Background on a breeder in Ohio?

MichiganMan · Puppy Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Hello, newbie here looking for a bit of guidance. We've been researching various breeds as we look for a new puppy to replace our wonderful Humane Society "mutt" - health issues finally caught up to him and I had to put him down in July. Now the house is empty but the pain has gone away enough for us to look for some new paws.

We've narrowed our search to Weims and a couple other breeds, and now I'm researching breeders. I've contacted a breeder in Ohio, which is 3+ hours from me, and talked to them about a male puppy they have available. I'm now doing some research on the kennel - they've been in business for almost 40 years, there's nothing on the Better Business Bureau site, various Google searches don't turn up anything bad (or good, for that matter - but bad news tends to travel much faster than good, in my experience), etc.

I've sent e-mails to a couple of different Ohio-based clubs, no response yet. The initial indicators are good (AKC #'s for all dogs, OFA numbers, DNA Profile numbers (not sure what these are!), contract states that the kennel will take dogs back if there is a need, health guarantee against genetic issues, etc). From my reading, these are all good signs of a reputable operation.

I called an AKC-affiliated club in Michigan and the person I spoke with admitted that they didn't have any knowledge of this kennel's operation, but that they heard they breed "blues" (cue scary music) and proceeded to tell me all the reasons that this put them akin to the devil.

Now, as I indicated, I've done some researching around the web and have come across the "blue" weimaraner issue. To be frank, I didn't know that such a thing existed, but from what I've read it seems that the this blue / gray thing is something of a Civil War / political issue, and not something that affects the health of the dog (as opposed to, say, blue merle coloration in Great Danes that is linked to health issues). For my purposes (companion dog, with no intention of showing, breeding, etc), it seems that the whole coloration issue is irrelevant. Again from the reading, a "blue" Weim is considered a pure bred dog by the AKC, right?

I suppose what I'm really asking for is whether I should be concerned about this particular kennel because of the "blue" issue, or if there is some person or organization that can provide a bit of insight without the politics - I just want a good dog. (and the pup we're looking at is a gray in any case Wink

)

Many thanks - and I deliberately left the kennel name out, though I'm sure the enterprising will be able to find it easily enough.

Thanks for helping a newbie....

wildlifecr13 · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:54 pm Post subject:

Here is Anne's website on blue's...
http://www.blueweimaraner.com/

Im sure she will have some good input on this.

I think those opposed to blues are just a bit high on themselves.

MichiganMan · Puppy Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Thank you, that is one of the sites I found when I was researching the breed.

anne · Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

Hi MM,

Glad you came across my blueweimaraner.com site. Hope you found the information useful.

Now as for the dreaded blue thing.....

As you know, the blue coat color is a disqualifying fault in the standard. Most reputable breeders will not breed disqualifying faults. There are some that will -- and ONLY when considering the whole dog and whether there are other attributes that may outweigh the disqualifying fault (whether coat color, or being too tall or small). If a breeder is breeding for coat color alone, then run away. No breeder is going to admit breeding for coat color alone so you will have to dig a bit to see if you are comfortable with the breeders ethics.

Blue Weims are purebred; however this does not mean quality. Nor does having an AKC number. AKC registerable merely means that the parents were registered as Weims with the AKC.

Having OFA is a good sign. Be sure to verify the OFA numbers and ratings at www.offa.org. Taking dogs back if needed is a very good sign as well, but be aware that there are kennels that SAY they will, but when it comes down to it, they don't. Be careful of what the health guarantee says. For example, if they give a 1 year health guarantee, this is somewhat useless.... hips for example are tested at age 2, so what does a 1 year health guarantee give you? Also ask what they consider "genetic issues" This can be a slippery point.

DNA profile doesn't mean much, in fact, could be a red flag. AKC requires a DNA profile for dogs that are used for Artificial Insemination breedings or dogs that are used more than 3 times a year or 7 times in their lifetime. Most less-than-reputable breeders do not go through the expense of AI breedings, so it could be a clue to a dog being used a lot. If the dog has a lot of PROVEN desirable qualities, then it makes sense that he may be used a lot, but be careful as to WHY he has a DNA profile.

As to whether the color issue is irrelevant... I am a blue supporter and I cannot say that it is irrelevant. When I respond to breeder inquries in my capacity of the breeder referral person of our local Weim club, I can only recommend 2 other breeders of blues in good consicence. It's not because of the color, it's because of everything else.... I know you want a pet, but there are pets in every show or field litter. I do not agree with breeding for pets alone, there are enough pets in our rescues. Breeders that are involved in "the fancy" are the ones that stay abreast of current health issues, research pedigrees/family lines to prevent (as best they can) health or temperament problems, and they realize that there is value in PROVING that their dogs are worthy of breeding by having their dogs evaluated objectively (in show, field, obedience etc).

If you want a good dog, I would suggest that you keep your standards to the highest levels. The cost of the pup whether you get it from a backyard breeder or ethical breeder is going to be almost the same. You may have to wait for the right pup, but good things are usually worth waiting for.

Good luck.