When choosing a Weimaraner puppy that is best for you and your family, consider the dog breed, the lineage of the puppy, the health and the temperament of the breed and the puppy you like.
Overall, your new puppy should appear to be healthy and strong, energetic but not hyperactive. She should also be loving and interested in you. Your new puppy should not be clingy, and she should be spirited, but trainable.
That sounds like a pretty big order, but if you break it down into bite sized segments, you’ll be able to choose your new Weimaraner puppy wisely.
What to Avoid when Choosing a Weimaraner Puppy
If you adopt or purchase a puppy that is too timid, too aggressive, too active, or too sickly, you may end up taking your puppy to a shelter.
Unfortunately dog shelters are filled with puppies whose owners made impulsive decisions and did not think their decisions through.
Keep in mind that nobody wins if you select the wrong puppy. Not you, not the puppy, and not the shelter…
When selecting a dog or puppy, you need to keep your wits about you and not give in to your emotions.
Tips on Choosing a Weimaraner Puppy
Will your new Weimaraner grow up to be a show dog, a hunting dog or will she just be a family pet? Your answer will determine exactly what you should look for, in your new puppy.
Of course, no matter what your plans are for your new dog, you will need to follow some common guidelines. This is true for any breed, not just Weimaraners.
Breed
Choosing a dog breed is your first step. I can’t emphasize how important this is. Dog breeds are not all alike. Each one has its own characteristics. Some are good, some are bad. And that all depends on your perspective.
For example, if you live in an apartment in a city, and you work all day, you probably aren’t going to choose a Weimaraner puppy. Why? Because Weimaraners are very active dogs who need plenty of exercise and because they are also very social and hate being left alone.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a hunting companion, a Weinheimer may be just the dog for you!
I’m assuming that you have done your homework and decided that the Weimaraner dog is the best breed for your family. This is an important first step.
Picking a Breeder is Important
Even before you look at a single puppy, you’ll need to do some homework to check on the reputation of breeders that you are considering.
Ask for references, the names of people who have purchased puppies from the breeder. Make sure you follow up and talk to these people to see what their experience was like.
Here are some questions that you might ask:
- Were they happy with their new puppy?
- Did the breeder give you good information about the puppy’s background?
- Did the puppy owners meet the puppy’s mother?
- Were their questions answered by the breeder?
- Was their puppy healthy?
- What about after they took their puppy home?
- Was the breeder available to answer questions later?
- If they were not happy with their puppy, did the breeder make things right?
Health
You’ll want to choose a puppy in good health. But, since you are not a veterinarian, how do you know that a puppy is healthy? Your initial inspection should determine some basics.
Eyes
A puppy’s eyes should be clear and free from tearing or discharge. The puppy’s eyes should be dark, with dark rims.
Gums
Her gums should be pink, and her teeth should be pure white.
Ears
Your puppy’s ears should be pink inside, should not have a foul odor and you should not see a brownish discharge coming from them.
Coat
Her coat should feel soft, clean and untangled.
General Health
Your new puppy should not have a cough or diarrhea, as either of these conditions could be a sign of serious illness.
A good breeder will agree that your purchase is contingent upon a clean bill of health from your veterinarian.
Get your FREE mini-course on Adopting a Dog or Puppy
Your Puppy’s Mother
Ask to see the puppies’ mother. While it’s fun to see all the puppies, you are here to make a good decision. You need to have good information to do that.
Meeting the puppies’ mother is not just a social visit. You will learn a lot by seeing her.
Your puppy’s mother will give you a peek into what your puppy will probably look like when she is grown. Look at things like her size, her color, her temperament and her general health.
Your breeder should willingly let you meet the mother. If you are not given the opportunity to see the mother, this is a red flag. The breeder may be hiding something.
Dog Personality
Weimaraners are shy at first. But, once you know them, they are very social. Approach the puppies slowly and gently. Let them get used to you.
If you call a puppy who is playing with its brothers and sisters, you should end up with a lap full of puppies. Weimaraners naturally love people.
If one puppy cowers, afraid in a corner, do not choose that one. That is not a good sign. The puppy may have some emotional issues and he may be difficult to train and impossible to leave alone.
In addition, you should avoid the most aggressive puppy as well, as that pup could also be difficult to train. If you choose an alpha dog, you are definitely accepting a challenge.
Pedigree and Registration
Your breeder should provide you with a copy of papers for each of these. File these papers in a secure place, just in case you decide to show or breed your puppy later, when she is older and more mature.
If these documents will not be provided, you need to ask why not.
Your Reward is a Special Puppy
Selecting a dog is not difficult if you have done your homework. Just make sure that you keep things in perspective. First, make sure that you have chosen a good breeder. Next, make sure your puppy is healthy and that you are compatible.
Then and only then, should you let yourself fall in love with your new puppy! That way, you’ll choose wisely, and you’ll have many years together, with your healthy and happy dog.
Now it’s time for you to get ready to bring your new puppy home!
Leave a Reply