Vizsla selected as mascot for European Judo Union

Meet Judoggy, the  Hungarian vizsla

The European Judo Union selected the Hungarian vizsla as their Mascot of the EC.  The vizsla's name, Judoggy was selected from more than 200 suggestions after judogi which the vizsla wears. The organizers with the help of Sport TV asked the fans to give name to the Mascot.

The European Judo Union (EJU) is celebrating its 65 th anniversary this year and the Hungarian Judo Association (MJSZ) organize together Hungary’s most prestigious sport event of 2013, the adidas Judo European Championships between 25 and 28 April in the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna. 410 athletes representing 42 countries.

Book looks at the ethics of when, and how, to end a pet’s life

As reported by the Montana Public Radio

Pet owners rarely think about how they are going to handle their pet’s end of life and death, but that’s exactly what bioethicist Jessica Pierce’s book “The Last Walk” urges pet owners to do. Pierce is in Missoula to speak about her book, and the many issues it raises – from the ethics of euthanasia to the growing animal hospice movement. In this feature interview, Pierce talks with News Director Sally Mauk about improving how we deal with pets at the end of their lives. The book was prompted by a journal Pierce kept about her beloved dog Ody’s last year – a 14-year-old Hungarian hunting dog Pierce lived with since he was a puppy. She was also at the same time, writing a text about bioethics..

Click here to hear the interview

Natasha Rose Can D'Ijuma: Campeona de Argentina, 24, Marzo 2013

OUR NATASHA ROSE CAN D'JUMA 

2013 CHAMPION OF ARGENTINA!

Federación Cinologica Argentina

Fecha: 21 al 24 de Marzo 2013 - Lugar: La Rural Predio Ferial de Palermo

CH. .JOV. CHI. CH. ARG. Natasha Rose Can D'Ijuma with handler, Dr. Fernando Burgos

Judges for Group 7

3/21         3/22        3/23       3/24

1/CAC

1/CAC/SO

1/CAC

1/CAC

CATEGORIA: 9° INTERMEDIA - HEMBRAS DE 15 A 24 MESES 262. NATASHA ROSE CAN D'IJUMA - KCC 381146 - I - Born/ NAC: 22/08/11 - H - Lineage/ POR: ROCKY OF BANFIELD y CEILA CAN D'IJUMA - Owner/EXP. JORGE MARTINEZ

Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Research Project: Sample Collection on March 16, 2013

What: Cornell University Veterinary School DNA Bank in partnership with the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation (VCA WF) is collecting blood samples from affected and non-affected (8 years old or older) vizslas to identify a gene or multiple genes that may predict a predisposition for mast cell tumor cancer (MCT). This is the first vizsla-specific study of its kind and could result in a genetic test to detect the genetic susceptibility in breeding stock prior to breeding. This is a free health clinic to gather as many samples as possible for this project.

FMI: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/vizsla.cfm
When: Saturday March 16, 2013, 9am – 4pm.
Where: Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Stamford CT
880 Canal Street
Stamford, CT 06902

For more information and directions: http://www.cuvs.org

Eligible:
+ Any Vizslas who have been previously diagnosed with MCT. Please bring a copy of the affected dog's histopathology report.

+ Any Vizslas—8 years or older— who have not been previously diagnosed with MCT. These dogs will be examined by Cornell staff veterinarians to make sure they qualify as controls (non-affected).

Cost: Blood draws and examinations are free-of-charge.

Registration: Please register for the clinic in advance by contacting Liz Corey (DNA Bank) by email (dnabank@cornell.edu ) or by phone (607/253.3446).

What to bring: your dog(s), a copy of a histopathology report (if applicable), a three-generation pedigree and any OFA/PennHip information for each dog.

FMI: vcawf2000@gmail.com

Gauge the Vizsla and Betsy need your help

Gauge and Betsy  need your help- Donate today!

Yesterday I posted about Betsy Strachota and her vizsla Gauge who is currently undergoing physical therapy and may need further surgeries after falling from a five story building.  I have been informed by Megan Smith, a member of the Twin Cities Vizsla Cub Rescue Committee, that Betsy is in great need of help with some of her massive vet bills. I encourage you to help Betsy and Gauge as I did by donating to the TCVC Rescue fund. It's simple and easy to do via Paypal or credit card.  The donate button is located on the main page, on the lower right hand side of the webpage: http://www.tcvc.org/

Once you have made your donation you will see on the PayPal "Review of donation" page under TVCV Rescue a line that states:

Add special instructions to the seller: 

Click on that line to open a box to write in a special instructions note that your donation is for the Gauge Fund.

Megan assures me that Betsy has been a great ally to the Vizsla and assists with the Secondhand Hound Rescue program as a foster owner. Betsy also helped TVCV by taking in the Weimaraner brother to a Vizsla that TVCV had in rescue by finding him a new home. Megan encourages all who are able to give Betsy and Gauge a hand by making a donation today! Any amount will be a great help.

Please let me know if you have issues donating or if you would like to donate by check and I will e-mail you the address mail directly.

Dogs and depth perception: Dog Falls 5 Stories & Survives

Natasha posing outside on the balcony of our 16th floor apartment

We live on the 16th floor in apartment that has balconies that nearly surround it. Families of small children often put safety netting around to keep their children from tumbling over the edge. You can see by the photo above that the bar comes just to the top of a chair, about to the middle of a person. There have been times I've worried that a ball tossed may go over the edge with Natasha Rose dutifully following after it. We've been smart to make sure that doesn't happen, keeping all toys inside, training her to stay away from the edge and not to jump onto the balcony bars surround it.

Or have we simply been lucky?

Gauge a vizsla in the Twin Cities was not so lucky, falling five stories, shattering his hip on impact and sustaining internal bleeding. His owner owner, Betsy Strachota, who brought him into work with her one Saturday explains  “We have a rooftop deck on our office. When I let him out to go to the bathroom, he looked across the roof and it looked like it continued. He couldn’t see it dropped off, and he jumped.”

A dog’s depth perception and field of view are  determined by how its eyes are set. Dogs, like humans have eyes set close together. Human eyes are set straight forward while dog eyes, depending on the breed, are usually set at a 20 degree angle. This angle increases the field of view and therefore increases the peripheral vision of the dog.

However, with a dog's increased peripheral vision their binocular vision is compromised. Binocular vision occurs where the field of view of each eye overlaps. Binocular vision aids in jumping, leaping, catching, and many other activities fundamental to predators' survival. Dogs with wider-set eyes have less overlap and less binocular vision -- thus less depth perception. Dogs’ depth perception is best when they look straight ahead.  This is not an ideal situation as their nose often interferes.  While a dog's binocular vision provides them a sense of depth, as to recognizing danger, that would probably depend on the strength of their prey drive, training, and experience.


But what happened to poor Gauge you may be worrying!

He was  lucky to be saved by veterinarians at the University of Minnesota.  Using their new 3-D CT scan the surgical team was able to have a much more in-depth picture of his injuries and save his life. Currently the dog continues to undergo costly physical therapy and will be evaluated for possible further surgery. His owner says it is worth it.

You may read the full story here and watch that video of Gauge in therapy:
Dog Falls 5 Stories & Survives Thanks To U Of M Technology « CBS Minnesota

25 Vizslas all in a row

From the Westminster Kennel Club: The Hungarian Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions.

What a site to see so many beautiful vizslas --25 of them vying for title of Best of Show at the Westminster Dog Show February 12, 2013

Follow the link to watch them parade about:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/videos/share.php?vid=2624959

Vizsla just as a pet because they’re great with children!

Vizslas and children need to learn good manners and run about in the country 

I recently received an email from a parent with toddlers looking for information to purchase a vizsla “just as a pet” for her family because, “after some research we found out that vizslas are great with children.”  Perspective owners’ often explore breeds to see if a particular breed will be good for them. A quick look online might appear to verify her research on the surface, however reputable breeders and actual vizsla owners cringe when they hear those phrases. I insist that the research must be reframed to examine honestly their own personal and family attributes to determine if they are good for the vizsla.

Just a pet

Reputable breeders alarms go off when they hear from a prospective owner that they want their vizsla to be “just a pet.” Vizslas are more than a household animal kept for a person's enjoyment. These are animals whose breeding characteristics include being a very intelligent, sporting breed that exudes high energy that must be expended through freely running and playing. They are a breed that will become neurotic, high strung, or destructive without sufficient attention, exercise, or playtime. For that reason, vizslas cannot be left alone for long periods of time without activity, training, or attention. Vizslas tend to chew- fingers, table legs, floorboards. 

We learned too late about Natasha's chewing habit
http://vizslanatasharose.blogspot.com/2012/02/please-please-dont-eat.html

Vizslas mature slowly, taking up to three years. Training sessions will need to be short, frequent, and POSITIVE.  Called the “Velcro dog,” they crave the physical closeness of their human owners and will follow them everywhere always making physical contact and snuggling with their owner whenever possible—whether into the bathroom, in bed, or on the sofa while watching TV.  Owners must be prepared to make time for daily outdoor exercise at parks, trails, running, swimming, biking or hiking with their new puppy/dog.  When vizslas are purchased “just as a pet” and raised by unprepared owners the consequences are often sad for both pet and owner.

Are YOU a good candidate for a vizsla?

Being a good candidate for a vizsla requires a lot of commitment and work on your part. Caring breeders will ask many probing questions to learn of your commitment to their puppies such as:

• How many dogs have you raised as an adult?
• How did you house train, crate train your dog?
• Where did they go for training?
• How did the dog die?

If you can say yes to the following criteria then you may be a good owner for a vizsla. As a vizsla owner I will:

• Embraced it as my personal companion.
• Enjoy being continually touched by my dog and look forward to snuggling with it.
• Give it a daily job or mental stimulation such as learning new behaviors, obedience training, agility training, pointer training, fetching.
• Display positive leadership (be the “pack leader”), discipline and training to enhance its natural talents of hunting, retrieving, guarding, and loving its family members.
• Run it off leash and exercise for a minimum of 1-2 hours daily.
• Provide it with heavy socialization opportunities to new sights, sounds, places, other animals, other people- especially children.
•   Have chew toys, digestible chewing food available daily.
• Commit to caring for the dog through out its life as a member of my family.

Vizslas and children

Andy bonding with baby Natasha

Just as the new owner must look inward to determine if they are good for the vizsla, they must also do the same for their children. It is not an issue of whether the breed is good with children; it is an issue of making an appropriate decision while their children are young. Some breeders refuse to sell their pups to parents of infants or young children who are not toilet trained, knowing full well that their attention to the dog will not be readily available. Parents must look at the dynamics within their whole family before bringing a vizsla, or any other dog, home to their children. Vizslas can be good pets for children, but vizslas, like children, do not come with good manners. Puppies and children both require training and education on how to interact with each other.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY YOUNG CHILD BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED WITH ANY DOG.
The parent must realize that puppies, like young children are teething, and may mouth or bite small children, steal their toys, and bump them over. Children must be taught and be able to handle these situations calmly. Screams, tantrums, or running after the dog, often an immediate reaction, can only exacerbate the situation. Children must know the boundaries of the dog.  The puppy's crate must be made off limits, as it is the safe haven for a puppy. Parents must be willing to provide the time, energy, and effort to train the puppy that will require 15-20 minutes daily, then at least hourly for house training as well as work with their own children to learn their responsibility to their pet.

Parents need to be aware that puppies and adult dogs as pack animals may attempt to move up the ladder in the (family) pack, especially trying to seek a higher order over young children. Even sweet, gentle vizslas may exhibit protective behaviors against the children towards the parents.  Sometimes puppies that sleep in the parents’ bedroom will develop a sense that they are holding a higher position over the children. If you are bringing home an older dog or a rescue dog extra care needs to be taken to be certain the dog’s behaviors are well understood. Stories of children requiring 85 reconstructive stitches to repair the children’s bitten cheeks, arms, legs are not unheard of leading those parents and past owners to warn: 

NEVER ALLOW TODDLERS AROUND A DOG EXHIBITING ANY FORM OF PROTECTIVE OR POSTURING, NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS.

To avoid problems, the puppy must be taught that he or she is at the bottom of the home pack and understand the behaviors of a dog to avoid potential problems (e.g. children should be taught not to roll around on the ground in a subservient position to the puppy). The parent needs to be alert for any challenge by the puppy against the child (e.g. a growl or grumble). If there is a challenge, the child must learn with the parent’s guidance to flip the puppy on its back and scold the puppy severely while the child stands over the puppy. When properly handled, there is rarely a repeat challenge. It is important to involve children in the puppy's care (feeding, walking, and training.

Below are critical questions the parents must ask themselves, if the breeder does not ask them:

Andy and Natasha share a loving moment

• How will they handle their playful puppy and their children during those first 6 months when the puppy has alligator-sharp teeth?
• What are their plans for puppy and manners classes, where, when will they take place?
• How will the children be taught to play appropriately with their new puppy?

If you can say yes to these criteria, then your child may be right for a vizsla puppy:

• My children will be alright without my attention while I am outside focusing on the dog’s training.
• My children will understand how to use positive training and will refrain from screaming, hitting, or hurting the dog when they are angry at it or it has behaved improperly.
•  My children will be involved in the puppy's care (feeding, walking, and training).

Announcement: Call for Submissions for the Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor Pilot Study

The VCA Welfare Foundation (VCA WF) issues a call for sample submissions to a NEW Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) Pilot Study, as of August 1, 2012.

This pilot study will initially analyze-- from blood samples-- the DNA of 25 affected Vizslas (diagnosed with MCT) and 25 control VIzslas (unaffected). All submissions will be kept confidential and require an owner/guardian's commitment to participate in the study for the life of the submitted Vizsla; i.e., agree to update every submitted dog's health records.

Our goal is to collect DNA samples for 50 Vizslas (25 affected/25 control) as soon as possible. Time is of the essence to better understand how Mast Cell cancer occurs in the Vizsla.

To participate and request a sample submission kit, please contact Liz Corey at the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (eg33@cornell.edu). For general questions, please contact the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (dnabank@cornell.edu) or by phone (607/253.3446).

All questions about the parameters of this study and/or about how to participate may be directed to Lynda Ruffini, VCA Health Committee Chair (thebirdhuntress@stny.rr.com) or to Elise Wright, VCA WF Board Member (olympicvizslas@gmail.com).

Please see the Press Release and Submission Checklist for more information. They are posted at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/VizslaTalk/files/Cornell%20Vizsla%20MCT%20Pilot%20Study/ and may also be found on the VCA WF "Research" page on the VCA website: http://vcaweb.org/welfare/research.shtml.

Thanks so much in advance for your participation and support for this important project.
VCA WF Board of Directors
vcawf2000@gmail.com

Permission to spread the word

Learn more about Mast Cell Tumors here

The artful dog

Thanks to a fellow Vizsla owner for sharing this video. It is such a pleasure to observe the talent of the artist, Roberta "Roby" Baer,  as she expresses in her art the beauty and energy of this great breed.  Working from a photo, she marvelously captures the intensity of the V's expression, musculature and readiness to leap to action as it bounds through the snowy field. The artist accepts a limited amount of commissions... hmmm....





With permission to post byRoberta "Roby" Baer.

Interactive Breeder Directory Goes Live at VCA

We not only checked out the kennel but also referrals made by owners of puppies from the breeder.
Baby Natasha with our son, Andy

Today the Vizsla Club of America announced the good news that their VCA Breeder Directory has now gone live.  The interactive directory listings are paid classifieds from VCA members  who have been in the club for a minimum of two years. As a member of the VCA, the advertiser agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics (http://www.vcaweb.org/about/code_of_ethics.shtml) adopted by the Vizsla Club of America. 

Breeders wishing to be included may find the forms in the next issue of the Vizsla News. They are also  posted on www.vcaweb.org under resources>useful forms: http://www.vcaweb.org/resources/forms.shtml

NOTE: there are VCA membership requirements for posting

Next up for the VCA is to complete the stud directory and litter listing. 

Dogs and kennels advertised in the Breeders Directory elsewhere do not constitute an endorsement by the Vizsla Club of America. Nor does the club hold any responsibility or liability for any claim arising in connection with any alleged or actual violation of the VCA’s Code of Ethics by advertisers in any VCA print or electronic publication or by other members of the VCA. 

For further information or issues related tot he directory visit the website or contact VCA via email (vcawebmaster@gmail.com) 

On the mend and moving up in the world

Happy to say that Natasha is recovering well from her minor operation this last Tuesday to remove a tumor growing on the top of her mid-right flank. It will take about two weeks before we get official word back from the biopsy. In the meantime we keep our fingers crossed.

Tumor compared to a 1 CLP coin

It hasn't slowed her down a bit, though, which has been a challenge as we try to keep her from popping her three stitches. Unfortunately we had to pull her from this weekend's show to give her stitches a chance to heal. But keeping our spirits high was finding her listing in the Cinofilia Sudamericana Catologo Chile (Chilean Catalogue) for the June 23 show.  Located under Group 7 we found in black and white:

Raza: VIZSLA 

Categoria: Campeón Joven Hembra 

478 CH.JCHI. NATASHA ROSE CAN D'IJUMA KCC 381146 Nacido el 22/08/2011

Por ROCKY OF BANFIELD y CEILA CAN D'IJUMA

Criador: - GERMAN EZEQUIEL RODRIGUEZ

Propietario(s) JORGE MARTINEZ .

And to think I was proud of my little group of letters (Ed.D.)! I think she has me beat! 

With luck she will be healed and ready to go to Argentina in July. The good thing is the left side facing the judge looks wonderful. Hopefully our talented handler will show that side to her benefit.  The competition will be stiff I'm told.  We will be pitting our 10 month old against four other young dogs with great titles including Argentina's champion. This is when Jorge reminds me we got her first for hunting- the showing is just the icing on the cake, a time filler while she develops her skills in the field. 

One could hope nonetheless.

A tumor, we wait with hope

Nothing Missing: Vizsla Beating Cancer, Still in the Field

Photo from Gun Dog Magazine,  August 2012 issue 

As we get ready for Natasha's operation tomorrow to remove a curious tumor-like growth on her back for biopsy this story gives me great strength and hope. With any luck Natasha Rose's growth will be nothing and she will be in fine show shape by July when we hope to have her in her first international show. 

We have subscribed to the Gun Dog magazine and are thrilled to learn that our first copy to arrive in Chile by August will have Bart the wonder dog on its cover:

I encourage you all to read the article online and order your copy of the magazine available on news stands July 3.

Learn more about Cancer and lymphoma for your vizsla here:

Veterinary Oncology

Cancer Risk for Purebreeds- Wall Street Journal

Click on the type of cancer for more information

Bladder Cancer


Brain Tumors


Hemangiosarcoma


Lymphoma


Lung Cancer


Mammary Carcinoma


Mast Cell Tumors


Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)


Skin Cancer


Testicular

Vizsla owners can help by participating in research 

Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) 

The CCOGC collects tissues and fluids from dogs with specific cancer types following strict SOPs.  These procedures ensure all samples are of high quality and can be used consistently across multiple research projects.  The samples are assessable to any research project with scientific merit.  You can learn more about CCOGC and find a collection site near you at the CCOGC website.

Clinical Trials

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a disease, there may be a clinical trial in your area investigating a treatment for that disease.  Enrolling in a clinical trial brings with it a commitment to follow through on therapies and testing. The benefits can include access to cutting edge medicine and the chance to help future generations of dogs. Resources for finding clinical trials.

Request for Cheek Swab Samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium: 

Request for Cheek Swab Samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium

Below is a request for Vizsla cheek swab samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer 

Consortium (CHCC). This cancer study includes Vizslas and is focused on Lymphoma 

and Melanoma. The CHCC also needs healthy non-affected Vizsla cheek swab samples 

to be controls. Samples submitted by VCA members would greatly assist this study. 

Please read the information from Dr. Roe Froman DVM below. Dr. Froman is also the 

Health Chairman for the Clumber Spaniel Club of America.

Dr. Froman has also been able to access the Vizsla Lymphoma samples sent to the 

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository that were obtained years ago 

through efforts of the Magyar Vizsla Society and its members. Dr Froman has found 

Vizsla Lymphoma samples to be very useful in this study. 

I would like to thank the vizsla owners who generously submitted their Vizslas’ blood 

samples to the Magyar Vizsla Society, some as long as almost 15 years ago. It is very 

gratifying to see that cancer researchers are now finally utilizing these Lymphoma 

samples. I would also like to thank the Magyar Vizsla Society and its past membership as 

well as Sue Boggs who was the past liaison for Vizsla owners to submit their paperwork 

and information. Hopefully, these Vizslas affected by Lymphoma years ago are now able 

to help future Vizslas and other breeds as well. Again, thank you to the Vizsla owners 

who believed in this project long before we had CHIC and Canine DNA Data Banks. 

To assist this important research, please share this information with Regional Clubs to be 

posted on their web sites and newsletters. Also, please support the CHIC DNA 

Repository. More information regarding CHIC’s DNA Repository is available at: 

www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabank.html

Thank you,

Lynda Ruffini

Vizsla Club of America

Chair, Health Committee

thebirdhuntress@stny.rr.com

Request for Cheek Swab samples for the CHCC 

The CHCC (Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium) is an unprecedented alliance of 

researchers, veterinarians, physicians and dog owners who are taking advantage of new 

genetic resources and technologies to learn how the DNA of dogs affected with cancer 

varies from that of the DNA of healthy, unaffected dogs.  No dogs are kept for research; 

we use only samples from dogs with naturally occurring disease.  This research is funded 

by the National Cancer Institute as well as by corporate sponsorship.

Vizslas are currently included in two of our studies:  melanoma and lymphoma.  Samples 

from affected dogs stored at the CHIC repository have been utilized, along with samples 

submitted by Vizsla owners directly from their affected dogs.  All samples are strictly 

confidential; no identifying information about dogs or owners is ever released or 

published. We also need samples from healthy Vizslas who do NOT have either melanoma or 

lymphoma, to serve as controls.  We will be happy to send buccal (cheek brush) DNA 

collection kits at owners’ request.  The kits are very user friendly, easy to do at home, and 

include prepaid return mailers.  

To participate in the study, please email the following information to Dr. Roe Froman 

DVM (roe.froman@vai.org):

Owner’s name:

Address:

Email: 

Names of your pure bred vizslas available for cheek swab sampling

Your participation is needed to help us develop new genetic screens, diagnostic tests, and 

treatments for canine cancers, as well as helping us to gain insight into the biology of 

human disease.  Your help will be greatly appreciated. 

AKC Board minutes reference pointing breeds

The Board convened on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. All Directors were present except for

Dr. Garvin, Mr. Gladstone, and Dr. Battaglia. Dr. Garvin participated via teleconference. Also 

present were the Executive Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer and the Assistant Executive 

Secretary. To read the full minutes of the board go to: http://images.akc.org/pdf/board_minutes/0512.pdf

Several changes made affect pointing breeds:

National Walking Gun Dog Championship For Pointing Breed Trials 

The Board VOTED to approve an annual AKC Pointing Breed National Walking Gun Dog 

Championship event. The purpose is to acknowledge and encourage the trend that is occurring 

in Pointing Breed field trials toward more foot handled Gun Dog stakes. The winner of this event 

would be awarded the prefix title “AKC National Walking Gun Dog Champion of 20__.” 

(NWGDC). 

Use of Blank Guns in Pointing Breed Field Trials and Hunting Tests 

The Board VOTED to change Procedure 1-G of Standard Procedures in the Field Trial Rules 

and Standard Procedures for Pointing Breeds and Chapter 3, Section 7. Blank Guns, in the 

Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds (changes underlined below).  

Procedure 1
1– G Blank Guns.  In any stake, except in puppy or derby stakes, a blank
cartridge must be fired by the handler over any dog on point after the game has
been flushed. Handlers should be aware of the potentially harmful impact the
repeated discharge of a blank gun can have on the hearing of people, dogs and
horses. The following Regulations apply to the use of blank guns/ammunition.
  Blank pistols used to fire a blank cartridge must have a solid barrel incapable of
discharging live ammunition. All calibers up to .32 are acceptable. Blank pistols
that fire shotgun 209 primers are also acceptable. .22 caliber “acorn” crimps shall
not be used. For .22 caliber blanks produced for other purposes (not specifically
for blank pistols), handlers should be guided by the recommendation of the
manufacturer with regard to the safety of their use in blank pistols.
  .410 gauge shotguns with blank shells may be permitted if specified in the
premium list. No shotgun larger than .410 gauge is allowed. Shotguns must be
fired skyward and away from the direction of the gallery and judges.
CHAPTER 3
Section 7. Blank Guns. Only blank pistols may be used by handlers in Pointing
Breed Hunting Tests. Blank pistols used to fire a blank cartridge must have a
solid barrel incapable of discharging live ammunition. Handlers should be aware
of the potentially harmful impact the repeated discharge of a blank pistol can
have on the hearing of people, dogs and horses. The following Regulations apply
to the use of blank guns/ammunition.
 .22 caliber (6mm) blanks are preferred but all calibers up to .32 are acceptable.
Blank pistols that fire shotgun 209 primers are also acceptable. .22 caliber Bd. Pg. 5
May 7-8, 2012

“acorn” crimps may be used. For .22 caliber blanks produced for other purposes
(not specifically for blank pistols), handlers should be  guided by the
recommendation of the manufacturer with regard to the safety of their use in
blank pistols.
 Promiscuous firing of guns or blank pistols on the grounds is prohibited.
Handlers in Hunting Tests shall fire one blank and no more for each flush of one
or more birds provided the bird is not being shot at by official gunners.
  Handlers should not hold the blank pistol against their body when firing as there
is a discharge of gases which may burn or otherwise harm.
  The handler must shoot within the time that would be required to kill a bird at
natural shotgun range. Any deliberate delay in shooting must be severely
penalized.

These changes place an upper limit on the caliber of blank guns that are allowed at Pointing 

Breed field events, address the uses of new types of ammunition, and caution handlers on the 

potentially harmful impact that firing a blank gun can have on the hearing of humans, dogs and 

horses. This is effective June 1, 2012.

Pointing Breed Grand Field Champion Title 

The Board VOTED to amend the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Pointing Breeds 

Chapter 14, to create two new Pointing Breed Field Trial titles – the Grand Field Champion and 

the Grand Amateur Field Champion. Points toward these titles must be earned in one hour 

stakes. A dog must have previously earned its Field Champion or Amateur Field Champion title 

before it can earn points toward the Grand titles. This is effective January 1, 2014. 

Pointing Breed Field Trials - Roading a Dog Behind the Gallery 

The Board VOTED to amend the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Pointing Breeds 

Procedure 6 Running and Handling - to allow “roading” at Pointing Breed Field Trials that are 

longer than three days. “Roading” will be allowed at the host club’s discretion and under 

conditions specified in the Pointing Breed Field Trial Standard Procedures. This is effective 

June 1, 2012

Gun Dog magazine announces Vizsla as lead story

We have subscribed to Gun Dog and still await the arrival of our first issue. Hopefully we will get the August issue as our first one:

From Gun Dog's Facebook page:
We know you've been patiently waiting for the August 2012 issue, so we thought we'd give you a sneak peak, seeing as it arrived on our desks yesterday afternoon.

The Eyes Have It: How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes

Natasha Rose and brother Porcyon spend the day in the field

The Eyes Have It: How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes is an excellent article from this month's issue of Gun Dog Magazine describing how to keep your bird dog's eyes in tip top shape after a day in the field and grasses. In an earlier blog post, Hunting & road trip survival with your dog,  I mentioned handy items to have on hand when taking your Vizsla on a hunt or a simple romp in fields. Dave Carty suggests to add a supply of cotton swabs, some sterile saline solution or some other kind of commercial eye wash and a tube of over-the-counter eye lubricant.

 If after a day in the field your dog is pawing her eyes or is squinting, it is a good indication there may be debris in the pocket between the bottom of the eyeball and the lower eyelid. Follow these simple steps wash out the eyes. You may need the assistance of a friend to keep your dog still or to squirt the wash into his eyes.

1.  Place your dog where it is easy to work with her (e.g.  on the tailgate).
2.  Pull apart her eyelids with your thumb and forefinger and examine the pocket between the bottom of the eyeball and the lower eyelid.
3. Take a dry cotton swab and gently swipe the pocket from one end to the other, twisting the swab  a half turn to pick up any possible debris.
4. Do the same with the other eye.
5. Flush out the eyes by pulling apart her eyelid, and with the assistance of a friend, place a healthy squirt of saline solution in each eye.
6.  Put a couple drops of an over-the-counter eye lubricant into the eyes if your dog is still squinting or she is pawing at them. 
7. Consider making an appointment as soon as possible if the problem persists.

MEOE - Save the Hungarian Kennel Club: The Hungarian government must recognize MEOE !

From: Magyar Ebtenyésztők Országos Egyesülete (MEOE)

Considering the current situation that our member in Hungary, MEOE, is facing, the FCI members and the FCI General Committee wish to reiterate their full support to our very long-standing member that has been sharing our wonderful existence since 1933. Talks and negotiations will take place with the Hungarian political authorities to envisage the future but we want to insist to the world dog community that MEOE can count with our unconditioned support and friendship. H.W. MüllerFCI President

We ask all members of the FCI to help save the MEOE - the Hungarian Kennel Club by this petition

The MEOE has a long tradition, established in 1899, of Pedigree registration, FCI International Shows, Breedclubs and all kind of canine activities for the benefits of its members !....Let us stand together and show the Hungarian Government how many people that supports this club all over the world !! ......

The Hungarian Government wants to control dog breeding in Hungary. Only organizations approved by the Government are allowed to make pedigrees, arrange shows and judge.   

Everyone else not approved is NOT allowed and will be penalized with very high fines. The government does not want to approve the MEOE ! and FCI does not want to approve any other organization in Hungary than  the Meoe.

So if no solution before 15. May 2012 the MEOE is not able to run a club and FCI  will have no activities in Hungary any more !! …. 

We are in chock that a government is able to do this and think it is has nothing to do with European democracy !! The MEOE have existed since 1899 so a very long tradition and history that we will not accept to loose in the FCI !!  …That is why we are asking all members of FCI – especially the European members to help in this fight and save the MEOE !

Who knows this could easily spread to other eastern European countries with the loss of many fine breeders, gene poles and shows !    

If possible it would be great if you could promote this petition and also write the a letter to the following :  

THE ADRESS OF HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER OFFICE:
http://www.miniszterelnok.hu/in_english_news

YOU CAN SEND YOUR LETTERS AND OPINIONS ABOUT HUNGARIAN KENNEL CLUB SITUATION! 

THE ADRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/contact/mail/index_en.htm

IF YOU HAVE THE FEELING TO HAVE RIGHTS OF A REALLY EUROPEAN CITIZEN, SEND YOUR PROTEST FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO HUNGARIAN KENNEL CLUB NOW! 

THE ADRESS OF EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSIONER FOR AGRICULTURE:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/ciolos/contact/commissioner/index_en.htm 

We must try to do our best to help the MEOE! 

Also contact your national kennel Club to ask what kind of actions they are taking.   

Thank you for signing the petition to help save the MEOE .

Imagine it was your kennel club this was happening to - imagine you could no longer have your dogs registered in FCI by your kennel club as it did no longer exist !!......Imagine you could no longer attend a FCI show in you country !!....Imagine all you national judges could no longer judge !!....Imagine your native breeds could no longer get an FCI pedigree !!....Imagine you could no longer export the dogs you have breed to other FCI countries !!..... Please help sharing this petition by sharing on Facebook, Twitter on your Kennel Club website or you local breed Club - we want as many as possible to be able to show their support - thank you so much !