Bones

Brought home a new buddy yesterday. Bones has always been a skinny guy, running off any extra weight he put on, which led to his name. He's a 18 month old Vizsla, and both parents were national field trials champs, where the handler rides a horse to keep up with the dog. As they worked with Bones his "charge for the birds" was tempered by his desire to check back on his handler - he really likes the personal bond. They decided he was better suited for a companion than a field trial guy, or for walking trials where the handler & dog stay closer together, so he came home with me. So far we're becoming quick buddies.

He looks great! Good to have a buddy to hang near you. That big chew thing probably helps with the get along....

Good looking dog, always great to have one around! Sure is an intelligent looking pup!

Beautiful looking new buddy there Roger! I'm sure you'll spoil him with treats and toys in no time! 8-)

Beautiful and intelligent looking pup, Roger

....and after those treats, you can change his name to Pudge.

I think the reason our pup wasn't sent off to Germany to become a show dog is that she prefers 'mom and dad' over the show circuit hubbub even tho she did win a best in class as a puppy.

Roger, Bones looks like he's going to become a great companion, I hope you have many, many years together. Any plans to take him for rides in the '33, does he also have a bed in the barn for when you're tinkering with the hot rod?

Mike

Beautiful dog - my kids have a Vizsla (Ruby) and she's great. Hope you and Bones have a long and happy time together!

Yeah, Bones is a keeper based on the first full day. He's calmer than the "normal" Vizsla pup, and when we to out to walk the woods he gets out ten to twenty yards then stops to be sure I'm following and if not he doubles back to find me. Not sure how long that will last, but he seems to be bonding quick. Mike, he will definitely have his place in the barn. Have not tried him with the '33 yet - may have to do some acclimating to the exhaust note!! He had never ridden in a vehicle outside a crate, so his first Jeep ride was comical!

We got our second lab 3 years ago after my knee surgery. He will disapear on you if your not watching but he manages to come back. Great to have a pal and they don't talk back!!!Not often anyway.

Very nice looking dog,Roger..I am getting closer to getting another dog as well..Just waiting for the right dog..Would love another German Shepherd,,but have an open mind..Dont mind something different..Havent seen too many Vizsla's..Nice..:cool:

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Originally Posted by lamin8r

Very nice looking dog,Roger..I am getting closer to getting another dog as well..Just waiting for the right dog..Would love another German Shepherd,,but have an open mind..Dont mind something different..Havent seen too many Vizsla's..Nice..:cool:

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The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed, focused on field hunting. They have been termed "Velcro Dogs" as they tend to attach themselves to their "master" and become 110% loyal. Lots of very good traits, like minimal shedding, lower "coat odor", family friendly, etc.

Roger, tell me more about the Vizsla breed, I'm not familiar with them. I like the traits you've mentioned so far especially 'minimal shedding'. How big and heavy will a mature Vizsla got? I've had Shelties (Shetland Sheepdog) for the past 30 years or so.

Mike

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Originally Posted by Mike52

Roger, tell me more about the Vizsla breed, I'm not familiar with them. I like the traits you've mentioned so far especially 'minimal shedding'. How big and heavy will a mature Vizsla got? I've had Shelties (Shetland Sheepdog) for the past 30 years or so.

Mike

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Mike,
We had Trey, a tri-color shelty, for many years so I know why you're intrigued by the minimal shedding. I would spend several hours over a week or two each spring brushing out his heavy undercoat, getting a bushel basket of fluffy hair. Then his top coat would shed as summer wore on, and it was EVERYWHERE!! Here's a link to a Wiki writeup on Vizsla's Vizsla - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The males get to be 45 to 66lbs, and females 40-55lbs. Bones is 46lbs now at 18 months, and he's pretty trim. The males have the characteristic blocky head, while females are more sleek and finer boned, but the breed is one of the smaller field hunting breeds. While most are excellent hunters, they are also great household and companion dogs, being very affectionate and loving. They are commonly called Velcro Dogs, because of their desire to be close to, or against the person they consider their protector. One interesting trait is the lack of the normal "doggy smell", and the need for only very occasional baths. All in all, a pretty neat breed.

My kids are at our house this week (spring break in Washington - my daughter is a teacher there) and they brought their Vizsla (Ruby) with. Ditto to all that Roger has said. Vizslas are wonderful, loving dogs - great with the small grandchildren and very affectionate. I've never heard Ruby bark. They do not like to be out in the cold (unless she's running after something) as they have very short, close cropped hair. Ruby has a blanket in her kennel and she curls up in it after being outside.

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Originally Posted by glennsexton

I've never heard Ruby bark....

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The hesitancy to bark is a well known trait, but it may be more prevalent in females than males. I know that Bones has quite a voice, as he displayed it last night when he saw his reflection in one of the windows out onto the back deck and thought we were being attacked by an angry Vizsla!! Every bark seemed to bring an identical bark from the invader!! Of course I was falling down laughing at him, and trying to get him to understand it was OK!! Pretty quickly I turned off the light, the "invaders" (one at each window, you know...) left, and the castle was safe.