Vizsla Puppies
Topstock’s
Breeding Program
While our breeding program began in
2006 with the selection of a quality female and the first litter in 2009, we
are blessed with having Carol Sommerfelt mentoring
our efforts. She and her husband, Wally,
bred our first Vizsla and offered additional assistance when we sought to add a
quality female for the purpose of starting our own breeding program. Carol has been breeding Vizslas since the
1980’s and has raised many champions.
Her kennel is Lorac Vizslas.
In 2009 we bred Penny for the first
time to 2x BISS GCH DC AFC Snowridge Gunfire Flynn MH
CGC (Flynn) and she whelped 8 puppies on July 2nd, 4 boys and 4 girls. We
were blessed by finding eight wonderful homes and families. Since then, we have had three additional
litters with Penny. Links on each of
these prior litters can be found under the “News” on our site. We believed great pairing will provide
exceptional puppies with great field qualities.
Additionally, we are looking for stud opportunities for our male, Nasdaq.
It is our intention to create the
dual Vizsla, both sound in temperament and structure, as well as the versatile
hunter. With each litter created, there
are generally more puppies than we have show and field homes ready. Thus, while many of these puppies could still
earn their championship, instead, they will have the love and life of a family
pet. This is true of most dedicated
breeders. No matter how strong the
pedigree, not every puppy from each litter will become a show dog. Thus, breeders need the support of the public
in finding great homes for the puppies that do not end up in the show ring or
in the case of a Vizsla, with a bird hunter.
Breeders,
Puppy Prices, Availability & the Process
Most reputable breeders rarely have
more than two or three litters per year, and to do this, they must have two or
three quality females. Breeders who are
members of the Vizsla Club of America have agreed to follow a code of ethics
and this includes breeding their animals.
The breeders I have met have three goals in mind. First they want to improve the breed because
of their love of this animal. Secondly,
they want to place many of their puppies in homes that will assist in
confirming their breeding program by willing to champion the puppy as well as
earn field titles. Lastly, they want to
find quality homes for the puppies that do not go into the show ring. Dealing with breeders who are members of a
local chapter or the National Vizsla Club of America clearly lessens the chance
of supporting a puppy mill.
Thus, those families seeking a pet
will have the opportunity to acquire a high quality animal from one of these
breeders. But, do not expect the process
to be as easy as walking in a pet store and coming out with your puppy. Pet stores and many backyard breeders are all
about the dollar, not the best interest of the puppy or breed. Respected breeders want to make sure every
puppy has a quality home and to do this, many interview prospective buyers,
others have questionnaires to start the process. The prospective buyer will have to sell
themselves and their desire to own and take care of a Vizsla before many
breeders will be willing to let go of one of their puppies. While this process may seem unrealistic, it
does safeguard the breed. Trying to
avoid this interview process may lead to dealing with a puppy broker or a puppy mill.
Vizsla puppies from reputable
breeders may sell for $1,200 to $1,600 with prices slightly higher on the east
and west coasts. Reputable breeders are
not breeding to create a living or a business, but for their love of the
breed. Learning the objective of the
breeding program will enable potential puppy purchasers to determine whether
this is a breeder they want to create a long-term relationship. A reputable breeder will want to maintain a
relationship with each new owner of their puppies and this source can prove to
be an invaluable resource. The breeder
will provide substantial records on the sire, dam, and pedigree of each litter
they produce. This should include OFA or
PennHip rating for not only the dam and sire, but
also for several generations back.
Additionally, they will have
To obtain a puppy from a reputable
breeder is not always easy as there are often far more families seeking a pup
than there are pups available. To secure
a puppy, most breeders will have some type of interview or application process. Once that process has been completed, many breeders
may have a waiting list for puppies from their next litter. These lists are offered for serious
inquiries. Some may require a deposit to
be placed on their list. Once we know a
breeding will take place, we request deposits to confirm an interest in one of
our pups. Once you are on a list, some
breeders may guarantee they will provide the male or female puppy you are
seeking while others only guarantee a puppy.
We are willing to deliver the male or female you are seeking, although
many families allow us to choose.
For TopStock, once we have puppies
on the ground, they have their first Vet visit within four days. At this visit, not only are they examined,
they also have their tails docked and dew claws removed. During their first eight weeks, they are
continually socialized and a series of de-worming treatments are started as
well as their first vaccinations. When
they are ready for their new home, age 8 to 9 weeks, we complete the transfer
via contact. We also provide medical
records in additional to a handbook with additional information.
It is our hope this information is
helpful and assists you in successfully raising a Vizsla.