Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask my breeder?
Meeting the Breeder:
-How long have you been involved with the breed? How long have you been breeding?
It is a personal choice on how much emphasis you put on the experience of your breeder. Obviously the longer they have been breeding the more knowledge and experience they will have. However, even they started somewhere and most reputable breeders have mentors, who are longtime breeders to assist them.
-What health checks do you perform on the parents?
At minimum your puppies parents should have their hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and thyroid checked and certified with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Your breeder can provide you with a number that can be entered in the OFA database where you can see the results and the results of related dogs. PennHip is an alternate database that some breeders submit their hip information to.
-Do you offer a health guarantee with your puppies?
All reputable breeders should offer a health guarantee with their puppies. Obviously, no breeder can guarantee that the dogs they produce will be free of disease for their entire life, but they should be able to guarantee that the puppy is free of parasites and congenital defects at the time of purchase. They should give you proof from a veterinarian that your puppy is up to date on shots and has had multiple dewormers.
-Do you belong to any breed clubs?
This shows that your breeder is connected to others in the breed and has a network of experience behind them.
-Have you had any health issues in your line?
This is the hardest question to answer as a breeder, but it is an important question to ask as a puppy buyer. Even if your breeder doesn't have a reoccurring issue in their breeding program, chances that every single puppy they have ever produced has been perfectly healthy are slim. If they are willing to share these health issues with you, then you know that they are in it for the long haul with you and your puppy.
About your Puppy:
-What titles do the parents have?
A reputable breeder understands the importance of showing and titling their dogs. It's not about the ribbons or collecting titles. It's about being able to prove that their dogs can consistently do what a vizsla was bred to do. It's about preserving the vizsla breed and what separates it from other breeds. Vizslas are versatile and should be able to excel in many avenues from conformation to obedience, and hunt tests to search and rescue. A well rounded vizsla should have titles both before and after its name. If you are unsure about what the titles stand for, ask. Your breeder has put immense time and money into earning those titles and they will be more than happy to talk about them!
-Why did you choose this sire for this dam?
Reputable breeders spend hours agonizing over the proper mate for their dogs. They carefully research pedigrees, compare qualities, and look at genetic testing to choose the dog they think will improve on their previous generations. They should have very specific reasons for choosing the dog they did and they should be able to explain those reasons to you.
-Can I see mom? Dad?
It is a fairly common response that a reputable breeder should have both parents on site, however many reputable breeders use stud services. It is not necessarily a red flag if they do not house both mom and dad. However, your breeder should be able to provide you with plenty on information on dad including the health checks and reasons for breeding mentioned above. You should be able to see mom and puppies and interact with both.
-Can I see your puppy contract?
All reputable breeders will have a contract outlining the puppies health guarantee, price of the puppy, and their expectations of you as an owner. If you are unsure about any part of the contract, ask your breeder.
-When can I bring my puppy home?
Your breeder should not let your puppy go home before it is 8 weeks of age. Most vizsla breeders like to wait until the puppy is 9 weeks before letting it go to it's forever home. Your puppy needs that time to develop critical social skills with its mother and siblings.
-Do you do any temperament testing on your puppies?
This testing isn't a be all end all on your puppy's behavior. Puppies change a lot as they grow, and the environment they are raised in plays a big part in who they will become as an adult. However, puppy temperament testing is valuable in helping a breeder decide which puppies are best suited for which prospective homes.
Are there any common health problems in vizslas?
-Hip Dysplasia
Like all large breed dogs, vizslas can be prone to hip dysplasia. This is where the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit together properly due to a malformation of the joint. This is why it is so important to choose a responsible breeder who screens their dogs for this condition.
-Von Willibrand's Disease
Von Willibrand's disease is a form of canine hemophilia. Von Willebrand disease, also called vWD, is the most common inherited blood clotting disorder in dogs. It’s the result of an insufficient amount of Von Willebrand factor (vWF), which is a plasma protein that helps blood to clot. vWD can result in excessive, serious bleeding from even a minor skin wound.
-Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes dogs to have sudden, uncontrolled and recurring seizures. These physical attacks can come with or without
a loss of consciousness.
-Cancers
Lymphosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are cancers that are most commonly found in vizslas. Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of blood cell) and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoid tissue is normally present in many places in the body including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. The average dog with lymphosarcoma is between 6-9 years although dogs of any age can be affected. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the spleen and liver. It is a fast growing and rapidly spreading cancer. Often, owners do not realize their dog is affected until the sudden hemorrhage or collapse. The average age of occurrence is 8 to 10 years, but it has been seen in younger dogs as well.
Are vizslas good with kids?
Vizslas make excellent family dogs! However, due to their high energy nature and lack of spatial awareness (they're called velcro vizslas for a reason) they
need to be watched around young children so they do not knock them over and hurt them. It is also important to teach your child to respect your vizsla. Once both your child(ren) and your vizsla are taught the rules and boundaries, everyone will live together as one happy family!
Are vizslas easy to train? What are the best training methods for a vizsla?
Most vizslas are easy to train and are eager to please. They are very intelligent and love their humans! They need mental stimulation and learning new tricks is the only way to tire them out. Vizslas are generally soft natured and do not need harsh training methods. A simple, harsh NO! usually will suffice and obedience training should be kept positive. It is very important to train your vizsla early. They are extremely high energy and need mental stimulation.
Without it they can quickly become destructive.
Should I crate train my dog?
I am a firm believer that crate training saves lives! In an emergency situation it is imperative that your dog can be comfortable in a crate. In a disaster your dog needs to be willing to go in a crate for rescuers. In a veterinary emergency they may need to be crated after a procedure. A crate keeps puppies out of
the trash, away from chewing wires or ingesting things they shouldn't be eating. Many bowel obstruction surgeries could have been prevented by crating the dog while the owners were away.
What are the financial expectations for a new vizsla puppy?
In your search for the right dog, you may have noticed prices that vary widely. Though all of the dogs may be AKC registered, you can see from this discussion of health, personality and structure faults that AKC 'papers' are no indication of the quality of the pup or his trueness to the vizsla standard.
The price of a well bred pup is not exorbitant when divided over the life span of the dog and weighed against veterinary expenses on poorly bred dogs. Most reputable breeders will not make money on their litters. They have all of that money and more invested in their puppy's health care, the pre and postnatal care of the mother and other whelping expenses. Not to mention, the time and money put into showing and titling their dogs prior to breeding.
Once you get your new puppy you should take it to the vet within the first 2 days of bringing it home. This visit can cost around $50-60. In a few more weeks your pup will need to go to the vet again for it's next round of shots. Depending on your vet and the area that you live in this visit could cost between
$150-400. In a month's time you will need to booster your puppy's vaccines with roughly the same cost.
If you do not already have a dog, you will need supplies to bring home your vizsla puppy. You will need a crate, collar and leash, a bed, and toys. You will need food and treats, and bones to keep your pup's teeth healthy. Expect to spend at least $60 a month on these items. Vizslas are known toy destroyers, so depending on your pup that cost may be higher.
The first year of your puppy's life is the most expensive. You also need to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Depending on your experience level with dogs, you may need to invest in obedience and puppy socialization classes as well.
Should I get a male or female puppy?
This is a completely personal choice. There are pros and cons to both sexes. You should work with your breeder to determine which puppy is best for you based on that dog's personality. Each dog is a unique individual and sex does not usually determine those characteristics.
How much care/grooming is needed for a vizsla?
Vizslas are what we call "wash and wear". They require very little grooming and shed very little. A brushing once a week will help distribute coat oils and keep your dog's coat glossy and beautiful. They should not be bathed too often, certainly not more often than every month or two unless they get really dirty. Too frequent bathing will strip the oil from their coats, and dry skin and dandruff will result.Toenails should be kept short. Trimming once a week is recommended. Absolutely start this from the beginning. Vizslas must surely learn toenail hysterics in the whelping box, because most all of them HATE having their nails done. Don't let them talk you into not doing it. If you hear nails click on the floor, they need to be trimmed. During their weekly nail trim, check their ears and genitals. Run your fingers over their coat to check for sores, cuts and scrapes, and parasites.
Do vizslas shed?
It is a common misconception that vizslas do not shed. They do shed, and the quantity varies from dog to dog. That said, they shed very little compared to
most breeds. They do not have an undercoat and do not blow coat in the spring and fall like most breeds do.
Where do vizslas come from?
The Hungarian Vizsla is one of the oldest pointer/retrievers in existence. It is believed that the ancestors of today's Vizsla came with the Magyar nomads who crossed the Carpathian Mountains into what is now known as Hungary in approximately 985 AD. Historically, they were possessions of the landed aristocracy. This all changed with the first World War when the social order in Hungary was drastically changed. With World War II and the Russian occupation, the Vizsla was nearly lost. Dedicated lovers of the breed spirited their dogs out of the country to save it. The dogs began arriving in the United States in the early 1950's. In 1960, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
How do I choose the puppy that is right for me?
It is important to discuss your lifestyle with your breeder. Are you an adventurous traveler who is looking for a travel companion? Do you work a 9-5 and have a family? Are you looking to show your dog? Do you need a hunting companion? A vizsla can be a wonderful companion in all of these situations. Based on puppy temperament tests, you will work with your breeder to determine which puppy is right for you.
Do I have to show/hunt with my dog?
No. In every litter there are show prospects, hunting prospects, and pet puppies. Not every dog is destined for the show ring or field. Most are just perfect pets. Just because you buy your puppy from a breeder that shows or hunts, doesn't meant you have to. However, if you are interested in getting into the world of dog sports your breeder will be happy to assist you!
Meeting the Breeder:
-How long have you been involved with the breed? How long have you been breeding?
It is a personal choice on how much emphasis you put on the experience of your breeder. Obviously the longer they have been breeding the more knowledge and experience they will have. However, even they started somewhere and most reputable breeders have mentors, who are longtime breeders to assist them.
-What health checks do you perform on the parents?
At minimum your puppies parents should have their hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and thyroid checked and certified with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Your breeder can provide you with a number that can be entered in the OFA database where you can see the results and the results of related dogs. PennHip is an alternate database that some breeders submit their hip information to.
-Do you offer a health guarantee with your puppies?
All reputable breeders should offer a health guarantee with their puppies. Obviously, no breeder can guarantee that the dogs they produce will be free of disease for their entire life, but they should be able to guarantee that the puppy is free of parasites and congenital defects at the time of purchase. They should give you proof from a veterinarian that your puppy is up to date on shots and has had multiple dewormers.
-Do you belong to any breed clubs?
This shows that your breeder is connected to others in the breed and has a network of experience behind them.
-Have you had any health issues in your line?
This is the hardest question to answer as a breeder, but it is an important question to ask as a puppy buyer. Even if your breeder doesn't have a reoccurring issue in their breeding program, chances that every single puppy they have ever produced has been perfectly healthy are slim. If they are willing to share these health issues with you, then you know that they are in it for the long haul with you and your puppy.
About your Puppy:
-What titles do the parents have?
A reputable breeder understands the importance of showing and titling their dogs. It's not about the ribbons or collecting titles. It's about being able to prove that their dogs can consistently do what a vizsla was bred to do. It's about preserving the vizsla breed and what separates it from other breeds. Vizslas are versatile and should be able to excel in many avenues from conformation to obedience, and hunt tests to search and rescue. A well rounded vizsla should have titles both before and after its name. If you are unsure about what the titles stand for, ask. Your breeder has put immense time and money into earning those titles and they will be more than happy to talk about them!
-Why did you choose this sire for this dam?
Reputable breeders spend hours agonizing over the proper mate for their dogs. They carefully research pedigrees, compare qualities, and look at genetic testing to choose the dog they think will improve on their previous generations. They should have very specific reasons for choosing the dog they did and they should be able to explain those reasons to you.
-Can I see mom? Dad?
It is a fairly common response that a reputable breeder should have both parents on site, however many reputable breeders use stud services. It is not necessarily a red flag if they do not house both mom and dad. However, your breeder should be able to provide you with plenty on information on dad including the health checks and reasons for breeding mentioned above. You should be able to see mom and puppies and interact with both.
-Can I see your puppy contract?
All reputable breeders will have a contract outlining the puppies health guarantee, price of the puppy, and their expectations of you as an owner. If you are unsure about any part of the contract, ask your breeder.
-When can I bring my puppy home?
Your breeder should not let your puppy go home before it is 8 weeks of age. Most vizsla breeders like to wait until the puppy is 9 weeks before letting it go to it's forever home. Your puppy needs that time to develop critical social skills with its mother and siblings.
-Do you do any temperament testing on your puppies?
This testing isn't a be all end all on your puppy's behavior. Puppies change a lot as they grow, and the environment they are raised in plays a big part in who they will become as an adult. However, puppy temperament testing is valuable in helping a breeder decide which puppies are best suited for which prospective homes.
Are there any common health problems in vizslas?
-Hip Dysplasia
Like all large breed dogs, vizslas can be prone to hip dysplasia. This is where the ball and socket joint of the hip does not fit together properly due to a malformation of the joint. This is why it is so important to choose a responsible breeder who screens their dogs for this condition.
-Von Willibrand's Disease
Von Willibrand's disease is a form of canine hemophilia. Von Willebrand disease, also called vWD, is the most common inherited blood clotting disorder in dogs. It’s the result of an insufficient amount of Von Willebrand factor (vWF), which is a plasma protein that helps blood to clot. vWD can result in excessive, serious bleeding from even a minor skin wound.
-Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes dogs to have sudden, uncontrolled and recurring seizures. These physical attacks can come with or without
a loss of consciousness.
-Cancers
Lymphosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are cancers that are most commonly found in vizslas. Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of blood cell) and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoid tissue is normally present in many places in the body including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. The average dog with lymphosarcoma is between 6-9 years although dogs of any age can be affected. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the spleen and liver. It is a fast growing and rapidly spreading cancer. Often, owners do not realize their dog is affected until the sudden hemorrhage or collapse. The average age of occurrence is 8 to 10 years, but it has been seen in younger dogs as well.
Are vizslas good with kids?
Vizslas make excellent family dogs! However, due to their high energy nature and lack of spatial awareness (they're called velcro vizslas for a reason) they
need to be watched around young children so they do not knock them over and hurt them. It is also important to teach your child to respect your vizsla. Once both your child(ren) and your vizsla are taught the rules and boundaries, everyone will live together as one happy family!
Are vizslas easy to train? What are the best training methods for a vizsla?
Most vizslas are easy to train and are eager to please. They are very intelligent and love their humans! They need mental stimulation and learning new tricks is the only way to tire them out. Vizslas are generally soft natured and do not need harsh training methods. A simple, harsh NO! usually will suffice and obedience training should be kept positive. It is very important to train your vizsla early. They are extremely high energy and need mental stimulation.
Without it they can quickly become destructive.
Should I crate train my dog?
I am a firm believer that crate training saves lives! In an emergency situation it is imperative that your dog can be comfortable in a crate. In a disaster your dog needs to be willing to go in a crate for rescuers. In a veterinary emergency they may need to be crated after a procedure. A crate keeps puppies out of
the trash, away from chewing wires or ingesting things they shouldn't be eating. Many bowel obstruction surgeries could have been prevented by crating the dog while the owners were away.
What are the financial expectations for a new vizsla puppy?
In your search for the right dog, you may have noticed prices that vary widely. Though all of the dogs may be AKC registered, you can see from this discussion of health, personality and structure faults that AKC 'papers' are no indication of the quality of the pup or his trueness to the vizsla standard.
The price of a well bred pup is not exorbitant when divided over the life span of the dog and weighed against veterinary expenses on poorly bred dogs. Most reputable breeders will not make money on their litters. They have all of that money and more invested in their puppy's health care, the pre and postnatal care of the mother and other whelping expenses. Not to mention, the time and money put into showing and titling their dogs prior to breeding.
Once you get your new puppy you should take it to the vet within the first 2 days of bringing it home. This visit can cost around $50-60. In a few more weeks your pup will need to go to the vet again for it's next round of shots. Depending on your vet and the area that you live in this visit could cost between
$150-400. In a month's time you will need to booster your puppy's vaccines with roughly the same cost.
If you do not already have a dog, you will need supplies to bring home your vizsla puppy. You will need a crate, collar and leash, a bed, and toys. You will need food and treats, and bones to keep your pup's teeth healthy. Expect to spend at least $60 a month on these items. Vizslas are known toy destroyers, so depending on your pup that cost may be higher.
The first year of your puppy's life is the most expensive. You also need to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Depending on your experience level with dogs, you may need to invest in obedience and puppy socialization classes as well.
Should I get a male or female puppy?
This is a completely personal choice. There are pros and cons to both sexes. You should work with your breeder to determine which puppy is best for you based on that dog's personality. Each dog is a unique individual and sex does not usually determine those characteristics.
How much care/grooming is needed for a vizsla?
Vizslas are what we call "wash and wear". They require very little grooming and shed very little. A brushing once a week will help distribute coat oils and keep your dog's coat glossy and beautiful. They should not be bathed too often, certainly not more often than every month or two unless they get really dirty. Too frequent bathing will strip the oil from their coats, and dry skin and dandruff will result.Toenails should be kept short. Trimming once a week is recommended. Absolutely start this from the beginning. Vizslas must surely learn toenail hysterics in the whelping box, because most all of them HATE having their nails done. Don't let them talk you into not doing it. If you hear nails click on the floor, they need to be trimmed. During their weekly nail trim, check their ears and genitals. Run your fingers over their coat to check for sores, cuts and scrapes, and parasites.
Do vizslas shed?
It is a common misconception that vizslas do not shed. They do shed, and the quantity varies from dog to dog. That said, they shed very little compared to
most breeds. They do not have an undercoat and do not blow coat in the spring and fall like most breeds do.
Where do vizslas come from?
The Hungarian Vizsla is one of the oldest pointer/retrievers in existence. It is believed that the ancestors of today's Vizsla came with the Magyar nomads who crossed the Carpathian Mountains into what is now known as Hungary in approximately 985 AD. Historically, they were possessions of the landed aristocracy. This all changed with the first World War when the social order in Hungary was drastically changed. With World War II and the Russian occupation, the Vizsla was nearly lost. Dedicated lovers of the breed spirited their dogs out of the country to save it. The dogs began arriving in the United States in the early 1950's. In 1960, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
How do I choose the puppy that is right for me?
It is important to discuss your lifestyle with your breeder. Are you an adventurous traveler who is looking for a travel companion? Do you work a 9-5 and have a family? Are you looking to show your dog? Do you need a hunting companion? A vizsla can be a wonderful companion in all of these situations. Based on puppy temperament tests, you will work with your breeder to determine which puppy is right for you.
Do I have to show/hunt with my dog?
No. In every litter there are show prospects, hunting prospects, and pet puppies. Not every dog is destined for the show ring or field. Most are just perfect pets. Just because you buy your puppy from a breeder that shows or hunts, doesn't meant you have to. However, if you are interested in getting into the world of dog sports your breeder will be happy to assist you!