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Puppy Cam

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After putting my pooch down 2 weeks ago I've been studying up on what my next dog will be. I've decided to get a vizsla when the time is right. The vizsla is a breed I have never heard of before but I've seen them around out hunting pheasants. Bounds of energy.

Anyway, check out the puppy cam. One minute they're dead asleep then the next they're tearing each others ears off. There are three different feeds for your viewing pleasure. Awesome pups.
Rockman
10:37:10 PM
10/25/03

ankle biters! so cute
ScorchFire
10:38:51 PM
10/25/03

"vizsla"

is that anythng like a LIZSla?
2scoops
10:39:54 PM
10/25/03

Scoops, you callin' Liz a dog? :)

Here's some additional info on Vizslas.

Vizsla FAQ
Rockman
10:53:27 PM
10/25/03

my uncle has one.. he's hyper as hell,,,, the dog not my uncle.
ScorchFire
11:13:54 PM
10/25/03

if your uncle is anything like you, hes probably hyperer than the dog
2scoops
11:25:43 PM
10/25/03

Rockman, Vizslas are terrific dogs. We were looking specifically for an energetic, mid-sized field dog with short hair that would be OK on dayhikes and backpacking trips. We picked up our Bodie a year ago last July - he has been an outstanding indoor/outdoor companion. We are probably going to Las Vegas next week to get a second from a Vizsla rescue group.

They are strong, energetic, trainable and very smart. Fantastic hunters, too - they will start pointing on anything at about by two months. The hunting instinct is something you have to work on in a hiking situation, however (at least they are relatively short ranging.)

A note of caution however: Vizslas are not for everybody. They require more exercise than some owners can give. (Ours generally gets two walks a day plus 2 off-leash jaunts per week.) They are also very social dogs and want to be part of the family, not left outside all day.

If you have any Vizsla questions let me know! We have lots of info on reputable breeders, health issues, etc. If you are in the Sacramento area and wanted to meet one before making the leap that could be arranged too.
Foamfinger
11:27:01 PM
10/25/03

Vizsla's are cool dogs. I'm lucky enough in my current job to work with lots of different dogs, and I have worked with a Vizsla. They're really intelligent and love to run and play. One would make a great trail dog. Just make sure you do your homework and go through a good breeder. I see way to many dogs with temperment/health problems that stem from a person breeding two dogs that should have never been bred. Well, anyway, good luck with your search!
deathmarch99
11:28:19 PM
10/25/03

i love life and it makes me hyper. like to live it up! aint nothin wrong with that homeslice
ScorchFire
11:28:36 PM
10/25/03

Pretty!
Tango
11:28:44 PM
10/25/03

im going to make the puppycam my homepage
2scoops
11:35:41 PM
10/25/03

Darn it! The puppy cam has been turned off for the night. I guess puppies need their privacy too. Tune in first thing in the morning for complete hedonistic chaos!

Foamfinger, yeah, I'd like to come up and visit "Bodie" and you sometime. Maybe we can get a hike in at Cache Creek - Wilson Valley this Jan/Feb and check out the Bald Eagles with Bodie and the new rescue.
Rockman
11:55:41 PM
10/25/03

It's back on. Should I watch football or puppy cam? Decisions...
Rockman
11:16:44 AM
10/26/03

I'm quasi-dog hunting myself. A good friend of mine who's a veterinarian recommended a visla to me. She thought it would make a perfect hiking dog. She also thought it would be a good match, energy- and temperment-wise.

I think they're seriously cool dogs and I want one. I just don't want to spend that much money for a dog.
skullz
11:28:01 AM
10/26/03

What about a Hiking Ferret?

Okay, I know their legs are only four inches long, but Hey!
Tilt
12:21:44 PM
10/26/03

skully, you're right. The price from a breeder is quite high. I've only seen one price mentioned on the internet and it was $1200 for a pup. That's too dang high. Breeders really need to drop the price down or people will be tempted to purchase from pet stores/puppy mills IMO. Geez, I bought my lab from a Oregon junk yard for $10 and she gave me 16 years of great fun & companionship.

Foamfinger, how much did "Bodie" cost ya?
Rockman
12:45:25 PM
10/26/03

vive la puppycam!
2scoops
2:30:06 PM
10/26/03

There's nothing like getting to watch a puppy poop live online.
treebeast666
2:38:02 PM
10/26/03

Unfortunatly the Vizsla is a farily uncommon breed right now. They are only 46th by number of dogs registered in 02 with a grand total of 3000 dogs registered. This compares with the 154000 labs registered in the same year. Also with many of the sporting breeds, it is hard to determine if a dog will be show quality at a very young age. So you will run into the higher prices. Don't think that a pet store would be any cheaper tho. A pet store would probably sell it for even more of a mark up just beause it's fairly rare and most people don't think to go through a breeder. I can't really fault a breeder for charging that much. It costs a lot of money to produce a good litter of pups. Usually in the long run, the breeded ends up losing money. If you really don't think you can afford that, then check out a rescue group. Also just talk to breeders at shows. Sometimes breeders will clean out their kennels, or sell a dog that is not doing as well as they thought. So if you don't mind an adult dog, that might be the way to go.
deathmarch99
4:04:47 PM
10/26/03

Yes Rockman, they are pricey dogs - $1200 is about typical for northern CA breeders, and some will maintain half-ownership even at that price! We got ours for a grand in Bakersfield. I initially balked at the price, but it was well worth it in the end.
There are lots of great dogs, purebred or mixed, available for much less, but I absolutely agree with Deathmarch: finding a reputable breeder is important. Vizslas are increasingly popular and that leads to folks overbreeding and dogs going to homes they shouldn't be in. There are plenty of folks or stores willing to sell a Vizsla for $400-$600 and swear the parents are registered or champions, etc. but they just didn't want to register the litter (yeah, right!). Any decent breeder will have as many questions for you as you do for them; they want there dogs to be placed in a good home with folks that understand the breed's requirements. They will supply an OFA certification on hip dysplaysia! They are also a great source of info for any situation that arises with the dogs and will usually take the dog back if it doesn't work out.

Rescue groups are also good option (and cheaper) - you may have to wait quite a while, won't get a puppy very often and the adults may have medical or behavioral issues, but at least you know what you are getting into. I went to a picnic for the Vizsla rescue group in northern CA a few weeks ago and it was great. There were many great dogs given a second chance and an equal number of happy owners.
Foamfinger
11:29:46 PM
10/26/03

vive la puppycam!
2scoops
6:05:29 PM
10/27/03

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