AZ agility school

Here's a snap of part of the agility school where we train. It's owned and operated by the Jumping Chollas Agility Club which is about 15 minutes drive from my house. There are two HUGE fields covered in artificial turf (in a desert, this makes a whole lotta sense).  Classes run at night which is why the lights are needed.  Classes are very structured and the instructors are pretty terrific for the most part. There is a low student to instructor ratio and class fees are very cheap compared to what I have to pay in Canada.  I like that!!

Diva waiting her turn on the course

Diva keeping warm

Happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

 

from Queen Miska & romantic Tyro

Nasty hitchhikers

Ouch!! These nasty Cholla cacti barbs hitched a ride on Miska on our walk in the desert.  She was off leash but even being on leash, my dogs can still get these stuck to their bodies.  Their barbs are like porcupine quills which have a hook at the end. They are NOT nice.

A Cholla stuck to her wrist

Several barbs are stuck on her rear paw as well.

Removing the Cholla with one swift lift using an Afro comb

Choices

Hmmmm, would I rather be back in Ontario with this??

After the big storm of Feb. 8th. Not so bad really - we were lucky compared to Toronto & parts of NY.

Or in Arizona where Phoenix has been having its coldest winter in 25 years? (Those are storm clouds to the NE.)

OK - YOU figure it out!

Great weekend miles apart

Thousands of miles apart, in two different corners of the continent . . .

Bodi and his Group 3rd placement

In Woodstock, Ontario Canada, Bodi (BIS (UKC), CKC/UKC CH Varazs Mokany Kiralyi Orban FDJ JH URO1 CGN NAVHDA NA PZ I) born May 31, 2011, took a Group 3rd in the Sporting Group at the Wildwood Kennel Club dog show on Saturday February 2.  Woot, woot!!  He was expertly handled by Edgar Rojas. This placement gave Bodi 41 all-breed points to put him into 1st place standings in Vizslas in Canada.  Congratulations to owner Corrine Sellars.

And in Phoenix AZ, Bodi's big sis, Diva (CKC/Int'l/UKC CH Varazs Kedves Quickstep FDJ, JH, NA, NAJ, AgNJ, AGI, Am RN, URO1 CGN CGC) from my 2008 litter, earned her AKC Rally Novice title on February 3 with scores of 100, 85 & 98 and 2nd, 3rd and 1st place finishes respectively.  Well done Diva! (And yes, it was chilly in Phoenix, the reason for the fleece vest!)

Diva with her mom and the nice judge

Eyewear

Hey, do these glasses make me look young or too old?  A star or frumpy like a librarian?

Tyro

Diva

Where's the tea?

Tyro & Miska try to squeeze into 1 chair

May I have another cup of tea?  [Diva]

What a life!

Smiles instead of tears

BPIG* Am/Can CH Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Can CDX, FDJ, Am RE, Am RAE, TT, CGC, CGN

 December 31, 1992 - January 22, 2008 

6 weeks old

This day, five years ago, I said farewell to my beloved Sasha.  Hardly a day goes by when I don't think of him.  They say time heals all wounds and grief and they (whoever they are) are correct.  I can finally think about him with more smiles than tears - although I still shed some of those because I still miss him terribly.

Sasha was my heart dog.  He loved me unconditionally and so much that he would stress out so much if anyone else merely held his leash while I was elsewhere.  And I loved him back - unconditionally - because he could do no wrong.  He loved other dogs and was so good with all of them, especially puppies.  He never got into a fight and he remained intact until well into his old age.  And of course, he loved people too.  When Sasha was competing for his Rally titles in the US starting at the age of 12, he inspired others to get involved again with their senior dogs and that was a wonderful thing to know. His wonderful spirit lives on in his many kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

Here 's to over 15 years of wonderful memories with my Sasha. Gone but never forgotten.  Until we meet again at the other side of The Rainbow Bridge.

A look back at Sasha

* Best Puppy in Group

.

Farewell Kosmo

CH Szuni's Rising Star FD ADC CGC 

"Kosmo" 

Am/Can CH Varazs Kiraly Sassy Sasha Am/Can CDX FDJ TT CGC ("Sasha") ex CH Pozsony Csongrad Lucy CDX FDX AGN CGC TD ("Lucy")

July 25, 1999 - January 12, 2013 

Beautiful Kosmo

Snippets of Kosmo's life

Owners Arlana and Lars Taylor and breeder Susan Scobie (Szuni Reg'd) of British Columbia said farewell to Kosmo yesterday in her 14th year.  Kosmo was a beautiful Vizsla sired by my Sasha.  My heart breaks for Kosmo's owners who were absolutely devoted to her and who are now devastated by her death. Thank you to Kosmo's owners for giving such great love and care to a Sasha-daughter.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.”

― Milan Kundera

2012 in review

In addition to the great year I had with my 3 Vizslas, several of my puppy buyers did very well with their dogs too in 2012.  I want to thank them and acknowledge their dogs here.  Congratulations on your Vizsla's many accomplishments!!  This first dog listed is Miska's sister and the rest are a few of Miska's puppies from her 2008 and 2011 litters).

• CH Varazs Artemis Vizsandy CD AGN AGI RE, "Shandy", earned her Rally Excellent title and was #3 Vizsla in Rally Obedience in Canada for 2012

• CH Varazs Kedves Quasar NAVHDA NA Prize III, CD "Blaze" - new Companion Dog (CD) title

• BIS (UKC), CKC/UKC CH Varazs Mokany Kiralyi Orban FDJ JH URO1 CGN NAVHDA NA PZ I "Bodi" - 7 new titles & Best in Show - CKC & UKC Champion, Field Dog Jr., Jr Hunter, NAVHDA Natural Ability, Canine Good Citizen, plus several 'tricks titles' and that prestigious Best in Show!

• Varazs Kedvesem Final Dance PCD, CGN, CKC & CARO RN "Stella" - 4 new titles!  Pre-Companion Dog, Canine Good Neighbour, CKC & CARO Rally Novice

• Varazs Kedvesem Grand Finale "Elsie"- 6 CKC Champion points and was Best of Opposite Sex in Puppy Sweeps at the Vizsla Society of Ontario's 2012 Specialty Show

• Varazs Kedvesem Final Frontier "Charlie" - 6 CKC Champion points

All reputable and caring Vizsla breeders strive to do is produce talented, intelligent, good looking Vizsla puppies which perpetuate the qualities they were originally bred for, and more.  They then turn the puppy over to the new owner with the hope the new owner will devote lots of time and attention to the dog's physical AND mental well-being.

The Vizsla was bred to be a versatile hunting dog and while many/most people don't hunt with their Vizslas, the hunting (i.e., working) instinct is still very strong in this breed and they will hunt on their own when given any chance. Like all working breeds and intelligent beings, Vizslas thrive when they have a 'job' to do.  Jobs these days are training and competing for titles in a variety of organizations which can put their brains and talents to work.  A working dog is a happier and often healthier dog.  Studies have shown, just like in people, that dogs who continually learn new behaviours stave off canine cognitive dysfunction (i.e., Alzheimer's disease).  I love the following and while it's published on my website, I think it's appropriate to repeat it here.

 What is a Title Really?

    "Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores; a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honour the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory, for about as long as anything in this world can remain.

    And though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

    A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.

    In addition, a title says that you love your dog. That you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed and in the end your faith was justified.

    A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return.

    And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend. Volumes of praise in one small set of initials after the name.

    A title is nothing less that the true love and respect, given and received and recorded permanently."

    Author Unknown

Hard-wired

Pointing is a hard-wired instinct in Vizslas and so it was that Miska locked on point while on one of our walks . . . .

and this is what she was pointing. 

OK - it wasn't real but it sure looked life-like to her!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of my puppy buyers, past and present and to all my Blog followers and visitors!  May you have a wonderful 2013 filled with love, happiness, prosperity and good health.  And if you're a dog - lots of treats, pats, walks, runs and qualifying scores and titles!

Each year on this day, I always remember our first litter as it was born on December 31, 1992.  It produced my 'heart' dog - Sasha who was with me for over 15 years.  He would have been 20 years old today.   He and his brothers Jiggs, Jazz, Marco and sisters Zoe and Kat are still deeply missed by their owners.  Happy Birthday Sasha!

Sasha at 14 years old

 

Mom Nekah with her six babies.

L-R Sasha, sire Buster and Jiggs

Sasha

Awesome year for my V's

In terms of accomplishments with all 3 of my Vizslas, 2012 was one the best EVER!  In total, they (and I) earned 21 new titles in four different canine organizations.

At 9.5 years of age, Miska (Int'l BIS/RBIS (Veteran) AKC/CKC/Int'l/UKC CH Varazs Kiralyi Kedvesem FD, NAVHDA NA Prize III, JH, AKC/CKC CDX, AKC/CKC RE, AKC RAE, AgNS, AgNJS, NJP, URO2, CGN, CGC, TDI) is not slowing down – in fact she’s speeding up!  Her year was outstanding with a total of 10 new titles plus legs towards 6 more! AND, she was # 3 Vizsla in obedience in Canada (CKC) in 2011 and currently sits in #1 spot for 2012.  Miska has earned a total of 28 titles in her lifetime, not including her International Best in Show awards. To earn 10 in one year accounts for 36% of all her titles!

Miska has proven herself and the breed, time and time again, that she lives up to the moniker of a Versatile Vizsla excelling in obedience, rally, field, conformation and agility.  (Next year, I will apply in Miska's name for the Vizsla Society of Ontario's Tibor Reiter trophy for versatility. She certainly is deserving of it. I applied for the trophy in the name of her mom, CH Ferngold Varazs Innovation Am/Can CD, Can/AM RA, Am RE, Am RAE, FDJ, JH, CGN, "Nova", for the year 2012.  Nova just missed out in 2011 so I am hoping she will be the top Vizsla for 2012. The trophy - if Nova earns it - would be awarded posthumously. Keeping my fingers crossed!  Miska's sire, Sasha, earned the Tibor trophy in 2007.)

Miska - 10 NEW TITLES in 2012!

Miska's New Titles!

1.    Therapy Dog International (TDI)
American Kennel Club (AKC) titles:
2. Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
3. Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)
4.  Novice Jumpers Preferred (NJP)
5.  Novice Agility Preferred (NAP)
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) titles: 
6. Agility Novice Jumpers Selected (AGNJS)
7. Agility Novice Selected (AGNS)
8. Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)
United Kennel Club (UKC) titles: 
9. Rally Level 1 (URO1)
10. Rally Level 2 (URO2)

PLUS . . .
4 UKC High in Trials (Rally and Obedience)
1 UKC Group 3rd - Gun Dog Group
2 CKC Intermediate Agility Selected legs
2 UKC Companion Dog legs
1 UKC Rally Level 3 leg
1 AKC Novice Agility FAST Preferred leg
1 AKC Open Agility Preferred leg
1 AKC Open Agility Jumpers Preferred leg

#3 Vizsla in obedience in Canada for 2011
#1 Vizsla in obedience in Canada for 2012

TYRO - 4 NEW TITLES IN 2012!

Despite having bilateral elbow dysplasia, Tyro (CH Varazs Napkelte Tyrone CD Am/Can RE, Am RAE, URO2, CGN, CGC) is very active and loves to compete. In 2012 he earned 4 new titles.  Although the number of titles pales a little with Miska, his AKC Rally-Obedience title required him to compete in a LOT of trials.  Amazingly, he earned this title in just two (very long weekends), earning 20 qualifying scores in a row.  Anyone who has worked on an RAE title knows how hard it can be and how long it can take.  At 6.5 years of age Tyro appears to be pain free of elbow dysplasia.  I don't train or compete with him in field or agility, two sports which would put tremendous stress on his elbows.  However, he is terrific in rally and obedience and continues to compete in both. Once he turns 7, he will be able to compete as a senior in CKC obedience which means he can jump a much lower jump height in the Open class (2 jumps).

Tyro's New Titles!
AKC: 

1. Canine Good Citizen (CGC),
2. Rally Advanced-Excellent (RAE )

UKC:  

3. Rally Level 1
4. Rally Level 2

DIVA — 7 NEW TITLES!

Diva (CKC/Int'l/UKC CH Varazs Kedves Quickstep FDJ JH NA AgNJ AGI CGN CGC) is primarily my agility dog although I want to earn more hunting titles and some obedience and rally titles with her too.  She loves agility and can be quite fast (although not as fast as Border Collies and some of those other crazy breeds in agility, thank goodness, because I wouldn't be able to keep up with her at my age!).  I am still working on her focus and control which is why she didn't earn as many legs and titles this year as I had hoped.  At 4.5 years, she is still a young dog.  I was  pleased with her performances this year and we had a lot of fun competing although she had a lot more fun at times going off and doing her own thing on the agility courses!!

Diva's New Titles!
CKC:
1. Agility Novice (AGN)
 2. Agility Intermediate (AGI)
3. Agility Novice Jumpers (AGNJ) 
AKC:
4. Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
5. Novice Agility Standard (NA)
6. Novice Agility Jumpers (NAJ)
UKC: 

7. Rally Novice 1 (URO1)

New Vizsla star in heaven

 Heaven has a new Vizsla angel / star.

CH Varazs Tobias Barat FDJ - "Toby"

February 21, 2001 - December 21, 2012

Loved, cherished and now greatly missed by Kris Begic and his family. 

What we have once enjoyed
we can never lose;
All that we love deeply,
becomes a part of us.
-Helen Keller

 

R.I.P. Toby

 

 

Christmas walk 2012

Today the dogs got two walks - part of their Christmas "gifts". The first was what I considered a 'stroll' since we were accompanied by their hu-dad who doesn't power walk like I do.  But it was really nice - for me - to have human company which I rarely have on my dog walks in Arizona.  And hu-dad got to see parts of town he's never seen before.

The second walk was far more 'serious' we covered a lot more territory in the same amount of time. I decided to venture into the desert with the dogs on a trail we haven't been on since we first moved here.  I recall our first walk with the dogs on this trail since it was cut short by Tyro encountering a wicked Cholla cactus on his head. This time, there was no misadventure like that, thank goodness.  The mountain behind us is Daisy Mountain.  Today it was overcast all day (very unusual for AZ) and also quite cold.

Diva, Tyro & Miska

Happy Holidays!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

from the Varazs Permanent Reg'd Vizslas 

R.I.P. Yogi

Sh Ch/Aust Ch. Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind 

"Yogi"

December 22, 2002 - December , 2012

 

Yogi with handler John Thirlwell winning Crufts in 2010

The Vizsla world was very saddened to learn that Yogi aka Sh Ch/Aust Ch. Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind just passed away. Yogi was a male Hungarian Vizsla who was the Best in Show at Crufts in 2010. He is the first Vizsla to have ever won this prestigious show.  Sadly, he passed away just 2 weeks short of his tenth birthday, having apparently been treated for some type of cancer on his spleen (possibly hemangiosarcoma which is commonly found on the spleen although I cannot confirm that).  Because of who he was and the number of progeny he had, this was one dog that I wanted to have lived a very long and healthy life but long it was not to be, unfortunately.

Yogi is the record holder for Best in Show victories at all breed shows in the UK, breaking the record in 2010 which had previously stood for eighty years.  He is (was) the winningest Vizsla in the world.  Somewhat controversially, he sired 79 litters (more than 500 puppies) after moving to England where he was shown heavily from dog Australia where he was bred.

He was a lovely masculine Vizsla, beautifully balanced with fantastic movement and good bone.  The way a Vizsla should be!

Rest in Peace Yogi. Your spirit and physique live on in many, many of your offspring.

For more about Yogi, please visit:



http://www.shannas.co.uk/#/yogi-the-boy-from-oz/4553709159

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungargunn_Bear_It%27n_Mind

Tyro

Tyro's head. 

These photos of Tyro were taken November 28, 2012.

 

This one below is a particularly beautiful one of Tyro (IMO) because of the angle.

 

Yum!

Freshly baked peanut butter cookies - for the dogs, of course!!  This will last them about a week and a half.  Yummy!!

2011 Top Obedience Award

Congratulations to Miska (and me of course!) for earning a Top Obedience Dog Award in Canada for 2011.  She was #3 in obedience in the Vizsla breed.  Only six Vizslas competed in either/both Open (Companion Dog Excellent) or Utility (UD) to earn points in 2011.  That's very few but still, Miska earned enough points when competing in Open to earn her this spot in history.  The award came from Dogs in Canada.  (PS, it unofficial, but Miska is #1 Vizsla for 2012.)  Miska's daddy, Sasha, was #5 Vizsla in 1998 and #3 in 1999 so she is merely following in his pawsteps.