Searching for a puppy?

Sharing a post from Debra Evalds at New Hope Vizsla Rescue (PA):

THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR A VIZSLA PUPPY!

Please read to the end. Breeders, please read too. I have had Vizslas since the 90’s and they were rare then. Popularity grew over time, but 2020 is the year demand exploded. Here are the facts…I tried to be kind, but straightforward. Please read and consider:

1) If you have only done online research and haven’t owned a high energy sporting dog, stop and wait. Delay until after COVID. Wait until you can network with good breeders. Vizslas are absolutely not what they are portrayed as in Runner’s World or many breed info descriptions. They are a lot and expect a lot from you, way beyond exercise. They also shed, are not hypoallergenic, can be nervous & not love kids. Not all Vizslas are the same.

2) There are not enough dogs from reputable breeders to go around. There is too much demand and there are many people looking who have had Vizslas, are super owners, live in single family homes with nice fenced yards. They may even have dogs from the breeder. A breeder will select the home they feel is best for their puppy because they love them a lot. So, if you live in an apartment in the city, have no dog experience, don’t want to spend money for a fence or can’t have one, have a few children under 5 that will take your energy and attention away from the puppy, haven’t met Vizslas in person, or work long hours, is a reputable breeder going to choose you over the experienced owner?

3) So, as a post earlier this week pointed out, this could drive people to backyard breeders, puppy mills, pet stores, and anyone willing to sell them a puppy. Please, don’t do it. I do rescue. I have 3 dogs from bad breeders I am trying to help. All are under 5, but 2 have bite history and resource guarding, and the other likely has epilepsy. That is what you can end up when you work with a breeder that does not research pedigrees, do health testing, and breed for a lovely combination of health, temperament, conformation, and ability. Look for a breeder that strives for all 4. They may not always achieve that, but they should be there for you if you have a problem with your dog. You don’t want to buy a puppy and find out in a few months it has a congenital defect that will cause a short life or cost you exorbitant amounts of money. You don’t want to be that person sharing a Go Fund Me on Facebook because the breeder won’t help and you can’t afford medical bills. You really do not want to be calling rescue in a few years because your Vizsla bit your child in the face (I don’t want that call either). If people stop buying from shaky breeders, neither of us will be on that phone call because they won’t breed if they can’t sell their puppies.

4) As much as you want a Vizsla, there may not be one out there for you unless you are a home that is a good match for the breed, and you have great patience, dedication to working with a good breeder, and are willing to wait. Read that again . Find a breeder through your local Vizsla club who you can connect with and get on their list. Cultivate a friendship and keep in touch. Ask if you can visit puppies from next litter, even though they likely have puppies all spoken for. At this point, it could be a year or two for many good breeders, but it is worth the wait. (read the pinned announcement and the files in group to learn what a good breeder is.) The alternative is to settle for someone who always has puppies or has puppies because smart buyers know they aren’t cutting the mustard with health testing or have other red flags (see point 3 above). The last option is widening your search and considering other breeds. There are other wonderful breeds that may not be in so much demand. There also are dogs in need at rescues and shelters. There are many fabulous mixed-breed dogs or “All-American” dogs that need homes. Explore different options in addition to looking for a Vizsla.

5) Reiterating above points, but Vizslas are in demand. Reputable breeders are overwhelmed. They are getting many inquiries and are probably not going to be fast to respond if they don’t have puppies planned or have a full wait list. Be patient, kind, and persistent if you really like that breeder’s dogs. Many of us are spending many hours a day replying to emails from people looking for puppies. Also, take the time to tell about yourself (location, experience, family, home, why you want a Vizsla) instead of just writing “Do you have available puppies?”. You are likely to get responses that are equal to the time you are putting in to your questions.

6) Rescues don’t have puppies, but they can help you avoid bad breeders. In rescue we get so many inquiries. In the rare chance we get a puppy, we are likely going to place locally with someone we know, as the puppy isn’t at the age to be spayed or neutered yet. We do respond to people seeking puppies because we want them to find good breeders. I respond to them before applicants because I may be able to stop people from getting dogs from the breeders that keep me busy in rescue! Personally, I send at least 20 emails every week. I will also tell someone the truth if they ask me about a breeder, based on my knowledge and personal experiences with the breeder. We want to steer you toward breeders who take their dogs back if there is an issue. Trust me on that one!

7) Last, this is for the reputable breeders in this group. Please share with your friends that are reputable breeders. We need to educate people looking for puppies. If they aren’t a good match tell them, and tell them why. Create a referral letter and send it to help people or chat with them if that is your style. Let’s just all give back a bit to help the breed, help each other, help these people who are looking, and help the poor mama Vizslas who are sitting in cages being kept only to be bred by greedy people that love money more than dogs. Help stop the supply and redirect from the bad breeders. The good ones all know who to tell people to steer clear of. Let’s help people by speaking freely and sharing accurate and truthful info.

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