Activities

Vizslas are incredibly versatile dogs, suitable for a variety of activities.  Events are a great way to have fun and enjoy your Vizsla!  Many of the events offered can provide good exercise in a social setting, for both you and your dog.  Here are some links to get you started.

Conformation – Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs.  Conformation shows provide owners and breeders with a forum for exhibiting their dogs in front of a judge who has been hired to evaluate how well each dog conforms to its breed standard.  There are both all-breed shows and specialty shows.  All-breed shows include judging for all AKC recognized breeds.  Specialty shows that are stand-alone events are for a specific breed.  PSVC holds two specialty shows each year, one in the summer and one in the fall.

Obedience – Dog and handler teams are judged on how closely they match the judge’s mental picture of a theoretically perfect performance as they execute a series of specified exercises. Accuracy and precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog are very important.

Rally – The dog and handler team move at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition. A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.

Agility – In an agility trial, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other objects. It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise for both

Hunt Tests – Hunting Tests are just that, a test conducted under the rules set forth by the AKC. Dogs do not compete against one another but are judged against a written standard as defined by the AKC. By successfully passing a series of tests a dog can earn titles such as Junior (JH), Senior (SH) or Master Hunter (MH). Hunt tests are always a walking event.  PSVC holds a hunt test each year in late spring.

Field Trials – Field trials are a competitive sporting event conducted under the rules set forth by the AKC. Dogs compete head to head for placements and can earn points toward the AKC titles of Field Champion (FC) or Amateur Field Champion (AFC).  Field Trials are either horseback or walking events.  Dogs are entered in different events called “stakes” based on age and ability – Puppy, Derby and Gun Dog.

Running – Vizslas make excellent running partners, with their athleticism, speed and willing nature.  For more information see our resources section for articles on running with your Vizsla.

In addition to these activities, Vizslas also excel in tracking, dock diving, nosework and lure coursing as well as making wonderful therapy dogs.