Portuguese Water Dog vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is originated from Hungary. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 23 kg / 50 pounds lesser than Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has same life span. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese water dog - historyThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

hungarian wirehaired vizsla - historyIn the 1930’s some breeders noticed that the Hungarian Vizsla produced some dogs with more water, cold weather and ground cover protection because they had a much thicker coat than most of the breed. One breeder decided to cross one of these females with a German Wirehaired Pointer, thus producing the first Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. There were now three types of Vizsla – the smooth coated, the longhaired, and the wirehaired. The longhaired is very rare and can be either smooth or wirehaired. It is also believed based on anecdotal evidence that the original Wirehaired Vizsla was also mixed with the Bloodhound, Pudelpointer, and Irish Setter during World War II. Many kennels started breeding the Wirehaired Vizsla at this time.

This rare longhaired is not recognized by any official club or organization while the smooth and the wired are recognized as two separate breeds. There are only a few longhaired Vizsla and they are only found in Europe. The Wirehaired Vizsla was recognized in 1986 by the FCI in Europe and in 2014 by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Like their cousins the smooth Hungarian Vizsla, the wirehaired version is a natural hunter and easily trained. They are great retrievers as well as pointers in the water or on the land. Their wirehair coats offer them more protection than their smooth coated cousins. They love to swim and are very good at it and will even use your back yard pool if it is available to them.

The wirehaired Vizsla came to North America in the 1970’s and was recognized by the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) in 1977, The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) by 1986 and in 2006 by the United Kennel Club (UKC). The Australian Nation Kennel Council offered recognition in 2007 prior to their entrance into the AKC Foundation Stock Service. They began showing the breed at AKC events in Performance and Companionship, prior to their full AKC recognition in 2014.

These gentle hunting dogs became great family dogs as they love children and just want to be with their people. Falconers have recently taken up the breed because their temperament is suited to this work as well. There are only about 400 to 450 Wirehaired Vizslas left in the United States and few thousand across the globe.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Portugal
Hungary
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
57 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
52 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
45 - 50 kg
99 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
43 - 48 kg
94 - 106 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla • Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog • Drotzoru Magyar Vizsla
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
russet to golden sand
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
harsh, hard and loose fitting
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

hungarian wirehaired vizsla puppy - descriptionVery much like his cousins, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a noble looking breed. He is lean and muscular with a noble head and moderate skull line. Their muzzle is just a little shorter than the skull and the end is squared. They have powerful jaws and a broad, wide nostrils. The nose is brown, and the eyes are slightly darker than the dog’s coat color.

Low set ears are long and hang near the cheeks. With a strong, long neck and muscular shoulders, the Wirehaired Vizsla certainly looks the part of a hunting dog. Her chest is a little deep and the breastbone is prominent. She has round paws with short nails. Of course, her coat is wiry and dense. The undercoat is water repellent. He has an intelligent and lively facial expression.

Their ears are long but proportionate to the head and body. Their upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Finally, the tail is thick and usually 1/3 docked. The tail is mostly carried in a horizontal position while walking or running.

Characteristics

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

Children friendliness

hungarian wirehaired vizsla dog - characteristicsVery good with children as long as he gets enough exercise.

Special talents

Very athletic

Adaptability

A puppy could live in an apartment in the city, but the adult dog needs a yard and is better off on a farm.

Learning ability

Very smart, very responsive, high learning ability.

Health Problems

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

hungarian wirehaired vizsla puppies - health problemsMostly healthy but the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla does have some inherited dispositions to:

  • Hip Dysplasia: can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Dysphagia – Megaesophagus: Causes drooling, problems swallowing and muscle – entropy
  • Food allergies and intolerances
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Both Ectropium and Entropion: curling of eyebrows out and in.
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy : Unknown origin. Can cause seizures.

Caring The Pet

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

hungarian wirehaired vizsla dogs - caringFeed high quality food for medium to large breed puppies. Feed 3-4 time a day 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

Feed high quality food for adult medium to large dogs. Feed 2x a day 2-3 cups.

Points for Good Health

Great stamina and very athletic breed.

Games and Exercises

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a working dog and needs serious daily exercise. He will be full of energy and excitement if he doesn’t get enough mental and physical stimulation. He needs a family that can walk a mole or two every day or jog with him. He easily becomes neurotic and high-strung if his energy is not dissipated. Excels at Field Trials, Competitive Obedience, tracking and Barn Hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  29. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  35. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  38. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds