Lynda Cruickshank – Proffesional Dog Breeder
Linda Cruickshank is well renowned for her contributions to the Hungarian Vizsla community.
She also owns a Vizsla that was apart of my own dogs litter – Having kept a member of the litter and raising it as her own. Summer, who is Rigby’s sister, along with Lola, Nessa, and Archie are Rigby’s siblings.
Q & A with Lynda Cruickshank
What initially got you interested in dog breeding, and why specifically the Hungarian Vizsla?
“We wanted a breed that was different to the usual Labradors and Spaniels. We saw our first ever Vizsla jumping out of the back of someone’s car one day and went home and looked it up and it turned out to be a Hungarian Vizsla. On reading about them we realised they suited our lifestyle perfectly. Energetic, good family pet, reasonably hardy and easily trainable.”
“We eventually bought a male Vizsla and then decided we would love another and I became friends with our breeder and she convinced me that showing was fun and then we bought a second Vizsla, a bitch, from her and our show world began. By now we had fallen in love with the breed and chose to have our first litter so that I could continue showing and create my own line.”
With your experience, would you recommend the Hungarian Vizsla to families?
“Yes I would recommend the Hungarian Vizsla to families but not necessarily to families with very young children as they are very energetic puppies and need constant supervision.”
How many years have you been breeding dogs, and do you find the process to be overwhelming once the puppies are delivered?
“I bred vizslas for 10 years and breeding was hard work but very rewarding. It wasn’t overwhelming as you go into the process knowing that it will be hard work and ultimately you will be finding fabulous homes for your puppies. These are people that you will have already vetted through a process, therefore you are comfortable with your decision from the start.”
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in purchasing and raising a Hungarian vizsla?
“For anyone purchasing a Hungarian Vizsla I would recommend doing due diligence by meeting the breeders in advance and discussing your needs from Your puppy and making sure it is the right dog for you. Also to attend one of the many viz whizzes {a communal gathering of Vizsla owners in a park or open space} that take place so you can see how the dogs behave when out. Also ensure that you have a good training programme from the start and if you have a family that they understand that you all have to be on the same page with regards training so that the puppy understands its boundaries and will ultimately make for a well balanced pup.”
Many people nowadays advise adopting from shelters, but do you think there are benefits to buying from professional dog breeders, such as yourself?
“Unless you have had previous experience of Vizslas I would not recommend purchasing from a shelter. With buying from a reputable breeder you should have a lifetime of experience and knowledge and support with your puppy from them. What I am trying to say is that it would not be a good idea for a first time dog owner.”
Do you think Vizsla’s require more socialisation and personal attention compared to other dog breeds?
“I think Vizslas are a highly intelligent and energetic breed and can become very excitable as puppies. Socialisation around people and different experiences such as going on transport and to shops is highly beneficial to their training. I would say they do require more socialising than other dog breeds.”
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