Hunting House » Hunting Clothes » vislas? GSPs? brittanies?
vislas? GSPs? brittanies?
Question:
I wish I could meet one in person. I will be looking for a dog show to attend. Sounds like the breeders are doing right by these dogs. I am probably not the right owner for one. I had decided they probably needed more activity than I could provide. Carol
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Most FCR breeders have as their wort nightmare this breed becoming >overpopular (hurrah for them!) and most breeders are *very* picky >about where the pups go.
Response:
>Cris, I was interested in FCRs before I got my lab, but could not find a >breeder anywhere close to me. Are they kinda rare, or expensive? They >seem to be very great looking dogs with good personalities.
They are pretty rare. They rank about 100 every year in AKC registrations, with less than 50 litters born in the US every year. Most FCR breeders have as their wort nightmare this breed becoming overpopular (hurrah for them!) and most breeders are *very* picky about where the pups go. Cris Waller Fast Fourward Flyball Team www.flyball.com/fastfourward/index.html Flat-coated retriever art gallery http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/index.html
Response:
Cris, I was interested in FCRs before I got my lab, but could not find a breeder anywhere close to me. Are they kinda rare, or expensive? They seem to be very great looking dogs with good personalities. Carol – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have been surprised at how little grooming Jet needs. I think it’s >because flatcoats lack the thick undercoat that Goldens have. They >have less to trap mud and burrs. When I take both dogs (my Golden and >my FCR) out for a day of field training, the Golden comes home and >needs 20 minutes of deburring, the Flat maybe help with one or 2 (she >also deburrs herself pretty well!). So it might not be as bad as you >thinnk :>) >Cris Waller >Fast Fourward Flyball Team >www.flyball.com/fastfourward/index.html >Flat-coated retriever art gallery >http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/index.html
Response:
>I have REALLY thought of flat-coats. They are still a bit too >much grooming
I have been surprised at how little grooming Jet needs. I think it’s because flatcoats lack the thick undercoat that Goldens have. They have less to trap mud and burrs. When I take both dogs (my Golden and my FCR) out for a day of field training, the Golden comes home and needs 20 minutes of deburring, the Flat maybe help with one or 2 (she also deburrs herself pretty well!). So it might not be as bad as you thinnk :>) Cris Waller Fast Fourward Flyball Team www.flyball.com/fastfourward/index.html Flat-coated retriever art gallery http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/index.html
Response:
Hi! Thanks for your thoughts. > Other thoughts: In many of the breeds you listed, there are distinct > divides between "field" and "show" lines. You’ll want to be educated about > this before selecting a breeder. Vizslas and especially German Shorthair > Pointers also have a number of dual-producing lines, as well as hard-core > field and just-show.
Yes, this is what really interests me. I want the dual dog. That’s another thing about goldens… I don’t hunt enough to justify breeding hunting-only dogs, and I don’t think I could in good conscience breed a show-only golden, even though it’s done by lots of people. I want a breed that hasn’t experienced such a split between field and show… I’d love to have a dual CH (and get an obedience title also! :-) > If you plan to do any field work with your future > dog, you should get a puppy from parents proven in the field. Moreover, > I’d argue that if you are considering breeding, you should absolutely get > a pup from parents/lines with proven field ability; there are enough > pretty sporting breeds who can’t hunt out there already 
I absolutely agree. If I’m going to stick with sporting breeds, I definitely need to learn about hunting. I’m going to learn a bit by practicing on my current sporting dogs. Maybe I can put a JH on Buck before I decide on a future breed, just so I’ll know how much I like it. I’ve got a neighbor who’s offered to take me out hunting and he’s got a GSP (kept in the backyard and ignored except for on weekends, grrr.) That might not help much for the JH but at least I’ll get a feel for real hunting. And I am planning on moving into the country and trying to rely more on game animals and my own livestock for food, so getting more seriously involved with real hunting dogs fits in nicely… > Since you do rescue, you might be more interested in breeds that are > particularly easy with other dogs. I believe Curlys are a bit more > reserved and protective than a Golden or Lab; I’m not sure how they’d do > in an "open" household. GSPs can vary quite a bit; I’m sure others on > this forum could fill you in.
This is a very good point, but I will probably stop the all-breed rescue once I get to the point of getting very involved with one breed. I’ll be busy enough with my three "pets" and the new pup… I’d still be interested in doing rescue for my breed, though. (And of course I’ve said now three different times that I’m going to stop the all-breed rescue and/or rescue completely so I can focus on my own dogs/finish school/whatever, but it just doesn’t seem to happen, so who knows… ) > It is fun to research, isn’t it?
Yep. :-) > Good luck. > Lynne & the wild Weimaraners (no, you do not want a Weimaraner!!)
thanks and take care, — Cindi Long It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue Fremont, California http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/
Response:
> Have you ever thought about a flat-coat? I noticed Curlies are on your > list….you might want to think about FCRs too. Not like I’m biased or > anything :>)
I have REALLY thought of flat-coats. They are still a bit too much grooming, I think. I do love them, though. There’s a flat-coat in my obedience club and she’s absolutely wonderful. In fact, if you had asked me about a year ago what breed I want to get involved with in the future, I’d have said FCRs. What has really swayed me is the grooming… I have Buck, who’s coat is similar to a flat-coat’s, and Panda, with the horrible cocker coat, and Beauty, the greyhound/lab, and more and more I find myself thankful for Beauty’s no-maintenance coat. We go to the off-leash dog park every week and she’s the easiest one to clean, and it really makes a difference. If I didn’t do so much that involves mud, I’d still be thinking seriously about FCRs. And the burrs and foxtails are an issue as well… *sigh* They sure are beautiful, though. (I suppose curlies might be nightmares with foxtails, but I’m not sure…) — Cindi Long It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue Fremont, California http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/
Response:
>I should clarify. I would appreciate more goofy antics that >reflect a thinking dog. I definitely didn’t mean I want a >sober or serious dog, and in fact that (and fur) are keeping me >from getting seriously interested in GSDs.
My goofy, affectionate GSD is frowning at you now! Nat Signatures should be long, I’d rather read them than half the crap people write in the actual post.
Response:
Cindi- Since your list includes rather a broad array of sporting dogs, I would strongly encourage you to attend field events or other working activities so that you can really see the breed differences in action. There are big differences between continental pointing dogs (Vizsla, Brittany), retrievers (Curly Coat, Golden), and spaniels/flushing dogs (Welsh Springer). Often the "scale" of pointing dogs is just a whole lot bigger than what retriever owners are used to. The more you know about what a flusher should do, what a pointer should do, and what a hunter-pointer-retriever should do, the better you’ll be able to pick the breed that suits–because you’ll understand the instincts and drives that shape that breed. Other thoughts: In many of the breeds you listed, there are distinct divides between "field" and "show" lines. You’ll want to be educated about this before selecting a breeder. Vizslas and especially German Shorthair Pointers also have a number of dual-producing lines, as well as hard-core field and just-show. If you plan to do any field work with your future dog, you should get a puppy from parents proven in the field. Moreover, I’d argue that if you are considering breeding, you should absolutely get a pup from parents/lines with proven field ability; there are enough pretty sporting breeds who can’t hunt out there already Since you do rescue, you might be more interested in breeds that are particularly easy with other dogs. I believe Curlys are a bit more reserved and protective than a Golden or Lab; I’m not sure how they’d do in an "open" household. GSPs can vary quite a bit; I’m sure others on this forum could fill you in. It is fun to research, isn’t it? Good luck. Lynne & the wild Weimaraners (no, you do not want a Weimaraner!!) www.unc.edu/~degitz
Response:
We have been owned and operated by a Vizsla for two years now, and I grew up with GSPs, so I feel qualified to throw in my $.02: >1. Medium to large in size
Check >2. Not as popular as goldens
Check >3. Slightly less goofy than goldens
Uh… Well… I’ve heard Vizslas described as "the clown prince of dogs." Ours is certainly entertaining–she loves to make us laugh. She’s not dopey-goofy; her brand of comedy is more sophisticated; but she is not as sober/serious as, say, a bassett hound. Neither were the GSPs, come to think of it. >7. Almost no grooming
Check, check and double check! Love those short-haired dogs; you can run them through a November field for hours, and clean em off with the flat of your hand afterwards. Try THAT with a Golden! >8. Friendly with family and children and even strangers
With the Vizsla, the danger is being loved to death. Beka nearly turns inside-out when people come to visit. The GSPs were more laid-back, but they got along great with everyone. >9. Active
Yes, yes, yes. In fact, we’ve talked to a lot of Vizsla owners whose dogs never settled down. Beka has matured greatly in this regard, but she can still get frantic if denied exercise. The GSPs were pretty active until they were about 4 years old. Then they got a little too sedate, really. We absolutely adore Beka, wouldn’t be without her, but she is a VERY demanding dog. Vizslas are smarter than hell and can be tough to train if the trainer isn’t an assertive person. They also cling like Saran Wrap; Beka will crawl right into our laps when she wants attention. You sound like someone with a lot of experience who can handle a high-energy dog, so I think you’d be very happy with a Vizsla. But to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend them to everyone. Claudia and Beka, the Bouncing Hungarian On the sixth day, God created the platypus. And God said, "Let’s see the evolutionists figure THIS one out."
Response:
Quote: Fastest dog I’ve seen in years. Faster than Moon? Jane Webb Mudpie & Moonpie
Response:
Quote: she travels with more pics of the dogkids than the hoomin ones! I ran off at the mouth to her in an email. Jane Webb Mudpie & Moonpie
Response:
Hi Cindi, It sounds as though the Vizsla might be a good choice of dog for you! If you are prepared for the high activity level and the ‘velcro dog’. From my experience ( I own a 2 year old Vizsla and regularly meet and train with others) they fit your list of what you want pretty well. They are definitely easy to groom, however regular nail trimming is necessary, I have heard people say that Vizslas nails grow the fastest of any dog they have had! They are generally wiling to please so make good obedience dogs, although waiting a few years until they are over the extended adolescence may be necessary for some. I find they are ideal for agility and love it! From your list of breeds I would choose the Vizsla, GSP & Brittany also, in that order. Although I would probably choose a Welsh Springer over the Brittany. Welsh Springers seem to have less coat then the English and the ones I have met have had lovely temperaments and got on fabulously with my Vizsla. Godd luck with what you decide! Lara. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all. Who has a visla? Tibbi, that’s what your girl is, >right? Do you feel like talking about her and vislas in >general? I searched the web and there isn’t much… And Jane, >you have GSPs. :-) Let’s talk. >1. Medium to large in size >2. Not as popular as goldens >3. Slightly less goofy than goldens >4. Show and breeding prospect >5. Obedience prospect >6. Agility – maybe >7. Almost no grooming >8. Friendly with family and children and even strangers >9. Active >10. Maybe, maybe, maybe a breed-specific performance event — >such as hunting for a visla. >I have been thinking about the following breeds: >Springers >German Shorthair Pointers >Brittanies >GSDs >Rotties >Curly-coated retrievers >vislas >Thanks. >– >Cindi Long >It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue >Fremont, California >http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/
Response:
>What I do love about my golden and what I hope to have in any >new dog is his love for me and desire to be with me and his >fetching and love of training. What I really want more of is >thinking, but still funny and affectionate and active.
Have you ever thought about a flat-coat? I noticed Curlies are on your list….you might want to think about FCRs too. Not like I’m biased or anything :>) Cris Waller Fast Fourward Flyball Team www.flyball.com/fastfourward/index.html Flat-coated retriever art gallery http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/index.html
Response:
Thanks everybody! Jane, thanks so much for your email! Yes, send pics! Email if you have them, or snail mail if not (and I’ll have to give you that address.) I’m off to dog class or I’d have answered you in email… > Uh… Well… > I’ve heard Vizslas described as "the clown prince of dogs." Ours is certainly > entertaining–she loves to make us laugh. She’s not dopey-goofy; her brand of > comedy is more sophisticated; but she is not as sober/serious as, say, a > bassett hound. Neither were the GSPs, come to think of it.
I should clarify. I would appreciate more goofy antics that reflect a thinking dog. I definitely didn’t mean I want a sober or serious dog, and in fact that (and fur) are keeping me from getting seriously interested in GSDs. Sophisticated goofy would be nice. My golden’s goofiness that I’m referring to is more a dopey-goofy. Often visitors think he’s not that bright. I don’t think all goldens are like this, though, and in fact I have just found out that he’s possibly low-thyroid which might be contributing to an overall "duh" attitude. What I do love about my golden and what I hope to have in any new dog is his love for me and desire to be with me and his fetching and love of training. What I really want more of is thinking, but still funny and affectionate and active. And less fur! :-) Thanks for the rest of your info. :-) — Cindi Long It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue Fremont, California http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/
Response:
I dunno, I’d sure like to pair ‘em off together for a few hours. Sabrina reminds me a whole lot of yourn, pink underpants included. Bloody fast, though. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Quote: > Fastest dog I’ve seen in years. > Faster than Moon? > Jane Webb > Mudpie & Moonpie
Response:
> Cindi, > First of all, you’ll find a lot more info on Vizslas if you spell the > name correctly.
Good Lord. What a dork I am. Thank you. :-) > I’ll just throw this out there, are your prepared for the energy level > of these breeds? (I’m sure you’re up to the challenge, am just adding > that for aonyone new to dogs.) There are a pair of Brits at my local > humane society, ages 9 and 12, ostensibly STILL too hyper for the > owner. And often the typical dog I get into GSP rescue is bursting at > the seams with untapped energy, from owners who fell in love with the > look or style of the breed.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Energy! Yes! Thanks for your input. — Cindi Long It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue Fremont, California http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/
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>Hi all. Who has a visla? Tibbi, that’s what your girl is, >right? Do you feel like talking about her and vislas in >general? I searched the web and there isn’t much…
Mainly because you have the spelling wrong. The 2 sites I usually recommend are: http://trader.co.nz/vizsla … this is my NZ Vizsla Newsletter site and has many many photos, articles and links. http://www.vizsladogs.com … this is the Ingle & Mead site and also has a wealth of infomation. However if you really want to get a Vizsla innundation … here is a list of the web ring sites: http://www.webring.org/cgi-bin/webring?ring=vizsla_dog;list Jenny and her B(a)rat Pack of Vizslas http://trader.co.nz/barat http://trader.co.nz/vizsla http://nzkc.org.nz
Response:
Cindi, First of all, you’ll find a lot more info on Vizslas if you spell the name correctly. I’ll just throw this out there, are your prepared for the energy level of these breeds? (I’m sure you’re up to the challenge, am just adding that for aonyone new to dogs.) There are a pair of Brits at my local humane society, ages 9 and 12, ostensibly STILL too hyper for the owner. And often the typical dog I get into GSP rescue is bursting at the seams with untapped energy, from owners who fell in love with the look or style of the breed. I’m around Vs a lot b/c the local V rescue person and I help each other out, plus our dogs like playing together. Vs tend to be a little softer than GSPs. And my 13yo GSP with a lot of TLC is still running 3 miles a day. I won’t even get into the energy level of my willful little 5yo fosterbrat (currently snoozing under the covers); she’s so hard-wired, she hunts in the house! Fastest dog I’ve seen in years. I love this temperament even when it challenges the extent of my training capabilities and experience (which are far below a lot of ppl on this board). Vs and GSPs are so human-oriented and loving, they make great companions with enough directed activity to contain the enthusiasm. Which you are more than capable of providing. I’m sure Jane can go on about GSPs herself; she travels with more pics of the dogkids than the hoomin ones! Tracy Landauer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So, of this list, I think I like vislas, GSPs and brittanies > the most, with brittanies coming in last if I think about white > hair on my black clothes… :-)
Response:
Hi all. Who has a visla? Tibbi, that’s what your girl is, right? Do you feel like talking about her and vislas in general? I searched the web and there isn’t much… And Jane, you have GSPs. :-) Let’s talk. I met a visla breeder at the Golden Gate show this weekend. I’m pretty smitten. I’m looking into my next dog and here is the list of what I want: 1. Medium to large in size 2. Not as popular as goldens 3. Slightly less goofy than goldens 4. Show and breeding prospect 5. Obedience prospect 6. Agility – maybe 7. Almost no grooming 8. Friendly with family and children and even strangers 9. Active 10. Maybe, maybe, maybe a breed-specific performance event — such as hunting for a visla. I have been thinking about the following breeds: Springers German Shorthair Pointers Brittanies GSDs Rotties Curly-coated retrievers vislas I think that GSDs are probably going to be too hairy and too aloof and too big. I think rotties would be too big and might be a bit too hard to do obedience with — I like them a lot but I think I’d prefer a quicker, more willing dog. I really like the look of spaniels a lot, but I think a springer (especially a show springer) would be too much grooming for me. Brittanies would be OK as far as grooming, and GSPs and vislas would be perfect as far as grooming. Curlies are probably a bit too goofy, plus they are also big. I’m leaning toward the smaller end of large or a medium-sized dog in case I ever have to carry him. Plus large varikennels are a lot smaller than extra large. Plus I already have three dogs and the new one needs to fit on the bed… :-) So, of this list, I think I like vislas, GSPs and brittanies the most, with brittanies coming in last if I think about white hair on my black clothes… :-) So, do any of you know any brittany breeders or GSP breeders in the Northern CA area? My trainer has brittanies so I bet she knows somebody. And what do you all think of vislas, GSPs and brittanies? I’ll be looking into getting a pup in about 2 years, maybe 3, so I’m not really in a rush, but I want to start thinking about this now. Thanks. — Cindi Long It’s a Dog’s Life: Dog and Cat Rescue Fremont, California http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/