Puppy Matching
Our Philosophy
We've learned invaluable lessons about matching puppies with families over many years of breeding. Early on, we noticed concerning patterns in how families chose their puppies. Some would pick the first puppy to approach them, others would defer to their young children's choice, and many focused solely on coat color variations. While these methods might seem natural, they overlook the most crucial aspect of successful dog ownership: personality compatibility.
When presented with a group of energetic puppies, most families become overwhelmed. Even experienced dog owners, who might only select a puppy once every decade or so, struggle with this important decision. In these moments, we observed that families would inevitably turn to us for guidance, recognizing our deeper understanding of each puppy's temperament.
This realization led us to a fundamental truth about littermates: they're equal in their core qualities. Each puppy shares the same parents, birthdate, and genetic potential. While some might be slightly larger or display subtle coat variations, these surface differences don't define their capacity for companionship, training, or performance. The critical differentiator is personality - some puppies naturally display more confidence, others show a more laid-back approach to life, and some strike a balance between these traits.
Through collaboration with other experienced breeders, we discovered a solution in an unexpected place: guide dog training schools. These institutions had perfected a scientific approach to matching dogs with handlers, considering both the dog's aptitudes and the handler's needs. This methodology resonated with us, and we adapted it for our breeding program.
Our current matching process combines three essential elements:
The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) - a standardized evaluation that reveals key aspects of puppy personality
Our detailed daily observations of each puppy's interactions and behaviors
A comprehensive family biography that helps us understand your lifestyle, expectations, and needs
This systematic approach has transformed our placement success over the past 17+ years. Families no longer carry the burden of making a critical decision based on a brief interaction. Instead, they can trust in a proven process that considers everything from household energy levels to specific performance goals.
For families interested in performance activities - whether that's hunting, conformation showing, or competitive obedience - we pay special attention to identifying puppies with the right drive and temperament. While all Vizslas have the genetic capability for these activities, certain personality traits can make the journey more successful and enjoyable for both dog and handler.
Our commitment extends far beyond the initial placement. By ensuring an appropriate match from the start, we build lasting relationships with our families. This foundation allows us to provide meaningful support throughout your Vizsla's life, from early training challenges to advanced performance goals.
The success of this matching system has confirmed our belief that thoughtful placement is as crucial as health testing and early socialization. When we match a puppy to a family based on their PAT profile and our observations, we're not just placing a puppy - we're creating the foundation for a lifetime of joy, understanding, and partnership.
This careful matching process represents our dedication to both our puppies and their future families. It ensures that each puppy finds not just a home, but the right home - one where their natural temperament and energy level align with their family's lifestyle and expectations. This alignment is what creates those magical "made in heaven" matches that lead to lifelong bonds and countless happy memories.
Boy or Girl?
While families may express a gender preference, we recommend remaining flexible in this choice. Many prospective owners tell us they prefer females over males, and when we explore why, we often hear stories from their childhood. These typically involve unaltered males "roaming," "marking territory," or displaying what was incorrectly labeled as "sexual behavior" rather than what it actually is - a dominance issue. An unaltered female will display these same behaviors, including marking and other traits commonly attributed to males.
It's important to understand that 35 years ago, spaying and neutering were rare, whereas today they're standard practice. While our views on timing have evolved - we now recommend altering between 18-24 months - we maintain that altered dogs make more manageable pets. We estimate that 99.9% of pets in homes are altered, rendering them essentially sexless and eliminating virtually all of those undesirable characteristics in both genders.
The only true differences between males and females are physical: males typically stand 1/2 to 1 inch taller at the shoulder and weigh 5-10 pounds more due to muscle and bone mass. Males often better exemplify breed standards with more pronounced breed type and coat. The neutering procedure for males is generally less expensive and invasive than spaying females. Regarding temperament, we find males to be equally, if not more, affectionate and excellent all-around pets.
Please don't let gender bias limit your options. A puppy's individual personality carries far greater weight in determining the right match. By ruling out a gender, you might miss the puppy best suited for your family.