By Guest
Date 01.04.05 09:06 UTC
Hi, used to be a member but have been so busy with horses, I haven't been on site for ages. Can anyone guide me as to where I may buy a black GSP (shorthair) pup? We already have Rhum, our 4 year old Vizsla, and my husband has fallen for a black GSP he saw and would love to have one to keep Rhum company.
Any pointers (not a deliberate play on words, LOL) as to where I can begin my quest?
Shirley and Rhum
By Gunner
Date 01.04.05 18:21 UTC
Hi
Either PM me, try the KC lists or look in this weeks 'Horse & Hound' - there is one ad in there.
Black GSPs are WONDERFUL, but they do come with a government health warning and are not for the faint hearted! You must be able to appreciate the dog for what it inherently is, for any black GSP will have a high proportion of German import blood in it. It will therefore exhibit those drives and traits that the Germans prize - and believe me, one or two generations down the line you will not see those characteristics diluted. (Have a look at any of the German breed websites if you need reminding of precisely what I am talking about!)
Having said that, my black boy is intelligent beyond belief, he is an adept problem solver, thinks for himself, has the most incredible nose, is an astute hunter and is streets and leagues ahead of the two liver flecked bitches I knew and loved. He is also a lot more solid in build and has more bone than many of our show examples - he is strong and built for working all day, every day with boar, deer or whatever....the proverbial German tank! :-) Everyone who sees him admires him, but he is SERIOUSLY hard work. I am not trying to put you off as they are lovely dogs, but you do have to love them not for their looks alone, but rather for their personalities and understand that they are true working dogs - and I mean, working, in the German sense. Make sure that you have the time, space and experience to take on one of these guys - andr that you have very good back up and trainers to support you. Even then, everything will not be a 'walk in the park'!
Good luck!