I am Freda Kirtley, originally from England. In 1966, I acquired my first miniature longhaired Dachshund from the Ross Glen Kennel in England. That was the start of my love for dogs and the improvement and promotion of Dachshunds. The wire coat is my favorite and lasting love. Along with my ventures in the show world, I have mentored many top breeders and AKC judges in the development of this variety.

In 1970 I initiated the Brevard Kennel Club in Florida, and am a current member of the Kennesaw Kennel Club.

I now have a second love, the Wirehaired Vizsla.

The Wirehaired Vizsla is an exuberant hunter on land or lake, whose dense, wiry coat distinguishes him from his close cousin, the Vizsla. Calm and gentle around the house, these upbeat Hungarians like running, swimming, and upbeat play. WVs are close relatives of Vizslas but a distinctly separate breed. The key distinguishing feature is coat type. Unlike the sleek Vizsla, WVs have a dense wiry coat, with a shaggy beard and eyebrows setting off a bright, lively expression. Both Vizsla breeds are classified as medium-sized, but an ideal WV will stand a shade taller and be a bit heavier than his smooth-coat cousin. The two breeds share the same striking red coloring (golden-rust), with a nose and eyes that smartly complement the coat.

I hope you will join me in my enthusiasm and love for this noble breed, the Wirehaired Vizsla!