FHRP

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Owner and exhibitor for 11 years. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? As with almost every breed there are a few theories on the origins of the Hungarian Vizsla. This link gives a comprehensive 'History Of The Vizsla' http://www.vizsla.org.uk/history.htm 3. How common is it in Australia? Although they aren't a 'common' breed, there are quite a few around. In 2008 there were 326 Vizslas registered in Australia (522 in 2007, a 'bumper' year!). They were the 6th most popular gundog registered. When I got my first Vizsla in 1998 I had only seen a couple of others and nearly know one knew his breed. We now have quite a few training at my local club and many people are now familiar with the breed. 4. What is the average lifespan? I believe that a recent article in the Hungarian Vizsla Club of NSW's Newsletter determined that the average lifespan of the Vizsla in Australia is 10-12 years. Barring acceidental early death I'd like to think 12 -14 5. What is the general temperament/personality? As the breed standard says "Lively, friendly, evenly tempered and easily trained." :D Vizslas are high energy, outgoing dogs who shouldn't show shyness or aggression. Although I know some fanciers don't like the descirption of "needy" I find it fitting. They need to be with their family, they need to be included, they need physical contact etc. They are a highly trainable breed that are capable of trialing at the top levels of dogs sports. They can be vocal, enjoying a bit of a chat at times 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Vizslas are high energy dogs that need daily exercise. An hour a day minimum off lead is a good idea, however training, playing, jogging, biking etc. are also good outlets for the breed. I have one Vizsla who demands daily walks/runs and another who can go a couple of days with just playing with me and my other dogs and running around the yard before driving me crazy 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? If they are prepared for a high energy puppy that will need training and mental and physical stimulation daily, then yes a first time dog owner can cope. Not sure about easily though 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Given sufficient exercise and time with his people, a Vizsla can cope with being left alone during the day. If he is not exercised and is left to his own devices he will occupy himself in the usual undersiarable ways - digging, chewing, barking, escaping. 9. How much grooming is required? Very little. The short coat requires little attention, bathing when dirty and brushing occasionally to remove dead hair. The nails need regualr clipping and like all drop ears dogs they must be regularly checked and cleaned when needed. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? An untrained, uncontrolled Vizsla certainly has the potential to overwelm and knock over small children and the infirm. However they are highly trainable and can be taught to behave in such situations. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Parents of pups should be hip and elbow scored. Average hip score in the breed is 11-12 and I'd like parents to be below average. There are others in the breed who can answer hereditary problems etc. better than me. The HVCNSW is currently conducting a health survey. My advice to puppy buyers is to go and meet the breed and take note of the breeding of dogs you particularly like and see if you can contact the breeder. And remeber that the right pup is worth waiting for! My boys

Yeah Are yours on the team? We'll be at training for the next few Saturdays. Will you be there? Polo is on the team, he lurves it ;) No, we won't be there the next couple of weekends, I have other commitments.

Thanks guys. Ptolomy, that was his final 'M' having gained his SDM last year and his SPDM earlier this year. Although he took longer to get to Masters levels in those two he got through them far quicker

Great stuff Ruthless! Will we see you at the October 24th mock comp??

Today I finally conquered my nemesis!!! Masters Gamblers!! At the ACT State Titles today Rogan gained his seventh GDM Q for his title and now has all his Masters titles For some reason I have struggled with Masters Gamblers managing to stuff it up too many times to mention. The dogs have done their job but I seem to get flustered when it comes to the gamble and have managed to miss out on many which should have been easy for my dogs. My older boy was one of the first in the country to get to the Masters Gamblers level but I only managed one Q on him beofre retirement. Having knocked off his RRD in March as well, it really has been a good year for Rogan Thanks for letting me brag and congratulations for all the recent achievements! Keep up the good work.

I've started with dogs from 7 months to 7 years!! My first trialing dog was about 18 months at his first obedience trial which was a disaster! We left obedience for a while and he had his first agility competition at just under 2 years old where he got his first Q and 3rd place (and hooked me for the sport). He got his AD quickly (before jumping and games were offered) and ventured back into the obedience ring at around 3 years old and got his CD in two weekends. Flynn went on to have a long and successful Agility career and a long and not so successful obedience career My 7 year old 'starter' was my Spinone who I got as a 5 year old. I didn't think we'd ever compete but after two years of training we entered the State Obedience Titles where she came second in Novice on the first day and bombed the next She only managed one other pass (with a score of 194!) before passing away at nearly 9. Polo did his first Gundog Working Tests at 7 months old and picked up a 1st place. He started Obedience trialing at 10 months old and won the ring with 97 (went onto 3 more wins 93, 94 & 97 by 12 months old). He started Retreiving trials at about 11 months old and although not successful his first weekend was through Novice at 15 months old. At just under 2.5 years he now has his CDX and two Restricted Retrieving stakes wins. I hope to start trialing him in Agility early next year. Although I started Polo very young, I would never have done so with my Vizslas and may never again with any other dog! He was ready, but many dogs aren't. It's not a race to title dogs, and I don't want to push any dog before they can handle competition.

The World Dog Games Dock DIving Team http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PVBTJzjU_I

Congratulations! I think I saw you both trialing this weekend, in Wagga? She looked like such a lovely girl and did some very nice work

That was my Polo today See you at the World Dog Games!

Just to add, that although some ACT dogs are in the event, we do have our own ADOTY & JDOTY. For ACT dogs it does show more who travels alot as many of us do none, or only couple of RQH's as they are all run in various parts of NSW. As I understand it, any dog from any state could qualify if they went to the trials (as could with our event). However, ACT dogs have performed very well at the finals in past years I won't be at the Festival this year, it's just not like it used to be...

Great photo's Tangwyn, it looks like it was a succesful day with a good turnout! Not sure about those mugs in the first shot though :D

Phew, thought it was too big a coincidence I also see I've replied in previous threads of yours about ACT trials :D Yes, stays in the rain isn't much fun. I was happy though that the sun wasn't out for the morning stays so my boy didn't feel the need for a snooze See you at the next obedience trial! And hopefully agility trials one day too :D

Congrats CleoJ! I didn't stick around for arvo presentations as Polo had to scratch on his SFE, so glad to hear you gained another Q And now I know who you are!! eta. I hope I have the right person :D I see your location is QLD, but can it be a coincidence that we had a double obedience trial in the ACT yesterday and a brindle Corgi was in CCD and her owner said she was on DOL????

Entries close 28th August according to the schedule i can find on Dog Sport Talk http://www.dogsporttalk.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1477

Very true! I remember travelling to a trial where there was fake grass on the contact equipment and a number of dogs bailed when they touched it!!

My dogs have always generalised agility equipment well, but I have seen dogs balk at unfamiliar equipment and like Agility Dogs said, mostly "green dogs". However my younger Vizsla was jumping off contacts at an interstate trial, as a seasoned dog, something very unusual for him! I worked out it was the bright blue contact colour that was putting him off! He'd never seen it before and it must have looked different. From my understanding dogs see blue against green (the grass) very well, maybe it was the big contrast that confused him....

Some more photo's. Liver and white heavily roaned. baby A bit older 5mths 12mths nearly 2

Here here. It must be remembered that GSPs were bred to work for their people. To have an over the top hyperactive dog is no use to any hunter.

Staffyluv, there are German Wirehaired Pointers too, a seperate breed and can not be bred with GSPs. Often referred to as GWP's

GSP are active, excitable dogs, but they do settle. They can sit calmly and walk nicely on a lead. However, be prepared for training :p Many of Polo's early lessons were on self control. He had to learn not to barge through things, to be patient and wait his turn. To train a calm dog you need to be calm youself, so getting frenzied around an excitable GSP will only encourage excitement. There are times in training and trialing that Polo will quiver with excitement, usually when the activity is highly rewarding for him, such as Retrieving.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? First time owner, long time admirer 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? http://www.barkbytes.com/history/gshpnt.htm " As the name implies, the country of origin of this breed of dog was Germany. German Shorthaired Pointers have been known to be a distinct and separate breed probably since the 17th century. However, the dog that we identify as a GSP today was developed by a group made up of dedicated noblemen and sportsmen towards the end of the 19th century. It is important to note that these people had a very specific purpose in developing this breed. They wanted a personal gun dog, that could "sense, find, point, mark, and return game in the field and out of the water." They also wanted a companion and family dog. They wanted it all, a dog that could do anything. Prior to this time, noblemen would keep large kennels with a variety of dogs depending on what he wanted to hunt that day. Each dog would have a specialty, earth dogs, field dogs, water spaniels, etc. The philosophy of the developers of the GSP was "Those that have many dogs do not have any dogs." It is believed that these developers selectively bred to the German Pointer, the Spanish Pointer, the English Pointer, and various scent hounds until they arrived at what we know today as the German Shorthaired Pointer. " 3. How common is it in Australia? There were 629 GSPs registered with the ANKC in 2008 which was 4th the most numerous gundog to be registered, so they are failry common. They are the most common breed to compete in Utility Field Trials and are well represented numerically at shows, but I see them under represented in the obeience ring. 4. What is the average lifespan? 12-14 years 5. What is the general temperament/personality? The breed standard says "Firm, balanced, reliable, restrained temperament. Neither nervous, nor shy or aggressive. " which is true. They are biddable, friendly dogs with lots of energy. Aggression should never be tolerated in any colour of the breed, and neither should nervousness. These dogs are bred to work for people and around other dogs, so tolerance and compliance is a must. They are a highly trainable breed who are responsive and keen. I have found positive training the best way to train the breed, while being consistent and firm. Personally I have sen no difference between the colours, every black and white GSP I've met (which is limited) has had a very good nature. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? GSPs are high energy dogs who need an energy outlet every day. Off lead exercise is ideal and they will take as much as you can give. Hunting, agility, obedience, retrieving, playing are all good ways to exercise your GSP. I'd say a minumum of an hour exercise each day. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Easily, no. But possible if you know what you're getting yourself into. GSPs are active and smart dogs. Training must begin as soon as the pup/dog comes home and some experience certainly helps there. Normal pups can seem over the top for first time owner with their energy, mouthing and naughtiness. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? No. GSPs like company and need to be part of the family. Having said that my GSP is in a dog run by himself during work hours, however I spend a lot of time exercising and training him before and after work. If you put the time and training in at other times, they will kennel OK. 9. How much grooming is required? Very little. Their short coat needs little maintanence, bathing only when 'smelly' or dirty. From reading through the breed thread here on DOL ear issues appear to crop up often, so inspecting and cleaning of ears should be regular. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? As a rule, yes, I would say that GSPs are too boisterous for little children or infirm people. They are a large breed dog with good intentions but are bouncy and boisterous and could easily accidentaly knock someone over. Especially puppy and adolescent GSPs. However, if carefully managed while ensuring the dog is still part of the family, GSPs can co-exist with young children and the infirm. Be prepared for lots of early training. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? As with any larger breed hip and elbow displaysia can occur in the breed. Eye problems have been seen in the breed such as entropian and PRA. Temperament is something that a puppy buyer should be especially aware of. Although not always entirely hereditary I would still be looking for good temperaments in the parents of any pups. Aggression has already been mentioned in this thread, and it is not only seen in black and white individuals, but all colours and patterns unfortunately. By far in the minority, but no GSP of questionable temperament should ever be bred from IMO. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Puppy buyers should be trying to purchase from hip and elbow scored parents, however it is still an uncommon practice amongst breeders. I think the average hip score is around 7-8 total, so anything over that in either parent you should be cautious about. Elbows should be 0 and I'd stear clear of anything from a dog with higher than a total of 1. Ask if there's any history of eye problems and if they test eyes before breeding. As already mentioned, try and meet as many individuals of the breed, and breeders as you can. See what you like and go from there. When I got my boy I had fallen in love with his sire and wanted something from him. I couldn't be happier with the result!

They were exercises to enforce my dominance over him. I can't really recall exactly what I did, not harsh methods, more things like always turning into him, never lettinghim turn around me etc. We both got fed up with it Oh, and Flynn is not a dominant dog. He is an in your face Vizsla, quite normal

This is a lovely thread to read First dog I trialed is my 11 year old Vizsla, Flynn. He achieved his CDX and I trained him for UD and although we did a few trials, never did gain a pass. Flynn went through our clubs classes quickly and was in the trialing level at 10 months old. Unfortunately I had a bad experience with the instructor who told me my dog was dominant and had me doing dominance exercises the entire class, that I stopped obedience class and soon discovered agility (so maybe it wasn't unfortunate!). I got back into obedience with Flynn when he was about 2.5 years and he quickly knocked off his CD title. I had failed that far to train Flynn to retrieve so I thought that was it for his obedience career, but some time, patience and a clicker saw him with a solid dumbell retrieve. Then the 'fun' began. It took years for Flynn to gain his CDX as he was 'creative' and we only fit obedience in around agility anyway. Flynn is retired now from all competition. He did his last obedience trial at 10 years old. If obedience was our only, or main focus I like to think we would have got further, but we both enjoy agility more. We do learn more and more with each dog, but they are all different that even if you've trained 10 dogs before, getting them to top level competition is a fantastic achievement!

CLeoJ there are two obedience trials on at the ACT Companion Dog Club next Saturday. If you can get out and have a look it would be a great way for you to see first hand what goes on

It means the dog has achieved the title twice over, so they have got 14 JDM passes and 10 JDO passes (at least). With the Agility & Jumping titles you can apply for 'multipliers'. Personally I don't bother applying for them