Attack on Vizsla Dogs Creates Debate on Breed Bans

The owners of Vizsla dogs everywhere were saddened to learn of the vicious attack by two large dogs on a six-month-old Vizsla puppy in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Vizsla, a female named Coco, is now on life support after the nearly fatal attack.

Coco's owner, Elizabeth Hutchins, was walking her on a golf course when a St. Bernard and a pit bull jumped a fence and began severely attacking the young dog while she lay there in fear. Hutchins tried to intervene, but the St. Bernard bit her hand when she did.

"The St. Bernard had Coco by the neck and the pit bull was going for her chest," said Mrs. Hutchins. "I realized she was dying. I was screaming at the top of my lungs but no one was around so I called 911."

The heartbreaking attack has city residents calling for a ban on certain breeds. Pit bulls are already banned in major cities like Denver, that cite stats indicating the breed is responsible for a high number of mortal attacks on humans.

Making Sure You're Ready for a Vizsla Dog

If you're thinking about getting a Vizsla dog, you need to consider the decision carefully. Remember that adopting or buying a Vizsla is a 10-15 year commitment that should not be taken lightly.

Vizslas are highly active and intelligent dogs that require a large amount of physical exercise and intellectual stimulation. You should be prepared to spend most of your free time with your Vizsla.

Also remember that training is crucial with new dogs, particularly Vizslas. Make sure you are ready to devote the time, effort, and money required to put your Vizsla in training and obedience classes.

Finally, ask yourself if you have the space for a Vizsla. These dogs need room to run, so a house with a large, fenced backyard is ideal for a Vizsla.

Signs of Qualified Vizsla Breeders

Vizslas are expensive animals, so it's important that you not trust just any breeder if you plan on buying one. Read on to learn how to identify qualified Vizsla breeders.

First, good breeders will have both of the parents available on-site. Looking at the health, condition, temperament, and appearance of the parents will give you an idea of what your potential dog will look like.

Second, quality breeders will always volunteer references that can vouch for them. Ask for a list of at least three references of current Vizsla owners and ask about the breeder's integrity and the quality of his/her dogs.

Finally, your breeder should offer you a written health guarantee. In other words, the document should specify in writing that the breeder promises the dog is in good health and will either take back the dog and/or refund your money should certain health problems arise.

About the Vizsla Club of Michigan

Started in 1974, the Vizsla Club of Michigan is dedicated to advancing and improving the Vizsla breed in the Michigan area. The club has meetings six times per year to discuss various events and proposals.

Throughout the year, Michigan's Vizsla Club holds AKC-sanctioned workshops and competition events. These activities include field trials to help owners improve the working skills of their Vizslas.

In many cases, these events are open to all owners of AKC-registered Vizslas, not just club members. However, only club members may receive the newsletter and exercise their vote on issues and events.

Michigan's Vizsla Club fashions itself after the Vizsla Club of America and supports its goals. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can attend a club event or download the application online at MichiganVizsla.org and mail it in.

Why You Should Consider Vizsla Rescue Dogs

Vizsla rescue dogs can make great companions--even better than those purchased from breeders. Read on to learn why you should consider a Vizsla rescue before you visit a puppy mill or a pet store.

First and foremost, you are doing the breed a favor when you adopt a rescue Vizsla. Pet stores and breeders only contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, whereas adopting from a rescue society helps provide a home to an unwanted animal.

Secondly, rescue dogs are usually already altered and trained. Don't be surprised if the rescue Vizsla you find has already been spayed or neutered, had all of its shots, and is already housebroken.

Finally, rescue dogs are often much more affordable than buying a dog from a pet store or breeder. The adoption fee of a rescue dog helps cover the pet's medical expenses, food, and housing.

Traits of the Vizsla Lab Mix

Vizsla dogs and Labs are fairly comparable in size and temperament, so it's not uncommon to find a Vizsla Lab mix. Vizsla Labs are beautiful dogs with very mild and docile temperaments.

Some experts even consider Vizsla/Lab mixes "designer" dogs because they come from two very well-respected breeds. In large cities, certain breeders even specialize in producing these kinds of dogs.

Because of their size, Vizla-Lab mixes need plenty of outdoor exercise. Owners should aim for at least 30 minutes per day of brisk activity.

These kinds of dogs also do best with large, fenced yards, as they have a tendency to run. Since both breeds are ideal for hunting and game retrieval, a Viz-Lab mix also makes a great hunting companion.

Finding Vizsla Breeders Arizona

Using an online directory is usually the easiest way to find Vizsla breeders Arizona. You can quickly find quality breeders in your city or region in Arizona.

For example, on the site Doggies.com/Vizsla/Arizona, you can find a list of breeders in your area. You can also find Vizsla puppies for sale on the site.

You also have the option of visiting Arizona-specific sites for additional information. For instance, HarmonyVizslas.com is a training, breeding, and competing site of an Arizona-based Vizsla organization.

If you are looking for a breeder, make sure that he/she offers full paperwork with each dog. In order to compete, Vizslas must be purebred and have the requisite documentation to prove it.