Bagel Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison

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 Bagel Hound is a hybrid breed that emerged in the early 2000s by crossing the Beagle and Basset Hound. Both parent breeds have ancient origins—Beagles were bred for hunting small game with their exceptional sense of smell, while Basset Hounds, with their calm demeanor and powerful scenting ability, were also used for hunting.

The Bagel Hound was developed to combine the Beagle’s playful, energetic nature with the Basset Hound’s laid-back, affectionate temperament. Though relatively new, this hybrid quickly became popular for its friendly disposition, moderate energy, and suitability as a family companion.

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.

The Bagel Hound is a medium-sized, affectionate hybrid breed resulting from the cross between the Beagle and the Basset Hound. With a sturdy, muscular body and a short, dense coat, this breed combines the best features of its parents.

Typically, a Bagel Hound has a short to medium-length coat that can come in a variety of colors, including tri-color (black, white, and tan), bi-color, or combinations of tan, white, and black. Their face is expressive with long, floppy ears and a soft, gentle gaze, a trait inherited from both parent breeds.

This breed is known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful, making it an excellent companion for families, including those with children or other pets. While generally calm, they do have a stubborn streak due to their strong scenting instincts, so consistent training is important. Despite their playful nature, they are not overly energetic and are typically content with moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime.

The Bagel Hound has a balanced temperament—loyal, loving, and a little mischievous—which makes them a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in training and care.

Children friendliness

Very 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.

The Bagel Hound is a friendly, affectionate, and playful breed, combining the best traits of its Beagle and Basset Hound parents. They are medium-sized with a sturdy, muscular build, and a short, dense coat. Bagel Hounds are social and enjoy being around people, often following their owners around and seeking attention. They have a gentle, patient nature, making them great with children and other pets.

While they are generally calm, they are also curious and scent-driven, which can make them a bit stubborn and prone to distractions. Their affectionate personality and loyal nature make them great companions, though they benefit from consistent training and exercise.

Mostly 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.

Hip Dysplasia

A common genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly, causing pain and potential arthritis. It can lead to limping or difficulty moving, especially as the dog ages.

Ear Infections

The Bagel Hound’s long, floppy ears trap moisture and debris, making them more susceptible to infections. Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent this issue.

Obesity

Bagel Hounds love food, and without proper portion control and exercise, they can easily gain weight. Obesity can lead to other health problems like heart disease, joint issues, and reduced life expectancy. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to keep them at a healthy weight.

Feeding the puppy

Feed 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.

Daily walks help keep them fit, while interactive play sessions like fetch offer mental and physical stimulation. Avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather, to prevent exhaustion.

Provide a balanced diet with portion control to maintain a healthy weight. Brush their coat weekly to manage shedding, and clean their ears regularly to avoid infections.

Use positive reinforcement during training for best results. Regular vet check-ups ensure they stay healthy, and keeping an eye on their weight helps prevent obesity.