Hungarian Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Hungarian Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonHungarian Vizsla is originated from Hungary but Irish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Irish Water Spaniel are having almost same height. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Irish Water Spaniel are of same weight. Both Hungarian Vizsla and Irish Water Spaniel has almost same life span. Hungarian Vizsla may have less litter size than Irish Water Spaniel. Hungarian Vizsla requires Low maintenance. But Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

hungarian vizsla - historyThe Hungarian Vizslas existed in the land that is now Hungary, the Pannonian Basin, at least since the 10th century when they were shown on etchings. It is thought that their descendants were various pointers, the extinct Turkish Yellow Dog and the Transylvanian Hound. The Vizsla is a hunting dog with the word being Hungarian for pointer. In 1937 the Carmelite Friars under orders from King Louis I of Hungry. The breed was isolated for centuries in the Basin by the aristocracy and land owners.

The Magyar people of the area developed the breed for hunting as both pointers and retrievers. They were excellent at hunting rabbits and water fowl. With a terrific sense of smell and boundless stamina and energy, the were prized as family and companion dogs as well. This was unusual for a hunting or working dog. Their size made them appealing as well. They were small by comparison to other hunting dogs both pointers and retrievers.

Easy to train, the Hungarian Vizsla works in water, forests and fields. They are able to retrieve in the water as well as on the land. Throughout their history, the breed outlasted the Turkish Revolution, the Hungarian Revolution World War 1 and World War 2, as well as the Hungarian People’s Republic Communist State. Things were a little dicey for the Vizlas several times beginning in the 1800’s when German Shorthaired Pointers and English Pointers were introduced into the area. The next time was after World War II. Fearful of what this Communist state would mean for the breed, some were smuggled into the United States and Austria.

At that time there were only a dozen or so Vizslas in all of Hungary. Their numbers were brought back from that small breeding stock. This history did result in several different strains grew into their own breeding stock. There are Vizslas in Czechoslovakia, Romania, Serbia and Austria. There developed separate lines that became separate breeds in the Wirehaired Vizsla and the longhaired Vizsla which is very rare.

After World War II, the Hungarian Vizsla came to the United States and the Vizsla Club of American was established as a first step toward AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition. This was attained in 1960. Rex del Geisimino came to the U.S. in 1951 and he was able to respond to commands in both German and Hungarian. Vizslas also came to the United Kingdom in this time frame. There are now about 4500 registered with the KC (Kennel Club of Great Britain). A Vizsla won the distinctive Crufts Dog Show in Great Britain, as Best in Show.

It is believed that this gentle, sensitive and affectionate hunter was part of the original breeding stock or the Wirehaired Vizsla, the Weimaraner and the German Shorthaired Pointers. The Hungarian Vizsla is intelligent and social. The need your attention as well as a lot of exercise to avoid destructive behavior born of boredom. They want to be with you and they can be very protective of you.

irish water spaniel - historyThe Irish Water Spaniel is one of the larger spaniel types and also one of the oldest.

He is sometimes referred to as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel. Hailing from Ireland, the precise origins of the dog aren't altogether sure. It is believed that the dog came from other dogs from Persia and there are references to these water dogs from as early as 1600.

The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The breed's purpose is that of a hunter of waterfowl and he swims strongly.

The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. In 1890 the Irish Water Spaniel Club was formed.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Hungary
Ireland
Height Male:
56 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 10 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Colors Available:
solid golden-rust color in several shadings
Dark Brown, Liver
Coat:
short, smooth, dense
Longish hair - thick and very curly
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

hungarian vizsla puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Vizsla has a light build, a short coat, and a distinctive bearing. They are medium in size and muscular, lean dogs looking a lot like the Weimaraner. They are also close in appearance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Redbone Coonhounds. They are more muscular and leaner than the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Weimaraner.

The Vizsla has a reddish nose and their nails and eyes should also be reddish or blending with the color of their coat. They have docked tails in the American standard but not in the United Kingdom, as docking is banned there. If he has a tail, you can see it flying through the air as he runs through the rough land to retrieve fowl.

They have a domed skull with a tapered muzzle that is shorter or equal to the skull. They have eyes that are contrasted with the coat and of medium size. The ears of silky, hang close to the face and the tips are rounded. The coat is rust in color with many shades. He also has a deep chest and hound like face.

irish water spaniel puppy - descriptionA peculiar feature of this dog is its hairless tail which is partly covered in curls which the rest is all but hairless, giving him the nickname of Rat Tail or Whip Tail.

Looking much like a Poodle with his tight oily curls, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large sized purebred dog, a robust, compact built dog with a skull which is shaped like a dome.

The muzzle is longish, the eyes dark brown and intelligent looking and the ears are long and floppy.

His hair is thick and curly and it sheds very little so that the dog is regarded as being hypoallergenic. The medium length coat is a dark brown, liver color with fairly tight curls that may even tend to cover the eyes.

It is interesting to note that he has webbed feet, which is useful for when the dog swims.He stands at roughly 51cm to 61cm and weighs between 25 to 30kg.

Temperament:

Temperament in any dog is affected by socialization and the way the human owner raises the dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a water loving dog, being active and energetic.

He is an intelligent dog and easy to train and socialize. When trained he becomes such an obedient dog. He has also got a light-hearted side to him and is actually known to be quite amusing and clownish, providing plenty of laughs for you.

They make good family dogs, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. They're also able to make good guard dogs, taking the protective roles seriously. He isn't an aggressive dog but he has a warning bark that can be a good warning to intruders.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hungarian vizsla dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness - The Vizsla is very good with children.

Special talents

Special talents - They are both excellent pointers and retrievers.

Adaptability

Adaptability - They are not very adaptable in living arrangements as they are much more suited for the country than the city.

Learning ability

Learning ability – The Vizsla is a very intelligent breed and easy to train. His learning ability is very high.

irish water spaniel dog - characteristicsYour active Irish Water Spaniel just loves water so you can count him in whenever you go swimming. That is one characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel – he just loves to be involved in all the action you're busy with.

He makes an ideal family pet for an active family, and he will be a loyal and devoted pet who will provide a lot of fun to your family with his mischievous side.

He is confident, independent and strong willed so first time dog owners should bear this in mind. He is essentially just a fun loving, busy dog and if you make sure to exercise him well and make sure he is a participating member of your family, he'll be your most loving and devoted friend.

Health Problems

hungarian vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Hungarian Vizsla has a series of health issues that include:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated but not cured.
  • Cancer of various types – some treatable others fatal.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis – a skin disorder marked by inflammation. This only occurs in young adult dogs.
  • Ear Infections

irish water spaniel puppies - health problemsA generally healthy breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, just like with most other dogs, can fall prey to some of the more common dog ailments of which hip dysplasia is one.

Bone and joint problems like this can lead to lameness even in young dogs.

Eye diseases are also a problem, and cataracts can form in the eye, particularly when the dog is older and create a cloudy look to the eye. It's not painful for the dog.

Hypothyroidism, a treatable hormonal disorder is another disease worth being aware of.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hungarian vizsla dogs - caringFeed two to four cups per day of a high quality dry dog food. Break this up into three or four meals. Don’t free feed your puppy.

Feeding the adult

Feed two to three cups per day of high quality dry dog food. Feed in two servings.

Points for Good Health

The Vizsla is an athlete with high energy.

Games and Exercises

The Hungarian Vizsla needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and maybe more. He needs a large yard or open field, but daily brisk walks will do if that is all that is possible. He needs to be stimulated intellectually as well and enjoys fetch, jogging with you, lure coursing, field trials, tracking and scent work, confirmation, agility, barn hunt, dock diving, rally, and obedience.

Grooming:

irish water spaniel dogs - caringYour Irish Water Spaniel requires quite a bit of grooming that will involve his coat, his nails, his teeth and his ears. The double coat doesn't shed much so it can be easily maintained by brushing the coat twice a week.

It can help your water spaniel to look good by sending him in to a doggy grooming parlor to have his curls neatened. This is a dog that loves water and swimming, and you will need to check the inside of his ears for dampness, wax build-up and debris. This can all combine to cause nasty ear infections.

Exercise:

The dog is energetic and will need to be exercised. Take him for walks, play ball games with him and allow him to go on hikes with you or to go swimming. He loves being involved in all your activities as he is a social, active dog.

Diet:

Highly energetic, it will be important to feed your Irish Water Spaniel with food that enhances his energy levels. There are some good quality commercially manufactured dog foods on the market. Choose one that caters for active, athletic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel.

Dry kibble is more recommended to prevent canine tooth decay. Mix in some home cooked foods from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables and try to include some raw meat every now and then as well. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pudelpointer vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Picardy Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Water Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Water Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Water Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Water Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  21. Stabyhoun vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Large Munsterlander vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Tyrolean Hound vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Hungarian Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  35. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  38. Hungarian Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Hungarian Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds