The Wirehaired Vizsla was developed in Hungary beginning in the mid-1930's. Almost disappearing during the 40's, the breed resurfaced and was recognized as an independent Hungarian breed by FCI in 1966 and registered under #239, Hungarian standard. First imported in England in the mid 1950's, WHV first appeared in North America in 1970, but were known then as UPLANDERS. We recently received a copy of a booklet about Uplanders written in the mid-1970's by the first U.S. breeder, Charles Newman, of Hungry Mother Kennels in Virginia: Everything You Wanted to Know (and more) About the UPLANDER (click on the title to read open a pdf of the booklet--it is 12 pages long.) You can also read more on the breed's history & development in my article, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HUNGARIAN WIREHAIRED VIZSLA (click on the title to read it in a Word document.)
Although considered a rare breed, the WHV has grown in popularity as a gun dog in the UK and Europe. It is recognized by FCI & registered in most European countries, including Hungary, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, and the Netherlands. Not as well known in North America, the WHV is recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club. In the U.S., WHV are primarily registered with NAVHDA, but can also be registered with UKC, ARBA, IABCA, and the AFSB. They are not recognized by the AKC. There are currently about 250-300+/- WHV in the United States.

 WHV are wonderful companions as well as outstanding gun dogs. They get along well with people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Although Wires are athletic & energetic, they like to spend time as couch potatoes, too! They enjoy cuddling up with us on the sofa when we watch TV. They are easily trained and excel in obedience, agility, and even parlour tricks. They can make wonderful Therapy Dogs.

The WHV has a tough, wiry coat which offers greater protection against rough cover and water than that of their smooth cousins. Their coat is unique and the best description are the Hungarian words, "sarkash" and "sarga" which translate "splinter hair" and "bread crust," respectively, describing the texture and color of the WHV coat. This texture and color are the result of a unique pattern of overlapping, creating a golden-rust hue as well as providing excellent protection against cold, briars, burrs, etc. The coat is dense, hard, dry and lies flat. It is weather resistant, highly water repellent and will not hook up or mat. It usually takes a year and a half for the mustachio, bushy eyebrows, beards and leg feathering to become fully prominent. Each strand of hair is multi-tinted from light gold to dark red, so that while the color is solid, its cast will change subtly depending on the light. Wires are excellent swimmers, and that rough coat helps them stay warm in cold water. In the winter, they will develop a heavier undercoat, but they shed very little, and minimal brushing and maintenance are required. Some WHV have longer, softer outer coats which benefit from "stripping", pulling the long soft hairs from the coat, preferably by hand. Stripping encourages the coat to grow in more coarsely.

Versatility at its best!