Choosing a Breeder

Good or reputable Vizsla breeders will:

test and ensure only Vizsla breeding stock which is cleared of hip dysplasia is used for mating. ASK TO SEE PROOF OF TESTING for both the dam (mother) and the sire (father) from the American Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), International Canine Genetics (PennHIP) in the USA, a Veterinary College in Canada, or the British or European equivalent. Ask if the breeder also has copies of test results for the puppy's grandparents and great-grandparents. The more dogs tested and cleared against hip dysplasia in the puppy's background, the better! NO TEST RESULTS, NO SALE!
ensure that their breeding stock is tested and cleared for other genetic diseases known to affect the Vizsla breed, eg., eye diseases: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion (dogs cleared of these diseases will have an up-to-date Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) certificate; sebaceous adenitis; and thyroid and congenital heart disease (via OFA). Ask to see clearance certificates/documents.
know the breed standard and have a copy available on hand. The American Kennel Club has an official, written description of what the Vizsla's appearance, temperament and movement should be like. Stay clear of breeders who don't know the standard or who can't provide you with a copy.
be aware of and knowledgeable about the Vizsla's faults and major health problems. Every breed has some. Avoid the Vizsla breeder/seller who says there is none or doesn't know what they are!

Good or reputable Vizsla breeders will also:

know the pedigrees of their own dogs well. If they don't, it means they haven't put any thought into the breeding and are possibly out to make a buck and at your expense.
show you the dam and the sire (if he is on the premises) and provide copies of their registration certificates. If you're seeking a puppy and aren't permitted to see the dam, don't buy the pup, no matter how cute it is! Also ask to see where the puppies are whelped and raised. This should be a clean, heated, indoor facility. The state of the dog's living conditions will give you an idea of the quality of the breeder. DIRTY, UNHYGIENIC CONDITIONS, NO SALE!
not make the hard sell or be overly anxious to sell you a Vizsla. Reputable breeders will want to interview you or ask questions about your lifestyle and interests. They will also want you to know as much as possible about the breed characteristics to ensure a good match. AVOID THE SELLER WHO DOESN'T EXPRESS ANY INTEREST IN YOU, WHY YOU WANT A VIZSLA OR WHO KNOWS LITTLE ABOUT THE BREED OR THEIR DOGS.
put things in writing. Buying a puppy is a very risky business these days. To protect your rights, ask for a written agreement which, at a minimum, guarantees the dog is a purebred Vizsla, eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club, and will be registered by the breeder. Ideally the breeder should include representations that to the best of her/his knowledge, the dog is from sound, healthy stock and, if given proper affection, care and nutrition, should develop into a sound representation of the breed. A caring breeder will also outline in writing what s/he is prepared to do if you encounter problems or have to give up the dog. Most breeders give you 48 to 72 hours to have your own vet check your puppy and if necessary return or exchange the dog. NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT, NO SALE!
require you to spay or neuter your Vizsla or sell the pup on AKC limited registration. Both are good signs of a responsible breeder and dog owner. A non-breeding agreement can be lifted if your puppy grows up to be acceptable breeding quality.
provide you with written instructions on the care and feeding of your new Vizsla puppy, and ideally will send your puppy home with a small supply of food.
encourage you to tattoo or microchip your Vizsla after 4 to 6 months of age and register it with the AKC so that your dog can easily be identified and if lost or stolen, can be traced back to the breeder.
enter and compete for titles on their dogs in conformation, obedience, tracking and/or field. While a Championship titled dog doesn't necessarily mean it's worthy of breeding, Vizsla breeders who are active with their dogs in one or, ideally, more of these areas indicates some measure of desire to maintain or improve this breed's conformation, beauty, intelligence, versatility, and temperament.
be members of Vizsla Club of America and possibly one or more other Vizsla associations in the United States or Canada and the American Kennel Club.
provide follow-up support and assistance after you bring your dog home and will encourage you to call or write if you have questions or problems.
happily provide references from other puppy buyers, other dog owners, or breed club members. ASK FOR THEM! Talking to the breeder's previous buyers will tell you a lot about the individual with whom you'll be dealing if you purchase his/her dog.

Avoid Vizsla breeders who:

earn major income from the sale of puppies.
routinely practice in-breeding: i.e., mating sister to brother, mother to son, father to daughter.
breed females younger than 2 years and older than 8 years.
breed the same bitch year after year.
have dogs that appear nervous, fearful, aggressive, or in poor health.
don't appear interested in you or what happens to the pup after it leaves the breeder.
keep dogs chained outside or locked up in outdoor kennels all the time or in poor physical conditions. Vizslas need lots of attention and love from humans; they don't get it in these sorts of situations.