Adding another dog

vizsla · 04-11-2007, 03:24 PM

Does it matter about the breed (assuming both breeds get along with other dogs well). Reason I am asking is because we have a vizsla and are looking to add another dog to the family in abou 3-6 months. I want another vizsla or a lab (I am an avid duck/pheasant hunter), and my wife wants a shih-tzu. We are adding another dog for several reasons:

1. I would like 1 dog for pointing and 1 dog for duck hunting (shih-tzu doesnt solve this problem)
2. We love dogs (either dog would solve)
3. We want our vizsla to have a playmate (dog his size seems like it would be better but I am not sure)
4. Did I mention we love dogs?

What do you guys think.

bearlasmom · 04-11-2007, 04:29 PM

teach your pointing dog to do both (and you can) and let your wife have a dog of her own or get another hunting AND a dog for your wife. Would it be fair that all the dogs are yours? No. Im sure your wife would do what i suggested for you.

vizsla · 04-11-2007, 04:34 PM

No it wouldnt be fair your right. She is understanding though and she will love whatever dog we have (the vizsla is already her lap dog). Thats the debate. My vizsla will point all day. But has no drive to do open water retrieves. He cannot be made a duck dog. You cant force a dog to want to, and I dont believe in using the shock collar to make him. She loves the vizsla. Our main question is if they could be good playmates, if we would have to worry about the shih-tzu accidentally getting hurt while we are not home, etc.

bearlasmom · 04-11-2007, 04:40 PM

dont worry about it getting hurt hon. we have a German shepherd, a pitbull and my daughters chihuaha is here day in day out. I think she lives here now, lmao. They play fine as long as the chi doesnt try to put herself into alpha position. In cases like that there is always a bit of disagreement but no one gets hurt. Have you ever thought about getting the wife interested in the sport? You could do this though, get yourself another hunting dog and a small yorkie or shi for the wife. that way you and your dogs can go hunting and the Shi can stay home and baby sit the wife. Is your wife not interested in going hunting as well.

Sluggodog · 04-11-2007, 04:45 PM

Ok. I'm going to say it. Get them both. While you are off duck hunting with the 2 dogs, your wife can have her Shih-tzu. We have 3 large dogs and it's no more work then 2 (unless you include cleaning up the run).

We have a Bernese and a Rottie and they all get along fine. If your dog is socialized and gets along with other dogs - it should not matter if its a retriever or another Viszla

vizsla · 04-11-2007, 09:22 PM

Well, 3 dogs wasnt happening, so looks like Shih-Tzu it is.

very_vizsla · 04-11-2007, 10:17 PM

get another vizsla! (am i biased or what?!) try to find a kennel where the dogs will naturally do water retrieves. mine LOVES the water!

vizsla · 04-11-2007, 10:22 PM

Yeah most Vizslas do. His parents were excellent retrievers, and he is an excellent pointer, he just has no desire for open water retrieves. That boy will work himself to death on pheasant and quail though.

Ginny01OT · 04-11-2007, 10:27 PM

what about a weimeraner and the shi-tzu. my standard poodle (another great water retriever by the way) plays with my sisters shi-tzu and they are fine together. Maybe if you got a standard poodle your wife can do his/her hair, etc. and pamper him/her and you can take him/her hunting--and get the shi-tzu too! (say that three times fast!)

vizsla · 04-11-2007, 11:18 PM

I actually hunted with 2 labs and a poodle this season, to my suprise, the poodle kept up. However, 3 dogs is not an option, I could have 6 dogs and be fine, but with a baby on the way in 8 months, my wife doenst want to have 3 dogs. and its for the best. Maybe in the future though. I have my vizsla, she can have her shih-tzu. She will be happy, and I am happy, I love my vizsla, however, I will miss having a dog that can duck hunt with me, (my lab died last duck season at the age of 15).

bearlasmom · 04-12-2007, 12:09 AM

ahhhhh visula i am soooo sorry to hear about your pal.
CONGRATS on the baby though!

Well if the wife is going to be busy with a baby then it looks like you can get the dog that you want. Believe me, she is not going to have the time to be spending on a dog. My oldest daughter has a chihuahua that she rescued and she had a new baby in Nov. she has not had time for the chi since. In fact the chi is living with me right now. My daughter use to take the chi to puppy beauty parlors, shopping etc. now the poor thing stays at home.

Cassie Nova · 04-12-2007, 12:37 AM

1) Why are you planning on another dog when you have a baby on the way?

2) No two dogs should be left unsupervised no matter how well they get along. ESPECIALLY a small dog and a large dog- the larger one could kill the smaller one.

suzysmitt · 04-16-2007, 10:25 AM

There's the old saying "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". Maybe you can get two dogs. One for her and one for you. I have a boxer, 2 pits, a mini poodle, and two yorkies and they all get along very well. You just have to take your time when your introducing the new one into the family.