WS: In my opinion most handlers move the dogs too fast. The show ring is not a race, moving fast in many case throws the dog completely out of sorts. Also when stacked I don’t understand why you would hold the tail high like a beagle or a foxhound when the standard calls for a tail at “horizontal”. As to traits being rewarded. I see some dogs that lack breed type but are shown like Dobermans and are “very showy” winning over quality animals with the proper type, bone, top line, and tail set. The Vizsla breed is a very intelligent breed they are “thinkers”. Don’t expect to see “expression” with ears up for a piece of bait or a squeaky noise. They probably are thinking, ‘This is stupid, you want me to stand here and look animated for a piece of liver. What are you crazy? Now let me find a quail or a pheasant in the field and I will show you animated!’ 5. Have you participated in the field with Vizslas, and if so, how has that influenced your evaluation in the ring? Are there traits being rewarded in the ring that would be detrimental in the field? BJ: I have enormous respect and admiration for working dogs/canine athletes, and the people behind them. I’ve put Hunting titles on my dogs and co-owned and showed a Field champion. I wish more people participated in field activities just so they could appreciate the sporting dogs they have and experience seeing their dogs at work in their natural settings. Like so many dogs, Vizslas are the best companions when they’re given jobs. It upsets me to see judges reward timid dogs. The timid dog cannot be a good hunting companion. WS: We have participated in the field and have had the plea- sure of having bred a dual champion as well as numerous hunting titled dogs. Also having lived in the Memphis area for 20 years we have spent many days and hours on horseback at Ames Plantation in nearby Grand Junction, TN at the annual “American Field” bird dog National field trials. These are three hour braces held in February and they have two braces daily for several weeks until the final brace is run and the Champion is named. For anyone that breeds or judges sporting dogs it is a great opportunity to witness the pointing breeds truly at work in all types of conditions. The experience helps you to understand the need for substance, chest and lung capac- ity, endurance, temperament and tractability. 6. How do undocked tails affect your choices? BJ: Tail set and tail carriage are important, but being undocked doesn’t bother me. WS: The docking of tails is cosmetic. Although I prefer the ideal tail described in the standard. I would not allow an undocked tail if set and carried correctly to influence my decision. 7. Name a previously campaigned Vizsla that illus- trates your ideal type. BJ: Ch. Cariad’s Surfstone Szuka, “Szuka,” was a beautiful bitch and representative of the breed. She had substance but was feminine and floated when she moved.
GCh ElginCariad Dorratz Kind of Blue JH, “Miles,” is a dog that I think of when I’m trying to describe correct breed type. He has balanced, moderate angles and a clean outline with appropriate substance. WS: Over the years I have seen a large number of excellent examples of the breed. Some had great show careers but the majority completed their championships and spent great lives as the companions of their owners. But when I think of exceptional breed examples BIS Ch. Taunee Loki Santana shown by the Late Bobby Barlow and GHC Artisan Grouse Point Pink Panther JH shown more recently by Corrine Miklos come to mind as dogs that were outstanding in both type and proper substance. So many factors go into the success of a show dog’s career—timing, money, advertising, the handler, the area they compete in, the judges they are show under. For the average owner it is just not a expense they can handle or the lifestyle of a campaign is not what they want for their dog. Some of the best dogs I have seen were never campaigned by their owners.
8. Describe the breed in three words. MC: Medium robust hunter. PD: Moderate, balanced and moderate. RH: Playful, people pleasers. DM: Rust-colored, agile ancestral hunter. KR: Versatile, moderate and self-colored.
9. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? MC: Type, outline, symmetry, moderate, made of curves, balance front to rear angles, proportion, sound coming and going (want single tracking), first and second thigh, level topline with slightly rounded croup. No gay tails! Also would want correct ears, not Hound-like. Lastly, but certainly not least, good feet (that can take this Sporting Dog around the ring) with movement that is light footed and a far reaching stride so evident in a properly-made Vizsla. “Sporting dogs have to move!” PD: Lightly built, medium-sized, rust-colored hunting dog. RH: Fluid movement, width of back skull and muzzle, depth and width of fore chest and substance DM: 1) Correct size, 2) distinctive solid golden rust, 3) lean and muscular, 4) short back, 5) non-sloping topline, 6) slight rise over the loin that is a hallmark of the breed and 7) moderate angulation and balanced. KR: A distinctive silhouette, golden rust color, moderation, effortless side gait and a “Tigger” demeanor. 10. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? MC: I see many breeds becoming more exaggerated or extreme today, so it is not limited to the Vizsla. Regarding Vizslas, I believe they are losing the moderate, off square, level topline with bone/substance. I’d like to see better croups, shorter length of loin and less gay tails. I also see weedy dogs and some shy temperaments. It would be unfair to say Vizslas need better fronts, without stating that many breeds are struggling with this issue. I believe breeders are aware and making great attempts to fix this
242 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ULY 2018
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