Hi If I'm ever in the position to have two dogs I would like to have a Hungarian Vizsla seen them for the first time at Crufts....... I spoke to some of the owners of these dogs and I liked what they were saying about the Breed but couldn't find out if any Vizsla had competed at any Obedience shows  ......if I had one thats what I would like to do
Thanks

Hi Annie

I have a HV and absolutely love her to bits.  BUT I have to say, obedience would not be my first or second choice of activity with one.  Whilst they are very versatile I found it a struggle to get her nose off the ground.   Whilst Rally 0 would be well within their remit - and also obviously all the gundog and tracking (even search & rescue) activities,  I don't feel they are brilliantly suited to obedience as they are very smart and like to use their initiative.  It seems like a bit of a waste of their brain, nose and history (please don't any obedience people take offence).  I do Working Trials with mine and find it does an excellent job of exercising her brain & nose - have also done a bit of obedience, Rally-O, gundog, Cani-X and agility.

However, they are extremely willing to please, and so it might not be a completely dead duck - I would just recommend that it isn't the only activity you do with him or her.

Once you have one you won't be able to stop - if the breed suits your personality they are extremely addictive . . .  Do bear in mind they are extremely needy and love to be with you 24hours a day!!

I've got friends with Vizslas and they are gorgeous dogs, and lovely personalities too. But I'd probably be inclined to say the same - great at rally obedience but perhaps less so at formal obedience, though I do know someone that competes successfully with an American cocker and with a lurcher, so it is possible!

Thanks ginjaninja for being honest about the Breed you have pretty much told me what I thought the answer would be still think they are great Dogs but maybe not for me thanks for the reply Lucydogs

What's Rally Obedience ?
I've never heard of it.

I've never seen a Vizsla at an obedience show, but seen some very good Weimeraners and GSPs - don't know how similar they are.

http://www.apdt.co.uk/ukrally.asp

It's going to be held http://www.helpfifeanimals.org.uk/Index.asp?MainID=12249

And if the APDT rally people are too fussy or not in the right geographical area for you, try www.talkingdogsrally.co.uk or www.janetwest-rallytraining.co.uk. Slightly different signs and rules but still the same basic sport. :-)

Thanks Cava :-)

I have Wirehaired Vizsla:

- my eldest would be perfect for obedience, he got his Gold Good Citizens without any effort at all and he was asked to do some demonstration work with the clubs obedience team at Crufts (but was sadly too young at the time!).

- my youngest would be terrible :)  He just cannot keep his nose off the floor, although he's willing to suspend scenting in the show ring.  'Obedience' isn't really his natural preference but he'd make the most fantastic working dog, and showed great aptitude for it at a training day, although I forgot to switch his retrieve gene on...

There are several 'wires' competing in agility

We have two Smooths and they would be a challenge at a obedience, they are well behaved (most of the time)... but both too busy with their nose and would probably get bored :)
I imagine some would be ok but that would be more pot luck if i am honest :)