Club Information & Bylaws
Vizsla Canada Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 to promote both the Smooth and Wirehaired Vizsla breed and to bring together Vizsla owners across the country. We were recognized and approved by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in April 1995 and incorporated on March 11, 1999.
The objects and purpose of Vizsla Canada are to encourage, improve, promote and protect purebred dogs and more specifically the Vizsla breeds (Smooth and Wirehaired) by:
- developing the Vizsla breeds to the highest standards possible always keeping foremost that the breed is meant to be versatile
- educate club members and the general public in the benefits of purebred dogs and the Vizsla in particular
- encourage participation and promote interest in all types of dog related activities, including Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) sanctioned and licensed events, club sponsored activities, field, tracking, therapy and other endeavours which promote the breeds’ versatility
- promote, protect and publicize the Vizsla breeds
- maintain and assist in interpreting the breed standards
- hold, where authorized, CKC licensed and sanctioned events appropriate for the Vizsla breeds.
Board meetings are held quarterly and the Annual General Meeting is typically held in August. The club’s fiscal year is the calendar year. The Board is composed of a President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Treasurer and Regional Directors. To comply with CKC national club status, the Club must have Regional Directors appointed or elected in at least three of the following five regions: 1) British Columbia; 2) Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba); 3) Ontario; 4) Quebec; and 5) Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland).
The Club produces a newsletter to keep its members informed of breed activities, news, statistics, health information and other noteworthy items. Contributions from members are always appreciated!
The Club supports research and educational work and efforts to reduce, eliminate or prevent undesirable or detrimental congenital traits within the breed. Vizsla Canada would be grateful if, along with their application forms, members would send in copies of their dogs’ pedigrees in addition to hip dysplasia, elbow, and eye certificate numbers issued by the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in the United States or any Canadian Veterinary College.
The Club has also started an archives program and welcomes donations of historical materials and artifacts on the Vizsla, particularly as the smooth and wirehaired breeds relate to Canada and Canadians! Our membership year runs from January 1 to December 31. All new members are welcomed to Vizsla Canada with a New Member package. Applicants must apply for either Provisional membership (for individuals over 18 years of age) or Junior membership (between 10 and 18 yr.) Provisional applicants may also apply either as a Single ($30/ year) or Family ($40). Family memberships are restricted to two individuals, over the age of 18, living at the same address.
The current Club Bylaws can be viewed here: Vizsla Canada Bylaws (2011).