When we got both of our Weimaraners, both times we went to the breeder's house where she gave us a full tour, we got to see the Mother of the puppy, where they were born, what they were being fed, where they slept, etc. Seeing the Mother and getting an idea of her temperment can be a good indicator of how your puppy will be. Both times the Mothers were friendly and happy well adjusted dogs, yet a little protective of her pups at the same time.
It's breeders like the one in the story above that give the good reliable ones a bad name.