FIND A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER
For the good of the breed we cherish and you as potential Wirehaired Vizsla owners, the WVCA wants you to become an informed and savvy buyer. Often times demand exceeds supply with Wirehaired Vizsla puppies and out of desperation you feel compelled to take a chance.  Patience is recommended to find a breeder with whom you feel comfortable and then work with him or her. The wait is worth it!

As you meet and interview breeders evaluate their business practices and commitment to the breed and to the individual dogs they own, breed and sell.  If you feel uncomfortable at any time, listen to your ‘gut feelings’ and look elsewhere. Your dog’s breeder should be someone you will feel comfortable calling any time in the future if you have questions or concerns about your Wirehaired Vizsla.  Breeders should explain their goals to you both long term and for a current litter.

Good Wirehaired Vizsla breeders will have:

  1. Researched pedigrees to better understand and reduce health risks.
  2. Be members of recognized dog clubs that actively seek to protect and preserve the future of the breed
  3. NOT sell breeding pairs
  4. Willingly discuss both positive and negative aspects of the breed.
  5. Evaluate each puppy for strengths and weaknesses, and seeks to match you with an appropriate puppy.

DETAILS YOU NEED TO CONFIRM:

  1. Pedigree:  The breeder should be able to provide pedigree information on the sire (father) and dam (mother).
  2. Health Clearances: The breeder should have information available regarding the health test results for the puppy’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The more dogs tested and cleared against hip dysplasia and other health problems in the puppy’s background, the better!  Go to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website HERE to look up test results and find out more about those tests.
  3. Test/Show Results:  The breeder should proudly provide proof of the accomplishments of the parents of the puppy, including hunt tests and conformation (show ring).  Find out more about conformation, obedience and other performance events visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) website HERE.  To find out more about the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) hunting tests  visit their website HERE.

OTHER HELPFUL WAYS TO GET INFORMATION ON BREEDERS:

  • Talk to current puppy owners. A good breeder should be able to provide references to their puppy buyers, current dog owners and breed club members.
  • Check to see if the breeder has a website.  Often times details on pedigrees, health clearances, results from different conformation and performance events can be viewed via the internet.  Do not determine if a breeder is reputable by viewing a website alone.
  • Schedule a visit to observe the premises.  Is the house/kennel clean?  Odor free?  All dogs should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly.
  • Attend events where the breeder/breed participates.  Whether it is at a dog show or hunt test dog people love to talk about dogs!  Observe the dogs in person, mention to those around you your intent to acquire a puppy then sit back and listen.

SELECTING A BREEDER:
Based on what you have learned investigating the breed and then the breeders, you should have a good idea of several who you might want to work with to obtain a WHV.  Now is the time to pick up the phone and give the select breeders a call if you haven’t done so already.  Reputable breeders will want you to know as much as possible about the breed characteristics to ensure a good match. They carefully screen puppy buyers to ensure that the buyer has the knowledge, environment and facilities to properly care for their WHV.
Expect the breeder to ask some questions first. Some examples might be:  

  • Have you owned a WHV before?  If not, have you owned a sporting dog
  • Do you own any other pets now
  • Why a WHV instead of another breed
  • House dog or kennel dog
  • Urban, suburban or rural home
  • Proximity to neighbors
  • Property size, fence

Take the time to make the right breeder selection!  You will not regret your time spent and will be better equipped to deal with that fuzzy little red dog when it arrives!

WVCA Breeders List