From Budapest roots to breeding in NC, a journey of passion, purpose, and Wirehaired Vizslas at Cave Canis Kennels.
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Kata Miller
1. I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, and grew up in a small apartment by a single mother of two. I did not have dogs growing up, but I did everything I could to surround myself with them. I finally got my first rescue dog after moving to the US and getting married. My passion for understanding animal behavior led me to study at Animal Behavior College, and after graduation, I spent over ten years working with dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior.
I imported my first Wirehaired Vizsla from Hungary nine years ago and he stole not just my heart but our whole family’s heart. My husband’s interest in bird hunting, combined with my Hungarian roots and knowledge of the breed, made the Wirehaired Vizsla a perfect fit for us. We now live just south of Asheville, North Carolina, sharing our lives with our three children, several Wirehaired Vizslas, a teckel, and a lot of birds.
My journey into breeding began five years ago when I helped to whelp a litter for my breeder. It was then that I realized I could offer puppies an exceptional start by implementing a program inspired by the US military’s “super dog” initiative. We named our kennel “Cave Canis Kennels,” which means “take care of the dog” in Latin, a constant reminder of our primary responsibility as dog owners and breeders to prioritize the well-being of our dogs. As a dog behaviorist, my focus extends beyond temperament, health, conformation, and natural drive. I am also committed to providing my puppies with the best possible start in life.
2. As both the Hungarian and the American Breed Standards state, Wirehaired Vizslas are a versatile, medium-sized hunting dog excelling in field, woods, and water. Their characteristic harsh wire coat is essential for their ability to retrieve in both field and water, and their temperament also makes them wonderful family companions.
While the breed remains prevalent in Hungarian hunting homes, their popularity is growing among active families in the US. It’s important to remember that, like many Sporting breeds, Wirehaired Vizslas require consistent activity, even if they are not actively hunting. This should be a key consideration when matching puppies with new families.
Developed from German Wirehaired Pointers to endure harsh Hungarian winters, their waterproof coat is a significant advantage, making them excellent water dogs. Their coat color should align with that of their smooth-haired cousins. The harsh texture offers practical benefits, being easier to maintain after outdoor activities. Altering this to a softer coat would diminish a key feature of the Wirehaired Vizsla.
While they do require stripping to remove dead hair, this shouldn’t be needed more than annually. Maintaining their natural coat is crucial for its health and functionality. Therefore, it’s vital that we prioritize judges education. Following the example of other European Sporting breeds, we should invite Hungarian judges to educate our club members on the breed’s correct conformation. This knowledge can then be shared with American judges and the wider public.
Conformation events serve as an excellent platform for educating the public about Breed Standards, including those of the Wirehaired Vizsla.
3. Absolutely! They are becoming more popular due to their wonderful temperament with children, people in general, and other animals in the home. While many still go to hunting homes, it’s great to see that non-hunting families are also embracing both hunting and showing activities to enrich their dogs’ lives.
They truly offer the best of both worlds—highly active and engaged outdoors yet incredibly affectionate and cuddly indoors, which I think is a balance more and more people are seeking.
4. It’s been wonderful transitioning from the dog behavior field into breeding. I’m really enjoying the learning process and observing the positive development of my puppies as they progress through my program.
While it’s true that new health challenges can emerge within the breed, I believe that by staying informed and proactive, we can continue to breed exceptional dogs. On top of that, by incorporating the Bio Sensor program (ENS; Early Neurological Stimulation) and the Puppy Head Start Program, we’re truly setting these puppies up to be outstanding companions.
5. In my area, there are many individuals who own exceptional working dogs. These aren’t just any working dogs; they are high-quality animals valued by farmers and hunters alike for their skills, health, and how well they represent their specific breed in terms
of conformation. I share the same high standards for my own dogs and puppies. It’s important to me that they are a true representation of this wonderful breed.
6. I would love to see more breeders focusing on the importance of both Conformation and field abilities in their Wirehaired Vizsla breeding programs.
While I understand that not every puppy will become a hunting or show dog, and that many will thrive in active pet homes, I believe it’s crucial for us as breeders to deeply understand and consistently breed towards the Breed Standard. This includes maintaining the desired medium size and characteristic harsh wire coat.
It would be wonderful to see breeders who primarily focus on Conformation also consider the breed’s original purpose. I truly believe that excelling in both Conformation and natural hunting abilities is essential for responsible breeding. My hope is that the Wirehaired Vizsla can maintain a strong connection between these two vital aspects, avoiding the divisions seen in some other Sporting breeds.
7. It’s been wonderful to see more breeders showcasing their dogs and achieving success in the NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series)! The inclusion of JH, SH, and MH (Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, Master Hunter) titles after their names is also fantastic to see.
One of my most cherished memories was from Westminster 2023 during a lunch with fellow breeders. We were approached by a couple of people who were curious about our breed, who then asked if our dogs were from the same kennel. It was such a proud moment to reply that we were three different breeders from three different states, highlighting the strength and quality within our small community on such a prominent stage. The support and camaraderie among us breeders at shows truly reflects the close-knit nature of our group.
Adding to our breed’s achievements, our club recently held its first Hunt Test, and we were also proudly represented by four beautiful Wirehaired Vizslas at the Bird Dog Parade at Pheasant Fest 2025! I couldn’t be more excited about the direction our breed is heading.
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