We can remember all too well the excitement and frustrations associated with the search for that perfect puppy. These are the questions we are asked most frequently:
When are there going to be puppies available?
We update our website when puppies are available or litters are planned. Please check there. Our litters are planned by commitment only.
What do you mean “by commitment only”?
Since longhairs are less well-known and fewer people are looking for them, we need to be sure that people are committed to taking a puppy before we do the breeding. We won’t do the breeding unless we have enough committed people on our waiting list.
Why so long between litters?
We breed only occasional litters, as do most quality small-scale kennels. Our interest is in having – and being able to provide – quality dogs. Finding and arranging to breed to top quality stud dogs can take a significant amount of time. We take this time to do it well.
How long is your waiting list?
Most people wait a year for a pup. As a rule we don’t have a waiting list much longer than the size of the litter expected, as this would not be fair to people waiting eagerly for puppies. We try to match every qualified puppy buyer up with the right pup, whether this is one of our own or by referral to another good breeder.
How much are the puppies?
Most quality purebred puppies cost a minimum of $2000. Older pups, because of the extra time and expense put into keeping and training them, are more. Top quality show/breeding pups are also more.
Isn’t this a lot of money for a puppy?
No, it is about average for a purebred pup of any breed. If you are quoted significantly less, (and/or offered a young puppy for immediate delivery) you are probably dealing with a less reputable puppy producer. Less reputable producers can still present an attractive website and professional looking promotional material; if you aren’t sure, ask other breeders or dog clubs in the same area – most of them are happy to share honest information about other breeders. (There are not enough litters on the ground at any one time for good breeders to be in competition with each other.)
Can I pay less for a puppy if I just want a pet, and don’t want the papers?
No, it is illegal to charge extra for registration papers, and illegal for CKC members to sell unregistered dogs. The cost of registration is a very small part of producing quality dogs.
When do you require a deposit?
We require a non-refundable deposit at the time the bitch is bred.
Do I get to pick my own puppy?
Each puppy is a unique individual. Although we encourage new owners to visit (by appointment) and get to know their puppies, we feel that we are in the best position to evaluate the pups and select the right home for each of them. Our reputation speaks well of our ability to match puppies with homes.
Do I have to spay/neuter my puppy?
Yes. Unless it was purchased for show/breeding purposes, there will be a Non-breeding Agreement registered with the CKC.
Why do you have a contract?
The contract not only protects both parties, it also protects the dog. It eliminates any misunderstanding by outlining the expectations and commitments on both sides in writing. It includes things like what happens if a puppy develops a genetic disease. For more information on contracts, please check out the document “Puppy Contracts Explained”.
Do I have to show the dog, or have it shown?
Only a very few of our top pups are sold under breeding/showing contracts, and their owners undertake to show the pups, or have them shown, as specified in those contracts. Otherwise, no, not unless you want to. All owners are encouraged to have fun with their dogs in or out of the show ring. There are a growing number of organized activities that you and your dog can be involved in, and Weimaraners excel at many of them.
At Greyghost Weimaraners, we love talking about our dogs, and would be happy to discuss the finer points of our dogs, our policies, our contracts and dog activities. E-mail can be the most convenient way to make contact, or you can reach us by phone in the evening (8-9 pm is a good time) or on weekends. If we don’t answer, keep trying – we are probably outside working with the dogs, playing with the dogs, hunting, training, at a dog-show or agility trial…….