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Hungarian Vizsla - breed profile

30/3/2013

The Hungarian Vizsla would have to be one of my most favorite breeds and what I thought would be a great start for the breed profiles.

Vizslas are described as “Versatile Vizsla” “Velcro Vizsla” and the all round hunter.Versatile because of their great intelligence and many skills, in the hunting world, they range from beings pointers to retrievers and do well in any form of dog sports. Always looking for a job to please you and stimulate their own mind. They are known as a Velcro dogs because of their love for their owner, their ability to shadow you from room to room and the need for having a least one part of their body touching you at all time whether that is leaning against you or just a paw on your lap.

While these sorts of traits are what makes this breed so brilliant it is also these traits that may not make them suited to your life style. Vizslas are not for the average family seeking a simple pet dog experience, they will however suit an owner that enjoys a challenge and has a love for the outdoor life.

Temperament
Vizslas on one hand can be expressive, gentle and affectionate, but on the other hand to be put short an absolute nut case. Their high energy and very athletic build will see them do laps around the back yard even after a long walk. They thrive on human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety. They are very gentle with children but because of their high energy and innate ability to mouth everything they should never be left unsupervised. They do well with other pets and dogs if socialised properly but because of their hunting skills should be careful around small animals.

Training
Training and socialising is a must for this breed. They can be difficult to handle if they are not trained from young and can become shy and timid if not socialised correctly. They do not respond well to harsh training but do need firm consistent training. Vizsla can be unruly as puppies and if left alone for long periods of time can become very bored and destructive so need basic obedience training and a lot of mental stimulation. Vizslas usually reach puberty at about 7-10 months. Their may be a change in attitude to show they are no longer a pup by asserting their authority.

Exercise
Exercise, exercise, exercise plus work and mental stimulation are what will keep a Vizsla happy and healthy. If you are interested in dog sports and agility then the Vizsla is perfect. They are great for those outdoor adventure types as they love long hikes and will always stick by your side. Young Puppies should not be over exercised while bones are forming.

Grooming
These are wash and wear dogs who clean themselves like cats. Their coat is short, and if there are no allergies present, don’t usually have a doggy smell. They do however shed all year round so a weekly brush with a rubber curry brush and a bath when necessary will reduce the amount of hair in the house. Vizsla nails are tough and don’t usually wear down, so regular clipping is necessary, their nails should not be heard when they walk.

Health
Vizslas are generally healthy dogs but because of near extinction between WWI and WWII, they have a small gene pool. Some of the diseases they are susceptible to are

Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia
Heart problems
SEBACEOUS ADENITIS
Most recently a new disorder that has been in other breeds but recently occurring in Vizslas is polymyositis which is a muscle wastage disorder

For more information on health or where to locate breeders check out the Hungarian Vizsla club of NSW or Victoria

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Coat Care Tips for Dog Owners

28/3/2013

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As a loving pet owner, you take excellent care of your companion dog. You feed it well, take it to the Veterinarian for annual care, and share your heart and home with it. Keeping your pet looking its best is important too. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain your dog’s appearance.

All dogs require regular brushing and combing. This reduces shedding, keeps mats from developing in long coats and helps remove dirt and dander. Choosing the correct brush for your dog is important. Most pet owners purchase a brush from the grocery store that has metal “pins” on one side and bristles on the other. Sadly this popular style brush is fundamentally useless on most pets. A good quality “slicker” type brush is best for coated dogs.
A quality metal pet comb is a must. After brushing, make sure you can get the comb through the coat from the skin out, all over the dog. Pay attention to the area under the collar, the soft hair behind ears, and any place where there is friction, such as armpits. Dogs such as Dobermans, Beagles, and others do well with a shedding blade, curry comb and/or a bristle brush.
Ask your groomer to recommend what tools are best for your pet.

Make a regular routine out of brushing. At least once a week your dog should be brushed from the skin out, head to toe. Accustom your dog to having its feet handled, its face touched. This will make it easier for your pet when it visits the Veterinarian or groomer. Be firm but gentle, and teach your dog that it is expected to stand still while being brushed. Take this time to examine the animal’s eyes, ears and mouth to make sure everything looks and smells normal and healthy.
Give your dog a treat and some praise when your done, ending the session on a happy note
Dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. You can learn to do this at home, or take your pet to the Veterinarian or groomer for frequent trims. If left to grow too long, nails can catch on carpets and things and tear, it can also alter the way the foot hits the ground causing bone pain and deformities. Nails can even sometimes grow right into the pad of the dog’s foot causing pain and infection.
If you trim nails at home, make sure your nail trimmer is new and sharp. Dull trimmers crush nails before it cuts, causing discomfort.

A dog’s ear should look and smell clean. Any discharge or odour is a sign of trouble that needs Veterinary attention. If your dog shakes its head a lot, holds its head to one side, or scratches at its ears, it may have a problem that needs attention.

Many people leave dogs ungroomed in the winter, thinking that the long coat will keep the pet warm. If the dog’s coat is not kept well brushed, however, it will become matted, causing discomfort.
Keep in mind that a matted coat does not insulate well. If it becomes wet in the rain, it holds moisture against the skin, actually causing the dog to become chilled more easily. A heavy matted coat can hide parasites and even damage the animal’s skin, causing sores or bruising. Regular grooming at home or by a professional will keep the dogs skin and coat healthy, and help the coat maintain optimum insulating potential.
Happy grooming
Bianca

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Hungarian Vizsla - breed profile

Coat Care Tips for Dog Owners

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