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Choosing a Sire for Your Hunting Weimaraner Pups
Unfortunately, most people don't spend a great deal of time in selecting a male for breeding. The first dog that comes along with AKC registration in hand, that looks like a dog gets the job. Even if all you are looking for is pet quality dogs, the selection of a good sire is important, but in the case of hunting dogs it is absolutely imperative. Some people do go as far as reviewing pedigrees but credentials can be deceiving. Many of history's finest working and hunting breeds have been absolutely ruined by the show ring and the qualities needed by a field trial champion are quite different from what most actual hunters are interested in. Certainly field-trial champions are preferable to show champions because the hunting instinct must be strong and many of the qualities of a good hunter and a field trial champion are the same or, at least similar. With all of this in mind, here are some tips for choosing a sire:
1- AKC registration at least guarantees the purity of the bloodlines and will make it much easier to find homes for any pups you choose to let go.
2- Do take a look at the pedigree. If a dog is from champion bloodlines make note of what type of champions. Championships in the show ring are, by no means a negative. These dogs certainly conform to the standard of the breed and this is important, but a pedigree full of show champions usually points to a dog whose hunting capabilities have not been a top priority. On the other hand, field trial champions will have a lot of the qualities you are looking for in a hunter and dogs from field trialers will make good hunters with the right training.
3- The ideal dog to Sire your hunting pups is a dog from good, working, hunting dog bloodlines. Unfortunately this doesn't show in the pedigree and you will have to take the word of the breeder unless he can give you some references. Usually, if you visit the breeder you will quickly see how strong a hunting interest is there. Pictures, mounts, magazines, hunting gear.. you can tell when you're on the premises of a hunter. This doesn't mean his dogs are great hunters but it increases the odds significantly.
4- Spend some time with the dog. Temperament is important. Is he wild and uncontrollable? Is he aggressive (in a mean sense)? Is he in good physical condition? Does he meet the standards for the breed? (You can get this info from the AKC website). You want to breed to a male who is in excellent physical condition, meets the standard of the breed, has an even temperament, is active and interested but controllable, and you certainly DON'T want to breed to a mean dog.
5- Ask questions. Does he hunt? Does he point? Does he hold on point? Does he track runners? Does he naturally range close? Is he consistent? Does he fetch? Is he soft mouthed and will he give up the bird? Is he focused on hunting? Does he work well with other dogs around? Does he run trash (cats, squirrels, mice etc.)? Do his feet hold up well to long field work? Does he take training well? Is he obedient? Does he fear water? Strangers? Guns? And how many of his good qualities were instinctive? Few dogs have it all but the more you can get, the better.
There's no way to guarantee that you are going go get great dogs out of a new mating, but these few simple steps will increase your odds dramatically.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
Bacon
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