Whiskey is 4.5 months old now and we are increasing the length of our hikes a little. We tried Eagle Bluffs which is 8kms with a 350m incline. It has a beautiful scenic viewpoint of the whole city and is a great place to bring friends new to Vancouver. Taking it really slow, we spent most of the hike talking to friends (usually we add more training and stick throwing in a hike). Whiskey had no problems finishing the hike and we took her on a walk in the evening as well.
playing on the ski slopes
the view from the top
water please!
the former olympic site
well tired afterwards
We’re started introducing Whiskey to bicycles to get her used to walking or running next to them. Eventually we would like to exercise her next to a bike but right now we are not using this as a form of exercise, rather just up and down a parking lot for training. We also want to start maybe mountain biking with her through the forest but since I would have to learn how to mountain bike, we can assume the pace would be slow enough for a puppy. Also, the other day we introduced her to skateboards! She’s a pretty inquisitive pup.
I don’t understand this contraption but I’ll kiss you
We just got back from a pet-event (is that even a word?) called Petapalooza and had a marvelous time. Dogs of every size, shape and color were out and the exhibitors were generous and informative. We went to almost all the booths and I think Whiskey is all snacked out by now.
Wow and event just for pets (mainly dogs)
Whiskey recognizes her friends from the park better than us
There was a “running of the Bulls” which included the tiniest “racetrack” with French and English Bulldogs racing for a prize. It was so packed I wasn’t tall enough to watch (try shoving into a crowd with a puppy at your heels, it’s not possible) but from the cheering it must have been funny. Also we saw some flyball demonstrations. I now wish I lived in a more rural area so we could join a flyball team! There were so many breeds represented out there today, I even met one I didn’t know existed (a toy Australian Shepherd?).
but mom! it’s water and I don’t want to
Someone crashes a doberman party
We were so happy Whiskey is socialized enough to deal with the noises, people and smells everywhere, although we found out she’s just started to learn how to hop onto tables (another thing to train now). Soon, we were walking home with a bag full of samples and goodies, a tired pup, and happy smiles. I really wish there were more of these events to go to!
Yesterday we met up with a fellow Vizsla owner Eric, and his 1.5 year Vizsla Yoffi for a romp in some fields. We drove 45 mins to arrive at this huge field in Maple Ridge where Yoffi normally runs and trains with birds. We didn’t have birds this time but thought the dogs would love to run and perhaps flush out their own.
As soon as Yoffi jumped out of the car we could immediately see the difference between a Vizsla from a hunting stock and one from a confirmation stock. Whiskey’s parents were both shown in confirmation shows where the goal is to conform to the breed’s published standards. In shows they are handled by strangers, shown in front of crowds, and need to stay relaxed in these situations. Hunting Vizslas are bred for their drive and endurance and are tested in the field. So while Whiskey is very mellow for a Vizsla, Yoffi shot out of that car like there was a free bacon festival ahead.
Yoffi pulling and ready to hunt
As we let the dogs off leash in the fields, Yoffi took off bounding around happily monster-trucking through the fields and bushes. Whiskey stayed close and sniffed alot, at first keeping close to us in an unfamiliar environment, then eventually running after Yoffi. Yoffi was playing pretty rough with Whiskey- more from held-back energy than anything else. He also headbutts humans for hellos!
Whiskey leaping over the grass like a rabbit-antelope
a huge space for dogs to roam
Ears flying, dogs diving
Vizsla play is full-on
Pros of Confirmation/Show dogs
-in general these dogs would be better for city life as they are bred to show well and have a temperament conductive to have lots of strangers touch and inspect them
-they must also show good character to be tested (no aggressiveness, shyness)
-they are bred for their looks so they are beautiful!
-they usually need less off leash running and roam closer to you during walks
-they don’t need to work as much
-these dogs will not be bouncing through the walls as fast as a hunting dog if they don’t get a walk
-might be better bet if you have small animals like cats in the house (although probably fine if grown up with one)
Whiskey’s Daddy
Pros of Hunting/Field dogs
-obviously if you want to hunt, you would look for a breeder that hunts and has Field Trail Champions
-these dogs are amazing to watch do the job they are bred for. They are still couch potatoes at home, but are on full “work” mode outside
-bred less for looks and more for personality and intelligence
-I’ve heard show dogs are smaller, more sharply muscled, noisier and more generally hyperactive (Whiskey is smaller, vocal, but very mellow, not hyperactive)
-you may have heard with other breeds, working dogs are usually healthier and living older because they are bred for physical purpose but Vizslas are a very healthy dog that has been much better bred than Labs, German Shepherds, Dachshunds for example. Check this article out!
Vizslas were never overbred and trendy like Dalmatians and are generally a very protected healthy breed. In conclusion hunting dogs have not been proven to be “more healthy” but they certainly have more endurance and energy!
Yoffi’s crazy energy in a picture
practicing “Whoa”
Best of Both Worlds
Of course confirmation dogs can be hunters and hunters can be confirmation dogs if you get the right bloodlines that is! I’ve shown examples of extremes, but every dog is unique and with a good breeder you should have a well balanced dog. For example Yoffi is a beauty with great muscles and amazing fur while Whiskey was pulling like crazy when she saw a deer and flushed out a little bird the other day on a walk. Also with breeding you are increasing a chance, of a specific trait and it’s not a guarantee at all.
So driving home that evening we reflected we were really happy we got a confirmation dog, as Whiskey is not “calm” but she’s practically comatose compared to Yoffi. With both of us working full time jobs and not hunters it would push our limits to have to drive out of the city everyday to exercise her. Of course we’re both avid hikers and Whiskey gets plenty of exercise a day. On the other hand, Eric says Yoffi wouldn’t do well in a dog park with other dogs and people around, and that he was really crazy as a puppy. So although Yoffi is an incredible athlete and intelligent hunter, we’re super happy Whiskey’s been so “easy” to fit in our lives. As I’m typing this, she’s sleeping at my feet.
Today Vancouver had its quarterly meetup at Spanish Banks. This is one of the reasons why I really wanted a Vizsla -the community is exceptional and everyone that owns one of these beautiful dogs is so proud and happy to meet others. It’s a rare time for the dogs to run together, and for the owners to swap stories and check up on how each other are doing. There were lots of tips I’ve picked up (mainly don’t stop the training!!) and we’ve had so many comments on how good Whiskey’s temperament has been and also how she’s a very fearless, yet mellow (mellow for a Vizsla is using a different yardstick). She had tons of fun running around, playing, and learning Vizsla etiquette. Other times she would just sit and watch the action or say hello to the humans.
There were Vizslas from all over North America (even one from Hungary) of all ages and sizes. All looked super happy to be frolicking with other speed demons although some were not so happy to share toys. I’m pretty happy how Whiskey doesn’t stray far from us and usually comes when we call, even in the middle of playing with other dogs. She’s also getting over her fear of water but since it was low tide we didn’t have a chance to swim.
Towards the end of the two hour playtime, when we headed back to the car, she did the strangest thing: she sat down in the middle of walking! We’ve never had this happen before. I guess she was hot and tired from all the play. Success!
Oh boy oh boy!
I already can’t wait for next time.
Whiskey tries to figure this 2 dog one stick thing
having a conversation through barks
I took more pictures of dogs than owners
There weren’t too many sugar faced Vizslas out today
Low tide makes for a playground. The Vs are spread thin
We are famous!! On a hike to Deep Cove a couple weeks ago we met a nice man who took a couple shots of Whiskey as she was romping around. We finally made it on his website 🙂
