On this page, you will find some useful information if you are considering a new Vizsla puppy.  There is much to know and many things to consider.  This page will help you get started in your search for a puppy and begin to prepare you for contact with potential breeders.

Since most Vizsla breeders are very cautious about who they let adopt one of their puppies, expect to be "grilled."  Vizsla breeders not only want to ensure that their puppy has a good home, they also want to make sure that a potential owner has the right puppy for their lifestyle.  The best analogy to compare this to is the potential owner is under a tax audit and the breeder is an IRS agent.  This is not always true, but just expect to answer a lot of questions.

Be prepared, also, to ask a lot of questions.  A good breeder will be very cooperative in answering questions, especially to a first time Vizsla owner.  Remember, good breeders are proud of their Vizslas and, therefore, have nothing to hide.

Below is some information to help get started in the right direction.

Questions breeders may ask you:

• Where did you hear about Vizslas?

• What your expectations are for the dog?

• Why do you want a Vizsla, as opposed to another breed or a mixed breed?

• Prior experience with dogs/Vizslas, especially training them, and whether you've ever raised a puppy before and if so, what breed?

• How many people live in your home, especially children and their ages?

• What is your lifestyle like, and how the dog will fit into it, especially during the next 2 years, and is someone home during the day?

• What particular characteristics do you want in your puppy/dog, including personality and gender and why?

• Are there other pets in the house?

• Do you intend to spay/neuter or breed your dog?

• To describe where the puppy will live, sleep and stay when you are away.

• What kind of dwelling you live in, if you have a fenced yard and if not, where the dog will exercise?

• What are the activity level/exercise requirements you have for your dog and how do you plan to exercise your puppy?

• Are you are interested in showing your dog, or co-owning with the breeder until show qualities are or are not obvious?

• What are your current veterinarian's name and phone number?

Questions to Ask Breeders:

• How is the temperament of the sire and dam?
• What were you striving for as part of your breeding program?
• Do you personally know other dogs in the pedigree of the puppies?
• Are you affiliated with any regional or national Vizsla clubs?
• How do you plan your litters and rate the puppies?
• Are you going to keep a pup? If not, why not?
• What are the AKC registered names and titles of the sire and dam?
• Do you require me to sign a contract, and if so, would you share a copy and explain it to me?
• Do you require co-ownership of puppies, and if so, why?
• Do you offer a health/temperament guarantee with your puppies?  What does it entail?
• How long have you been in the breed?
• Are you willing to answer my questions after I take the dog home?
• Do you require a spay/neuter or limited registration on pets?
• Will you assist me if I cannot keep the dog?
• When can I visit my new puppy?
• What veterinary care will the puppy have had when I take it home?
• What paperwork will I receive with my puppy?

Puppy Prices and Issues:

Puppy prices vary. (On the East and West coasts between $800 and $1500 depending on the breeder and the pedigrees involved; prices are slightly lower in the Midwest) A higher price does not necessarily equate with better quality; many responsible breeders are working to keep prices reasonable in an effort to discourage puppy mill breeders (See www.nopuppymills.com for more information) Ask the breeder of any litter you consider about the goals of their breeding program; ask why they paired the parents of this litter and about titles the parents have earned. Make sure that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) registry has cleared both parents of hip dysplasia. Get a copy of OFA numbers for both parents. When you acquire a puppy from a reputable breeder, you also acquire support throughout the lifetime of your dog. Be suspicious of any "bargain" prices for this breed, especially if "AKC registered" or "AKC papers" is part of the selling pitch, without show or field titles and OFA numbers. Avoid purchasing a puppy from a breeder with whom you do not have good rapport and avoid puppy mill, pet store and Internet purchases. 

Sometimes, breeders may seem "snooty" to first time owners, and you should not purchase a puppy from someone with whom you feel you can have no rapport. Because of the special needs of this breed and because of their own breeding objectives, many breeders may seem reluctant to take a chance on a newcomer, especially one who only wants a pet who won't even consider doing any competitive events with the dog.  You need to "sell" yourself to the breeder as much or more than you need to be able to pay for a Vizsla puppy, and you need to keep an open mind about what you might do with the dog in the future with the breeder's help and encouragement. You are buying more than a dog. You are buying a carefully planned breeding, a pedigree, and a lifetime relationship with a breeder. Remember that Jack Sharkey, a retiree, only wanted a pet, and his Vizsla, Chartay, is now the first quintuple champion in AKC's 116-year history.

Send mail to webmaster@carolinavizsla.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 26, 2010