Adopting a new puppy is an exciting time and once you have decided upon the breed that you would like to own, it is time to find a breeder. While many people turn to pet stores or non-professional breeders, a qualified Vizsla breeder is the best way to ensure that you find a puppy that has been well-breed, looked after, and is ready to take home. But how do you tell the good from the bad? Here are a few things to consider in your search for a breeder.
Information About Vizslas & Bird Dogs
There are hundreds of breeds of dogs categorized as hunting or bird dogs. Choosing the breed that best suits you may take some time and attention. That is a good thing, as any dog you decide upon is going to require a good deal of time and attention for a long while. This is especially true if you are interested in your canine hunting companion being a loving family pet as well. One of the most attractive breeds that fit this description is the Vizsla. Of course, every kind of dog has its attractions and its peculiarities. A reputable bird dog breeder can let you in on the ins and outs of caring for and living with a dog such as a Vizsla.
Vizslas are medium-sized hunters who attain an adult weight of between 45 and 65 pounds. They have dense, elegant golden rust-colored coats. Though lightly built, Vizslas are quite muscular. They generally have excellent noses for fowl, and are highly trainable. Vizslas are speedy and can run all day. That beautiful coat is fairly low-maintenance. Although they shed as much as any other shedding dog, they have no undercoat. They need only light brushing and the very occasional bath.
Vizslas’ enduring popularity may be due to their overall sweet natures in addition to their birding prowess. They can be protective, but are not usually aggressive. A bird dog breeder that specializes in Vizslas will most likely want you to be aware of both the positives and negatives of bringing a Vizsla into your life. A Vizsla’s tremendous energy translates into a need for daily rigorous exercise. The affectionate nature is what has occasionally earned some Vizslas a reputation for clinginess. While weather resistant, the lovely coat is thin enough to require that the dog bed be inside the house.
In order to make a good and lasting match, a conscientious bird dog breeder may ask questions such as whether or not the dog will live in the house with you, and what your training philosophies are. Have your questions ready as well. A thorough interview can let you know if a Vizsla is the dog for you.
How to Pick the Right Hunting Dog Breeder
A puppy can bring joy to your life and your home. Hunting dogs can be wonderful companions, playmates, and friends. After you have evaluated your home and lifestyle and decided you are capable of owning a dog, the next step is finding the right breeder. If you are searching for a hunting dog breeder, it is crucial to know your breeder is responsible.
They Provide Proper Treatment
Some of the most important steps in the development of your dog’s personality occur before you have even met him. Early socialization, positive reinforcement, and human interaction are vital in shaping your dog into a friendly, happy, gentle pet. Therefore, you should make sure you select a breeder who has properly treated your dog in his first few weeks. A good hunting dog breeder should provide a clean, comfortable environment for puppies. Visiting or browsing photos of the breeder’s facilities can give you a good idea of the quality of your puppy’s very first home.
Don’t Purchase From Puppy Mills
Puppies can be irresistible, which unfortunately makes choosing the wrong breeder an easy decision. Puppy mills, for example, focus on profit over the welfare or health of their dogs. Purchasing a dog from a puppy mill not only supports this business but also makes you prone to dealing with health and behavioral issues later on in your dog’s life.
Visit Their Location
Make sure that you take the time to visit the breeder’s location before you make a purchase. It is worthwhile to ask to see where the puppies are located and if the area is clean and tidy. Check to see whether the puppies have been properly socialized, as the breed tends to be quite active and needs proper training around humans.
Ask For Referrals & Recommendations
If you are searching for a reputable breeder, you may want to ask your friends or veterinarian for referrals or recommendations. A responsible breeder should be invested in the welfare of the dogs and should prioritize finding good homes for his or her puppies. Therefore, if a breeder shows no interest in interviewing or meeting you to make sure your home will be a good fit, you should be wary.
If there are any local Vizsla clubs in your area, ask the members about where they purchased their pets. Often these clubs have connections with a local Vizsla breeder that has built a positive reputation. Other sources you may want to look into include magazines, dog shows, or exhibitions. In addition, you can do a thorough search on the Internet and read reviews about the different breeders in your location.
Ask Questions
Ask as many questions as you need when you talk with a breeder. You should ask to see the puppies’ parents and for all of the certifications and paperwork required. A good breeder will often ask you many questions as well, since they are concerned about the well-being of their puppies. You may want to expect an interview of sorts from a quality breeder.
Finding a Vizsla breeder does not have to be difficult. Doing research prior to adopting a puppy is a good way to ensure that you take home a dog that is prepared for interaction with you and your family.
The Value of an Ethical Gun Dog Breeder
Breeding a gun dog for its hunting ability is different than breeding a dog for show and obedience titles. When you are ready to purchase a gun dog puppy to train for hunting, you need to find a gun dog breeder who shares the same philosophy as you. They should be breeding the qualities that the dog needs for hunting, not showmanship.
When you start shopping for your gun dog, consider quality of the breeder before you consider price. The value of your dog is not determined by how much you pay. The value in a purebred gun dog goes much deeper.
The pedigree of your dog is very important. The sire and dam should be free from genetic disease and have proof of that evaluation. A gun dog breeder should be very concerned about improving the breed with each litter of puppies. Breed standards may not tell you much about the temperament of a particular dog with regards to hunting. You should always ask about the parents of the puppy. Expect to meet the dam and the sire, if available. What kind of tests did they go through to ensure their suitability for hunting?
A good breeder will ensure that the puppy gets off to a good start by having them examined by a vet and taking care of their health needs. Your puppy needs socialization, as soon as it is able to interact with humans. Quality breeders may keep new litters in their home to be able to train the puppies more effectively. You should ask about the nutritional program for the puppy once it was weaned.
An ethical gun dog breeder who breeds for field experience will understand the qualities you are looking for in a gun dog puppy. That’s the value in finding a reputable breeder who isn’t just a puppy mill. Price is no indication that your puppy will be healthy and trainable. Look at the puppy’s heritage and the breeder to have more confidence in that.
Choose Your Hunting Dog Breeder Very Carefully
When you are looking for a hunting breed puppy to turn into a good hunting dog, you need to start by finding a reputable hunting dog breeder. Dog breeders that care about the breed standards will be the best place to find a good hunting dog. A gun dog that is bred for hunting will have different traits than a show dog, even though it is the same breed.
If you want a puppy that is going to turn into good working dog, you need to look at its parent’s pedigrees. Field champions and hunt test titles will have the best standards and tell you what skills are in the puppy’s genes. The most important generation is the direct parentage, but you should make sure that the grandparents are also established hunters.
It is a good idea to talk to the hunting dog breeder about the traits they were looking for in the puppies. With most breeders once you get them talking about the breed, it may be difficult to contain their enthusiasm. They will gush information at you about the great qualities of the breed because of their passion. Soak up their wisdom and rest assured that you are dealing with an ethical breeder who is committed to the dogs they raise.
The quality of the breeder and the parentage of the puppies will be important when you are looking for a good hunting dog that will be your companion for many years to come. You are purchasing potential in a puppy, and puppies that have a good start will have more possibilities. A reputable breeder will begin training puppies early to be social and confident dogs.
When you are looking for a good hunting dog breeder, check their reputation in the community. Good breeders will have references from vets and other dog owners who know the quality of their animals. You will be confident when purchasing a puppy from them that you will have a reliable and capable hunting dog to enjoy time with you in the wild.
Purchasing a puppy can be an incredibly exciting experience and making a spontaneous decision can be tempting. Taking your time to select a reputable hunting dog breeder will give you and your dog a happier life in the long run.