News

What kind of dogs are Bird Dogs? Those that were originally bred to hunt birds. There are still many excellent bird dog hunters used today for their original purpose. These gun dogs work with hunters typically using shotguns for small game) and are generally listed under these categories. 

Pointers- Specialized dogs that locate and point game ranging long distances. They can also retrieve but are not supposed to flush.

• Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)
• Wirehaired Vizsla
• English Pointer
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• German Wirehaired Pointer
• Deutsch- Drahthaar
• American Brittany
• Pudelpointer
• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
• Weimaraner

Setters- Setters find, point, and flush birds

• English Setter
• Gordan Setter
• Red Setter/ Irish Setter

Retrievers- These dogs wait, watch, and retrieve downed birds. They typically have soft mouths and can settle for long times with a hiding hunter waiting for the right moment.

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Flat-Coated Retriever
• Nova Scotia Duck Trolling retriever
• Curly-coated Retriever
• Poodle

Spaniels- Typically used to flush game

• American Water Spaniel
• Boykin Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel

Welcome to the Vizsla Gift shop! Here we have everything Vizsla and I'm already planning on some Wirehaired Vizsla products in the future. I also have other bird dog breeds but at the Red Bark Shop, the Red Dogs are the focus.

I have everything from sweaters specifically sized for Vizslas, to T-shirts, hoodies, earrings, and a variety of hats for the Hungarian Pointing dog's fans. Check out the variety of Vizsla Stickers I have up, as well as the photo prints of my own dogs Whiskey and Bourbon.

If you've ever been looking for something that I do not currently have, or have ideas, please let me know! The entire shop holds products that I've wanted, use daily, and love. Most of the drawings and illustrations I've made myself, and I've designed all the hats. Here's to all the Vizsla fans and those that love red dogs!

These knitted vests for stylish canines invoke upland country vibes in both the new and old country. Whiskey has been wearing her Gilet for over years now and it's a better sweater for running, exercise, and movement that may scratch up a softer sweater. These are also wonderful for layering underneath a warmer jacket as they stay very close to the body.

I chose my favorite green coloring (Pine) and a deep blue (Blueberry). The sleeker  lower membrane can hold up to more dirt and playing than other sweaters but still cover the chest and keep the dog warm. The collar has a hole for the leash and the zipper down the back can be tucked into a flap. 

These are made to measure with my own Vizsla-based sizing where size small is a smaller 40-48lbs Vizsla, M/L fitting GSPs, English Pointers, and XL fiting larger pointer breeds like Weimaraners. All the sizing details are here.

Fun technical running caps have always been far and few between, especially those for women, especially those featuring dogs! The Running with dogs hat was my best-seller when I released the grey/black version last fall so I was extremely excited to be able to add new styles and colors.

I had someone write to me explaining my previous grey/black hat had an error where the dog was behind the runner and that in most worlds, the dog would be in front! While it is true that Whiskey is normally heeling behind me on runs, Bourbon is usually way way ahead and sprinting in circles! The blue hat is now reflective of Bourbon's tendencies and you can now chose between runner in front or behind the pup.

In addition, I've added a turquoise running hat featuring a painting I made of Bourbon sprinting on a beach. It's done with a Chinese Brush style and the red circle is my Chinese signature stamp. I love this color so much and it's my favorite running hat!

All caps feature NO Velcro to catch your hair on, instead there's an adjustable strap and clip. The technical run hat is very lightweight, crushable, quick drying, and has a combination of ventilation, wicking and sun protection that works well in all climates (I use them when it's raining to keep the water off). In addition, SHIPPING IS INCLUDED for all hats shipped in Canada and the USA.

I've been asked in the past to make some of my designs stickers and so I've made my own little collection (if you just want one, send me a message). For the last couple months I've been working on my illustration skills and have added a couple more designs to my shop. 

Monoline Adventure Dog Collection

These are 4 drawings based on adventures my Vizslas and I have taken together  locally around the Pacific Northwest. There's the one featured on T-shirts and hoodies of Whiskey overlooking Mt Baker during sunset, Whiskey on a STUMP in Golden Ears Park, Bourbon waking up very early for sunrise at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, and Whiskey in the misty local forests around home. They're printed on easy-peel stickers so the edges look thicker than they would be when used. The best part is they're on a new surfaced called "brushed gold" with a sheen like brushed metal that's really neat when you see it in person! Tear and waterproof, they're great for indoor and outdoor use.

Bourbon with butterflies Holographic Sticker

This one really touches my heart. It personifies Bourbon's personality. She absolutely loves dancing with butterflies in the spring and the rainbow holographic background is just...very Bourbon. Also waterproof and tearproof, and Bourbon-approved.

I'm pretty active but I love wearing earrings but so it's been super hard to find pointer related jewelry that isn't too tacky. Introducing these teeny wooden studs that are easy to wear with an active lifestyle.

These earrings are made of maple wood sourced locally in British Columbia from an artist I love. They're laser cut from my own designs that we worked together to perfect and include birds and mountains. There's a variety of parings and if they sell well, I hope to offer other options. My favorites are the shaped pointer and mountain and I wear them all day!

Just be careful about immersing in water as they're made of wood (I'm hoping to have precious metal options by fall) but otherwise I never take them off! There's also a longer uncropped tailed option to match all your bird dog varieties.

• Handmade item
• Length: 8mm, 1/2 inch
• Materials: Silver, Maple Wood
• Location: Earlobe
• Closure: Push back
• Hypoallergenic Silver posts
• Made in BC, Canada
• 2 sets discount code 2EARRINGSET for 10% off and free shipping*

I grew up painting, sculpting, sewing, and drawing all through high school and eventually ended up putting down my brush and working in movies (link to movies I worked on). When I finally moved to the West Coast of Canada, working on more movies, I fell in love with hiking mountains and knew I had to get a dog.

Fast forward to a year ago when I started painting again, about once a month. I hadn't painted much in a decade but had made a promise to myself to try again. It's the scariest thing to get back into doing something I was actually once confident at, and making so many mistakes knowing full well I could do better.

To start, I'm using paints that are half dried, old paint brushes, and wood canvases that don't take too long to complete. I'm finishing old sketch books with new drawings, and slowly getting better. My subjects are the dogs I've taken photos of over the years (dogs make me happy, so the entire process is more enjoyable) and my own two Vizslas.

It's been odd finding my own style again, but it's so rewarding to create final products that I've wanted for myself. At some point I'd like to take commissions but I'm hesitant to draw from sources I don't have control over, and create for strangers. I'm still much more confident in photography but slowly, step by step, I'll get better, I just have to take those scary steps and put myself out there!

It's so hard to shop for someone that spends more on their bird dog then themselves! I've always had the hardest time looking for high quality clothing that I relate to. Sure, there are always the gimmicky t-shirts declaring yourself a "fill-in-the-breed-lover" or whatnot (I've received my fair share of these as presents from well meaning friends).

Not only do these "companies" steal my photos to promote their cheap t-shirts, but they couldn't care less about the breed. No matter what you purchase, please make sure you know where your money is going. I donate as much as I financially can to non-profits and there are many small companies that do the same out there. The products are more expensive than big companies but I employ people I know, artists I admire, and I'm using my own savings to fund everything. Since I have a small company, I end up purchasing supplies at much higher rates than big companies and end up paying double for base materials, shipping, import, and shipping out to the customer. It's just the reality for small shops but it's good to keep in mind when you wonder why everything costs more than an Amazon product shipped from overseas.

Throughout this entire process of entrepreneurship I've met several wonderful humans putting everything on the line to create dog products and canine services they believe in. I'm so proud to call so many inspiring people my friends and have learned so much about business, taking chances, kindness and perseverance from those that come before. Thank you so much for popping by and visiting my shop! I hope you come back, and I hope you consider shopping smaller.

Your Bravehound sweater can be washed easily in the washing machine. You can use Fast/Quick/Speed cycle recommended temperature 30-40 degrees cold-warm setting (NOT HOT). The important thing is to use a mesh laundry bag that should not be much bigger than your sweater. Using this bag will help cut down the amount of friction the sweater is exposed to. 

Fortunately the wool sweater does not shed, so you can put it in the washing machine with other laundry. Lay the sweater flat and let it air dry (do not use a machine dryer). You can speed up drying by placing the sweater near an open window, fan or dehumidifier. 

If you notice the sweater stretching out too much )as is normal for all knitwear), you can put it in the washing machine to "jump" back to it's original size and look brand new.

A special tape holds the design together so you can transfer it onto your laptop, car, window, or other surface.

1. Clean the surface you are applying the sticker to, makes sure it's dry, maybe use a micro cloth to clean the surface and remove any dust and wetness.

2. To install a transfer sticker, slowly peel the sticker from the paper backing. Your sticker will adhere to to it and lift off the backing as well.

3. Next, place the transfer sticker across on your desired surface and use your fingers to apply pressure across the face of the sticker so it firmly adheres. Use a credit card to reinforce the adhesion before removing the transfer tape.

4. Be sure to slowly remove the transfer tape to avoid peeling the sticker up with it.

5. To be safe, let the design sit before peeling away the transfer tape, and also peeling away at a 180 degree angle makes it easier to remove the tape.

It's my first time making and designing hats and this time I made 6 different varieties to see what you would like! The running hat seems to be the most popular selling out half of my stock in the first week. Unfortunately I won't be able to get more until the new year but I'm thinking about 3 new running hat options with colors.  Don't forget, all hats come with free North American shipping. If you have ideas or comments on your current hat, please let me know!

Smallest Head

Baker Pointer Hat

Regular Fit

Running with Dogs Hat

Everyday Pointer Dog Hat

Deeper Fit

PNW Hiking with Dogs Hat

Red Birddog Hat

Red Bark Patch Hat

Hello! To order your canine sweater, please make sure your measure your dog ahead of time. These sizes are based on Vizsla (pointers) and Ridgeback sizes but do not assume a certain size as there will not be full refunds on mis-measurements.

Your dog must be standing in the position in the photo, you might find it easier to have another person help and use a soft measuring tape, or a string. Do not measure while your dog is sitting or leaning down or you will have incorrect sizing. Do not let someone else measure your dog, if you have a question about measurement please take a photo and contact me. If your dog is very young, I suggest waiting until it is fully grown before ordering. Do not add extra inches to the measurement or let your dog move or change his position or you will not have accurate measurements. 

Your dog may fit slightly under the measurements (ie neck) but not larger otherwise the sweater will not stretch enough. The chest and length is most important to fit perfectly, your dog must fit under the rest of the 2 measurements. First, go by CHEST measurements, the length is not as important as chest!

• Back length- from the base of neck between shoulderblades, to base of tail *not collar
• Chest Girth-measured at widest part
  
• Neck Circumference- base of neck *not collar

 *Weight is very approximate and used as an indication your other measurements may not be correct

Sizing- you must measure your dog. Do not go by your dog's weight or what you think they may be comparable to as my ability to accept returns is very limited and if the sweater is worn (has dog hair or looks worn) it cannot be returned for a resell. Also if stock is sold, I cannot exchange even an unworn sweater for another size if they are sold out.

Canine Gilets- please size up if between sizes, if your dog has a wider chest, or if your dog is young and has yet to fill out.

Please contact me before ordering if you're concerned your dog is outside of these measurements. Other breeds that fit these sweaters outside of Vizslas are Dalmatians, German Shorthaired Pointers, English Pointers, Airedale Terriers, Dobermann, English Springer Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel and other pointers.