Coton de Tulears and Wirehaired Vizsla New Dog Breeds At National Dog Show

Coton de Tulears (inset) and Wirehaired Vizsla. Credit: National Dog Show presented by Purina

The 2014 National Dog Show will introduce two new dog breeds – Coton de Tulears and Wirehaired Vizsla. A total of 33 new breeds have been introduced to the competition since 2003.

The 2014 National Dog Show airs on Thanksgiving Day at 12 p.m. in all time zones on NBC.

The following is a description of each new breed:

The Coton de Tulear (KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE) was developed by natural selection in Madagascar. The Coton’s “cottony texture” of the white coat, rectangular silhouette and convex topline define the breed. Intelligent, quirky and clown-like, Cotons quickly became a favorite of the island’s aristocracy, who proclaimed them, “The Royal Dog of Madagascar”. With long flowing coats in the show ring, family pets are often kept in “easy care” short clips. Sturdy and athletic, Cotons excel in agility and obedience training and make for ideal companions, readily adaptable to all lifestyles.

The Wirehaired Vizsla (VEESH-la)was developed by hunters and falconers who desired a sturdy, versatile hunting dog able to withstand harsh winters whether in fields, forests or waters. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a distinguished, versatile hunting dog of medium size, bred for substance and a dense wire coat. Balanced in size and proportion, the Wirehaired Vizsla is both robust and lean and its movement is powerful yet graceful with a far reaching drive enabling the breed to hunt in all elements and cover any terrain encountered by the walking hunter. This natural point and retrieve breed possesses an excellent nose for hunting and tracking feather and fur on land and in water. The breed’s most distinguishing features are its weather resistant, dense wire coat and its facial furnishings, specifically its beard and eyebrows. Natural appearance is essential to breed type therefore the Wirehaired Vizsla is to be shown with limited stripping and should not be penalized for being shown in working condition: sinewy and well-muscled, with honorable scars. The Wirehaired Vizsla is intelligent, loyal, sensitive and biddable, but cannot tolerate harsh handling. Eager to learn, lively yet gentle and readily trainable for gun and falcon, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.