Questions to ask a Weimaraner breeder: a printable list for the phone call and the visit

Take this list to every breeder conversation: health tests and results, how puppies are raised, contracts and take-back, and what a good breeder asks you.

Written by

James

Updated

23 October 2026

Take this list to every conversation with a breeder: the first phone call, the visit, and the day you collect your puppy. A responsible breeder will be glad you asked, and will ask you just as much in return. Print it and compare breeders side by side; an interactive breeder conversation sheet is planned. It sits in the Find a Weim hub beside our full guide to choosing a responsible breeder.

How should I use this list?

The Royal Kennel Club recommends asking the most important questions before you visit, because "it's very difficult to resist a cute puppy" (Source: RKC, Questions to ask the breeder). So use the first list on the phone or by email, and only arrange a visit if you are happy with the answers. Take the second list with you to the visit.

Three habits help:

• Write the answers down. The RSPCA in England and Wales suggests asking how many puppies are in the litter on the phone and again at the visit, to check the answer is the same (Source: RSPCA, Finding a good puppy breeder).
• Ask for evidence. "Health tested" is not an answer. Ask for the result and the registered name, then look it up.
• Do not decide on the day. The Royal Kennel Club says not to buy if you feel pressured (Source: RKC, Visiting a breeder).

Before you visit

Why these questions:

• Health results, by country. In the US, the WCA asks to see OFA or PennHIP results and says both parents should have the club's recommended clearances (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder). A CHIC number "does not imply normal test results", only that the required tests were done and published, so ask for the results themselves (Source: WCA, CHIC). In the UK, the Royal Kennel Club's Best Practice tests for the breed are the BVA/KC hip and elbow schemes and the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme, and its Health Test Results Finder shows results for registered dogs (Source: RKC, Weimaraner). In Australia, Dogs Australia runs the CHEDS hip and elbow scheme (Source: Dogs Australia, CHEDS). Our health tests explained guide covers each scheme and the DNA tests, and our country guides for the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia say where to look results up.
• Rearing and socialisation. The WCA asks whether the breeder knows about "critical neonatal periods" and socialisation, and says puppies need gentle handling, human contact and a wide variety of noises and experiences (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder).
• Vet care. Ask what has been done and get it in writing; your own vet sets the plan after that.
• Registration and paperwork. In Australia, breeders who are members of Dogs Australia's state bodies must give a written receipt stating whether the puppy was sold on main or limited registration (Source: ANKC Ltd National Code of Practice).
• Contract and take-back. The WCA calls the take-back promise "the hallmark of responsible breeding", and suggests asking for the contract before you see the puppy (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder).

At the visit

Why these points:

• The mother. The Royal Kennel Club says you should always be able to see the mother interacting with her puppies, and to consider walking away if you cannot, whatever the reason given (Sources: RKC, Questions to ask the breeder; RKC, Visiting a breeder). The WCA says it is important at least to see the mother, and to check her general health and temperament (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder).
• The puppies and their home. The Royal Kennel Club says puppies should appear "happy, healthy and inquisitive", that the breeder should show you where the dogs are kept and where the puppies were born, and that it is a good sign to be put on a waiting list (Source: RKC, Visiting a breeder). If a puppy looks unwell, do not buy it.
• Paperwork. The Royal Kennel Club says the breeder should be happy to give you their vet's details and to show you registration certificates, vaccination information and health certificates (Source: RKC, Visiting a breeder). Our breeder guide lists the legal identifiers some places require.

What a good breeder asks you

A good breeder interviews you too. The WCA says to "expect caring breeders to be nosy", asking about your lifestyle, your other pets and your plans for the puppy (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder). The WCA Code of Ethics commits members to "thoroughly screen all prospective new owners" (Source: WCA Code of Ethics), and Dogs Australia's code requires breeders to make sure buyers have the time and facilities, such as adequate fences, room and shelter, to care for the dog (Source: ANKC Ltd National Code of Practice).

Expect to be asked who lives at home, how long the puppy will be left alone, what exercise and training you have in mind, whether you have had an active gundog before, whether your garden is secure, and what you would do if your circumstances changed. A breeder who asks you nothing is telling you something. If you are not sure how you would answer, read is a Weimaraner right for me? or try the breed-fit quiz.

What do the answers mean?

Good answers are specific and come with evidence: named tests, results you can look up, the registration type and the contract terms in writing. Good breeders talk openly about health problems in the breed: the WCA says to avoid anyone who answers "none" when asked about inherited problems (Source: WCA, How To Choose A Weimaraner Breeder). They often have a waiting list.

Worrying answers are vague, rushed or changing: "vet checked", "no problems in our lines", "the mother is out", a premium for a "blue" or "rare" puppy, or a deposit before you have met anyone. One is a reason to slow down; several are a reason to walk away. Our guides to puppy scams and red flags and to what a Weimaraner puppy costs explain the warning signs in detail.

In the UK, the Weimaraner Club of Great Britain asks its breeder members to follow a code of conduct, including not selling to dealers or pet shops (Source: WCGB, Puppies). Club membership is a starting point; the answers are still yours to check.

WeimLife does not list or recommend individual breeders. Our breeder listing standard explains the evidence any future listing would require.

Common questions

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