Our Philosophy
Our Breeding Program aims to breed biddable dogs that excel in the home as well as in the field. The Wirehaired Vizsla (WHV) has immense potential as a daily companion and succeeds in many different K9 activities.
We however focus on the origin of this breed and actively train, hunt and select our dogs according to their hunting/field abilities while keeping proper structure, low maintenance harsh coat, health and temperament in mind.
We believe this breed should have a good off switch while being able to turn it up when its time to hunt with a good measure of cooperation & intelligence. The WHV excels in becoming part of the family but needs to mentally be challenged and given proper exercise since it is a sporting breed.
During the off season our dogs stay fit by advancing their training in preparation for the hunting / testing season, attend conformation shows and dabble in the agility. We actively hunt our dogs in the fall on wild birds (upland & waterfowl) and are able to extend the season by guiding at the local hunt club from September - March weather permitting.
In 2018 Conny discovered her love for the Versatile Hunting Dog and the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. Shortly after Zoldmali Java moved from Budapest Hungary to Iowa and the rest is history...
Zsófia Miczek owner of the infamous European Gun Dog Kennel encouraged Conny & Java to take part in NAVDAH (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) testing system to challenge themselves and advance their skillset. Their teamwork and dedication earned them a NAVDAH Utility Price 1 with a perfect score in their first year. Henceforth this qualified them for the "Invitational" where they missed the Versatile Champion (VC) title by a hair...
Two years later, Conny requalified and, in 2025, earned the Versatile Champion title with Java & Grit as an amateur handler, joining an elite group of only four Wirehaired Vizslas—and expanding it to six.
Conny has an extensive background in animal husbandry and has always been passionate about working with animals. Growing up in Germany she spent her childhood in horse barns learning the ins and outs of the Sporting Horse World.
After college and relocating to the U.S., she transitioned from horses to dogs, developing a passion for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the AKC conformation world. In 2004, she established the Althof Kennel affix, earning numerous accolades over more than two decades. An AKC Breeder of Merit and licensed judge, Conny transitioned her kennel to Wirehaired Vizslas in 2019, leaving her mark and finding continued success through breeding, training, and hunting while spending as much time as possible outdoors.
The Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla (WHV)
The Wirehaired Vizsla was developed by hunters and falconers who desired a sturdy, versatile hunting dog able to withstand harsh winters in the field, forest and water. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a distinguished, versatile hunting dog of medium size, bred for substance and a dense wire coat. The breed possesses an excellent nose for hunting and tracking feather and fur on land and in water, as well as a natural point and retrieve. The breed’s most distinguishing features are its weather resistant dense wire coat and its facial furnishings, specifically its beard and eyebrows. The Wirehaired Vizsla is intelligent, loyal, sensitive and biddable, but cannot tolerate harsh handling. Eager to learn, lively yet gentle, they are readily trainable for gun and falcon. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.
