Hello all, Due to the fabulous depth of knowledge you all have, i would like to ask a few questions about the above breeds. OH REALLY wants a pointer or Vizsla. He has had a springer in the past so is more than happy that we can provide the exercise required! I have a few questions really, or a bit more like a case study really as to wwther you would feel we are suitable for a pointer/vizlsla. We have a modern 3 bed Detached - not huge but a good size we have a 6foot high fenced garden in the back about 30ft by 20 ft and are 3 mins walk from a massive park/woodlands area. im off work at the moment but would be working about 20-30 hours a week from home. OH hopefull by xmas will be driving instructor so will be out a lot but has flexibilty of his own diary so could work around etc... We currently have china our SBT who when we got her was horrendous with dogs - I am now pleased to say that she is fine with most dogs - so long as they dont stand up to her! she likes to be the dominant one - other than that she is fine - she can be a wee bit possessive but if she is told off then she stops so that would be worked on! Basically as i have never had this breed before - i would like reassurance that we would be a suitable home for a pointer /vizsla... Advice please....... oh and we may have a child in the next few years.... Alex xx
Pointer or Vizla - both great dogs. To be honest if your OH has has a Springer then you should be 'clued up' enough and know whether or not your circumstances suit. Either shouldn't (if got as a pup) prove too challenging to your SBT. Both would also be an OK choice for kiddies.
Well as someone who has had both,the shorthaired are much more bidable than the wire and a lot less head strong. both are great with kids. again the short is usually better with other dogs some of the wires can be bad with other dogs, the wire is very loyal and will oftern protect its loved ones. then there is the beared you either love that wet soggy thing that you have to wipe before it is wiped all over your nice clothes !!! I loved my wire very much but had to re home him when he started trying to be top dog over my 3 shorthaired boys. He was better as an only dog. You say you work 20-30 hours a week how many hours a day as neither are good to be left for too long. nicky
Although I don't have personal experience with either the GSP or GWP someone I know found the Wire very difficult with other pets/dogs as Nicky has said. They also found the hunting extinct hard to live with and this was a problem with the neighbourhood cats that lived nearby. I believe he too went to a home where plenty of open space and an only dog. Visla and the GSP/GWP gorgeous dogs - great taste!
ive recently trained a viszla for a couple, and i must say he was a dream to train, very motivated and eager. Lovely dog. However, no one seems to have pointed out about the dog he will be living with. You say you have a staffie with some issues with other dogs and possessiveness. As you know, we have indie, a 3 yr old staffie, ok with some dogs, terrible with others, and possessive over stuff. We tried the whole getting another dog thing and whilst she played brilliantly with the new arrival, her possession got much worse, to the extent that we had to rehome the new dog because she was getting very aggressive with her. Staffies are generally a one family dog and everything is 'theirs'. Given that u are already experiencing difficulties, if it were me i dont think i would risk adding another dog to your family and risk heartbreak.
This is what worries me most! There have been a few dogs that she hasnt met before that she has gotten on with and hasnt been possessive with ie doestn mind them jumping up at us etc.... in the house no idea neither of us have had two dogs... If you tell her not to do something she generall (80%) of the time leaves it alone and just sulks..... :?
As already said, I think the biggest problem you may have is with your Staffie. Although saying that, if you don't try, you will never know. As she is a bitch, I would go for a male GSP/GWP or Vizla. Helen (on here) has two GWPs and so can give you plenty of info about them. From my experience of them as a breed, I would suggest a GSP is an easier option. Many of the gamekeepers on the shooting estate where my boyfriend lives have GWPs and they are literally killing machines :? My sister's boyfriend also has a male GWP and he is very headstrong and stubborn. Great with people but not particularly good with other dogs or any small furries, deer, sheep, foxes etc etc etc I think they really are a working breed, and should only be owned by people who will work them. Many GSP I have met have been much more biddable, easier trained and make better "pets" - although saying that they are still high energy and will need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. I don't know much about Vizlas. Lovely looking dogs though. Good luck with your choice.
Thanks Moobli, OH has decided outright he wants a wirehaired vizsla..... maybe from pup - def male! so that it will learn to be submissive with china, however not sure if that could change in future! Alex xx
