16/02/2023
A great perspective, worth the read.
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It applies across the board when we get inquires of "I'm just looking for a pet I don't want a show or hunting dog"
Why do people recommend choosing a breeder who shows and titles their dogs to folks who are just looking for a pet and have no interest in showing? Why should breeding to breed standard be important to a pet home? Does it seem excessive, or “snobby”?
It’s not, and here’s why.
Dog shows are a means of evaluating dogs against the breed standard, to evaluate soundness, movement/gait, type, and temperament.
Soundness: The state of physical and mental health when all organs and faculties are functioning properly, each in its rightful relation to each other.
Type: Breed type encompasses appearance, character, condition, bone structure, temperament, and movement; “breed type is all these things.” Breed type also includes a character specific to each breed, a combination of behavior, temperament and carriage that demonstrate an essence of the breed.
Gait: The gait of a dog is its quality of movement. You want to see ease of movement, unimpaired by illness or poor structure.
Temperament: The general attitude a dog has towards other animals and people.
So. That’s a very basic intro to what goes on at a show… why does this matter? You want a pet, a companion, not a show dog, right? Well, you chose Weimaraners for a reason. You’ve done your research, and have read that they’re great with family, they make excellent companions and love spending time with their people. That their good and kind nature predisposes many to be excellent therapy dogs. That they’re medium large, and STRONG with great hunt drive. Good, responsible breeders seek to preserve those definitive and positive characteristics.
Here’s an example– An aggressive dog is no joke, Aggression can run in lines as well as separation anxiety. Wouldn’t it be difficult to show an aggressive, reactive, fearful, or excessively shy Weimaraner? Do you want to take the gamble and trust someone about their dog’s history, or would you rather buy from someone who has taken their dogs into the ring and had the dog’s temperament proven over and over, consistently?
What about type and structure? How the dog is put together, able to move freely and comfortably? Would you rather buy from someone who has proven publicly, over time, that the dog they’re breeding can move well, free of limp, or a structural problem? Or just trust someone who has no interest in proving their dogs? It’s your puppy’s quality of life and comfort (as well as your wallet) that’s at stake.
Not every dog in a well-bred litter is going to be show quality- there will ALWAYS be pet-quality puppies. Well-bred, but maybe with a slight imperfection, and those are the puppies placed in pet homes. You don’t have to want a show-quality puppy to get a well-bred puppy!
Here’s the bottom line…. every day, Weim rescue is seeing more and more temperament and health issued Weims. Weims in pain because they were poorly bred. Weims requiring extensive vet care, expensive surgery. People having to remand their dogs to breed rescue because they can’t manage the dog, fear the dog, or found out the dog needs costly vet care they can’t afford.
This is not about being snobby, being elitist, thinking that one dog is “better” than another, it’s about ensuring you get a puppy that acts and looks like the breed you fell in love with. It’s about ensuring that all Weim puppies have the best start in life, and will grow into a loving family member. It’s about loving our breed enough to want to see everything that’s good about them preserved for future generations to enjoy. If you want a healthy dog, with a properly sweet temperament, choose your breeder wisely.
This is also only one part as health should be determined first and foremost with testing as well as performance for the origin of the breed.
The basic health tests that all Weimaraners should have done PRIOR to being bred can be found here:
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=WE
• Hips clear of hip dysplasia by OFA or PENNHip
• Eye Exam by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist
• OFA thyroid evaluation from an approved laboratory. Minimum age 24 months.
• DNA based tests (simple cheek swab) for
HUU (HYPERURICOSURIA)
https://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/huu.php
HYM (HYPOMYELINATION) "Shakers"
https://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/hym.php
SD (SPINAL DYSRAPHISM) - "Hoppers"
https://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/sd.php
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/panel/weimaraner-health-panel
Optional but recommended tests
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Cardiac Evaluation
Description This panel bundles together several genetic tests relevant to Weimaraner health. Panel can be purchased on MyVGL. See below for pricing and list of specific tests included in panel. Price $110 per animal Order Test Turnaround time At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 busin...
