Wrong treatment to pamphlets wildlife the just a zap standard At that time, the breed looked much different than today: they had longer muzzles and a bonier topskull. Some had a houndy appearance, with ears, and others ranged color from chocolate brown to almost bleached out. The Vizsla Club of America was formed 1954 and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed 1960. Breeders have worked to standardize the distinctive Vizsla appearance and aristocratic bearing that you today. Today the Vizsla is a beloved companion who can be found performing a multitude of jobs. Some were even working at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of September 11. The breed is moderately popular, ranking 43rd among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club. Vizslas are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Vizslas get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. VizslasCERF Because some health problems 't appear until a dog reaches full maturity, health clearances aren't issued to dogs younger than 2 years old. Look for a breeder who doesn't breed her dogs until they're two or three years old. The following conditions affect Vizslas: Canine Hip Dysplasia is a heritable condition which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you not notice any signs of discomfort a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Hypothyroidism is abnormally low level of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. A mild sign of the disease be infertility. More obvious signs include obesity, mental dullness, drooping of the eyelids, low energy levels, and irregular heat cycles. The dog's fur becomes coarse and brittle and begins to fall out, while the skin becomes tough and dark. Hypothyroidism can be treated with daily medication, which must continue throughout the dog's life. A dog receiving daily thyroid treatment can live a full and happy life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Just 't make it a habit to move the furniture around. Reputable breeders have their dogs' eyes certified annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist and do not breed dogs with this disease. Exercise, exercise, and exercise, plus work the form of canine sports or therapy work is the key to a happy and healthy relationship with a Vizsla. Give him at least two half-hour workouts daily the form of walks, runs, or of fetch, or he'll become destructive and hard to handle. When training the Vizsla, be consistent and kind, never harsh. He responds best to positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. For best results, begin training as as you bring your puppy home. A few minutes of practice several times a day bring success before you know it. The people-oriented Vizsla should live your home with you, not out the yard. He needs a fenced yard where he can play safely. Keep mind that underground electronic fence won't protect him from other dogs that come into the yard. Being a retrieving dog, the Vizsla is mouthy and likes to chew. Provide him with a variety of chew toys and rotate them regularly he doesn't get bored and decide to gnaw on the furniture, your shoes, or other expensive items. adult dog age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they 't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference Vizsla overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down