I appreciate the info regarding the energy level and temperment of viszlas vs. labs. How would weimeraners and german shorhair pointers compare?

She is looking at breeders in the NJ area. Thanks guys, the info is very helpful!

My sister in law is looking to get a puppy. She has a large house with a fenced yard, and 2 children - a 3 year old boy and 6 year old girl. She wants either a yellow lab or a viszla and is asking for my help. My experience is with small breeds so I don't know much about large, working type breeds. She is starting with breeders listed here http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/breeder_search_results.php?cri=bystate and http://www.vcnnj.com/ . Any advice?

The kibbles I like are Natural Balance, Nature's Variety and Orijen. I like the ingredients and the one dog that I have who eats kibble does really well on them.

I used to be really focused on how my dogs "looked", and so focused on breed as well. I've sort of changed my tune over the past year or so and I've now realized that the only thing that matters is what is on the inside. It's not about what they can do, or not do, or their appearance etc.. It's who they are, and yes they are all individuals even if they look alike. I feel that way about people and animals.

[quote user="Cita"]But, just like dogs - I really recommend NOT buying from a pet store. Exact same reasons you wouldn't buy a dog from a pet store - poor breeding practices, little attention to long-term health and longevity, lack of socialization/training... [/quote] I'm glad you mentioned this. I always wonder why people who would never imagine buying a puppy in a petstore, don't seem to think twice about supporting the pet shop small animal trade. All the same problems inherent

Awesome, thank you Miranadobe!

Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good behaviorist in New Jersey, preferably northeastern NJ. I'm looking for someone with a track record of solving human, fear-based aggression problems in small dogs. Thanks in advance!

[quote user="jennie_c_d"] I would certainly quit feeding it. I was shocked, when I hired a nutritionist, by how many foods are NOT balanced (not kibbles, but premade raws and such), and not even close. My dog was tearing her skin off, and I couldn't figure it out. One of the premades I was feeding was 12% protein, and 23% fat. That'll throw you off! They have GAs on their site, but you have to email them for the actual analysis. [/quote] Jennie, what premade raw were you feeding

Zack has had the exact same thing. It goes away in a couple of days, and always seems to come around in warm weather when he is hanging out in unmowed grass. I took him the the vet and was told it was a spider bite. Very harmless.