Lady Gia Lischnitz:

A Life Written in Pawprints

 

 

Dog breeder, trainer, behaviorist, international judge, author – Lady Gia Lischnitz is a name that commands instant respect in the canine world. Born into a legendary hunting family, she has lived and breathed dogs from the moment she opened her eyes.

Her roots run deep. Gia’s grandfather, Dr. Heiri Machat, was a pioneer of the Weimaraner and Malinois in Czechoslovakia. In the early 1950s, he imported his first dogs from German relatives – an audacious move in post-war Europe. As a passionate hunter and forest manager, he relied on his Weimaraners for real work in the field, not just prestige. He became one of the founding members of the Czechoslovak Weimaraner Club and authored the first-ever book about Weimaraners in the Czech language. Despite his expertise, political persecution by communist officials (due to his Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and German family background) kept him out of leadership roles. His influence, however, was unstoppable.

Dr. Machat’s kennels also broke new ground in other breeds. He trained German Shepherds and in 1968 became the first owner of a Belgian Malinois in Czechoslovakia – two decades before official breeding of the breed even began there.

Gia’s own path was equally international. She spent part of her childhood in Switzerland and France, later studying abroad while pursuing an international modeling career. Even during these whirlwind years, a loyal Great Dane was always by her side, traveling with her across Europe.

Returning fully to the dog world, Gia built Lischnitz Kennels into a name synonymous with excellence. Her breeding program focuses on both the beauty and the working ability of Weimaraners (both Shorthaired and Longhaired varieties), along with other top-performing hunting and service breeds such as Hungarian Vizslas, Slovakian Rough-haired Pointers, Wirehaired Griffons, Bloodhounds, and the formidable Belgian Malinois.

Lischnitz dogs are not just champions in the ring – they are field-proven hunters, certified rescue dogs, canis-therapy companions, and even medical alert heroes. One legendary Lischnitz Weimaraner, C.I.E., GCH, MultiCH Jetro Silver O.G. Avec Lischnitz, has over 300 offspring worldwide and continues to be a breed icon.

Home for Gia and her dogs spans the rugged beauty of Scotland, the Shetland Islands, London and South of France. The Scottish estate, near the sea, is a canine paradise where the dogs live as true family – free in the house and garden, each with their own room, bed, sofa, and toys.

Every Lischnitz dog is health tested, meets strict breed standards, and holds an impressive portfolio of show titles, working trials, and service certifications.

Gia also shares her expertise with the next generation of owners. She hosts elite summer training camps dedicated to obedience, advanced hunting skills, and service dog preparation. Only dogs with fully recognized pedigrees (KC or FCI) are accepted, ensuring world-class standards. For those seeking intensive education, Gia offers full-service training programs in obedience (Levels I, II, III), hunting (field, water, blood tracking), and specialized service work – with dogs returning home fully trained, certified, and ready to perform.

Her kennels have even contributed to Covid-19 detection dog programs, training canines capable of detecting the virus with incredible accuracy.

Lischnitz dogs travel the globe – by road across Europe or by air worldwide – to meet their new owners. Her kennel names are proudly registered with both The Kennel Club (UK) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), representing not only a brand, but a legacy.

From a grandfather who rewrote the history of Weimaraners, to a modern-day icon raising the bar for breeding, training, and canine excellence – Lady Gia Lischnitz stands as one of the greats in the global dog world.