History and temperament
(From the Hungarian Wirehaired Viszla Association website)
The breed originated in its native Hungary around the 1930's, when in an attempt to produce a Vizsla with a more protective weatherproof coat for work in water and rough conditions on land, the German Wire Haired Pointer was mated with the Hungarian Vizsla. There would also appear to have been bloodhound introduced at one time. The result of this breeding produced the Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla, stronger and more robust than a smooth, this robustness coming from the German Wire Haired Pointer. Later according to our contacts in Holland, a little Irish Setter blood was introduced, and for hunting qualities a Hertha Pointer and Pudel Pointer were also used.
The Breed first came to the UK in the early 1980's when a pair was imported by Douglas and Carol Appleton, unfortunately never produced offspring. Sheila Gray and Anna Coombe imported another pair in the early 1990's, and the first litter was bred here in 1992.
http://www.hwva.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1:hwv-breed-standard&catid=19:about-hwv&Itemid=8
Living with "Wires"
Wires quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children and other dogs or cats in the home. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or if they are provoked.
They are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training. Not only are they wonderful pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water, making the most of their natural instincts. However, they must be trained gently and without harsh commands or strong physical correction, as they have sensitive temperaments and can be easily damaged if trained too harshly .
Vizslas are excellent swimmers and often swim in pools if one is available. Like all gun dogs, Vizslas require a good deal of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Thirty minutes to an hour of exercise daily in a large off-leash area such as a park or wooded area is ideal.
The Wire-haired Vizsla adores attention, exercise, and interaction.
It is highly intelligent, and enjoys being challenged and stimulated, both mentally and physically.
Vizslas are very gentle dogs and love to be around children.
The Vizsla also prefers to be close to its owner as much of the time as possible.
As well as excellent hunting dogs, their level personality make them suited for families and/or in the show ring.
The Wire-haired Vizsla is a versatile, natural hunter endowed with an excellent nose and an above average trainability.
Although lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also possessed of a well-developed protective instinct. An excellent retriever - they have the determination to remain on the scent even when swimming.
The overall appearance embodies the qualities of a multi-purpose pointing dog, endurance, working ability and an easily satisfied nature. Tractable and affectionate they also make an excellent companion in the home.