Investigate Breeders:

For the good of the breed we cherish and you as potential WHV owners, the WHVCA wants you to become an informed and savvy buyer. Often times, demand exceeds supply with WHV puppies… and out of desperation, you feel compelled to take a chance.  Patience is recommended to find a breeder with whom you feel comfortable, and then work with him or her. The wait is worth it!

As you meet and interview breeders evaluate their business practices and commitment to the breed and to the individual dogs they own, breed and sell.  If you feel uncomfortable at any time, listen to your ‘gut feelings’ and look elsewhere.

Your dog’s breeder should be someone you will feel comfortable calling any time in the future if you have questions or concerns about your WHV.  WHV breeders should explain their goals to you, both long term and for a current litter.

Good WHV breeders will:

·         Research pedigrees to better understand and mitigate health risks

·         Be members of recognized dog clubs that actively seek to protect and preserve the future of the breed

·         NOT sell breeding pairs

·         Willingly discuss both positive and negative aspects of the breed

·         Evaluate each puppy for strengths and weaknesses, and seeks to match you with an appropriate puppy.

Details you need to confirm:

Pedigree: 

The breeder should be able to provide pedigree information on the sire (father) and dam (mother).

Test/show Results:  The breeder should proudly provide proof of the accomplishments of the parents of the puppy, including hunt tests and the show ring (conformation).  The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) has test results available on their website.  You can also look over the NAVHDA Testing pages specific to WHV here on our site.

Health Clearances: The breeder should have information available regarding the health test results for the puppy's parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The more dogs tested and cleared against hip dysplasia and other health problems in the puppy's background, the better!  Go to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website and look up the dogs where you have an interest.

Other ways to gather information on breeders:

Talk to current puppy owners:  A good breeder should be able to provide references to puppy buyers, current dog owners, and breed club members.

Check to see if the breeder has a website:  Often times, details on pedigrees, health clearances, and hunt test/conformation results are easily accessed via the internet.

Attend events where the breeder/breed participates:  Whether it is a show or a hunt test, dog people love to talk about dogs!  Take the time to go and observe the dogs in person, and mention to those around you your intent to acquire a puppy and then sit back and listen.

Select a Breeder:

Based on what you have learned investigating the breed and then the breeders, you should have a good idea of several who you might want to work with to obtain a WHV.  Now is the time to pick up the phone and give the select breeders a call if you haven’t done so already.  Reputable breeders will want you to know as much as possible about the breed characteristics to ensure a good match. They carefully screen puppy buyers to ensure that the buyer has the knowledge, environment and facilities to properly care for their WHV.

Expect the breeder to ask some questions first… some examples might be:

• Have you owned a WHV before?  If not, have you owned a sporting dog?
• Do you own any other pets now?
• Why a WHV instead of another breed?
• Housedog or kennel dog?
• Urban, suburban, or rural home?
• Property size, fence, proximity to neighbors?

The WHVCA has put together a questionnaire for you print and use to be sure the important questions have been asked and answers provided.