Versatile Vizsla Book

PREFACE vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vii

MEET THE VIZSLA 1EARLY HISTORY OF THE VIZSLA 5

The Vizsla in America Magyar Vizsla Club of America Early Vizslas in Competition

THE VIZSLA STANDARD 19

Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer(Vizsla) Standard

Vizsla Club of America Standard Analysis of the VCA Standard

SELECTING A VIZSLA PUPPY 35

Where to Find Your Puppy Male or Female? Picking a Field Puppy

Picking a Show Puppy Picking an Obedience or Agility Puppy Registration and Guarantee

YOUR VIZSLA S FIRST YEAR:CARE AND DEVELOPMENT 43

Homecoming Children and Puppies Older Pets and Puppies Feeding Program Safe Toys

Sleeping Arrangements Immunizations Growth and Development Grooming Identification

YOUR VIZSLA S FIRST YEAR:BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING 57

Socialization Critical Periods in Your Puppy s First Year Exercise

Early Training Basic Lessons Behavior Problems

THE YOUNG ADULT VIZSLA 69

Growth and Development Temperament and Behavior

Feeding Program Coprophagy and Pica Travel

THE VIZSLA IN OBEDIENCE 79

AKC Obedience Trials

THE VIZSLA IN THE SHOW RING 89

Early Training Match Shows AKC Conformation Shows The Show Ring

Records in the Show Ring Junior Showmanship

THE VIZSLA IN THE FIELD 105

Early Training Continued Training Field Trials Hunting Tests Dual Champions

THE VIZSLA IN AGILITY 119

Agility Trials AKC Classes and Titles MACH United Kennel Club Agility

iii

THE VERSATILE VIZSLA 127

Quintuple Champion Search and Rescue Canine Good Citizen

Therapy Dogs Service Dogs Rally Flyball NAVHDA VCA Versatility Tests

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE 137

Normal Vital Signs Ear Problems Eye Problems Tooth Care and Gum Disease Anal Glands

Foot Problems Gastric Torsion (Bloat) Canine Hip Dysplasia Viruses and Vaccinations

Internal Parasites External Parasites Puppy-Proofing Your Yard and Home

BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION 155

Mendel s Theory of Inheritance Hereditary Problems in Vizslas The Brood Bitch

Picking a Stud Dog Responsibilities of the Stud Dog Owner Reproductive Organs

The Mating The Pregnant Bitch

WHELPING 171

Labor and Delivery Problem Deliveries

CARE OF THE NEWBORN PUPPY 179

The Healthy Newborn Vizsla Dewclaw Removal and Tail Docking

Orphan Puppies Illness in Newborns

THE GROWING VIZSLA PUPPY 187

Socialization and Care Problems with Growing Puppies

CARE OF THE VIZSLA DAM 197

Problems After Whelping Feeding and Care of the Dam

THE AGING PROCESS 201

Care for the Aging Dog Changes with Age Activities and Exercise Problems of Older Dogs

APPENDIX ONE VCA HALL OF FAME 213APPENDIX TWO DUAL CHAMPIONS 215APPENDIX THREE REGIONAL VIZSLA CLUBS 219APPENDIX FOUR SOURCES OF INFORMATION 221

Organizations Show Superintendents

APPENDIX FIVE RECOMMENDED READING 223

Vizsla Breed Books Medical and Nutritional Reference

Breeding and Genetics Canine Behavior Field Training

Obedience Training Show Ring Training Agility Training

Structure and Movement Search and Rescue

Therapy Dogs Tracking Magazines

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 227INDEX 228

iv