Happier in the field than the ring

The hunting fields are heaven on earth for Vizslas.

  They beam with happiness.

Belle is one of Bailey's 7-month-old pups.  She is going to be a great hunter!

Experiencing the show ring up close

A show handling friend of mine looked over Bailey as we were getting ready for "the ring."

  Lynn asked me if I had been hunting with Bailey.  "Yeah, a few times." I told her.  "It appears he has pulled a muscle in his right back leg.  He's not putting much weight on it." she responded.

Bailey also was having trouble being around some of the intact males in the ring and in the waiting to show area.  Some growling action when the other dogs got close.   This was from the other dogs and also from Bailey.
 My friend Lynn suggested that I handle Bailey today as he seemed to be under better control with me around other male dogs and that Bailey would be happier and more comfortable.

So, I said "Sure, what the heck.  We're not competitive anyway with a bum leg and we are here."

So we had another Vizsla adventure.

We came in fourth of four in our group.  The "thanks for coming" placement. 

Then we went to Hastings Island for some bird fun with five Vizslas: Bailey, Teke, Barley, Rose and Little Belle (Bailey's daughter). 

link to "Into the field after the show"

Showing Bailey in Northern California

"Show that Boy!" 

 This was a comment of a very knowlegable Vizsla breeder.  This was what she told me this spring. 

So first we did a Reno show a few months ago.  Tiffany was Bailey's handler in Reno and also on Saturday in Dixon, California. 

30 Vizslas were at this Dixon, California show.  Dixon is easy drive from all Northern California locations for the our Vizsla hobby breeders. 
 I've gotten to know many of these fine people over the last few years. 

Great looking stud dogs were in the mix. 

 Bailey came in third in his group on Saturday. 

The Versatile Vizsla

Jenny Hawthorn from New Zealand did a great write up of the "too soft" Vizsla as a hunting dog.

"Time and time again I hear it said, “The Hungarian Vizsla is too soft to be a good hunting dog”. And to those who say it, I agree totally. However for those who look beyond the soft front and accept it I am more likely to point out what an awesome hunting dog the Vizsla can be when treated and trained correctly. Paradoxically, the soft dog is also as hard as nails!"











Another excerpt:

"So, a soft dog? Yes, if you consider one who likes to stay close to its beloved owner soft. Yes, if you consider one that sits on laps and does not understand why it should be out in the yard if you are in the house soft. Yes, if you consider one that will cringe at some historical harsher training methods soft. But not in its ability to go all day; not in its enthusiasm to work; not in its willingness to go through thickest cover or coldest water to find and retrieve game. Once the Vizsla owner comes to understand that they have a companion hunter, a friend with them in the bush, out on the tussock, or by the riverbanks, life just keeps getting better. Those who want a tool they can train and work and put away in kennels when not in use will never want nor appreciate the Vizsla. "

The rest of the article is below. A great read! 

http://www.trader.co.nz/versatiledogs/breeds/vizsla.htm