1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
I am currently owned by a 12yr old SH (short hair) bitch and a 2yr old LH (longhair) dog. I have competed in obedience, agility & tracking with weims for more than 10 years.
3. How common is it in Australia?
Some areas seem to have more of them, others areas seem to have none. SH are more popular. LH are not so, reaching their "peak" with about 40 pups registered in the early noughties.
4. What is the average lifespan?
I know of quite a few Weims over 12yrs!
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
As per all the books etc. but beware..... Some individuals can be very stubborn and once they decide that they are not going to do something it takes alot of convincing otherwise and still you may not convince them! (I own one of these personalities). You need to stay one step ahead of them in training, they will invent a 'better way' to do things. However, they are a very devoted, loving dog. They are happiest living with their family and will insist on being with you most of the time (usually lying on/at your feet if you are stationary for more than 1 minute). They also love being the centre of attention (good or bad). They can be very wary or ignorant of strangers.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
Depends on the dog, but definitely need off lead running. They are a high energy dog and if this need isn't met they will drive you insane!! But they will lie on the bed with you for days when you are sick with flu!
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Depends on the person, and the amount of time they are willing to spend with the dog.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
Not ideal, it is not in their breed development to be alone.
9. How much grooming is required?
Minimal, little bit more effort required when dropping coat during a change in the season.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Weis are actually very gentle with small children and can be very devoted to them, especially if they have been raised with them. However, like all dogs, need supervison, especially when they get excited. They are a large dog and can easily knock a child over, but they can make great companions for families with children.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
There are a number of possible hereditary problems that do occur (bloat, HD, Auto immune issues etc.), and a buyer should be aware of most of them, as 'common' problems depends on lines and frequency of occurrence.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
When buying a puppy a buyer should ask ALL OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS, after they have researched the breed themselves.
Additionally a buyer should be asking how many of their puppies go to pet, show, trialling homes?
How many puppy buyers are repeat buyers (ie, come back for a second puppy from the same breeder)?
Will the breeder be available for advice for the life of the dog, will the breeder take back a dog for re-homing at any point in the dog's life.
Can the buyer talk/contact other puppy buyers from previous litters?
