Why do breeders want to show (your) dogs?

When you go looking for a reputable breeder, a big part of that reputation is the conditions and ethical practices of the breeder. The other part is the quality of the dogs - in terms of health, temperament, and meeting/exceeding breed standards, so a vizsla can do all that it's meant to do. So that it lives up to being the best vizsla it can be.

Showing dogs is one way breeders can prove the quality of their breeding program to buyers like you and to other breeders, which in turn helps them improve and advance their breeding quality.

Without the help/support of puppy buyers helping us show to the world and to ourselves, that we have quality puppies, our reputation would be limited to what we claim about ourselves. We need your help to show the quality of the puppies - in their temperament, conformation, abilities, and health. This can be done in many ways, including showcasing the dogs to the world to prove our breeding quality. Health testing is another big part of this reputation and so we ask owners to help us do key health screenings over the life of the dog. Of course participating in hunting or other performance activities helps show the versatile nature of the vizsla.

Going to dog shows or performance events helps dogs, breeders, and owners!

Having owners take part in such activities can help show the consistency across our dogs in one litter or multiple litters, and multiple generations. This helps breeders make future breeding decisions. It's also fun for the dogs, helps them be happier, well socialised dogs which in turn makes the owners lives easier. 

What does it take?

We (as well as most breeders) are happy to show the dogs (at minimal cost to you). Often, all you need to do is let us borrow the dog for a few dog shows weekends every so often, and we take care of the rest. All the better, if you join in the fun!  Of course to show, the dog must not be neutered/spayed, be 6 months or older, and must get some preliminary socialization/ puppy training. Talk to us about the rewarding world of showing, hunting, and other activities that are great to do with and for your dogs.

Owners planning to breed their puppy will need to work with breeders to meet their specific requirements which may include:

• Co-ownership
• Participating in showing/hunting/performance activities and/or titles
• Stud/mate selection and approval by the breeder
• Comprehensive health testing

Why wait to spay/neuter?
Waiting until adulthood to neuter/spay to allow for full growth & development of hormones builds a complete immune system needed by dogs. It also helps them in fighting off disease. In vizslas, premature spay/neutering is linked to increased cancer risk.

Please be thoroughly and accurately informed, as there is a lot of mixed and confusing information at large (among owners and veterinarians). When doing research, please get the most current information from reliable sources and look for breed-specific research. For example, see this study done just for Vizslas.