Showing posts with label gun dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gun dog. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Fact Sheet: VIZSLA Dog Breed

(Original Title: Vizsla Dog Breed Profile)


Curious about photography
Photo  by robot-girl 
Description:
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog. This is a more lightly built dog than the Redbone Coonhound with which it is sometimes mistaken. The Vizsla dog has a shoulder height of 22 to 26. The bitch will be 2 less. The weight of this dog is 40 to 60 pounds depending on sex. The coat of the Vizsla is a rusty reddish color. The tail of the Vizsla is generally docked to about two-thirds of its original length. The Vizsla will generally live for 12 to 15 years. It is also known as the Hungarian Pointer, the Hungarian Short-Haired Pointing Dog, and Rovidszoru Magyar Vizsla.

History:
Long, long ago Magyar tribes arrived in what is now Hungary with their hunting dog, the forerunner of the Vizsla. The oldest pictorial reference to the Vizsla is an old stone etching showing the dog with its owner, who also has a falcon for hunting. The Vizsla was first mentioned in writing in 1357. As the aristocracy developed a fondness for this dog, it was also bred in with the Transylvanian Hound and the extinct Turkish Yellow Dog. Down to only about a dozen dogs after World War II, the Vizsla made a comeback thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders.

Temperament:
The Vizsla is very gentle with the family. It is also a dog that has a very high energy level that needs to be addressed every day. This dog does best with children if it has been given enough exercise, otherwise, it might be too excitable for young children. This is a working dog and thrives on training and the chance to hunt or perform at agility. Not being given enough exercise can be very detrimental to this dog's mental and physical health. The Vizsla can be socialized to get along with other dogs. Unfortunately, the Vizsla can probably never be trusted with small household pets.

Health Issues:
Despite the restricted gene pool from which this dog made a comeback, the Vizsla is surprisingly free of most genetic disorders. This dog can suffer from hip dysplasia and food allergies, however.


Grooming:
The grooming requirements of the Vizsla are minimal. The dog should be brushed once a week to keep the coat free of dead hairs and to distribute the natural oils. This dog does not often need a bath but can be given a dry shampoo instead. As with all dogs with floppy ears, the ears of the Vizsla should be checked regularly to make sure they are clean and dry.

Living Conditions:
The Vizsla will be perfectly happy in the house with its human family, as it craves attention. The Vizsla will not mind being able to sleep on its owner's bed if allowed. This dog is not at its best in an apartment, however, it is quite active inside and with no easy outlet for its energy, it can become highly strung and destructive. Regardless of where it lives, the Vizsla must be given a great deal of exercise every day. It will love a walk of several miles and should have a chance to run off the leash occasionally.




Saturday, March 3, 2018

How to Train a WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON

English: Wirehaired pointing griffon Ch. Stone...
Wirehaired pointing griffon  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Are you trying to find out how to train a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? You've come to the right place!

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, a gun dog, is a breed heavily favoured by huntsmen. Its ruggedness in retrieving and tracking game fowls make it an ideal companion even in rough terrain and weather. Icy waters or thick under brushes, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is never daunted. This is why this breed is often referred as the '4-wheel drive of hunting dogs'.

Griffons, or Griffs as some may call it, are developed in Europe by Dutch breeder. He did it by mixing German Griffons with French and German Pointers, Spaniels, Barbets and a Setter. It resulted in a breed ideal for hunting and as a house pet as well.

Griffons are medium-sized dogs. They have muscular limbs and long legs, obviously, built for running and agility. Their thick brows, beards and moustaches give them their distinctive handsome looks. Griffs, also, have rounded feet with webbed toes ideal for swimming.

They sport wiry coats that will continue to develop until they reach the mature age of three years old. To let new hair grow, they will need occasional trimming because they are a naturally low-shedding type of breeds. Coat texture may vary depending on their type of food and coat care methods. They come in a variety of colours, including steel grey with brown, white, or chestnut.

Temperament and Training of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Griffons are people-oriented dogs. They are highly intelligent and surprisingly very cooperative. When not in the field, they are less excitable as compared to other sporting breeds. Therefore, they are comfortable companions at home.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be socialized extensively when young. This will greatly help their development toward adulthood. And owners must always take the role of a pack leader so the Griffon won't have dominance problems. As naturally dominant dogs, they will try to challenge their masters for the alpha position. If they succeed, they can be very stubborn and it will be difficult for you to manage them.

Although naturally mild-mannered when inside the house, Griffons still need daily exercise to exhaust their stored energy. When they seem overly energetic even at home, it only means that they lack the physical stimulation they direly need. They can be easily bored if not exercised regularly.
On the field, Griffons shine the brightest. They are never finicky about the terrain and weather conditions. They are courageous and persistent trackers. They are excellent swimmers and love to play in the water. Agility training is a very enjoyable activity for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.



But it is not only in field work that Griffons thrive. They are also suitable for show ring because of their delightful obedience and superior intelligence. They are extremely eager to please and very friendly to either humans or animals. When owning Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, it is imperative to keep them physically and mentally fit. Giving them a job is absolutely beneficial for them. Griffons, however, are not suitable for apartment living. They need wide spaces, like backyards.

If your household has spacious yards for the Griffons and you exercise them well enough, they are easily the most affectionate, and good-natured dogs to be around.