Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

The Vizsla has a history that goes back for centuries; however, the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is a relatively recent breed. In the 1930s, hunters and falconers in Hungary needed a sturdy hunting dog with a tough, wiry coat that could resist the harsh weather conditions while on the hunt.  Breed plans were submitted to the Hungarian Vizsla Klub. The plan was eventually approved under the condition that the Vizsla’s qualities and distinctive coat color was preserved. The biggest difference between the Vizsla and this new breed should only be the length and texture of their coat. The test breeding was begun to create the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. The smooth Vizsla was bred to the German Wirehaired Pointer, Pudelpointer, Irish Setter and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Some also say these dogs were crossed with the Bloodhound, although there are no official records that state the Bloodhound was used. In 1966, the Federation Cynologique Internationale officially recognized the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla as a breed. The first Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla was imported into the United States in the early 1970s. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized him as a breed in 1978. The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association recognized the breed in 1986. Then, in 2003 the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America was formed and the club began the process of obtaining American Kennel Club registration status. In 2006, the United Kennel Club recognized the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. The American Kennel Club officially allowed the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla into the Sporting Group in 2013. Today, his is still considered a rare breed as there are only a few hundred Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla in North America.