Purposeful breeding with careful research, thorough screening and exhaustive evaluation within a safe environment is the backbone of the Barrett Weimaraners breeding program. Dogs who are selected for breeding are done so with utmost consideration and become the next generation of ambassadors for the Weimaraner breed. Those who breed dogs produced by Barrett Weimaraners are considered part of “The Barrett Collective” and highly encouraged to share in our collective beliefs:
- Community. It takes a network of like-minded folks working together in order to both nourish and sustain the Weimaraner. Our community is made up of ambassadors, influencers, mentors, peers, and colleagues, and we trust one another whole heartedly.
- Activity. We aren’t title-baggers, but we DO like to keep a busy schedule. For starters, it’s just how Kim B. is wired, but really, it’s because we all love being with our dogs, training our dogs, competing with our dogs, breeding our dogs, placing our dogs, and promoting our dogs (as good examples of the Weimaraner breed). The titles we earn are not for Facebook bragging rights, but instead help paint a picture of how capable our dogs are in the tasks set before them. We use this information to guide our breeding program forward.
- Education. In an era of Google overload, it’s quite astounding to come across so many people who are still naieve about Weimaraners. As much as we are able, we educate the public about responsible ownership (which includes consistent training and health care). We also make a conscious effort everyday to further educate ourselves. Every litter should be bred with more knowledge than the litter before it. Every generation should inch towards the ideal Weimaraner.
- Philantrophy. As part of our active schedule, time should be carved out for involvement with Weimaraner clubs and rescue. Club involvement helps the Weimaraner cause, and Rescue involvement helps those who are needy. (And through education, we hope to eradicate the future need for Weimaraner rescue.)
- Respect. While we have our own breeding philosophy, we respect that other breeders have theirs, too. We generally respect every individual’s opinions about breeding, raising dogs, training dogs, etc. and never engage deeply in a public debate. We are drawn to influential individuals and shy away from those who illicit negative attention and reaction.
- Risk. Breeding can result in heartache. When this happens we don’t throw in the towel, but instead rely on one another to get past the sadness and move ahead. The information we take forward with us helps us make better decisions.
- Grit. The greater community can be marred with ignorance, negativity, and downright nastiness. We don’t have time to engage in such behaviors but instead keep our heads down, believe in the work we do, and adhere to our own ethics and values.
A Message to Weimaraner Breeders
Let’s work together! Weimaraner breeders who commit to owning a breeding-prospect Barrett Weimaraner are exempt from signing a formal Purchase Agreement. The owner will instead make a commitment via handshake to do right by the dog. The bundle of joy will come with a favorite blanket, AKC papers, vaccination records and aptitude test results, and we simply ask in return that we will do great things together. In an effort to diversity our bank of pedigrees, we’d also love the opportunity to welcome back into the Barrett Collective a puppy from your breeding program within the next five years.
The Barrett Collective
Kim & Barry Burnell, Anne Taguchi, Erin Smith, Lani Jones, Garret Andersen, Brent & Amanda Saxton, Stacy & Gene Yochum, Jason & Sasha Robertson, Mark & Kim Urbani, Rodney & Kristina Rihela, Brian and Gena Wagoner
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