MyDogBreeds
Smithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is originated from Hungary. Smithfield may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Smithfield may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Both Smithfield and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has almost same life span. Both Smithfield and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has almost same litter size. Smithfield requires Moderate maintenance. But Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla requires Low maintenance
The Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.
It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.
The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.
In 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.
The Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.
He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.
The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.
He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.
The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.
You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.
They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.
Very 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.
Those who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.
These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.
Very good with children as long as he gets enough exercise.
Very athletic
A puppy could live in an apartment in the city, but the adult dog needs a yard and is better off on a farm.
Very smart, very responsive, high learning ability.
These dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.
You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -
This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.
Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.
This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.
Mostly healthy but the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla does have some inherited dispositions to:
The Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.
When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.
It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.
Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.
Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.
Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.
You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Feed high quality food for medium to large breed puppies. Feed 3-4 time a day 1-2 cups.
Feed high quality food for adult medium to large dogs. Feed 2x a day 2-3 cups.
Great stamina and very athletic breed.
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.