Member Breeders

Welcome to the Gateway Vizsla Club Breeder Referral Listing!

The purposes of this webpage:
• To educate prospective puppy buyers about the breed and about breeding
• To provide a service to our member Breeders so they might share the information about their kennel and their available litters
• To connect prospective buyers with reputable breeders from our Club

The Gateway Vizsla Club is providing the Member Breeder Listing as a public service. The individuals listed have volunteered to provide information about the breed and the names of breeders who have represented that they adhere to VCA’s Code of Ethics. The reference to any specific breeder does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the GVC. Any views expressed by the volunteers named on the Member Breeder Listing are their own, and do not necessarily reflects the views of the GVC. Moreover, the fact those individuals are included on the Member Breeder Listing here does not imply an endorsement by the GVC of them, their own breeding programs (if any), or any entity they represent.

Click here for the Gateway Vizsla Club        Member Breeder listing.

Are you sure you want a Vizsla?

Most people know only one thing about Vizslas – that they are a beautiful breed of dog. Their slick golden rust coat blends with their eyes, nose and nails. They require little grooming other than an occasional bath and regular nail trims. They are very clean in their habits and shed less than many other breeds This makes them the perfect house dog for the right person. However, the characteristics of the Vizslas go far beyond physical beauty and these are the things that make them a breed not suited to every home.

Many think that a Vizsla is just a smaller version of a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever with less coat. This is not the case!

Vizslas have their good points and bad points

Good Points

  • Vizslas have a short, sleek coat that requires minimal grooming.
  • They are very good at alerting you to anybody coming to the door. However, they can be loud and rowdy and must be taught not to jump on guests or “mouth” them. Vizslas can be very vocal.
  • They are generally very good with considerate children and are naturally protective of them.
  • They are excellent jogging and walking companions. THIS BREED MUST HAVE A LOT OF EXERCISE – after all, they were bred to be hunt all day long!
  • They are very curious and want to be part of whatever you are doing. They should be indoors when you are home, as they very much want to be a part of the family. If not allowed to be part of the family, they can become very destructive and develop numerous neurotic habits.
  • Overall, they are a vigorous and long-lived dog. Average life span is about 12 years – 14 years.
  • They are very playful and will invent games to play with you. They do not lose their free spirit or love of life as they age.
  • They are very sensitive to your moods and want to be touching you when they lie down.
  • They love to retrieve and carry things. A WORD OF CAUTION: THIS INCLUDES YOUR SHOES, CLOTHES, AND THE CHILDREN’S TOYS.
  • They love to go with you anytime, anyplace and anywhere.
  • They are intelligent, easy to train, and want to please. However, they are very willful.
  • Most are good hunting companions.

Bad Points

  • Vizslas can be destructive and many are chewers until they reach maturity. Some are chewers their entire lives.
  • Some will eat anything – pantyhose, VCR tuners, sofas, pillows, sheetrock walls, eyeglasses, etc. They are also natural thieves and you must learn to keep things out of their reach. NO MORE FOOD LEFT OUT ON COUNTERS. Many of them are champion diggers.
  • As a result of the above two traits, a crate or other safe place for confinement when not supervised is a MUST with this breed.
  • They are too clever for their own good and can be very stubborn and manipulative. They will try to get away with everything possible.
  • They must have consistent discipline and positive (motivational) obedience training at an early age. Otherwise, both dog and owner will be miserable.
  • They can be too rowdy for small children and the elderly.
  • They are prone to hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions.
  • They were selectively bred to hunt anything with fur or feathers, and will harass squirrels, cats, birds, and anything else that can be interpreted as prey. However, many can be taught to live with and respect cats.
  • Vizslas can be very vocal.
  • Must have lots of exercise.

 

Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Dog Owner

Buying a dog is a lifetime commitment and a major responsibility in time, energy and sometimes money.

Vizslas often live until the age of 12 to 14 years. Before buying a Vizsla or any dog for that matter, consider:

  • Domesticated dogs cannot fend for themselves. Who will feed, walk, and pick up after your new dog when it’s a puppy and when it grows older?
  • Can your home and lifestyle accommodate a dog? If you work long hours, travel a lot on business, or have a very active social life and are out much of the time, then don’t buy a dog. Dogs are social creatures and need human attention, affection and quality time with family members.
  • Have you considered the energy requirements of a Vizsla and its effect on your personal lifestyle? While they require less than some of the other sporting breeds, adult Vizslas still need a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Puppies will require 2 hours of play and exercise a day. Since dogs generally don’t run around a yard on their own, YOU will need to walk, run, jog or hike each day with your Vizsla. If you’re not an active person, then buy a cat or a dog with lower energy and exercise requirements.
  • Vizslas have a protective instinct but should not be aggressive. If you’re looking for a guard dog, don’t buy the Vizsla.
  • Obedience lessons are essential for all dogs. Will you take time to socialize and train your new Vizsla?
  • Have you budgeted for the cost of good quality, nutritious food, veterinarians’ fees, and obedience lessons?
  • Have you found a veterinarian and discussed your new dog’s medical care requirements?

Courtesy: Vizsla Club of Northern California