Changes to the Vizsla breed standard

In 2012, changes to the Vizsla breeds' standards to allow for natural tails and presence of dew claws were voted on and passed by the Vizsla Canada club membership. These changes were then submitted to the Canadian Kennel Club for acceptance and then for publication for comments.


The CKC in 2013 has come back to the Vizsla Canada club for more description on the appearance of the full tail for addition to the breed standard.

Vizsla Canada is now in the process of seeking suggestions on that point. The VC Breed Standard Review Committee has made the following suggestions as a starting point for consideration:

As supplied by VC -



"Vizsla (Smooth) - Tail


Tail



The tail is set below the level of the croup and is moderately thick, tapering towards the end. It is well covered by dense coat. An undocked tail reaches to the hock joint. If the tail is docked, to reduce the chance of injury when hunting, it should be docked by approximately 1/3rd, so that the tip is level with the stifle joint.



The tail is straight or slightly curved. When the dog is in motion, the tail is carried outstretched at or slightly above horizontal. "



"Vizsla (Wirehaired) – Tail




Tail



The tail is set below the level of the croup and is moderately thick, tapering towards the end. An undocked tail reaches to the hock joint. If the tail is docked to reduce the chance of injury when hunting, it should be docked by approximately 1/3rd, so that the tip is level with the stifle joint.



The tail is straight or slightly curved. When the dog is in motion, the tail is carried outstretched at or near the horizontal."

I support these changes to those already approved by a legal vote by the members.   I supported and voted for the previous changes  also.
There is no need  for any preference for either the natural or the docked tail. Dogs sporting both should be judged on their value to the genetics of the breed rather than on an artificially created shortened tail.

This is in line with CKC's desire to see both tails accepted on par.

If you have suggestions or concerns, they should be directed to the Vizsla Canada Breed Standards Review Committee via the club president. Contact information is available on the Vizsla Canada web site.