Any Vizsla owners in ED?

[apmuso]

Hi there - we are on the verge of getting a family dog and are drawn towards the Viszla, but would love the opportunity before we meet breeders to chat with a local owner about the pros and cons of this unique breed. Are they as mad and dependent as many say? Any advice will be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

[ClareC]

There is a chap that walks in Dulwich Park every morning ( 630/45) who has 3.

Lovely dogs but not an 'easy' dog. What you have read is correct. You must be willing to spend time training and be aware they can be destructive (chewing etc) and do need constant reminding of the training. Ie you must ensure you are pack leader!

Not a dog to be left alone for long periods and lots of exercise.

I have Weimaraners which are similar in temperament and character, my youngest is just 9 months and is obedient and lovely natured - still a handful though and she is a chewer! :(

[apmuso]

Think it might be a breed too far for the first dog experience! Appreciate your thoughts.

[Saffron]

Well, it all depends on where you set your standards and how much time and money you can invest. Every dog needs some training, and any dog has the potential to be destructive. It's not nec dependent on size.

I've met a few destructive and poorly trained small dogs that were awful, as well as knowing some very big dogs that were well-trained and well-integrated. Of course if you have a poorly trained large, hyperactive dog, it's going to be much harder to control than stuffing a yappy ankle-bitter in your handbag.

A while back I had a lovely chat with a man walking two Rhodesian Ridgebacks in P Rye Park. We're thinking of getting a dog when Little Saff is older. The man recommended Vizslas as a smaller, more manageable, family version of a Ridgeback (relatively speaking of course), easier to manage with young children.

I've never know any Vizslas personally, so I don't know how true this is. And of course everyone has a different idea about what a "family" dog is. One thing I do know is that smaller dogs are not always better for children. Some small dogs can feel threatened by children and tend to bite defensively, while larger dogs don't feel so threatened.

What other breeds were you considering? Do you want a calm, cuddly lap dog, or lively companion for park walks?

[cazbee]

If you have your heart set on a large, sporting type dog you could look at an English Pointer. They are about the same size and same coat type as a Hungarian Vizsla and are known for having very soft, gentle loyal natures and being wonderful with children. I don't have any personal experience other than to have admired them from afar for many years. I have whippets and probably won't ever have any other type of dog but if I were to get a "big" dog, I would go for a Pointer. Good luck with your search.

[natty01295]

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla

PICTURES BELOW;

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?sa=X&hl=en&biw=1536&bih=772&tbm=isch&tbnid=t5NQB83hHh81aM:&imgrefurl=http://www.moveoneinc.com/blog/europe/enbreed-month-hungarian-vizsla/&docid=kqGsc7THDNSHwM&imgurl=http://www.moveoneinc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/hungarian-magyar-vizsla.jpg&w=900&h=1003&ei=eCSdUZWYFbGV0QW4uYD4Dg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:0,i:169&iact=rc&dur=400&page=1&tbnh=184&tbnw=174&start=0&ndsp=20&tx=90&ty=33

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http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?sa=X&hl=en&biw=1536&bih=772&tbm=isch&tbnid=t177cQKV5ciqcM:&imgrefurl=http://vizslathing.blogspot.com/2010/09/regan-beach-1-vizsla-studmuffin.html&docid=9oHgHptoRAfI8M&imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sizxqS0k4CA/TI-YiobXDnI/AAAAAAAAMfo/sqNxs9EY6Bk/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg&w=1600&h=1066&ei=eCSdUZWYFbGV0QW4uYD4Dg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:32,s:0,i:268&iact=rc&dur=429&page=2&tbnh=175&tbnw=234&start=20&ndsp=28&tx=187&ty=50

[ClareC]

It's not size it's breed characteristics - some breeds are easier than others. I've grown up with dogs and my puppy Weimaraner is a challenge to say the least! Fortunately she has an amazing temperament and is fantastic with the kids - she is getting better by the day but is far harder than I ever remember my 12 year old Weimaraner being when he was a pup!

Vizla's are lovely dogs and male fantastic family pets - just make sure you know what your taking on and the constant training that will be necessary the first few year.