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SMWC Obedience of the Year 1998
Sunrise Again Sweet Izabelle
UCD, UAG1, CDX, TD, NA, NSD, NRD, TT, 
TDI, CGC, V

Please also visit Michigan Weimaraner Rescue to learn of the many ways to help dogs now in rescue.



     Welcome! Thanks for inquiring about my Weimaraners.

  This unique companion hunter suffers from a recent surge in popularity.  Finding a responsible breeder is a must if you are considering one of these demanding gray house dogs as a pet.  Weimaraners are a breed you'll either love or hate.  They are very intelligent and controlling, they always require structured training.  A bored or lonely dog can quickly destroy your home.  Crate training is also an essential.  These dogs require a great deal of exercise and attention, but will repay you with complete loyalty and devotion.  You can do just about anything with your Weimaraner, but the one thing you cannot do with your Weim is: nothing.

Contents:

  • Why Buy From a Responsible Breeder?
  • A Word on Rescue 
  • Picture Page
  • Michigan Weimaraner Rescue website (More breed information and weimaraners who need homes!)
  • Additional Weimaraners in Rescue may be seen here for more information on rescue dogs.
  • Weimaraner Club of America (More Weim information; plus, take this fun quiz to see if a Weim is right for you!)
  • Weimaraner Ways (This website offers a very informative book and more on Weimaraners) 
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     Why Buy From a Responsible Breeder?

         Many people miss the point of looking for a responsible breeder.  Sometimes, you've seen folks advertising AKC pups in the paper that were just bred to be pets.  You feel that's just what you want.  Irresponsible breeders sell puppies to 'pet' homes, and the families believe they are getting a quality dog.  Many people don't realize the AKC is only responsible for registering dogs, not quality control. If you buy a dog at what seems a bargain price, you are basically playing Russian Roulette.  Of course, these people are going to tell you they have good dogs; they would never say they are breeding trash!  Here is an analogy:
         You want to buy a used car.  You know the make and model you want.  You go to the dealership, lo and behold, he has two cars exactly like you wanted!  Other than one is a bit shinier than the other, they look basically the same.  But, when you see the prices, one is $1000, the other is $2000.  Most people's reactions would be, 'what is wrong with the cheaper one?'  So you ask the dealer what the difference is between the two.  He replies:  'well, the one for $1000 is sold as is, when you take it off the lot, it's yours.  If you have any problems, it's not my fault; I can't help you.  As far as the history of the car, it belonged to someone who knows very little about cars, but he did have the oil changed once or twice.  The $2000 car is sold with a full guarantee.  If you have minor problems, call me anytime, and I'll tell you how to fix them.  If you have major problems, bring your car and I'll try to fix them.  If it can't be fixed, and they aren't problems you didn't create by mishandling the car, or not keeping up on repairs, I will replace the car, or give your money back.  Oh, by the way, the car was owned by an auto mechanic who kept up on all maintenance of the car.'
          Which car would you buy??  Unless you were very knowledgeable about cars, probably the $2000 one!  In other words, unless someone is extremely knowledgeable about a particular breed, genetics, animal husbandry, puppy rearing, training, and evaluating temperament, they should buy from a responsible breeder. 
         Although your dog would only be used as a pet, it's important that your breeder is not breeding pets as well.  A Weim breeder should work their dogs competitively in some way (showing, obedience, hunting, agility, etc.); as this demonstrates that their dogs are maintaining a degree of quality, and are secure that their dogs are good specimens.

    Questions to Ask Any Breeder

    • Please give me more information about your breeding program?
    • Are both parent's hips OFA certified?
    • Do the parents originate from reputable breeders?  (Kennel names)?
    • Do the parents meet the breed standard?
    • Do you show your dogs, or do obedience, agility, or other training with them?
    • Do they have hunting titles?
    • Do at least three or four dogs in the last three or four generations have titles?
    • Do you offer a written health guarantee of at least two to five years?
    •  Do you limit your breeding of each female to a maximum of once a year?  (Has the female reached maturity, and again, OFA hip certified?)
    • Are your puppies raised in the house and socialized with adults and children, and has their housebreaking and crate training begun?
    • Do you belong to your National breed club?
    • If the dog doesn't work out, do you require that it comes back to you?

      •  If the answer to any of these questions is no, say 'thank you for your time,' and run!!
           If you are looking for a house pet, I advise not to buy from a breeder who raises their dogs or puppies outside.  It may be difficult to acclimate them to proper indoor behavior. 
           If you think you can save a dog or puppy by purchasing it from a poor environment, you are dead wrong.  First, you will just make that "breeder" want to make more money by breeding more puppies, who'll be again sold without proper screening or extended responsibility.  I can't begin to tell you how much the overall quality of this breed has dropped in the past five years due to people who "just want a pet", and perpetuate irresponsible breeding.
           If you care about this breed, as it truly sounds like you do, carefully research your options so you can make a wise decision.  And, if you're not going to buy from a responsible, respected breeder, a Rescue Weim is the best option.

    Thinking of Breeding?

       I am so glad you enjoy your Weimaraner enough that you think he (or she) should be bred.  And, I'm happy to help with any questions you may have about breeding, training, or contacts.  But, first some questions for you!  If you can't answer yes to these questions, PLEASE, DO NOT BREED! 
       
      • Are you knowledgeable about the Weimaraner standard and proper conformation?  And does your dog meet these standards?

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      • Are you knowledgeable about genetics?

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      • Do you belong to a network of knowledgeable people?  For example, the National or State Weimaraner Club, who can provide Weims to complement your dog's pedigree?

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      • Are there Champions in at least three dogs within four generations of your dog?

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      • Are the majority of his ancestors OFA certified?  This test cannot be done until your dog is at least two years of age; are you willing to do this, and not breed until he receives his rating?

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      • Are you willing to take back into your home any offspring from your dog for whatever reason?

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      • The number of dogs in Weim rescue is staggering.  If you breed, it is expected you will accept the return of any unwanted dogs produced by your breeding.  If you get a bitch, are you willing to offer a comprehensive written guarantee on her offspring?

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      • Will you comply with the Weimaraner Club of America's code of ethics?

      More thoughts on breeding...

           Environment plays a role equal to genetics.  I have seen wonderful dogs euthanized that came from people that were not educated to the needs of Weims, and I have seen genetic nightmares put down that were sold to wonderful families.
          There is more to puppy rearing than simply feeding and waiting for the puppies to come of selling age.  Proper conditioning is extremely important for the attitudes of the puppies too.  It is a very good idea to research the training and conditioning aspects of puppy rearing as well!

    Blue Weimaraners

         Blue Weimaraners do not occur naturally in the breed, like chocolate labs, for example.  Blue Weims are created through an extremely limited gene pool, originating from one dog named Tell, who was imported from Germany in 1942.  He was imported under the provision that he would not be bred or provide stud service, which was disregarded.  He was described by the German Breed Warden as "at best a mutation, at worst, a mixed breed".  Unlike the long hair, which does occur naturally, where two short haired dogs can produce long haired puppies through a simple recessive gene.  Blues are the product of genetic manipulation; a gray puppy of two blue parents cannot produce a blue, unless it is bred back to blues.
    It is not the AKC that has disqualified blues, but the parent clubs of The Weimaraner Club of America, (which acts as the guardians of the breed), and the German Weimaraner Klub, who made the decision that blues are unnaccepatble.

    A Word on Rescue

         Many of the dogs turned over to rescue come from families with small children and no fences.  The adults may work full time, and don't have the time to fulfill the needs of the active Weimaraner.  There are no hard and fast rules about good dog owners.  I have seen dogs that were placed in homes that were perfect profiles (for Weims), that didn't work out for one reason or another.
         Often, people describe Weimaraners as 'hyperactive'.  Most Weims that get enough interaction and exercise will be calm and gentle.  When people don't make the time to     		 interact, the results can be literally disasterous; a bored, unattended Weim can shred a couch in no time.
         These dogs come in differing ages, from all types of situations.  They are spayed or neutered, and are up to date on their veterinary care.  A fee of $200. is charged to help offset these expenses.  The dogs are evaluated, and are then placed in suitable indoor homes under contract.
        Perhaps you own a weimaraner you can no longer care for, and would like to contact rescue to find a new family for your dog. 
    Sweet Dreams...
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