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Today the breed as
a whole is in great danger from the recent population
explosion of over-breeding of inferior Weimaraners with
"champion pedigrees". To anyone considering
buying a Weimaraner we strongly advise you to study
the breed standard carefully. Learn to assess the qualifications,
good and bad, of both parents, and also learn to assess
your qualifications as a Weimaraner owner. Learn how
to locate a responsible breeder. This is as important
for those of you who want "just a pet, not a show
dog" as it is for someone looking for a show-potential
puppy.
Litters
from well-bred parents usually contain only a few show-quality
puppies, the rest of the litter sold as pets can well
supply the pet-buying public without lessening of breed
standards. "Pet quality" pups should not be
used for breeding.
The
goals of our breeding program are:
- To
produce healthy puppies, free from genetic problems
such as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, extra eyelashes,
and Hypothyroidism
- To
produce temperamentally sound puppies
- To
produce puppies that excel in dog sports, while being
loving family pets
- To
breed for the purpose of improving the quality of
the breed
Pet Quality
pups will be sold with "Limited AKC REGISTRATION"
and a "pet puppy" guarantee and contract of
sale. This means that should a litter be produced from
this dog, the resulting puppies WOULD NOT be eligible
for AKC registration.
Show puppy
Guarantee and Contract of Sale is customized for each
puppy.
How
do you identify and find a reputable breeder?
First, know that good breeders breed not just to make
money—they don't sell their puppies to the first person
who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting
people buy puppies from breeders (or neighbors) who
breed their dog to make a little money or simply because
they have a dog "with papers". Too often,
the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament
problems that may not be discovered until years later.
Unfortunately, these new pet families often end up heartbroken,
with a dog who has genetic health problems or develops
significant behavior problems due to a lack of early
socialization. In some cases, these problems can cost
thousands of dollars to treat.
When looking
for your breeder, look for a breeder who at a minimum:
*Has dogs
that appear happy and healthy.
*Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time-
an area that is clean and well maintained. Dogs should
be members of the family, kept inside, not outdoors
in kennels.
*Encourages you to visit mom and puppies several times
before you bring the puppy home.
*Is knowledgable about what are called "breed standards"
and is well versed in the potential genetic problems
inherent in the breed and explains what those concerns
are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents
tested (and should have the results from the parents'
parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and
they should be able to provide you with documentation
for all the testing that has been done through organizations
such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
*Gives you guidance on caring and training for your
puppy and is available for assistance after you take
your puppy home (and should maintain this relationship
throughout the dog's life).
*Provides
references of other families who have purchased puppies
from them on request.
*Doesn't
always have puppies available, but rather, will keep
a list of interested people for the next available litter.
*Actively
competes with their dogs in (one or more) trials such
as conformation (which judge how closely dogs match
their "breed standard"), obedience, tracking,
agility, field events, etc.
*Good breeders are active in their local and national
breed clubs.
*Provides
you with a contract and health guarantee and allows
plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.
*The breeder
should interview you, as you interview the breeder.
They should want to know what type of life the dog will
lead after leaving their home.
*Sign a contract
that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will
be actively involved in showing the dog.
*Require
that should you be unable to keep the dog at any point
in the dog's life that it is returned to the breeder.
The best
place to start your search is to contact your local
breed clubs and ask for referrals. Remember, good breeders
are active club members- always giving to the breed,
breeding to better the breed. If you are not successful
in finding a referral from the local club, attend an
AKC dog show. Ask people standing "ring side"
if they know of breeders in attendance.
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