (23–24½ inches) in length and weigh approximately 20–27 kilos (45–60 pounds). Female Wirehaired Vizslas stand around 54–58 centimetres (21½–23 inches) tall and weigh 18–25 kilos (40–55 pounds).
The Wirehaired Vizsla's average litter size is between 5–10 Wirehaired Vizsla puppies. They will become fully grown once they reach 1 year to 16 months of age.
The Wirehaired Vizsla's skull is slightly wide and rounded. He has a broad nose, which has a color similar to that of the dog's coat. His eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped. The eye color should harmonise with the dog's coat color, but slightly darker. Black and yellow colored eyes are considered undesirable.
The Wirehaired Vizsla has medium-set ears that hang down near his cheeks. These ears have a rounded 'V' shape. His neck is moderate in length and should be free from dewlaps. He has a strong, deep chest and well-balanced, muscular shoulders. His slightly oval toes are arched and tight.
The Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla has a harsh, wiry coat. Compared to other breeds, he has a dull appearance and is not glossy. His outer coat is wiry, whilst his undercoat is thick and water-repellent.
The Wirehaired Vizsla has pronounced eyebrows and coarse hair around the muzzle that forms a mustache and beard. His coat is softer and shorter around the lower legs and underside of the chest and belly. His eyebrows are thick and bushy, but they should not cover his eyes.
There are only two acceptable coat colors of the Wirehaired Vizsla. These are russet gold and golden sand. Some possess small white markings on their chest and feet. This characteristic is fine so long as it is not overwhelming. Any other colors are not desirable, including pale yellow and dark brown.
Are Wirehaired Vizslas hypoallergenic?
The Wirehaired Vizsla's dense, wiry coat is non-hypoallergenic. If you are looking for a canine companion who is less likely to trigger your allergies, you may want to check out hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Do Wirehaired Vizslas shed?
The Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla is a low-shedding dog. However, he may shed heavily during the shedding season. As he has a wire coat, dirt and debris easily get stuck on his body. Take good care of your dog's fur by combing it with a firm bristle brush weekly. His mustache and beard need brushing every day. Comb his eyebrows every week.
The Wirehaired Vizsla's coat can be hand-stripped and should be done only once or twice a year. Bathe your canine companion only when necessary, specifically when he gets too dirty or smelly. Avoid frequent washing as it can dry his skin and coat, which leads to skin problems.
Do not forget other equally important grooming needs of this dog breed. Clean your dog's ears and check for ear infections weekly. Nail trimming should be carried out once a week too. Brush his teeth every day to keep periodontal diseases away.