Huntaway vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is originated from Hungary. Both Huntaway and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla are having almost same height. Both Huntaway and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla are having almost same weight. Both Huntaway and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla has almost same life span. Huntaway may have less litter size than Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Both Huntaway and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla requires Low maintenance.

History

huntaway - historyThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

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.

Description

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

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

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

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

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

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

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
New Zealand
Hungary
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
57 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
52 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
45 - 50 kg
99 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
43 - 48 kg
94 - 106 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla • Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog • Drotzoru Magyar Vizsla
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
russet to golden sand
Coat:
smooth or rough
harsh, hard and loose fitting
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  4. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Huntaway vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  16. Mixed vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  17. Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  18. Perro de Presa Canario vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  19. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  20. Saluki vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  21. Mountain Cur vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  22. Rajapalayam vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnauzerdor vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  24. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  25. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  26. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  29. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  36. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  38. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds