The Irish Red and White Setter is not just another color variation of the Irish Setter, rather he is an entirely separate breed. He is touted for his gun dog abilities and effortless stamina in the field. He also makes an excellent companion with a joyful and friendly temperament, provided that he is given exercise and training. These setters can become destructive if they aren’t given a job to do. They were bred to work, after all – not lie around the house all day.

Irish Red and White Setters are a very active breed requiring plenty of activity (they have been described as “tireless”). Ideally, they would be taken hunting on a regular basis but if this isn’t a possibility, other energy-challenging activities can be substituted, such as agility and obedience. This is in addition to regular jogging and free-running in the yard. Spirited and determined, this pointing breed is always happy to work! Males are said to be more active in general, but this is dependent upon the individual dog. Because of their high activity level, this breed is generally not recommended for apartment living.

The playful Red and White is good with children, but may be too boisterous for toddler-age kids. They also get along well with other dogs, as well as cats as long as they are raised with them. They are vastly loyal toward their owners but have a silly, clownish side as well. This is an affectionate breed that will always let you know that you are loved! With strangers, they are equally friendly and accepting (making them poor guard dogs). While they are stable enough to live in busy family settings, without enough time dedicated to them they will add to any household chaos.

Red and Whites are very versatile and trainable, although a touch of patience may be required, particularly when the dogs are in the adolescent stage. It is important to start the training while the dog is still young, so that by the time he has matured (at 3 or 4 years of age), he will be easy to handle. As long as training is consistent and fair, however, they can learn how to be very polite members of the household. They tend to become great breed ambassadors when out in public, as a trained Red and White is often a joy to be around. Furthermore, these dogs tend to learn fast – sometimes faster than a trainer might expect!

One of the key features of the Irish Red and White Setter is his beautifully marked coat – always red “islands” splashed on a white background. Although it is medium-long in length, the coat shouldn’t be too difficult to keep groomed. Brushing it out 2-3 times a week will keep it free of mats, and bathing it when necessary (once a month or so) will keep it clean. Most coats are fairly easy to take care of as long as they are looked after regularly. When well taken care of, the coat of the IRWS will help to keep him happy in cool weather – a temperature that these dogs particularly love.

Because of their activity level and social nature, the Red and White does not make a good kennel dog. He prefers to live inside the house where he can stretch his legs and visit with his owners. If there will be no people in the house for long periods of time (such as a working owner), it is highly recommended to get another dog to keep him company.

Photo By Pleple2000

The American Water Spaniel is the state dog of Wisconsin, yet is rarely seen in most of the United States (or indeed, the world). Despite his lack of popularity, this small-medium sized hunting spaniel makes a great companion and gun dog alike. The breed is very energetic and happy, enjoying spending time with their owners! In fact, they do best when given activities and exercise to burn off their energy – this is not a lay-about couch potato. In fact, expect to spend a good hour or two a day exercising this breed. If not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. For this reason, the AWS is not always recommended for the first-time dog owner.

While happy and exuberant with his owners, the American Water Spaniel tends to be more stand-offish with strangers, but usually is still quite friendly! An AWS with a correct temperament should be confident and bold. When they need to be, they can be downright fearless! With their owners, they are fiercely loyal and even clownish. They love to be the center of attention! Like many breeds, they do much better living with the family indoors rather than being outdoor dogs. The breed is also very playful and tends to get along well with children, although they must be taught not to jump up and knock over very small kids.

Because he was bred to retrieve game from the water (along with other hunting tasks), the AWS is a natural swimmer! He enjoys playing in the pool or the lake, and can even be trained for the various water sports made for dogs. His double coat is waterproof, which keeps him warm and toasty in the water but also means that bathing him will take a bit of extra work. Also, the curlier the coat, the longer it may take him to dry off afterward. For clarification, the AWS comes in two types of coat: curly and “marcel” (wavy). Both coat types require regular grooming although nothing extreme, and neither coat sheds very heavily.

When it comes to training, the AWS is generally willing to please but can, at times, be stubborn. If trained too harshly, they can shut down. It is best to remember that this is an intelligent, yet sensitive breed which needs a good balance of firmness and fairness while being trained. Keep in mind that varying the commands and changing up the training regime is better than using the same routine every single time – the AWS may tend to get bored if he can guess what’s going to happen next. Despite how this may sound, the breed is moderately easy to train overall, and is particularly skilled in retrieval-based commands.

The American Water Spaniel does tend to bark when he feels it is necessary, and he may feel that necessity more often than you do! He particularly likes to bark when he is having a good time, such as while chasing after a rabbit or meeting a new person. This, combined with his activity level and his propensity to chew stuff up if not given enough attention, does not make him the best match for a person living in an apartment. It can be done, but the apartment-dwelling owner must really go out of their way to provide a lot of exercise and training.

These active little spaniels also like to roam and do require being kept inside a fenced yard for their own safety when not being supervised. Watch for evidence of them digging under the fence, as some enjoy unearthing their way out! Although they make great watchdogs, this job is best done with them inside the house rather than outside. Because of their tendency toward separation anxiety, they can get extra frustrated if they are left outside all day long.

The AWS can get along well with other dogs that live in the same household but may tend toward wanting to be the top dog. They may also have a problem with a strange dogs encroaching onto their property. They tend to be very territorial. It is suggested that puppies are thoroughly socialized to other dogs in order to give them the best head-start toward getting along with their own species. This socialization will also help them adapt to other people, places and things – and prevent undue shyness.

Some American Water Spaniels are prone to becoming food possessive, although this is easily avoided by teaching the dog (as a young puppy) that you can take away and then give back their food bowl without it being a big deal. As this breed can tend toward being assertive in general, it is a really good idea to do exercises such as this anyway. This is another reason why obedience and enforcing house rules are a must!

Photo By Awsguy1

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a breed apart from his more-often recognized English cousin. Welsh Springers can be distinguished from English Springers by their red and white coloration and their shorter height. The breed is also less outgoing (though still friendly) and have more of an independent nature. They are usually happy and outgoing, possessing a sense of humor. This active hunting dog was bred for stamina and strength, and will not do well living in cramped quarters with no exercise. Besides being very active, the breed has a strong nose and will use it to follow every interesting scent that they can find!

The Welsh Springers’ strong desire to hunt means that he needs to have a securely fenced yard, lest he try to follow his nose right out of the backyard. If he sees a bird or a squirrel, he will try to chase it (although if he catches anything, his soft mouth means he might not crush it). Because he’s such an agile fellow, a short fence or a rickety fence might not keep him contained. A secure kennel run is ok for short time periods, but the Welshie isn’t a kennel dog. The breed thrives on human contact and should live inside the house. The fenced yard is great for exercise, but shouldn’t be the dog’s only living space. When living mostly indoors, the Welshie makes a great watch dog, hunting dog and companion.

This loyal breed loves his people more than anything. Although he is reserved with strangers, he is loyal and completely devoted to his family. He is usually a constant shadow, following his owner from room to room and sitting on a lap whenever possible. While this trait can be enduring, it can also be frustrating, especially if his co-dependency develops into separation anxiety. It is highly recommended that this issue be dealt with very early on, such as crate training him and leaving him for short periods of time while he is still a puppy. The sensitive nature of the breed is partly to blame for his propensity toward separation anxiety and it also contributes to occasional submissive urination issues.

Welsh Springers are quite intelligent and take very well to training! Exceptionally willing to please, most Welshies enjoy the attention that comes from training. Some members of the breed learn quickly but aren’t always reliable with doing the command every time it is asked of them. This “optional command” mindset results from poorly enforced training. Because the breed is also opportunistic, many end up training their owners instead! Obedience should be taught in a firm, yet fair manner. It doesn’t need to be harsh but it does need to enforce the rules.

Welsh Springers must be given work to do so that they do not become bored. Unfulfilled Springers are known to become very noisy and destructive if they have nothing else to do. Other less desirable traits of the breed include digging, difficulty with housebreaking and a propensity to shed quite heavily – resulting in tumbleweeds of hair rolling throughout your house! Speaking of messiness, the breed also loves to get dirty which means that all the mud that sticks to his coat (sometimes while digging) will end up all over your carpet and furniture. This usually isn’t the best breed for clean freaks, garden-lovers or those who aren’t able to give the dog plenty to do.

Welshies often make great pets for families with children although the kids must be taught to play nicely with the dog. Because of their high activity level, however, kids and Welshies can feed off each others’ energy resulting in an almost chaotic household. Remember, Springers do tend to “spring” in more ways than one… this breed can be bouncy and may knock down very small children on accident.

When it comes to exercise, besides having access to a fenced yard, Welsh Springers benefit from having 45-60 minutes of focused exercise every day. They thrive on this active time, and will want to go out irregardless of rain or other increment weather. Walks, jogs and ball-playing are some examples of activities that can be done. It should be noted that these are flushing spaniels, which means they have a propensity of weaving back and forth during walks just as they would do in the field. This is an innate ability that many Welshies naturally do, and although they can be taught to heel normally – they enjoy having this time to “quarter the game”.

Despite his quirks, the Welsh Springer overall is a good dog for many novice dog owners, provided they are able to give him the exercise and attention that he needs. His weatherproof (and waterproof) coat makes him able to thrive in any temperature, and he is adaptable to live in many types of households. Some people are even able to keep this breed in an apartment although they do need to provide a lot of extra exercise in the process. Welshies get along well with other dogs as well as other pets, although birds might trigger the hunting instinct in them.

The Gordon Setter has been touted as having “beauty, brains and birdsense”. Indeed, this confident hunting dog has it all! He is a great athletic companion – comfortable at home or out in the field. He is exceedingly loyal to his family, although more reserved with strangers. He is also very intelligent – almost human-like at times. Finally, he has a lot of energy crammed into a beautiful package and simply needs an outlet to expend it! Of the four setter breeds, the Gordon is the largest and most muscular.

Gordons are a very adaptable breed and can do well in many different situations… provided their basic needs are met, including being given affection. One of those needs is access to a large fenced yard in which to run and play. A backyard is ideal, so apartment-dwellers may have a harder time providing this. Because of their hunting instincts, Gordon Setters tend to roam – hence the important of a fence. The breed also needs to be walked daily, in addition to their yard time. They are very active and require a lot of exercise, although generally easygoing in the house. One situation that Gordons don’t tend to adapt well to… being a kennel dog. These dogs thrive on being with their owners and will deteriorate if kept separated from people all of the time (they may also become destructive).

The Gordon Setter is sweet and affectionate to his family and tends to “talk” quite a bit at home. The breed has a wide range of vocal noises that they will use to communicate everything from “I want something” to “I’m happy”. In addition to the mumbling and talking – they do also bark like “regular dogs”. Some do this on a regular basis, particularly if they are bored. The breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety and may bark and howl if left alone for long periods of time (so make sure they are getting enough attention and exercise). On the up-side, because they are so vocal they make excellent watch dogs!

Gordon Setters are usually very gentle with children, particularly when they are introduced to them from the time they are puppies. Aggression toward children is very rare, and in fact they tolerate harsh treatment better than many breeds. This does NOT mean they should be matched up with rowdy kids! It means that an owner must supervise dog-kid time to make sure the dog is treated fairly. Gordons also tend to be protective of young children and will do their best to keep them safe. While some Gordon Setters get along ok with other dogs, others can exhibit aggressiveness. Most Gordons do better with dogs that they were raised with and already know, versus a strange dog. Cats can also go either way – some Gordon Setters are fine with cats while others are unsafe around them (usually those members with extra high prey drives).

As with most of the longer-haired breeds, Gordons do require regular grooming upkeep. Their thick, yet silky coat needs to be brushed once or twice a week to prevent mats from forming. They may also require a bit of scissoring and clipping to get them to look like the dogs in the show rings! Nails and ears must be regularly checked and kept up with as well. Keep in mind that this breed does shed quite a lot!

Gordons respond very well to training and their intelligence is rarely questioned. They can, however, be sensitive and need to be trained without harsh methods. Don’t mistake firmness for harshness – the two are very different! Wishy-washy training with no rules or consequences will often lead to a dog that exhibits dominant behaviors and stubbornness. Of all of the setters, Gordons are known for being more independent and more prone to dominance. Therefore, being firm, yet fair is a good rule of thumb. Since Gordon Setters love to play, making training into a game can be a great way to introduce new commands and keep old commands exciting and fun!

Gordon Setters take a little longer to mature than some other breeds and often retain puppy characteristics for quite a while. This also means that they are extra active when young and it may take several years before they are fully calm in the house. The good news is that when the dog matures, he will become serene and composed in the house (as long as he is given enough exercise – remember that this is a gun dog bred for hunting all day!).

Photo By Hans-Jörg Hellwig

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog with origins back to the late 1800’s. Besides making great gun dogs, they also excel as affectionate house companions and enjoy being close to their families. They’ve been used as drug detection dogs, therapy dogs, and compete in all manner of dog performance events successfully. They have a huge desire to please their owners, and their intelligence and athletic ability makes them well-suited to almost any task.

While they make fantastic obedience dogs, German Wirehairs have been known to “get creative” with commands when bored. They have a slight independent streak and prefer tasks where they can use their brains. They also need to have a bond with the person they are training with or they may refuse outright to work. If being trained by someone other than the owner, the trainer needs to make sure to establish trust and respect before anything else. There is a slight sensitive nature to the breed that needs to be recognized while training. Keeping these factors in mind, the GWP is generally easy to train.

These dogs are very active and also possess a high drive for work. This means that they must have a job to keep them busy (mentally as well as physically). Although this description may make them sound quite serious, they actually have a playful side as well. A German Wirehair with the proper temperament should be fun-loving. Their high activity level, however, makes them ill-suited apartment dogs. When not given enough of an outlet for their energy, they can become very destructive.

German Wirehairs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. In fact, many dislike even being in a different room than their owner! This need for closeness means that they are more likely to develop separation anxiety, but on the flip side – it also means that are very loyal and will bond very strongly. When owned by a single person, the breed will attach themselves to that person through thick and thin. When owned by a family, they will bond with everyone but will usually choose one person as their “favorite”. This person might be an adult or a child (they get along very well with children provided that they were introduced properly when young). With strangers, the breed is more reserved.

Some German Wirehaired Pointers get along fine with cats if they were socialized to them as puppies, but many do not. Their high prey drive can make them dangerous to cats and other small animals. Even if not trying to hurt a small animal, they can be mouthy and may accidentally cause harm. When it comes to other dogs, some members of the breed have aggression issues – particularly same sex aggression. Once again, early socialization can help with this potential problem.

The GWP is very healthy, hardy and long-lived. It is not uncommon for them to reach the age of 14-16 years old! Fairly easy to care for, they require only minimal grooming even when taken outside to hunt and roughhouse on a regular basis. Their wiry coat sheds very little in the house. Provided they are given what they need to thrive (mainly exercise and attention), there are only  a couple of common issues. Some owners have a hard time housebreaking German Wirehair puppies and find that it may take a little longer than with other breeds. A bit of patience is often required, as well as keeping the puppy on a regular housebreaking routine. Escaping the yard is another common issue with the breed – they need a secure 6 foot fence that is climb-proof and dig-proof.

German Wirehair Pointers make great watchdogs and will bark to alert the household of approaching strangers. If he needs to, he will also defend the house. Some members of the breed can be overly protective of their owners and need to be taught that not all strangers are a looming threat. Occasionally, people make the mistake of intentionally not socializing their dog, in hopes that “he will be a better guard dog”. This is a misguided thought process and will only result in an unbalanced dog with fear and/or aggression issues.

Photo By SheltieBoy

The Weimaraner has been referred to as the “gray ghost” because of his unusual color. He is always gray, although the color could be a light silver ranging to a slightly darker “mouse-gray”. The light eyes are a particularly striking feature of this handsome hunting breed. Living with a Weim has sometimes been referred to as living with a two-year old – the breed is very active, playful and loves to show off. It is for this reason that prospective owners should really examine their lifestyle to make sure this breed will be compatible with them before buying a puppy. He is not a dog to be kept outside, nor is he suited in any way to apartment-living.

Weimaraners are large, strong dogs that require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. As a dog that was bred to be out in the fields all day, they have a lot of stamina and usually don’t wear out before their owners do. As such, some exercise regimes work out better than others. A simple walk won’t cut it for a Weim… but a long jog alongside a bike, or a hike in the woods followed by a swim… these pursuits are more suitable for this breed. This high-intensity exercise needs to be every day! Furthermore, just having a large yard will not be enough – A Weimaraner isn’t going to run around the property and wear himself out, he often needs (and wants) to exercise with his human. This is not a dog for couch potato owners! The breed does tend to take a while to mature so owners often see puppy-like behavior for longer periods of time. Also keep in mind… the younger the Weim, the more energy he has!

The Weimaraner loves people beyond anything else, including children (although he can accidentally knock small kids over). He will follow his owner around the house and sometimes try to join in whatever activity is being engaged in. If you’re in bed, he would prefer to be as well! If you’re in the bathroom, or in the garage, or…. you get the picture. The Weim wants to be as close to you as absolutely possible, at all given times. As such, separation anxiety can be a problem for many (this is also one of the top reasons they end up in rescue). This clinginess combined with their energy level means that they are not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Weimaraners are intelligent, albeit also goofy. Although they can be extremely obedient dogs – obedience needs to be taught. They are not just “naturally trained” by any means. If the training is done consistently, the Weim is a fast learner and often at the “top of the class”! He has a great memory, a fantastic desire to learn, and lots of drive. His boundless energy can be channeled into all number of cool tricks and commands. For owners with a competitive edge, this versatile breed is also an excellent competitor in almost every single dog sport.

If, however, the owner decides not to put any work into training… the Weim will use his natural intelligence for evil rather than good! He can be creatively destructive and cause a lot of frustration. He has been known to chew up everything in his wake, bark and howl for hours on end, and even plow through plate-glass windows! With a halfway dominant nature, he may try to take over the household completely. Willful, stubborn, pushy and smart can be a difficult combination of features to have. There is a huge difference (more so than other breeds) between a trained and untrained Weimaraner!

Although great with people, not all Weims are good with small animals. Some have too high of a prey drive to live safely with cats, and the situation can be downright dangerous at worse. Weims do, however, normally get along fine with other dogs although toy dogs may cause the same prey drive issue. A note about their high prey drive – these dogs may also try to chase down cars and bicyclists. Don’t let them!

Most Weimaraners make good watchdogs, and some are naturally protective under the “right” circumstances. Although friendly for the most part, Weims can tend to be more reserved around strangers until they’ve decided if the person is friend or foe. For the most part, however, they usually tend more toward watchdog duties than anything (alerting). Besides being large dogs, they also have very loud barks that is usually just the right volume to keep away intruders. Thankfully, they are not avid barkers and will normally only bark to alert – unless they are bored and/or not given enough exercise.

It is important to note that Weims are also very clever escape artists. Not only are they great diggers and jumpers, but many are smart enough to learn how to open latches and gates! A very secure fence is necessary to keep a determined Weimaraner in the yard. Good training and adequate exercise will often help with this possible problem.

Photo By Linda from Jacksonville

The Pointer is an athletic gun dog with loads of spirit and enthusiasm! Happy-go-lucky and occasionally mischievous,  he has a love of life that is often contagious to his owners. The breed is proficient in obedience, hunting in the field, as well as in the home… as long as the owner has the same amount of energy as the dog. Because of his hunting background, the Pointer was bred to go-go-go! He retains this concept in mind as well as body.

Despite his rugged nature, the Pointer is a lover of comfort and prefers to live inside the house. He also considers himself to be a member of the family and isn’t very happy if he lives outside all by himself. He needs human contact, preferably people who will play with him and laugh at his antics. For this reason, he is a great dog for owners with kids! With a level head and even temperament, he can usually be trusted with children of all ages, although his energy level makes him more suited to kids older than toddler-age. He is an equally adept pet for single-person households as well, just as long as his owner gives him the same amount of attention that he, himself, gives. Pointers are known for being loyal.

While not a guard dog, Pointers make great watch/patrol dogs. Naturally protective of their properties, they will sound an alarm whenever someone arrives at the house. Don’t expect them to react any stronger than their warning bark, however… most Pointers love everyone! Strangers usually don’t stay strangers for long, for this breed enjoys making new friends. Aggression is practically unheard of in this breed, with only the very rare exception here and there.

These English gun dogs were bred to work all day, and as such they need a job for fulfillment. Obedience is a great way to fill this task although most Pointers will do almost anything asked of them. Agility, rally, tracking, and of course hunting are but a few of the many talents of this breed. They are exceptionally hard-working and will often put much effort into their “job”. They are generally considered easy to train and some people even say they are one of the best breeds for competitive obedience.

Pointers need daily exercise… and plenty of it! One to two hours of exercise a day is recommended – and walking normally won’t cut it. Jogging or biking with the dog is more in-line with what these dogs need. Their energy level does not make them compatible with apartment life. Not only are they high-energy, but they are considered “intense” by many. Everything they do is with marked enthusiasm and vigor, even when playing! As such, they are not recommended for the elderly or infirm. As with most high energy breeds, Pointers have the potential to be destructive if not given enough outlets.

This breed is friendly to everyone, including other dogs, cats and small animals. Pet birds may be the one exception, since they were bred to stalk feathered prey. Although Pointers weren’t bred to kill birds, most have an above-average interest in them which might cause the bird to get hurt. Pointers are also incredibly empathetic and seem to have a natural sense for what others are feeling – particularly humans. Some will mimic the temperaments of their owners. Shy people, for example, often end up with shy Pointers.

Like many bird dogs, the Pointer can be mouthy and may need extra work getting them to stop play-biting at hands. Luckily, this is a soft-mouthed breed (most of the time) that doesn’t normally inflect much damage beyond a bit of drool on skin. Either way, this behavior needs to be stopped early on. Giving the dog his own toys to carry around often helps fulfill his desire to have things in his mouth!

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a pointing gun dog breed which is also capable of retrieving and tracking. Less known than his German cousin, the German Wirehaired Pointer, he is admired for his slower and steady hunting style. Easily trained and possessing much thought and consideration, the Griff makes a perfect pet for the right owner.

Obedience training is normally a breeze with the Griffon, although males are known to be easier to train. Females are more likely to test their limits to see what they can get away with! Both sexes can become easily distracted (by running squirrels, birds, etc.) and need to be worked extra hard on distraction-training. The breed also has a bit of an independent streak, but will eagerly work with motivation.

As could be surmised from his name, this breed has a wiry double coat that protects him while out in the field. He does shed, but does so minimally. The coat doesn’t need much care, however it does need to be stripped or plucked with special tools in order to keep it in a very harsh texture. Shaving a Griffon should never be done – not only will the coat become very soft, but it will never grow back in the same way again. The wiry coat, while rugged and dignified, does tend to collect leaves and other plant life when the dog goes outside! Furthermore, the Griff’s distinctive beard gets wet (and stays wet) whenever the dog gets a drink.

Although a hunting dog, this breed shouldn’t be kept kenneled outside all day. Griffs love human contact and need plenty of time with their owners in order to be happy. In fact, separation anxiety is well-known in the breed and occurs more often in individuals who are left home alone for long stretches of time. Chewing on furniture and other objects is a common symptom of separation anxiety, so training and/or crating is recommended. The breed is also known for excessive barking – again, particularly if the owners are gone. One final frequent behavior problem in the breed is difficulty in housebreaking.

They also require daily exercise – although they are not a super-high energy breed, they still require a moderate amount each day. As long as these needs are accounted for they are pleasant and calm in the house. Griffs that do not receive enough exercise can be obnoxious and prone to jumping up on people. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was bred to be a hunting/working dog first and foremost and not bred to be a fastidious house dog. This also means that along with physical excercise, they must have a job to do! Mental and emotional tasks are just as important to ensuring that the Griffon and their owners can live in harmony.

Griffons do very well with children and are not easily upset or frightened by them. They have a gentle nature and are often extra careful around kids. Because of their laid-back nature, however, it is important to make sure kids do not take advantage of a Griff’s easygoing temperament. Teasing should never be allowed as it is never fair for the dog! The Griffon usually gets along fine with other dogs, particularly if one or both is altered. With cats… many Griffs enjoy chasing them up trees.

The breed is not a guard dog by any means and might not protect the house if an invader breaks in. That said, most Griffs will bark an alarm if they hear a stranger. When taken on walks, they tend to ignore strangers who come up to say hi. This aloof temperament around new people is common and shouldn’t be taken as an insult. To ensure the best possible results (and safeguard against the dog being fearful of people), the Griffon absolutely needs to be socialized around as many people as possible when he is a puppy!

Photo By Elf at English Wikipedia

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a somewhat newer breed, created in the 1930’s by crossing the Vizsla with the German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was created in Hungary with the purpose of keeping Vizsla traits but adding a coat that was better able to withstand cooler temperatures. This is an entirely separate breed from the Vizsla, although has many of the same characteristics. One of the biggest differences is their laid-back temperament, compared to the more hyper personality found in their smooth cousins.

The Wirehaired Vizsla is affectionate, outgoing and very loyal to their owners. Friendly with children as well as other dogs, they make great family pets. They can be good with cats as long as they are raised with them. Some also have a bit of a protective streak – and although are not aggressive dogs – will not hesitate to defend a family member if confronted. In general, however, they love meeting new people and are almost always friendly to strangers.

The Wire bonds very closely with their family and are considered a “velcro breed” – meaning, they prefer to be wherever their owner is. If there is more than one person living in the household, the dog will pick a favorite person to follow around! Living with one of these red dogs means that they will often be underfoot, although not particularly cumbersome. They are also fairly quiet dogs and will only bark to alert to visitors.

The breed is considered quite adaptable and can fit into many different lifestyles. They enjoy being outdoors just as much as they love the comfort of indoors, and ideally prefer both! They can be kept as outdoor dogs (although should be allowed “people time”), and many also do well living in apartments (with more frequent exercise). Wirehaired Vizslas are happiest, however, when they are allowed to work outside (hunting or other similar activities) and then come indoors to hang out.

They are slightly less active than their short-haired cousins and will gladly take naps on the couch in between excursions. They do not require as much exercise, although do appreciate being taken for jogs on a regular basis. Wires that are kept cooped up for very long periods of time are prone to destructiveness and all manner of other behavioral problems. Just because this breed is versatile, does not mean they can be kept confined day-in and day-out with no exercise! Although less demanding of time than other sporting breeds, they still need to be given physical (and mental) outlets every day.

Intelligent and easily trained, the Wirehaired Vizsla is an excellent choice for those wanting a good obedient dog. This said, they have a sensitive nature and tend to shut down if the training is too forceful. Being naturally willing to please, a good trainer knows there is no need for excessive force with this breed anyway. Keep sessions short and challenging or this breed may become bored. Also, take advantage of the breed’s playful nature and use it to your advantage! If your Wire is acting particularly stubborn, he may not see you as a full authority figure and you must reevaluate your tactics.

The wiry coat is easy to take care of but does require “stripping” (pulling out of the undercoat with special tools) in order to keep the coat rough and coarse. It is also important to take regular care of nails, ears and teeth. Although some people believe that the Wirehaired Vizsla is hypoallergenic, it is not. The breed does shed, although not excessively.

Photo By Noveczki Katalin