Bias abounds….

Preconceived ideas are normal. Experiences with other dogs affect our beliefs. The dogs we have had and especially those that we grew up with affect our preference.

Most bias is not based on fact. Often it is a feeling or experience but if you only consider these things without looking at all the facts you may miss a really great experience.

As breeders we see a lot of bias. We see people with long lists of wants and needs. We get very detailed inquiries at times. For the most part, however, inquiry preferences are limited to a very short list: 1. Sex 2. Color 3. Hunter or non-hunter.

Inquiries seem to run in cycles. There are times when everyone seems to want a male. Other times everyone seems to want a female. We cannot speak to the reason why people feel so strong about a certain sex puppy.

There are many reasons for choosing one sex over another. Especially if you already have a resident dog. Some people manage to handle two female spayed female Weimaraners, however, traditional wisdom would recommend a spayed and a neuter male. Nevertheless, for the individual who is opposed to having a male but wants to two Weimaraners it can work. Choosing the right second female is vital to the success.

Although this blog is mainly about choosing the sex of the puppy we want to talk about other considerations. What should you consider when thinking about adding a Weimaraner to your life? Other than truly making sure the breed is right for you and you are as well right for the breed, there are other considerations.

1. Your living environment– Most breeders want you to have a fenced backyard. Without a fenced yard there are some pretty large obstacles to overcome. People living in close proximity to others (apartment, condo, and townhouses) face noise issues.
2. Your family or household members– Each person will interact with the new family member. It is important that everyone who is a part of your household is on board. If someone has reservations there is a good chance that issues will arise and cause stress within the household.
3. Other pets within your household–Although many people have cats, rabbits, birds, and other pets caution is important. Many people do raise their Weimaraner with small fur and feather critters but they are hunt-driven and should never be placed in an unsupervised situation. About 60% of our puppy homes have house cats. Nevertheless, you need to consider that even if the cat and Weim co-exist a feral cat that wanders into your yard may not be safe. Birds, squirrels, etc. are also fair game.
4. Much of what they become rests on you!—People always want a Weimaraner that will do various things or one that acts a certain way. Most of these things depend upon you doing the right things as they grow. A hunting Weimaraner may naturally hunt but good companion hunters are well trained. There are many aspects to training a hunting companion. Even non-hunters must find ways to train their Weimaraner and to exercise their pup.

Every living creature is unique. A Weimaraner may resemble another Weimaraner but if you have several in your lifetime you soon discover they are as unique in some ways as they are alike in others. Just as brothers and sisters from the same parents differ, so too do pups within a litter. We try to identify those subtle differences and make selections based on what we see.

Other than temperament, coat color, size, and personality usually the most central consideration is the sex of puppy wanted. Many inquiries will be any color female or any color male. As you can see the sex of pup is central to the process. We want to give you some information that might help you make an informed decision.

In all honesty we ran across this many years ago. We have no idea who authored these thoughts but in general they appear to hold true. There are of course exceptions to these observations:

Females: Truths

Falsehoods: Females

Males : Truths

Males : Falsehoods

• • • Intact males are more apt to pee on things.

Note: As we said above there are exceptions but all things being considered these observations seem true. We do love both the female and the male. In honesty, were we not breeders we would never want an intact female or male. Being intact brings to light more issues. Being intact also raises the risk of cancer. Being intact increases the risk of aggressive and territorial issues. Being intact also increases the risk that you will lose your Weimaraner to an accident. There are many reasons for this but a hormonal male or female is more unpredictable and harder to manage.

All of these issues and reservations come in shades and hues. There are variances. Each pup is unique. Each person is unique. Each living situation is somewhat unique as well.

In Appreciation……

~SHELA AND CLIFF

Note: If you are part of the extended OwyheeStar family or on our waiting list, then please feel free to share your questions, comments, pointers, insights, experiences, and valued tips. Please keep in mind that all of our information is based from our experience and is our personal opinion.  Information found within this blog and on our website is not meant to replace that of your personal Veterinary. We are not licensed Veterinarians or licensed Vet Techs. We do not give treatment advice, diagnose illness, or consider ourselves the final authority on Veterinary medicine.

You may print or copy items ONLY for your own personal use! This Blog, information, and photos posted herein are copyright protected and remains the sole property of Cliff and Shela Nielsen. No unauthorized use is permitted. Owner’s Weim pictures are used with permission and the photos remain the sole property of their owners. (Confidentiality–OwyheeStar does not share names, phone numbers, Email addresses, or other contact information)