Question about Weimaraners....?

Question

Me and my hubby are looking to buy a weimaraner but we are worried about the amount of inbreeding that goes on in the pedigree dog world.

We obviously don't want to buy a dog that has been overly inbred (we appreciate that no inbreeding at all is unlikely) We think this is an unfair and unethical thing on the dogs and to literally buy into.

Also what congenital abnormalities should we look out for as a result of inbreeding in these dogs.

Any tips or advice would be really appreciated.

Answer 1

Miaugh gives good advice but I think you are in the UK?

The problem with THAT programme is that people are lumping all breeders together and assuming that everyone is inbreeding without the remotest idea of the consequences.

The advice being given out by some people is appalling!

Unfortunately, Weimaraners have become very popular in the last few years & pet owners (and worse) are breeding dogs which should never have been bred from and selling to homes which are not equipped for the breed.

The best advice is to go via the breed club. They are the people who have lived with the breed for decades, they know which dogs to breed and which to avoid. They do the necessary health checks before breeding and abide by the Club's Code of Ethics.

http://www.weimaranerclubofgreatbritain....

The main health problem (as in many breed and mongrels) is hip dysplasia and both parents should have been tested for this. Weims have an average score of 12 (out of 106) which is pretty good - breeding stock should have a score around or below this.

Obviously, like any breed, Weims do have other health problems but if you find a reputable breeder, they will be able to explain these.

No one can guarantee a 100 per cent healthy dog - just like no one can guarantee a 100 per cent healthy baby but you minimise your risk by going to a knowledgeable breeder who will also give you lifetime backing for any problems you may have and will also take back your dog at any stage in its life if you can't keep it for any reason.

Answer 2

Best advice is to avoid show breeders. If you only want the dog as a pet avoid breeders who work their dogs too otherwise you could end up with a very hyper dog. and never buy from pet shops or puppy farms.

You could always adopt one instead, that way they'll be behaviour and health checked, so you'll know exactly what you're getting.

Answer 3

The links below might give you more information.  The last link is a Weimaraner forum, the members there might be able to give you more insight on what genetic testing to ask about, when choosing a breeder.  Good luck.

add: While a shelter will examine, vaccinate, and spay/neuter a Weimaraner, and you may find a wonderful one there--if your question is regarding genetic abnormalities--a shelter will not test for those, nor have background on any tests done, if there were any.