Owning the Weimaraner.....
A Checklist
Make sure that both parents are KC registered and request sight of the KC registration document (note this is not the pedigree but an official registration from the Kennel Club)..
Request evidential confirmation that both parents meet KC health tests for the Breed . i.e. Hip Scored. The breed mean 2019 (current) is *9* - the total scores of each parent independently should be around or below that score .
Ask questions about the parents to establish how they are kept and how often they have been bred from. (& verify information)
If in doubt please feel free to contact the Secretary direct who can point you in the direction where this information can be found / verified.
Do your research in advance
-
Have a look at the seller’s profile and search their name/number online. If they are advertising many litters then this is a red flag.
-
Check the animal’s age. Puppies should never be sold under 8 weeks old – do not buy from anyone advertising a puppy available at younger than 8 weeks.
-
Check the animal’s health records. Make sure the seller shares all records of vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, docking certificate (if appropriate) and microchipping with you before sale.
When visiting:
-
Make sure the mum is present. If mum is not available to meet, beware of the seller making excuses as to why mum is not there e.g. she’s at the vet’s, asleep, or out for a walk.
-
Check there isn’t a ‘fake’ mum. Most fake mums don’t interact with the puppies as they fear the real mum returning.
-
If you feel rushed or pressurised into parting with cash, this is a red flag.
-
Health problems observed at purchase are not normal and don’t be convinced otherwise.
-
Beware of offers to meet somewhere convenient e.g. car park or motorway services, or ‘shop front’ premises, common with rented properties just to make sales, and ‘sales rooms’ kept separate from nearby or onsite puppy farm.
and be prepared to walk away....
Looking for a puppy?
Before looking to be the proud owner of a Weimaraner there are many questions that you must ask yourself to confirm if a Weimaraner is indeed the right breed for you.
Does your life situation now and long term fit with the breed?
The Weimaraner is a large, athletic, powerful dog with many strong character traits. Not usually the best choice for the novice dog owner he is: intelligent; determined; stubborn; demanding and often protectively devoted to his humans. He requires consistent training (physical & mental), socialising, exercise and a real commitment throughout his lifetime. On top of that he needs to be loved and rewarded as part of his human pack, while knowing where he fits. Without any of this he can become, vocal, destructive, willful, anti-social and challenging ......... are you ready??
Can you commit to giving the breed the right home?
The Weimaraner as a breed is on the whole relatively healthy and long-lived. The lifespan of a Weimaraner can be as much as 15/16 years in some cases. Can you commit the level of input that a Weimaraner requires over this length of time?
Can you afford a Weimaraner long term?
Dog ownership is expensive and should be a carefully considered. Items such as
-
Vet bills & vaccinations
-
Food & treats
-
Insurance
-
Bedding, toys, crates (will they fit in your car safely?)
-
Dog walkers/care
Still looking for a puppy?
How much should I pay for a puppy?
There are many questions asked about what should I expect to pay for a Weimaraner. The increased popularity of designer dogs and litters actively being marketed through social media, 'designer' crossbreeds and online 'marketplaces' has seen a increase in the top range price for a puppy. A range of between £1100 - £1500 would indicate a fair price and given that some of the top breeders in the country, both show and work, don't charge more for their pups, we can't see how other breeders can demand more for their pups.
The main concern arising from the price creep - this can only mean one thing - it will attract the attention of the puppy farmer and pet breeder who wants to earn a 'fast buck'. We will find ourselves in the position of a large number of dogs coming to Rescue for rehoming. We've been there before and we hope we don't revisit it.
Finding a breeder?
The Weimaraner Club of Scotland (WCoS) has breeder code of ethics, which are in addition to The Kennel Club. This has been set out through years of experience and guidance and has been agreed to in the best interests of the breed and health of the dog. This also provides some safeguard to owners.
We require our members as a minimum to:-
-
Consider welfare over personal or financial gain
-
Only breed from sound temperament and to the KC breed standard
-
No bitch to produce more than 3 litters in her life time, not before the age of 2 or after her 7th birthday (this responsibility also falls with the stud dog owner to check)
-
No bitch to produce more than one litter in any 12 month period
-
Ensure that both parents are hip-scored and follow KC guidance in this regard
-
Supply dietary guidance to new owners
-
Ensure KC registration and supply KC registration documentation to new owners
-
Ensure puppies are wormed 3 times before they leave and provide details and signed declaration
-
Agree to take any puppies back if they do not meet veterinary health checks (within 3 days)
-
Agree to take responsibility for any of their puppies should rehoming be required - throughout their lifetime.
A good breeder will expect to be vetted and in all likelihood vet you as a suitable home and owner!!
Remember there are four Kennel Club registered breed organisations with decades of experience and knowledge of the breed who will be only too happy to help...
Weimaraner Club of Scotland
Weimaraner Club of Great Britain
North of England Weimaraner Society
Weimaraner Association
