"We want you to

"We want you to enjoy your Vizsla should you choose one." WhAT IS A VIZSLA? Genetically designed to be a "walking gentle- man's shooting dog-, the Vizsla is the premier pointing dog of Hungary. Known originally as the "golden gun dog", he is one of the smallest of the pointing breeds. The males' average height is 24" at the shoulder, the female about 22". (The complete AKC standard and history of the breed is found in the pamphlet "Presenting the Vizsla-). One of the best ways to describe the Vizsla temperament is to dub him an "aristocratic clown-. He is an animal of very high energy and demands an unusual amount of attention from his owners. lie does, however, have a strong desire to please and is easy to train. The key to his training is to find the right balance for his innate sensitivity and occasional stubbornness. His people are very important to him and their company is one of his major priorities. Because he is so tuned into his owners, he is capable of becoming a master of control and deceit to get his way. He is unusually demonstrative and loving, traits which serve him well in getting what he wants. He can live successfully in a variety of situations but, unless you are willing and able to provide for his special needs, you both will be unhappy. Vizsla breeders and owners, like their dogs, are usually friendly. We want you to enjoy your Vizsla, should you choose one. We suggest that you visit a home where there are Vizslas before you decide. Whether your interest in Vizslas includes showing in conformation, field trials, or personal gun dog, obedience, hunt tests or having one as a family pet, we feel it is important that you understand what makes a Vizsla a Vizsla. Then, if you decide to own one, you will treasure him for what the breed is and help us to keep him that way. LIVINq WiTh A VIZSLA The Vizsla is no different from any other canine companion in that he is happiest when he knows the boundaries of his life. The dog is a den animal, and the boundaries of his own crate become a safe place for him. Every dog should have his own crate. A crate will provide him a place to sleep in and to spend time in when no one is home or a place to be safely out of the way. Boundaries also include where he is and is not permitted in the house. Although many Vizsla owners allow their dogs on the furniture and on their bed, a dog with dominant tendencies should never be on the bed, nor on an owner's chair. In his mind, he then becomes an equal with you. You should always remember that to him, he is the same as you and therefore, you must demonstrate that you are the alpha member of his pack. A puppy must also learn behavioral boundaries. It is easy for a puppy to learn what is unacceptable behavior. For example, when he puts his mouth or teeth on you, take your hand and squeeze his lips gently around his teeth and at the same time say, firmly, "no". By repeating this treatment, he will learn very quickly not to place his mouth on you. Most Vizslas instinctively love children. Children should learn, also, how to handle the puppy so he becomes a responsible family member. A HEAlrhy VizslA Vizslas do have some health problems. First and foremost, all breeding stock needs to have their hips x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia and certified by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). This is usually done at the age of two years. Many Vizsla breeders also x-ray their dogs' elbows, have them tested for Von Willebrand's disease (an inherited bleeding disorder) and have their eyes tested and certified clear by CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation). In addition, it is recommended that breeding Vizslas be tested for thyroid disorders. It is suggested that a good quality dog food recommended by breeders or veterinarians be fed. A veterinarian will recommend a schedule of inoculations and heartworm preventative procedures. GROOMINq A VIZSLA Vizslas require minimal grooming. Keeping his ears clean, his nails trimmed and his coat brushed is all that is necessary. Contrary to popular beliefs, even though Vizslas have a short coat, they do shed. An occasional bath and regular brushing helps to reduce shedding and contributes to a healthy coat. HAVINq FUN WITH A VIZSLA Vizslas love to walk and jog with their family. A sensible and regular exercise program is recom- mended. This will be quality time your dog looks forward to. There are many avenues of fun and competition that Vizslas and their owners can participate in. Some of them are: puppy socialization and obedience classes; AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) tests; becoming a Therapy Dog, which includes visits to nursing homes, hospitals, children's groups; team flyball and agility competitions; dog shows; obedience computitiom hunt teas; field trials. The Vizsla Club of America can help people who are interested in becoming involved with any of these activities. It is also suggested that Vizsla owners join the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) which publishes a bi-monthly newsletter containing information of interest to Vizsla owners. Regional Vizsla clubs also offer friendship and activities for the Vizsla and his family. RECOMMENDED READING • "The Vizsla: by B. C. Boggs, Glenbrier Publishing, P. O. Box 1844, Chillicothe, OH 45601. (614) 772-2000. • "The Versatile Vizsla; by Marion Coffman. "Your Vizsla; by Strauz & Cunningham. Alpine Publishing, P O. Box 7027, Loveland, CO 80537 (800) 777-7257. • "Vizslas; by E. Hart. T.F.H. Publications, 1 TFH Plaza, 3rd & Union, Neptune City, NJ 07753. • "The Complete Vizsla; by Gay Gottleib. MacMillan Publishing, 201 W. 103 St., Indianapolis, IN 46290. Attn: Howell Sales. • "The Vizsla; video available from the AKC. Available from the VCA • "Presenting the Vizsla; (flyer) • "Raising A Vizsla Puppy; (flyer) • " So You Want To Be a Vizsla Breeder? Or Does Your Stud Dog Have What It Takes?: (flyer) • "Breeders Directory; (booklet updated bi-annually.) • List of regional Vizsla clubs. For the entire package, contact the VCA Corresponding Secretary: Visit the VCA Home Page on the internee www.alcc.org/clubsivizsla/ The books listed arc only a small fraction of those available. Browse the bookstore, and read Dog World, DogFancy, and AKC. Gazette—magazines available on the instant]. EFTA00578267 " You will MEASURE WM TOR WiiAl rllE bREEd is ANd hap us kap him rhAi wAy." The Vizsla Club of America has developed this brochure to help you decide if a Vizsla is really the dog for you. No dog is the perfect dog and all breeds have special characteristics and needs. We think the Vizsla is the best kind of canine companion and friend, but we know that Vizsla manners and Vizsla traits are not for everyone. Because of our concern for our golden rust friends, we believe it is important that you are well- informed about the breed before choosing a Vizsla for yourself and your family. We hope this brochure is helpful to you. The Vizsla is a wonderful canine companion when he is right for your situation. Think carefully before making the very important decision to acquire a Vizsla. Should you choose a Vizsla, you can count on Vizsla owners and breeders helping you any way they can. The VCA believes in supporting Vizsla owners and is happy to provide information and advice. IS THE VIZSIA THE RighT BREEd [OR You? EFTA00578268