Meeting of North American Wolfdogs?

GalomyOak · 09-02-2008, 02:41

Hello,

Summer is still a little ways off...but I was curious, are there any plans in the works for a meeting? I think we are perhaps the newest CsV owners in the US, our sweet Anthea (od Vlci Skaly) arrived 2 weeks ago. She is a firecracker - very smart, obedient, energetic, and witty! She has an incredible food drive!

We live in southeast Virginia - previously there had been talk of meeting at the Wintergreen Resort, which would of course work great for us! But we are also willing to travel.

Also, I am very interested in the starting of a breed club in the US, obviously, this would have challenges since we are a relatively small group, and very spread out, but it would be nice to be "official" in the US. It seems that everywhere we go, Anthea generates a lot of interest, and I have had several people ask about the status of our breed here. It would be nice to be able to educate and support one another as a group.

Looking forward to meeting other American CsV families!

Kat · 12-02-2008, 01:03

I am definitly still interested in arranging a meeting of all the wolfdogs in the US. I am currently in New York but planning to move to North Carolina. But we are willing to travel to meet up with everyone. I'm sure my boy Elek would be so happy to meet all of his other wolfdogs being that he LOVES to play with other dogs. I would also be interested in starting an "official" club here. I know what you mean about your little girl attracting attention. Wherever we go with our little man, people are automatically drawn to him. They are the most intriguing breed I have ever seen. I think the most important aspect is educating more people about this breed. These dogs are more than just "looks" and require much more than any ordinary dog. These dogs require a lot of time, patience, discipline and love. They are a very powerful breed (moreso than any dog we are used to in the US). My only concern is that a lot of people here in the US, won't be able to dedicate the necassary time to these dogs. I wouldn't want a wolfdog labeled as a "pitbull" here in the US because one got into the wrong hands. Just my opinion of course.

cpw · 12-02-2008, 03:17

We are still interested in getting together with the rest of the US wolfdogs. Was hoping for a bigger response, but maybe starting small will be ok. Johns suggestion for a location sounds great to us, but we're in Maine, so pretty much anywhere is a hike. However, we'd be willing to travel most anywhere if there was a get together further away. A breed club sounds like a good idea, but perhaps should be discussed further. We are also concerned about a "pitbull" type designation for the CZWs due to lack of education. Would hate to see what happened to Mr Winder in the UK happen to the few dogs in the US.

GalomyOak · 12-02-2008, 04:47

I absolutely agree that this breed should be protected, which is part of why I think a breed club would be a good idea. For potential future owners, a US breed club would likely be the first stop in their search- and would be a chance for experienced CsV owners to educate, and either help a potential owner that is a good match for the breed, or politely help to dissuade someone that is interested for the wrong reasons - before they purchase a dog. Also in forming a breed club, I think we would be protecting ourselves in the horrible event that some dog warden might try see to them as a hybrid - by being part of a club for a dog breed. It would be a great place to maintain records of our dog's clean record of behavior (no biting, or attacking), and of their future accomplishments.

We licensed our dog last week in our county with her breed name "Ceskoslovensky Vlcak", and also presented her to our vet with the same breed name (our vet is very involved in the local AKC/UKC agility string), with no problems. In our state, it is legal to own a hybrid - the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has left it up to localities to control hybrids, and within our county, it is legal to own a hybrid with a permit, which of course has it's own stipulations for enclosures, and liability insurance. But of course, our dog is not a hybrid, and we never emphasize her wolf heritage to people that are encountering the breed for the first time. First impressions seem to go much better when people realize that it is a dog they are meeting - after lots of dog kisses and belly rubs, we are happy to answer questions. Anthea was quite the charmer at the vet's office for her examination, behaving perfectly - not shy, not aggressive, and appropriately interested in the happenings of the clinic. She was also her very obedient self - for treats, of course! I wish we could say the same for our GSD who also tagged along with us- she is not a fan of vet clinic visits.

johnslawek · 12-02-2008, 17:59

A meeting of owners and their dogs sounds great, and if the logistics could be worked out it would be terrific. As all are aware, the eastern USA is geographically much larger than western Europe with Maine to Virginia alone being 900 miles away. That ride would be daunting with several wolfdogs along for the trip. Somewhere around northeastern Pennsylvania would seem fairer for all. But, if you desire to come to Wintergreen, Virginia, that could be arranged as dogs are permitted. Keep in touch and let me know if a meeting anywhere is set. With enough advance notice I would attend with Frida Crying Wolf.
John Slawek

GalomyOak · 13-02-2008, 03:54

Are there any times during the summer that would work (or not work) for everyone? I'm a teacher, so I have lots of free time.

roo · 13-02-2008, 15:55

Sounds like we need to set a date (summer?) and place (wintergreen, kansas, other?) and start getting specific feedback on potential participants/comittments. As mentioned, the meeting would be a great time to discuss setting up a North American CZW breed organization. Starting small is okay - it is at least a start, and you have to start somewhere! Any takers willing to step up and propose a specific date and location, solicit the feedback, and then begin organization? I'm willing to assist/help/lead/follow...

I'm really looking forward to meeting others in the U.S. that are as fortunate as I am to have a CZW as part of my family/pack!! This truly is a unique and (albeit sometimes challenging) very rewarding and worthwhile breed!

Kat · 12-03-2008, 03:50

As I am trying to research a fair location for the meet, I want to make sure that I have everyone's location. If you do not see your location listed here, can you please let me know what I left out?

Thanks

Virginia
New York
Colorado
Maine
California
Louisiana
Washington

Kat · 12-03-2008, 04:50

After doing much research based upon the states that I have, I think I may have come up with the most ideal spot to meet. Of course, everyone in the US are welcome to attend, I know this might not be suitable for all so I would like to apologize first.

Alexandira, Virginia seems like the most dog friendly location for the people on the east coast. I wish that I could accomodate everyone on the west coast, but that would mean heavy travel for everyone. I found this website that offers hotels, attractions, restaurants and dog parks that would make for a great weekend getaway for us and our dogs.

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/tr...Virginia.shtml

I understand that we were aiming for the week of the 23th of June. Is that still good for everyone? If not, we can work out a different date. How about doing this on a Saturday and Sunday? If you can please e-mail me with a confirmation, I can work out an agenda. [email protected]

Thanks again,
Kalan

GalomyOak · 12-03-2008, 13:48

Hey,

I guess I would be ok with Alexandria, although I guess everyone's dog's need to be ok with extreme city (Alexandria is essentially Washington, D.C) - using the bathroom on concrete, cars, lights, etc. Parking can be difficult there (primarily people use the subway to get around, which is off limits to furries, except for service dogs), and I guess everyone's dogs would need to be extremely dog social if we are to hang out primarily in dog parks. We also need to check hotels to make certain there are no regulations regarding dog sizes/breeds before we all arrive with a bunch of wolfish dogs

. That can be a very common problem traveling with dogs. Saturday and Sunday sound good.

Marcy

Kat · 12-03-2008, 16:27

Alexandria was a suggestion as I came across that website that had so many dog friendly places. Is there any place that you may suggest in Virginia? I wasn't too sure about the whole sharing a cabin thing. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

12-02-2008, 17:59	#5
johnslawek Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Wintergreen, Virginia Posts: 20	Potential Meeting in USA A meeting of owners and their dogs sounds great, and if the logistics could be worked out it would be terrific. As all are aware, the eastern USA is geographically much larger than western Europe with Maine to Virginia alone being 900 miles away. That ride would be daunting with several wolfdogs along for the trip. Somewhere around northeastern Pennsylvania would seem fairer for all. But, if you desire to come to Wintergreen, Virginia, that could be arranged as dogs are permitted. Keep in touch and let me know if a meeting anywhere is set. With enough advance notice I would attend with Frida Crying Wolf. John Slawek

13-02-2008, 15:55	#7
roo Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lousiana Posts: 21	Meeting of CZW's in North America Sounds like we need to set a date (summer?) and place (wintergreen, kansas, other?) and start getting specific feedback on potential participants/comittments. As mentioned, the meeting would be a great time to discuss setting up a North American CZW breed organization. Starting small is okay - it is at least a start, and you have to start somewhere! Any takers willing to step up and propose a specific date and location, solicit the feedback, and then begin organization? I'm willing to assist/help/lead/follow... I'm really looking forward to meeting others in the U.S. that are as fortunate as I am to have a CZW as part of my family/pack!! This truly is a unique and (albeit sometimes challenging) very rewarding and worthwhile breed!

12-03-2008, 13:48	#10
GalomyOak Howling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 436	Hey, I guess I would be ok with Alexandria, although I guess everyone's dog's need to be ok with extreme city (Alexandria is essentially Washington, D.C) - using the bathroom on concrete, cars, lights, etc. Parking can be difficult there (primarily people use the subway to get around, which is off limits to furries, except for service dogs), and I guess everyone's dogs would need to be extremely dog social if we are to hang out primarily in dog parks. We also need to check hotels to make certain there are no regulations regarding dog sizes/breeds before we all arrive with a bunch of wolfish dogs. That can be a very common problem traveling with dogs. Saturday and Sunday sound good. Marcy

09-02-2008, 02:41	#1
GalomyOak Howling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 436	Hello, Summer is still a little ways off...but I was curious, are there any plans in the works for a meeting? I think we are perhaps the newest CsV owners in the US, our sweet Anthea (od Vlci Skaly) arrived 2 weeks ago. She is a firecracker - very smart, obedient, energetic, and witty! She has an incredible food drive! We live in southeast Virginia - previously there had been talk of meeting at the Wintergreen Resort, which would of course work great for us! But we are also willing to travel. Also, I am very interested in the starting of a breed club in the US, obviously, this would have challenges since we are a relatively small group, and very spread out, but it would be nice to be "official" in the US. It seems that everywhere we go, Anthea generates a lot of interest, and I have had several people ask about the status of our breed here. It would be nice to be able to educate and support one another as a group. Looking forward to meeting other American CsV families!

12-02-2008, 01:03	#2
Kat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	I am definitly still interested in arranging a meeting of all the wolfdogs in the US. I am currently in New York but planning to move to North Carolina. But we are willing to travel to meet up with everyone. I'm sure my boy Elek would be so happy to meet all of his other wolfdogs being that he LOVES to play with other dogs. I would also be interested in starting an "official" club here. I know what you mean about your little girl attracting attention. Wherever we go with our little man, people are automatically drawn to him. They are the most intriguing breed I have ever seen. I think the most important aspect is educating more people about this breed. These dogs are more than just "looks" and require much more than any ordinary dog. These dogs require a lot of time, patience, discipline and love. They are a very powerful breed (moreso than any dog we are used to in the US). My only concern is that a lot of people here in the US, won't be able to dedicate the necassary time to these dogs. I wouldn't want a wolfdog labeled as a "pitbull" here in the US because one got into the wrong hands. Just my opinion of course.

12-02-2008, 03:17	#3
cpw Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 16	We are still interested in getting together with the rest of the US wolfdogs. Was hoping for a bigger response, but maybe starting small will be ok. Johns suggestion for a location sounds great to us, but we're in Maine, so pretty much anywhere is a hike. However, we'd be willing to travel most anywhere if there was a get together further away. A breed club sounds like a good idea, but perhaps should be discussed further. We are also concerned about a "pitbull" type designation for the CZWs due to lack of education. Would hate to see what happened to Mr Winder in the UK happen to the few dogs in the US.

12-02-2008, 04:47	#4
GalomyOak Howling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 436	I absolutely agree that this breed should be protected, which is part of why I think a breed club would be a good idea. For potential future owners, a US breed club would likely be the first stop in their search- and would be a chance for experienced CsV owners to educate, and either help a potential owner that is a good match for the breed, or politely help to dissuade someone that is interested for the wrong reasons - before they purchase a dog. Also in forming a breed club, I think we would be protecting ourselves in the horrible event that some dog warden might try see to them as a hybrid - by being part of a club for a dog breed. It would be a great place to maintain records of our dog's clean record of behavior (no biting, or attacking), and of their future accomplishments. We licensed our dog last week in our county with her breed name "Ceskoslovensky Vlcak", and also presented her to our vet with the same breed name (our vet is very involved in the local AKC/UKC agility string), with no problems. In our state, it is legal to own a hybrid - the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has left it up to localities to control hybrids, and within our county, it is legal to own a hybrid with a permit, which of course has it's own stipulations for enclosures, and liability insurance. But of course, our dog is not a hybrid, and we never emphasize her wolf heritage to people that are encountering the breed for the first time. First impressions seem to go much better when people realize that it is a dog they are meeting - after lots of dog kisses and belly rubs, we are happy to answer questions. Anthea was quite the charmer at the vet's office for her examination, behaving perfectly - not shy, not aggressive, and appropriately interested in the happenings of the clinic. She was also her very obedient self - for treats, of course! I wish we could say the same for our GSD who also tagged along with us- she is not a fan of vet clinic visits.

13-02-2008, 03:54	#6
GalomyOak Howling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 436	Are there any times during the summer that would work (or not work) for everyone? I'm a teacher, so I have lots of free time.

12-03-2008, 03:50	#8
Kat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	As I am trying to research a fair location for the meet, I want to make sure that I have everyone's location. If you do not see your location listed here, can you please let me know what I left out? Thanks Virginia New York Colorado Maine California Louisiana Washington

12-03-2008, 04:50	#9
Kat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	After doing much research based upon the states that I have, I think I may have come up with the most ideal spot to meet. Of course, everyone in the US are welcome to attend, I know this might not be suitable for all so I would like to apologize first. Alexandira, Virginia seems like the most dog friendly location for the people on the east coast. I wish that I could accomodate everyone on the west coast, but that would mean heavy travel for everyone. I found this website that offers hotels, attractions, restaurants and dog parks that would make for a great weekend getaway for us and our dogs. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/tr...Virginia.shtml I understand that we were aiming for the week of the 23th of June. Is that still good for everyone? If not, we can work out a different date. How about doing this on a Saturday and Sunday? If you can please e-mail me with a confirmation, I can work out an agenda. [email protected] Thanks again, Kalan

12-03-2008, 16:27	#11
Kat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 29	Alexandria was a suggestion as I came across that website that had so many dog friendly places. Is there any place that you may suggest in Virginia? I wasn't too sure about the whole sharing a cabin thing. Any input would be greatly appreciated.