MHWC Breeder Referral
As a policy, the Mile High Weimaraner Club does not endorse specific breeders or breeding programs. However, our membership includes breeders as well as individuals who are knowledgeable about the breed, and would be happy to answer questions you might have about Weimaraners. We recommend you elect to obtain your puppy from a responsible breeder who meets the ethical breeding guidelines as established by the American Kennel Club and the Weimaraner Club of America. Our recommendation is to interview as many breeders as you can to determine the best fit for you. Above all, please do not buy your puppy from a puppy mill or a pet store. Please take the time to find a responsible breeder and review the links below to breeding guidelines established by these organizations.
Please check out this link http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm for the AKC’s checklist to become a responsible dog owner. Also visit the PupQuest site for general information on dog ownership.
Read more about the WCA’s guidelines.
Mile High Weimaraner Club Breeder Members (alphabetical order):
Richard & Kathy Gray - Adonai Weimaraners
Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719.231.5830 Email: adonaiweims@yahoo.com
Web: www.adonaiweims.com
Sally Jo Hoaglund - Weimshadow Weimaraners
North Platte, NE
Phone: 308.532.2185 Email: sjhoaglund@atcjet.net
Web: www.weimshadowweims.com
Lou Novosad - Pikes Peak Weimaraners
Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719.338.7158 Email: carlie4@mindspring.com
Web: www.pikes-peak-weimaraner.com
Greg Robertson - Scots Glen Weimaraners
Black Forrest, CO
Phone: 719.495.0319 Email: gmrvimerhund@yahoo.com
Web: www.scotsglenweimaraners.com
Christine Trujillo - Cheyenne Weimaraners
Longmont, CO
Phone: 303.678.8514 Email: cheyenneweimaraners@yahoo.com
Web: www.cheyenneweims.com
Tad Walden
Denver, CO
Phone: 720.273.0494 Email: waldent@earthlink.net
Please check out this link http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm for the AKC’s checklist to become a responsible dog owner. Also visit the PupQuest site for general information on dog ownership.
Read more about the WCA’s guidelines.
Mile High Weimaraner Club Breeder Members (alphabetical order):
Richard & Kathy Gray - Adonai Weimaraners
Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719.231.5830 Email: adonaiweims@yahoo.com
Web: www.adonaiweims.com
Sally Jo Hoaglund - Weimshadow Weimaraners
North Platte, NE
Phone: 308.532.2185 Email: sjhoaglund@atcjet.net
Web: www.weimshadowweims.com
Lou Novosad - Pikes Peak Weimaraners
Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719.338.7158 Email: carlie4@mindspring.com
Web: www.pikes-peak-weimaraner.com
Greg Robertson - Scots Glen Weimaraners
Black Forrest, CO
Phone: 719.495.0319 Email: gmrvimerhund@yahoo.com
Web: www.scotsglenweimaraners.com
Christine Trujillo - Cheyenne Weimaraners
Longmont, CO
Phone: 303.678.8514 Email: cheyenneweimaraners@yahoo.com
Web: www.cheyenneweims.com
Tad Walden
Denver, CO
Phone: 720.273.0494 Email: waldent@earthlink.net
WCA Breeder Referral
The WCA has a breeder referral contact. Write or call:
Billie Thompson
513-688-0943
wcareferral@fuse.net
WCA members will often contact Billie Thompson if they have a litter coming up so that when people contact her about puppies/dogs in a particular area of the country, she can share that information with them. Only WCA members who contact Billie will have their information on file with her. The MHWC advises puppy buyers to check all breeder information and ensure they are current WCA members.
To find breeders, the MHWC recommends that you go to AKC dog shows and hunt tests to meet fanciers, meet their dogs, and understand more about what the breeders are doing to improve the breed. Attending a MHWC event or club meeting is another good way to learn more about the breed and the breeders in the area.
The MHWC follows the Weimaraner Club of America Code of Ethics (which are as follows). Download them here.
CODE OF ETHICS
Submitted by the WCA Board of Directors to the membership.
This code is established in accordance with the objectives of the Weimaraner Club of America and is set forth as a guideline to protect and advance the interests of the Weimaraner by maintaining high breeding standards and by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, field trials, agility trials, obedience trials and tracking tests. Adherence to the code is strongly recommended.
BREEDING
The breeder will:
1.Breed only with the intention of improving the breed, and of finding suitable homes for the puppies.
2. Choose only healthy parents of good temperament and qualities in relation to the Weimaraner’s AKC approved standard whose hips have been found free of hip dysplasia by a recognized hip registry such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or Penn-Hip. Animals under the age of two should have a preliminary hip X-ray or Penn–Hip to evaluate hip status before breeding.
3. Avoid repeatedly using dogs which on multiple occasions and with different mates have produced progeny with life impacting defects or extreme disqualifying faults.
4. Breed only mature bitches with excellent pre-natal and post-natal care for the dam and puppies.
5. Refuse to breed a stud to any female which is markedly inferior physically, mentally or temperamentally. The stud dog owner should be prepared to share the responsibility for placement of the puppies by referring purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening homes if necessary.
6. It is the breeder’s responsibility to take back or handle the proper placement of any dog they have produced.
HEALTH
The owner shall maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and veterinary care, including mental health such as contact with people and exposure to the outside world.
REGISTRATION
The owner shall breed only AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners with other AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners, and keep accurate records of matings and pedigrees. Use an AKC Limited Registration on all puppies of questionable quality of structure or health, or which should not otherwise be used for breeding.
SALES
The owner/breeder shall:
1. Not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops or other commercial dealers.
2. Screen all prospective new owners to assure that puppies will have a safe and loving home.
3. Urge the new puppy owners to spay or neuter all pets which for any reason will not be used for breeding. Breeders should also provide information on the potential negative impacts of premature sterilization on the late maturing Weimaraner, especially those destined for competitive careers.
4. Use a written contract to clearly explain all expectations for both the breeder and new owner.
5. Honestly evaluate the quality of the Weimaraner sold/placed and fairly represent that evaluation. Not release puppies before they are seven weeks of age and furnish details on feeding, general care, medical inoculations and care, pedigrees, etc.
6. Readily take back or re-home puppies that do not work out for one reason or another. Make every effort in finding a new forever home, even with dogs placed in Rescue programs.
7. Follow up on puppies after placement to insure their continuing care and to encourage the owners to become involved in Weimaraner activities in show, obedience, agility, field and tracking.
SPORTSMANSHIP
The owner shall always conduct himself in a manner which will reflect credit upon himself, his Weimaraner and the Sport of purebred dogs, regardless of the location or circumstance.
Approved December 5, 2008
(*) Note: Colorado State Law is eight weeks for releasing puppies to new homes.
Billie Thompson
513-688-0943
wcareferral@fuse.net
WCA members will often contact Billie Thompson if they have a litter coming up so that when people contact her about puppies/dogs in a particular area of the country, she can share that information with them. Only WCA members who contact Billie will have their information on file with her. The MHWC advises puppy buyers to check all breeder information and ensure they are current WCA members.
To find breeders, the MHWC recommends that you go to AKC dog shows and hunt tests to meet fanciers, meet their dogs, and understand more about what the breeders are doing to improve the breed. Attending a MHWC event or club meeting is another good way to learn more about the breed and the breeders in the area.
The MHWC follows the Weimaraner Club of America Code of Ethics (which are as follows). Download them here.
CODE OF ETHICS
Submitted by the WCA Board of Directors to the membership.
This code is established in accordance with the objectives of the Weimaraner Club of America and is set forth as a guideline to protect and advance the interests of the Weimaraner by maintaining high breeding standards and by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, field trials, agility trials, obedience trials and tracking tests. Adherence to the code is strongly recommended.
BREEDING
The breeder will:
1.Breed only with the intention of improving the breed, and of finding suitable homes for the puppies.
2. Choose only healthy parents of good temperament and qualities in relation to the Weimaraner’s AKC approved standard whose hips have been found free of hip dysplasia by a recognized hip registry such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or Penn-Hip. Animals under the age of two should have a preliminary hip X-ray or Penn–Hip to evaluate hip status before breeding.
3. Avoid repeatedly using dogs which on multiple occasions and with different mates have produced progeny with life impacting defects or extreme disqualifying faults.
4. Breed only mature bitches with excellent pre-natal and post-natal care for the dam and puppies.
5. Refuse to breed a stud to any female which is markedly inferior physically, mentally or temperamentally. The stud dog owner should be prepared to share the responsibility for placement of the puppies by referring purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening homes if necessary.
6. It is the breeder’s responsibility to take back or handle the proper placement of any dog they have produced.
HEALTH
The owner shall maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and veterinary care, including mental health such as contact with people and exposure to the outside world.
REGISTRATION
The owner shall breed only AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners with other AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners, and keep accurate records of matings and pedigrees. Use an AKC Limited Registration on all puppies of questionable quality of structure or health, or which should not otherwise be used for breeding.
SALES
The owner/breeder shall:
1. Not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops or other commercial dealers.
2. Screen all prospective new owners to assure that puppies will have a safe and loving home.
3. Urge the new puppy owners to spay or neuter all pets which for any reason will not be used for breeding. Breeders should also provide information on the potential negative impacts of premature sterilization on the late maturing Weimaraner, especially those destined for competitive careers.
4. Use a written contract to clearly explain all expectations for both the breeder and new owner.
5. Honestly evaluate the quality of the Weimaraner sold/placed and fairly represent that evaluation. Not release puppies before they are seven weeks of age and furnish details on feeding, general care, medical inoculations and care, pedigrees, etc.
6. Readily take back or re-home puppies that do not work out for one reason or another. Make every effort in finding a new forever home, even with dogs placed in Rescue programs.
7. Follow up on puppies after placement to insure their continuing care and to encourage the owners to become involved in Weimaraner activities in show, obedience, agility, field and tracking.
SPORTSMANSHIP
The owner shall always conduct himself in a manner which will reflect credit upon himself, his Weimaraner and the Sport of purebred dogs, regardless of the location or circumstance.
Approved December 5, 2008
(*) Note: Colorado State Law is eight weeks for releasing puppies to new homes.
The Good and the Bad
GOOD POINTS
1.They have a short sleek coat that requires minimal brushing, although they do shed.
2.They are natural watch dogs and protective of what they consider theirs. HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALSO NOTORIOUS FOR BEING RECREATIONAL BARKERS.
3.They are good with older, considerate children. (They can be too rambunctious for small children.)
4.They are excellent companions for jogging or long walks. THIS BREED MUST HAVE A LOT OF EXERCISE. THEY ARE, AFTER ALL, BRED FOR HUNTING.
5.They are very curious and want to be a part of whatever you're doing. They must be indoor pets; they very much want and need to be part of the family.
6.Overall they are a vigorous and long-lived breed of dog. The average life span is 10 to 12 years.
7.They are very playful and will create games to play with you.
8.They are very sensitive to your moods and want to be touching you whenever possible.
9.Some are good hunting dogs.
10.Most like to retrieve and carry things.
11.They love to go with you anytime, anyplace and anywhere.
BAD POINTS
1.They can be very destructive if not trained and supervised and many are chewers until they reach maturity. Some will always chew.
2.They will eat anything - pantyhose, lava rocks, sofas, pillows, woodwork, wallboard, hot tub covers, etc.
3.They can be difficult to housebreak.
4.As a result of the above three traits, a crate (wire or plastic) is a MUST with this breed. If you can't stand to crate a dog, please don't buy a Weimaraner.
5.They can be stubborn and hard-headed and are smart enough to be manipulative. They will try to get away with anything possible.
6.They can be aggressive with other dogs.
7.They are usually too strong and active for elderly owners.
8.They must have consistent discipline and obedience training at an early age. Without it, the dog and owner will be miserable.
9.This dog must NEVER be allowed off-leash in an unfenced area. They are very untrustworthy and will chase the first animal they see, often with disastrous results.
10.See GOOD POINTS #2, #4, and #8.
11.They are prone to having allergy problems and hip dysplasia.
12.They were developed to hunt anything with fur or feathers and they often will kill small animals.
1.They have a short sleek coat that requires minimal brushing, although they do shed.
2.They are natural watch dogs and protective of what they consider theirs. HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALSO NOTORIOUS FOR BEING RECREATIONAL BARKERS.
3.They are good with older, considerate children. (They can be too rambunctious for small children.)
4.They are excellent companions for jogging or long walks. THIS BREED MUST HAVE A LOT OF EXERCISE. THEY ARE, AFTER ALL, BRED FOR HUNTING.
5.They are very curious and want to be a part of whatever you're doing. They must be indoor pets; they very much want and need to be part of the family.
6.Overall they are a vigorous and long-lived breed of dog. The average life span is 10 to 12 years.
7.They are very playful and will create games to play with you.
8.They are very sensitive to your moods and want to be touching you whenever possible.
9.Some are good hunting dogs.
10.Most like to retrieve and carry things.
11.They love to go with you anytime, anyplace and anywhere.
BAD POINTS
1.They can be very destructive if not trained and supervised and many are chewers until they reach maturity. Some will always chew.
2.They will eat anything - pantyhose, lava rocks, sofas, pillows, woodwork, wallboard, hot tub covers, etc.
3.They can be difficult to housebreak.
4.As a result of the above three traits, a crate (wire or plastic) is a MUST with this breed. If you can't stand to crate a dog, please don't buy a Weimaraner.
5.They can be stubborn and hard-headed and are smart enough to be manipulative. They will try to get away with anything possible.
6.They can be aggressive with other dogs.
7.They are usually too strong and active for elderly owners.
8.They must have consistent discipline and obedience training at an early age. Without it, the dog and owner will be miserable.
9.This dog must NEVER be allowed off-leash in an unfenced area. They are very untrustworthy and will chase the first animal they see, often with disastrous results.
10.See GOOD POINTS #2, #4, and #8.
11.They are prone to having allergy problems and hip dysplasia.
12.They were developed to hunt anything with fur or feathers and they often will kill small animals.
Breed Information
These links will take you to the Weimaraner Club of America website.
Weimaraner History
WCA Policy on Vaccines
Health Problems in Weimaraners
Weimaraner History
WCA Policy on Vaccines
Health Problems in Weimaraners
Is the Weimaraner Right for You?
The Weimaraner Standard describes the breed temperament as friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, but this is but the half of its personality. Assertive, bold, loyal, and headstrong also fit, giving the dog a loving attitude with a willingness to take the upper paw in the family if the opportunity presents itself. Housebreaking can be a problem, as can destructive chewing.
Like most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner needs lots of exercise and must be kept in a fenced yard to prevent him from ranging in search of game. Because he was developed as a hunting dog and still maintains those instincts, he may be dangerous to birds and small mammals. Unlike many hunting breeds, however, the Weimaraner is a house dog and does poorly when confined to a kennel.
This is a breed that needs obedience training to control his rambunctious nature. Owners should have a crate for the new puppy for help in housetraining and to protect furniture and woodwork from puppy teeth when the little rascal cannot be watched. Puppy classes or control exercises at home are essential for the Weimaraner the moment he enters the family. He must be taught all members of the family are to be obeyed. Training methods must be gentle and firm, for harsh treatment will sour his attitude.
Five Important Things About Weimaraners
1. Weimaraners are very energetic animals...they are bred to hunt all day with their master. Changing this behavior changes the essential Weim. If you can not deal with this behavior, you should look at other breeds less rambunctious!
2. Weims are not soft mouthed like a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter. They are still the game hunter and some Weims have a low tolerance for small fur bearing animals including cats and small dogs. Changing this behavior again changes the basic temperament of the dog.
3. Weims can bark and if you are away from them too much and they are left to themselves, Weimaraners are like any other lonely dog, they will bark incessantly and develop bad habits or try escaping their surroundings.
4. Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they do not like living outdoors. They require your attention. They are the true, loyal, hunting companions in every respect, needing your friendship. Chaining a Weim outside will not work!
5. Inspite of the folklore and myth surrounding the breed, the Weimaraner is not a wonder dog. Given the opportunity, he will still steal the pot roast off the dining room table when no one is looking!
This may seem like a lot of work, but a good owner/dog relationship could last around fifteen years. Longer than some marriages! The time and effort put into finding a dog that suits your needs and personality, whether it a Weimaraner or some other breed, will provide a rewarding experience for both of you over the life of the dog.
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more information.
Like most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner needs lots of exercise and must be kept in a fenced yard to prevent him from ranging in search of game. Because he was developed as a hunting dog and still maintains those instincts, he may be dangerous to birds and small mammals. Unlike many hunting breeds, however, the Weimaraner is a house dog and does poorly when confined to a kennel.
This is a breed that needs obedience training to control his rambunctious nature. Owners should have a crate for the new puppy for help in housetraining and to protect furniture and woodwork from puppy teeth when the little rascal cannot be watched. Puppy classes or control exercises at home are essential for the Weimaraner the moment he enters the family. He must be taught all members of the family are to be obeyed. Training methods must be gentle and firm, for harsh treatment will sour his attitude.
Five Important Things About Weimaraners
1. Weimaraners are very energetic animals...they are bred to hunt all day with their master. Changing this behavior changes the essential Weim. If you can not deal with this behavior, you should look at other breeds less rambunctious!
2. Weims are not soft mouthed like a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter. They are still the game hunter and some Weims have a low tolerance for small fur bearing animals including cats and small dogs. Changing this behavior again changes the basic temperament of the dog.
3. Weims can bark and if you are away from them too much and they are left to themselves, Weimaraners are like any other lonely dog, they will bark incessantly and develop bad habits or try escaping their surroundings.
4. Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they do not like living outdoors. They require your attention. They are the true, loyal, hunting companions in every respect, needing your friendship. Chaining a Weim outside will not work!
5. Inspite of the folklore and myth surrounding the breed, the Weimaraner is not a wonder dog. Given the opportunity, he will still steal the pot roast off the dining room table when no one is looking!
This may seem like a lot of work, but a good owner/dog relationship could last around fifteen years. Longer than some marriages! The time and effort put into finding a dog that suits your needs and personality, whether it a Weimaraner or some other breed, will provide a rewarding experience for both of you over the life of the dog.
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more information.
So You Want a Puppy? Where Do You Look?
Whatever you do, DO NOT RUSH! Impulse buying is the easiest and worst way to buy a puppy. This is a decision that will affect the next 10 - 15 years of your life, it deserves at least the same diligent research as any other major purchase. Careful consideration of your needs and circumstances is a good place to start. Each purebred dog variety is bred for different purposes and temperaments. Studying the various dog breeds will help you find a dog that fits your personality and lifestyle. Becoming an informed shopper increases the likelihood of a successful dog/owner relationship.
Reasons for having a dog vary from companionship, competition in dog shows, obedience, field trials or carefully starting your own line of purebred dogs. Excellent temperament, emotional stability, instinct and conformation are never a matter of luck. Generations of careful breeding to meet a certain criterion defined by the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (or United Kennel Club). Each breed has a certain predictability of type and temperament when bred to meet the established standard for that breed..
After completing your “dog” homework and deciding which breed is right for you, finding a dog is the next step.
Sources of Puppies
Brokers, pet stores, commercial kennels, backyard breeders, puppy mills, shelters, professional breeders and rescue organizations are all sources of dogs. All sources have different purposes and goals for producing or selling puppies. The ‘doggie’ homework you have done should help you make the best decision to suit your and the puppies’ needs.
Brokers buy and sell puppies wherever they can. They mostly deal with puppies for a profit. Many times the broker buys from commercial kennels. However, they also purchase puppies from backyard breeders and puppy mills. A broker sells either directly to the buyer or to pet stores. In this case, you cannot see the mother or her living conditions, nor are you able to ask questions when you need help with raising the puppy.
Pet stores rely on your immediate attachment to the cute puppy. While some pet store puppies have health certificates and AKC registrations, there are many unknown variables. The source of the puppy and the condition of the mother are not known . Contracts offered usually benefit the seller more than the buyer. Also, pet store employees are not generally prepared to answer questions about temperament, care and health problems of specific breeds.
Neighbors or relatives are a better source than a broker or pet store. But, more than likely, they are not professional breeders. They usually do not study characteristics and genetics and, like most backyard breeders, they do not have hips x-rayed for displaysia. Bitches and dogs can not be x-rayed for an OFA certification before the age of two years old. Dogs and bitches should not be bred before they are x-rayed. Also, bitches should not be bred more than once a year. Waiting the year allows the female dog a full recovery from the stress of whelping a litter.
Rescue organizations and shelters are sources for pets in need of a new start. They offer a pet that is screened for temperament and health problems. Adopting a rescue dog can be a very rewarding experience. Make sure you find out as much about the dog you are adopting as possible. Some dogs have established needs such as an aversion to cats, a temperament better suited for adults, or an aversion to other dogs (males & females).
The best professional breeders maintain a clean environment, breed with care, keep in touch with their puppy people, study bloodlines, socialize their puppies, follow the breed standard, certify health and prove their dogs in the show ring and/or in the field. The number of litters produced a year should not exceed four unless the person is home all the time or has a kennel manager. Responsible breeders are always working to improve the breed. A good breeder also has the first responsibility of taking back the puppy if things do not work out. Contracts offered protect both the buyer and seller.
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more puppy buying information. Also visit the PupQuest site.
Reasons for having a dog vary from companionship, competition in dog shows, obedience, field trials or carefully starting your own line of purebred dogs. Excellent temperament, emotional stability, instinct and conformation are never a matter of luck. Generations of careful breeding to meet a certain criterion defined by the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (or United Kennel Club). Each breed has a certain predictability of type and temperament when bred to meet the established standard for that breed..
After completing your “dog” homework and deciding which breed is right for you, finding a dog is the next step.
Sources of Puppies
Brokers, pet stores, commercial kennels, backyard breeders, puppy mills, shelters, professional breeders and rescue organizations are all sources of dogs. All sources have different purposes and goals for producing or selling puppies. The ‘doggie’ homework you have done should help you make the best decision to suit your and the puppies’ needs.
Brokers buy and sell puppies wherever they can. They mostly deal with puppies for a profit. Many times the broker buys from commercial kennels. However, they also purchase puppies from backyard breeders and puppy mills. A broker sells either directly to the buyer or to pet stores. In this case, you cannot see the mother or her living conditions, nor are you able to ask questions when you need help with raising the puppy.
Pet stores rely on your immediate attachment to the cute puppy. While some pet store puppies have health certificates and AKC registrations, there are many unknown variables. The source of the puppy and the condition of the mother are not known . Contracts offered usually benefit the seller more than the buyer. Also, pet store employees are not generally prepared to answer questions about temperament, care and health problems of specific breeds.
Neighbors or relatives are a better source than a broker or pet store. But, more than likely, they are not professional breeders. They usually do not study characteristics and genetics and, like most backyard breeders, they do not have hips x-rayed for displaysia. Bitches and dogs can not be x-rayed for an OFA certification before the age of two years old. Dogs and bitches should not be bred before they are x-rayed. Also, bitches should not be bred more than once a year. Waiting the year allows the female dog a full recovery from the stress of whelping a litter.
Rescue organizations and shelters are sources for pets in need of a new start. They offer a pet that is screened for temperament and health problems. Adopting a rescue dog can be a very rewarding experience. Make sure you find out as much about the dog you are adopting as possible. Some dogs have established needs such as an aversion to cats, a temperament better suited for adults, or an aversion to other dogs (males & females).
The best professional breeders maintain a clean environment, breed with care, keep in touch with their puppy people, study bloodlines, socialize their puppies, follow the breed standard, certify health and prove their dogs in the show ring and/or in the field. The number of litters produced a year should not exceed four unless the person is home all the time or has a kennel manager. Responsible breeders are always working to improve the breed. A good breeder also has the first responsibility of taking back the puppy if things do not work out. Contracts offered protect both the buyer and seller.
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more puppy buying information. Also visit the PupQuest site.
Questions to Ask a Breeder
How to choose a breeder - download this file to help you.
Visit the WCA website for more tips, too.
There are a number of details worth consideration when looking for your puppy. Your prudent research could prevent many problems.
1. Ask for American Kennel Club (and/or United Kennel Club) registrations. These organizations keep track of the number of litters bred every year , require verification of breed records, and set breed standards for type and temperament.
2. Ask to see Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip certifications. Do not settle for the breeder merely telling you that the dogs have good hips. Seeing the certificates is the only way you can be certain. There are other genetic tests sometimes performed at the breeder's discretion, but the OFA hip radiograph is imperative.
3. It is important to at least see the mother dog. It would be ideal to see both parents, but sometimes the bitch is sent to a stud dog at another location. Check out the general health of the female dog. Keep in mind, mother dog might be a little scruffy looking after caring for puppies. However, a clean coat and well maintained animal and premises is hard to miss. Ask how many times she has been bred: she should be at least two years old and not older than seven years old; the maximum number of times per year is one litter of puppies...she should not be bred everytime she comes into season - no exceptions!
4. Let your nose tell you if the premises are clean. There should not be much odor in a well run kennel. Also, the presence of excessive amounts of fleas indicates unclean or unhealthy conditions. Look at the condition of the other dogs on the premises.
5. Check pedigrees and health certificates. How many champions are represented? Does this breeder attend dog shows, obedience trials, field trials? While many good dogs are bred without championships, a breeder who attends dogs shows or other events for a second opinion on their foundation stock may take care to follow the breed standard with more detail.
6. Ask if the puppies have been checked by a veterinarian or if they’ve had their first shots (usually around 5 weeks). Does the contract protect both the breeder and the buyer? Make certain the important records are in writing including the immunization record.
7.Ask the breeder if they are members of the Weimaraner Club of America or other breed clubs.
8.Expect caring breeders to be nosy, asking you many questions about your lifestyle, your other pets and your intentions with the dog. They want to know you'll be an appropriate home especially if they guarantee to take the dog back if it does not work out.
Puppy mills, brokers, backyard breeders and the neighbor down the street usually do not belong to their local breed clubs or the national clubs. They do not want to draw attention to themselves or be regulated in any way, and clubs have a tendency to ask too many questions. If they are operating within the rules of the AKC, they are not otherwise regulated and are considered lawful kennels. All too often, regulations that are in place to protect the breed and the consumer are carefully circumvented by individuals who appear to be legitimate.
Consumer education is the most important tool available to control such kennels. Much of the language used by these individuals is misleading. It is sometimes difficult to protect yourself against lies. Beware!
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more puppy buying information.
Visit the WCA website for more tips, too.
There are a number of details worth consideration when looking for your puppy. Your prudent research could prevent many problems.
1. Ask for American Kennel Club (and/or United Kennel Club) registrations. These organizations keep track of the number of litters bred every year , require verification of breed records, and set breed standards for type and temperament.
2. Ask to see Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip certifications. Do not settle for the breeder merely telling you that the dogs have good hips. Seeing the certificates is the only way you can be certain. There are other genetic tests sometimes performed at the breeder's discretion, but the OFA hip radiograph is imperative.
3. It is important to at least see the mother dog. It would be ideal to see both parents, but sometimes the bitch is sent to a stud dog at another location. Check out the general health of the female dog. Keep in mind, mother dog might be a little scruffy looking after caring for puppies. However, a clean coat and well maintained animal and premises is hard to miss. Ask how many times she has been bred: she should be at least two years old and not older than seven years old; the maximum number of times per year is one litter of puppies...she should not be bred everytime she comes into season - no exceptions!
4. Let your nose tell you if the premises are clean. There should not be much odor in a well run kennel. Also, the presence of excessive amounts of fleas indicates unclean or unhealthy conditions. Look at the condition of the other dogs on the premises.
5. Check pedigrees and health certificates. How many champions are represented? Does this breeder attend dog shows, obedience trials, field trials? While many good dogs are bred without championships, a breeder who attends dogs shows or other events for a second opinion on their foundation stock may take care to follow the breed standard with more detail.
6. Ask if the puppies have been checked by a veterinarian or if they’ve had their first shots (usually around 5 weeks). Does the contract protect both the breeder and the buyer? Make certain the important records are in writing including the immunization record.
7.Ask the breeder if they are members of the Weimaraner Club of America or other breed clubs.
8.Expect caring breeders to be nosy, asking you many questions about your lifestyle, your other pets and your intentions with the dog. They want to know you'll be an appropriate home especially if they guarantee to take the dog back if it does not work out.
Puppy mills, brokers, backyard breeders and the neighbor down the street usually do not belong to their local breed clubs or the national clubs. They do not want to draw attention to themselves or be regulated in any way, and clubs have a tendency to ask too many questions. If they are operating within the rules of the AKC, they are not otherwise regulated and are considered lawful kennels. All too often, regulations that are in place to protect the breed and the consumer are carefully circumvented by individuals who appear to be legitimate.
Consumer education is the most important tool available to control such kennels. Much of the language used by these individuals is misleading. It is sometimes difficult to protect yourself against lies. Beware!
Ready for the next step? Visit the Weimaraner Club of America for more puppy buying information.