What to look for in a reputable breeder

There are many unscrupulous people who are out to make a quick buck from their pet, you should take care to make sure you don't become victim to one of them. Breeders who have not studied the health history of both the sire and the dam may be producing puppies who will have health troubles in the future. You should ask the breeder whether they can guarantee that neither sire or dam has history in their lines of Gastric Torsion (bloat), Immuno Deficiency, Distochyasis, Entropion, von Willebrand's disease, Cryptorchidism, or Hip Dysplacia. Weimies are not susceptible to any eye diseases. If the breeder cannot assure you of a clean history, then go and talk to one who can.

A reputable breeder will offer aftercare and advice throughout the life of the pup. Only breeders who don't care about their pups would refuse to be a part of their lives forever.

You should check that the litter is registered with the Kennel Club. Although only the worst breeders who have been caught neglecting their animal (s) are struck off, therefore registration is not a sign of quality pups. It is a sign that the dam is not underage, or been breed from more often than is permitted.

Rather than feeling uncomfortable if the breeder gives you the third degree on your lifestyle, you should feel happy that they are acting in the best interests of the dog (and in your best interests too) . If a breeder does not ask a multitude of questions and cross examine your answers, then they are not doing their job properly. You can assume that there are other parts of the job which they haven't done properly either.

Take your time, ask your questions, and look at several litters before making your final choice. This dog will be around for a long time, and if you pick an unsound dog, or one which does not conform to the standard, see the breed standard then you may spend a long time regretting your haste .

Finding the right puppy

Having done all the research, finding out all there is to know about the dogs, and having answered all these questions truthfully, (there may be dogs which suit your lifestyle and needs better), then you are ready to start looking for a puppy.

Your next step will depend upon what you intend to do with the dog. If your intention is to show, or work the dog, then you would be wise to visit as many shows and meetings as you can. Study the form, learn the affixes (an affix is a kind of trade name which identifies dogs bred from a certain kennel), look at the conformation and characteristics of different dogs, and talk to the breeders. Once you see an animal you are attracted too, then ask the breeder if there are any puppies likely in the future.

If you want a Weimaraner as a pet, then you can afford to be less fussy in terms of conformation, but you still need to consider the dog's temperament. Again, spending time with the breeders, watching the behaviour of the sire and the dam will help you decide.

Assessing the puppy

Assuming that you have found several breeders, your questions have been answered, and you are at the stage of looking for a puppy, what the hell do you look for? Its not easy to guess what a young pup will turn out like, but there are certain things that you can look out for. Watch the puppies bounding around, they should look alert, playful and confident. The front legs should not have any turn in them, and the back legs should look slightly bowed. It is important that you check the teeth of the dog to make sure that the top set overlap the bottom set, the lack of a scissor bite is a fault. Take a look at the puppies eyes, they should be keen, and not too bulbous, also, ensure that they are not weepy. On the subject of weepy, check the animals bottom for signs of diarrhoea, I would not choose a pup with stains around the back passage. Check the colour of the puppy all over. If it has any ginger markings, or white patches anywhere other than its chest, then it does not comply to the breed standard (it may make a wonderful pet though!)

I would also reject any pup which was lurking around at the back of the pack. You don't want an unsociable creature!

Do you want a dog or a bitch?

So, the next question is dog, or bitch? This is really down to personal preference, both have good and bad points. You need to consider that a bitch comes into season every six months, this can be a pain, and a bitch's urine kills the lawn. Dogs on the other hand  can be difficult to handle, particularly in their adolescent years. Really the personality differences are mainly based on nurture rather than nature

© 2000-2002 Anne-Marie Bradshaw. All rights reserved. You may print portions for personal use, but for any other use, contact me for permission. Comments, questions etc to: Annemariebrad@netscape.net