Backyard Breeders | Weimaraner Puppies

What are backyard breeders and why is it important to seek reputable dog breeders when looking for Weimaraner puppies? How do you distinguish reputable Weimaraner breeders from breeders who are not conscientious?

The term refers to anyone who breeds dogs with the intention of making a profit, with little or no regard for maintaining the breed standard.

Not everyone who falls into this category, however, has ill intentions. Some breeders just may not have the knowledge required to be ethical dog breeders.

While the term backyard breeders is almost always derogatory, realize that there is a spectrum. Not all "backyard breeders" have bad intentions. Some people have good intentions and simply don’t realize that they’re contributing to the problem.

The Problem is Overpopulation

Due to overpopulation countless animals are euthanized. So the finger gets pointed at backyard breeders and puppy mills for over breeding.

HSUS also estimated that about 25% of the dogs in shelters are purebred dogs. Reputable dog breeders have a very intensive process for adopting out their puppies to ensure that they do not end up in shelters.

What is the Solution?

Don’t support them! Don’t purchase a Weimeraner (or any other dog) from a backyard breeder or pet store. There are so many dogs in shelters and rescues that are in need a permanent and loving home. We highly recommend adopting from a shelter or rescue. But if you must have a puppy, be sure that you are choosing a reputable dog breeder to buy from.

Look Out for Red Flags! And Green Lights…

How do you tell the difference between reputable Weimaraner breeders and the stereotypical backyard breeders? Ultimately you must use your own judgment, but these tips should help you.

Category	Red Flags	Green Lights
Advertising	The breeder advertises in the newspaper, on the internet, or with bandit signs. Also beware of breeders that promote special sales, or that promote their puppies as gifts.	A good breeder doesn’t always have puppies available. And typically has a list of people already chosen for their next litter.
	Avoid breeders who will sell to anyone without discretion. This means they don’t care where the puppy is going, they just want money!	A good breeder will make it a little bit difficult for you. You’ll be asked a ton of questions. They may want to visit your home and they may ask for references. Weimaraner breeders may even try to talk you out of it!
Availability	Avoid breeders who churn out Weimeriner puppies too quickly, or that have multiple litters at one time.	A good breeder will have a litter no more than once per year or every other season. The welfare of the mother is more important than producing mass amounts of puppies.
Contract/ Guarantee	Beware if the breeder is unwilling to put anything in writing.	Good contracts protect all parties involved and address how any disputes will be handled.
	Don't buy from a seller who won't provide at least a 2 year health guarantee. Or from a breeder who requires that the puppy be returned if a health problem arises.	Good breeders guarantee against von Willebrands disease, immuno deficiency, and diseases of proven genetic cause.
Future Breeding	Avoid breeders who give full registration on every puppy they produce. This means they haven't bothered to determine which pups should not enter the gene pool. They don't care about improving the breed.	Good breeders assess their puppies and use the AKC Limited Registration for their non-breeding pups. This means the progeny of the dog can not be registered and may not enter conformation shows.
Housing	Avoid breeders who have a large number of animals kept in kennels or runs.	Good breeders keep their dogs in the house, as part of their family.
	Avoid breeders who aren’t willing to introduce you to the pups parents and/or won’t introduce you to the entire litter.	A good breeder is happy to show you where the dogs spend most of their time. It will be clean and sanitary.
Pricing	Avoid sellers who price their pups differently. They may see females as more valuable.	Prices will be firm and consistent.
	Seller is reluctant to answer questions. Doesn’t seem to be very knowledgeable of the AKC breed standard.	A good breeder is dedicated, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable. Happy to offer advice or answer any questions you may have throughout the lifetime of the dog.
Registration	Do not purchase a puppy that is not registered, or that is registered with a lesser-known registry.	Reputable Weimaraner breeders will have the puppies registered with at least the AKC
Return Policy	Avoid breeders who aren't willing to remain in contact with you should something go wrong.	A good breeder will at the very least help you find a good home for the dog if for whatever reason you are not able to care for it at any point in time. Ethical breeders do not want their dogs to end up in shelters.