NZVizsla

Cowanbree, wow that is reasonable. I might shoot them an e-mail now. With your skin issue boy did you find any dry food okay? I've ruled out Nutro, Eukanuba, and Proplan. Can't afford Oriijen though.

It is very good. I only bought it a couple of times as it is pretty pricey when you have multiple dogs.

My dogs, definitely would not protect me, if it came to having to do more than bark. And one would bark, whilst walking backwards. They're very good at alerting though. What a good dog Molly is.

I think your going to get many opinions here. Some breeds may not be 'ideal' for a owner new to dogs, but an individual may be. I've seen a lot of beginners start off with Cavalier King Charles, and they seem to fit a large demographic (who are prepared to put in the necessary work) My first dog was a GSD x Corgi, she was a horrible dog for me as she was so dominant and strong. She never really liked me, even though I took her on big exciting adventures, did training etc. She later went to live with my dad, who she has always adored.. but is still the same strong-willed, disobedient, cranky little.. at twelve years old Are you quiet and shy? loud and extroverted.. and maybe a bit of a leader? Do you live for exercise, or is minimal best? Do you want a cuddly, affectionate dog? or something more independant?

The pups need to learn to live without each other. Although they're only babes, what will happen if something happens to other one? do you want needy dogs who can't cope with some form of isolation? My three dogs ALL spend time without each other for company. They don't care one way or another now. Can you put them in outdoor pens? so they can see each other, but not interact? it might be frustrating at first for the barker, but if your there initially to tell him off, it may stop the barking when the other guards/has a toy, as it can't do anything about it, so might be less frustrated and more accepting of the situation?

I'm with you Cassie. In Vizslas, breeders are VERY careful on who they go to. But, I suppose it does depend on breed to an extent, and what impression you give off to the breeder.

2x Pedigree Vizslas 1x Mixed breed 1x Pedigree cat Will stick to pedigrees I think. But I go with personality and 'heart connection' so if I meet the right animal it comes home with me.

Oh I agree, absolutely. I didn't own the salon, so did what I was told.

no clipping, no no no no! I would never advocate clipping a healthy Border Terrier- all that does is shorten the coat, not allowing the new coat to come through and can potentially lead to skin issues and ingrown hairs etc. Stripping is so easy to learn (and there are a variety of tools such as Mars Coat Kings that help with this, especially for pet maintenance) that IMO if you can't be bothered to do it twice a year then the BT is not for you (of course, if you are physically unable to strip that is a different story!). They do shed, too, but if you comb them every couple of days with a narrow toothed comb (I use a steel flea comb) the shedding is very minimal. Otherwise, yes I think a Border could be a suitable breed temperament wise (and size wise- I went from Dobe and Newfie to these guys ) I'd never recommend clipping any Terrier. But here, in Wellington, few groomers can and will strip. And many clients aren't prepared to pay to get them stripped. So they get clipped. No problems that I'm aware of. But I personally always stripped.

My previous dog was a Standard Poodle. VERY different to a Kerry or Wheaten!! I started off taking her off to be groomed, and then later learnt and worked for a groomer to be a groomer. It is hard work learning, it really is. It is a skill, an 'art' and physically it is hard work. But they are a beautiful breed, and are of course worth it. My girl had to have hours of exercise everyday, and was full on from day one. Terrier wise, I'd go with a Border Terrier. Although they are small, they are full of heart. And you can either learn to strip yourself, or.. gasp.. clip them off with clippers. If you clip you will lose the harsh texture of the coat. But, if it doesn't matter to you, easy peasy.

I've been a 'crazy dog girl' and 'crazy dog lady' all my lifef. Wonder what the next title is? 'crazy old lady'? :D

Rhodesian Ridgeback? Bull Mastiff?

If the shedding weren't a issue, I'd probably suggest a Labrador. Like I said last night, Hungarian Vizslas are a great breed, but they do have their drawbacks (like all breeds) Whilst Vizslas and Weimaraners are similar looking, I've found them very different in temperament, and they are a much bigger dog (not bagging Weims ) Boxers are lovely.. and to me, sound great for you.

Great idea. I've stayed at a dog friendly shared house, as well as private cabins, and the usual motels etc. With the shared house it was really great - everyone was respectful of each others space (and their animals) The owners also had pigs, goat, chickens, llamas etc. It was fun! Poodlefan suggested a tap with hot and cold water - good idea, it would benefit you as sand wouldn't get everywhere, or dirty feet in general (dogs and humans!) I think hygeine is a big one for me. I can't stand the smell of old dog urine in carpets - let alone bedding! I'd try and ask everyone to sleep their dogs elsewhere. I find it a bit gross at the thought of sleeping on a bed where multiple people and dogs have previously been, and it also reduces chances of 'accidents'. I think if you can pull this off, your going to have a lot of happy customers. Best of luck!

Try bike riding. Rounding a corner. Turn corner. Hello goat. Which really means 'hello dirt"

My dad has a GSD x Corgi - worst traits of each.

Huxley, my older Vizsla loves other Gundogs - Labrador, Pointer, Brittany etc Sawyer, will play with anyone Trudle, loves puppies of all breeds

Happy birthday lovely ladies!!

Greyhounds and Cavalier King Charles are good breeds for people who want a non-demanding breed. I don't know if you mentioned size? But Tibetan Spaniels are lovely - maybe someone could advise on them? Definitely stay away from the gundog and herding groups!

My dogs get cabin fever. As do I actually.

I get "love your weimaraners" or "beautiful ridgebacks"

Yeah, it has been big news here in NZ. There are so many 'holes' in their research though. Anyway, I don't drive a SUV, I buy and support local farmers and producers, use environmentally friendly house/laundry/dog products, so that little damage is done. I think that makes up for three dogs - otherwise tough!

How frightening..

Where to start.. With my eldest dog I've spent thousands on vet consultations, medication, and surgery. She's ten now and wasn't expected to live past a year. I'd say around 10-12K. I've been prepared to 'let her go' and made arrangements with the vet, but later that night or the next morning she is a-ok, or at least suffering a lot less. I've had three animals added in to assist with my greiving for when she goes. What a joke! I'd say buying a big car when I really only wanted a small one is a bit 'out there' to my friends. Buying a house is next on the list House size is irrelevant, but backyard is very relevant. :D I've cancelled many things and missed some fantastic opportunities because of them - offered a chance to work with wolf biologists in Alaska etc. Ahhhh well.

That I should never have been convinced into getting another breed of dog. I had my heart set on a Vizsla 8 years ago, but family convinced me to go with something else. That dog eventually got rehomed a year ago to people who love and know the breed, and accept her for what she is. My two Vizslas are beyond fabulous and there were no surprises. I have it so good now that I'd be foolish to try another breed.