We are proud recipients of a NAVHDA NA Breeders Award. |
The “dog world” and “the business of dogs” is often misunderstood by people out side the “dog world.” I have written this page to help you understand our philosophy and how we practice “the business of dogs.”
QUALITY NOT QUANTITY We do not expect to be a huge "puppy producer" and will only have litters when all circumstances are in place. The litters we do have, however, will be ones of quality, making good, solid contributions to the breed.
We work hard to produce the best possible WV, which to us, is a quality hunting dog who has exceptional field/water ability and the conformation to back it up. First and foremost we only breed a litter with the intention of keeping a puppy. We are a HOBBY, not a business. And we are extremely particular about who purchases our Bird Mtn puppies.
We are charter members of the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America. We are also listed on the WVCA breeder webpage. To be listed, we have met the following criteria: We are members in good standing, we maintain a link to the WVCA website, agree to educate people about the breed even if we don’t have puppies to sell, and most importantly we have signed a copy of the WVCA Code of Ethics. Please take time to look over this code, and ask questions of breeders who do and do not abide by these guidelines.
We screen puppy buyers carefully to make sure they understand what the WV is like to live with and that they are not for everyone. Expect for us to ask you lots of questions, especially about the type of puppy you are looking for and your families lifestyle. Not only if you want a male or female, but what type of activities you will participate in with your new puppy. Keep in mind the more flexible you are with the sex of your new puppy, the better your chances are of us having a pup for you. Also know that hunting/working homes have more of a priority for us when placing puppies.
QUALITY NOT QUANTITY We do not expect to be a huge "puppy producer" and will only have litters when all circumstances are in place. The litters we do have, however, will be ones of quality, making good, solid contributions to the breed.
We work hard to produce the best possible WV, which to us, is a quality hunting dog who has exceptional field/water ability and the conformation to back it up. First and foremost we only breed a litter with the intention of keeping a puppy. We are a HOBBY, not a business. And we are extremely particular about who purchases our Bird Mtn puppies.
We are charter members of the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America. We are also listed on the WVCA breeder webpage. To be listed, we have met the following criteria: We are members in good standing, we maintain a link to the WVCA website, agree to educate people about the breed even if we don’t have puppies to sell, and most importantly we have signed a copy of the WVCA Code of Ethics. Please take time to look over this code, and ask questions of breeders who do and do not abide by these guidelines.
We screen puppy buyers carefully to make sure they understand what the WV is like to live with and that they are not for everyone. Expect for us to ask you lots of questions, especially about the type of puppy you are looking for and your families lifestyle. Not only if you want a male or female, but what type of activities you will participate in with your new puppy. Keep in mind the more flexible you are with the sex of your new puppy, the better your chances are of us having a pup for you. Also know that hunting/working homes have more of a priority for us when placing puppies.
A very wise dog breeder once said: "Let's not measure a breeders success by the amount of winning their dogs do in the show ring, but by the number of dogs that stay with the family that purchased them as a pup and that die in the arms of that same family 14 years later. In that case, we have three winners, the breeder, the family and most importantly, the dog."
This is also a good time to talk to you about spaying/neutering and our contract. We co-own all of our puppies until they are spayed/neutered. This is one tool that allows us to combat pet overpopulation and irresponsible breeding. When you purchase a puppy from us, you are buying more than a dog. You are taking on a lifelong mentorship from us, as your breeder. We will always be available for guidance as your pup grows into old age. And in fact, we will be pushy about staying in contact with you, as we will always feel that your pup, is one of our own.
Pet puppies are also sold on Limited Registration (which means the puppy cannot be bred or shown in conformation but may be shown in obedience, agility, NAVHDA, hunt tests or any type of performance events) and spay/neuter contracts -- without exception.
If you are inquiring about a potential breeding puppy be prepared for a co-ownership and a detailed contract.
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT! This is something to keep in mind when looking for a puppy. Be very cautious of breeders that are always breeding! This is a red flag that they are NOT breeding to better their own breeding program, but are breeding to simply have puppies to sell. You should be prepared to pay $1200 or more for a well bred puppy from a responsible breeder.
Pet puppies are also sold on Limited Registration (which means the puppy cannot be bred or shown in conformation but may be shown in obedience, agility, NAVHDA, hunt tests or any type of performance events) and spay/neuter contracts -- without exception.
If you are inquiring about a potential breeding puppy be prepared for a co-ownership and a detailed contract.
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT! This is something to keep in mind when looking for a puppy. Be very cautious of breeders that are always breeding! This is a red flag that they are NOT breeding to better their own breeding program, but are breeding to simply have puppies to sell. You should be prepared to pay $1200 or more for a well bred puppy from a responsible breeder.
“And now, for some philosophy on dog breeding... |