Goals & World association
Why the IWK Matters
Our primary aim is to work together to preserve the Weimaraner as a high-performing hunting dog (working dog), in accordance with FCI standards.
Specifically, this involves international exchange to ensure a healthy breeding base, as well as cooperation in combating hereditary diseases. Furthermore, we aim to optimise, harmonise and standardise breeding and performance selection criteria internationally. Cooperation and participation in international trials should and must also be made easier for our dog handlers and members. The JGHV system serves as a model for performance tests. Another key issue is the protection of the breed through the fight against the illegal dog trade, specifically illegal and unregulated breeding operations. It is precisely in this area that we can achieve a great deal in future through the alliance of IWK member countries.
Unser oberstes Ziel ist das gemeinsame Eintreten für den Erhalt des Weimaraners als leistungsfähigen Jagdhund (Arbeitshund), gemäß den FCI-Standards.
Konkret geht es um den internationalen Austausch zur Sicherung einer gesunden Zuchtbasis sowie um die Zusammenarbeit bei der Bekämpfung von Erbkrankheiten. Darüber hinaus möchten wir die Zucht- und Leitstungsauswahlkriterien international optimieren, angleichen und vergleichbar machen. Die Zusammenarbeit und die Teilnahme an internationalen Prüfungen soll und muss auch für unsere Hundeführer/Mitglieder erleichtert werden. Vorbild für Leistungstests ist das System des JGHV. Ein weiterer zentraler Punkt ist der Schutz der Rasse durch die Bekämpfung des illegalen Hundehandels, konkret von Schwarz- und Umgehungszuchten. Gerade dabei können wir im Verbund der Mitgliedsländer des IWK künftig viel bewegen.
OBJECTIVES OF THE IWK
International Cooperation
Promotion and implementation of national and international testing, in particular to harmonise or make comparable breeding selection criteria (in particular according to the model of the JGHV Germany – breeding of hunting dogs umbrella organisation).
Healthy breeding & research
- International exchange for a healthy breeding base
- Cooperation in the fight against diseases, especially hereditary diseases
Breeding standards & tests
- Information about breeding bitches and stud dogs across borders
- Protection of dogs and breeding - intensive cooperation to jointly combat illegal dog trading or breeding
Support & animal welfare
- Promotes and bundles international relations around the hunting dog
- To set up an international archive, i.e. to collate and bundle information on Weimaraner breeding and make it available for further development
- Supporting the member clubs with problems in breeding in the respective country and internationally
Our working groups
Within the IWK, working groups take on specific areas of responsibility. In each group, representatives of the member clubs work together on a particular topic – such as health, breeding, events, or international cooperation.
International cooperation and events
We promote exchange between the IWK member clubs, coordinate international events, and ensure up-to-date information on the clubs’ websites. Once a year, we organize a joint meeting of all representatives to strengthen cooperation and personal connections.
Exchange on health and genetics
We connect breeding officers internationally in order to identify diseases and genetic risks at an early stage and to develop joint measures. The goal is a healthy breeding base, transparent communication, and, in the long term, a shared IWK database for breeding information.
Cooperation in breeding, breed standard FCI
We review how breeding advice and breeding selection are carried out in the individual countries and ensure compliance with the FCI breed standard. This also includes topics such as crossbreeding with other breeds and genetic identity verification.
Working tests and shows (exhibitions)
The Weimaraner is a working dog. We compare the testing and breeding requirements of the member clubs, promote international exchange, and work toward common standards for performance tests and breeding approvals.
The problem of illegal breeding and circumventing breeding regulations
We take a stand against illegal and non-standard breeding practices. Together with the member clubs, we develop strategies to combat such practices and strengthen responsible breeding standards.