When most people picture a Weimaraner, they picture a large, regal-looking dog with a short, gray coat. This gray is often a muted brown, giving the dog’s color an overall sepia tone, like an old photograph. However, there is another coat color for Weimaraners. This color is also gray, but is richer, darker, and has beautiful undertones of blue. Whereas the standard Weimaraner’s gray coat color is derivative of a brown coat, the Blue Weimaraner’s coat color is a muted black with no brown hues. Blue Weimaraners range from a slate gray to a dark gunmetal color. These dogs are quite beautiful, though somewhat rare.

Many Weimaraner clubs accept this gorgeous coat variation without hesitation. Unfortunately, most large canine registries refuse to recognize the Blue Weimaraner and see its coat color, however attractive, as a flaw. Until the 1970s, this was not always the case. In ’72, the American Kennel Club altered its regulations for the breed to ban Blue Weimaraners from competing in the ring, however, the American Kennel Club will allow registration of a Blue Weimaraner under certain circumstances. For instance, if both the dog’s sire and dam are AKC registered, he or she can be registered with the AKC as well. The thing is, registration with the AKC doesn’t imply full acceptance. Blue Weimaraners are only allowed to compete in non-breed specific competitions, such as agility trials, obedience trials, and other various competitions that are based on performance instead of appearance.

It is assumed that the Blue Weimaraner is an intentional variation of the genetic breed, as this darker coat coloration has only appeared very, very rarely when not specifically bred for. In fact, there are only two documented cases of Blue Weimaraners being born to a gray sire and gray dam in the twentieth century, the first of which was in Austria in the latter half of the ’40s. A man called Captain Holt was traveling through Germany and was entranced by this different-colored dog. He purchased his new Weimaraner, imported him to the United States, and used him to sire many generations of beautiful Blue Weimaraners. This single dog is considered the primary reason for the expansion of the Weimaraner’s blue coat variation in the United States. Many of the dogs sired by Captain Holt’s Blue Weimaraner were champions of their breed.

Originally, when Captain Holt discovered the Blue Weimaraner, it was assumed that the blue coat gene was recessive. In previous years, studies of the genetics and breeding patterns of the Weimaraner have proved just the opposite. The genes that dictate coat color of a dog are called “alleles”. The Weimaraner breed posses only two of these: blue and gray. Not all blue alleles are passed down from sire or dam to puppy, so it is possible that Weimaraners of blue parents can be born gray. However, if the puppy does inherit the blue allele, its coat color will most definitely be blue.

The Blue Weimaraner is a beautiful and impressive variation of the standard Weimaraner. Many Blue Weimaraner enthusiasts consider it very unfortunate and short-sighted that this fascinating coloration is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and other large dog registries. Fans and breeders of the Blue Weimaraner are fighting to not only ensure the health and longevity of the breed, but to have the AKC recognize the Blue Weimaraner as a valid breed in competition.

The decision to purchase or adopt a Weimaraner puppy is not one to be taken lightly! Weimaraners are notoriously athletic and extremely energetic. They are ideal for people who jog or run regularly, those who have large yards in which to play with and exercise their dogs, or nature-lovers who plan to hike, camp, and explore with their new pet. Weimaraners can keep up with their humans even if they have the most active lifestyle imaginable, but can become very bored and depressed if not properly exercised. Boredom and depression in dogs can lead to many behavioral issues, including aggression and other destructive behaviors. If you do not lead an active lifestyle or do not have plenty of time to devote to a new household companion, the Weimaraner breed is not for you.

The first step in adopting any puppy or dog, Weimaraner or otherwise, is to research the kennel or breeder from which you are going to acquire your new pet. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid pet stores in general, as many pet stores sell dogs that are improperly bred or inbred, and this can result in severe health and temperament problems. If you choose to adopt your Weimaraner from a kennel or shelter, make sure that you are able to handle an adult dog and deal with any behavioral issues that may have developed in previous ownership. Many shelter dogs have been improperly trained, neglected, or even abused, and you will need to do some extra training work with your new friend to efficiently correct these behaviors. If you choose to purchase your new Weimaraner puppy from a breeder, you should do your research exactly as you would in any other large investment. Ask to speak to owners of pups sired by a potential breeder, verify bloodlines to ensure that there has been no inbreeding, and ask for AKC registration. All responsible and reputable breeders will be willing and happy to hand over this information. After all, it is there job to assure that your new pet will be a happy and health addition to your home!

If you are dead-set on having a pet Weimaraner, you should research the breed as much as possible prior to purchasing or adopting your new companion. Weimaraners, as such energetic and intelligent animals, need constant stimulation and lots of physical activity. Fortunately, this makes them ideal for various competitions. From being shown in the ring to taking part in agility, hunting, and obedience trials, Weimaraners excel at competition. The training process for these types of competitions not only provides you with a fantastic boding experience for you and your dog, but it will provide much of the necessary exercise and mental stimulation that Weimaraners so desperately need.

Basic temperament testing when going to look at litter of puppies is always a good idea, as well. Checking for responsiveness, attentiveness, and energy levels is a good indication of the train-ability of your future pup. If one puppy repeatedly ignores you while another wants to jump in your lap and play, it will tell you a lot about what kind of dog your new friend will become when he or she grows up! Pay close attention and do extensive research before acquiring any new puppy to ensure that you will have a happy, healthy pet that suits your lifestyle.

The Weimaraner, or “grey ghost” as it is commonly nicknamed, is an intelligent, loyal dog originally bred in Germany for hunting large game. The Weimaraner’s majestic beauty, friendliness and loyalty are enough to win over any dog lover, though a Weimaraner does not make the perfect pet for just anyone. The Weimaraner thrives on adequate exercise, intellectual stimulation and being a part of a family in which the dog’s role is clear.

The Weimaraner is an exuberant lover of life who needs an active and equally enthusiastic owner. To say the Weimaraner is boisterous would be an understatement. If you are looking for a lethargic couch dog, steer clear of the Weimaraner. If you are looking for a companion ready to hike miles into the wilderness with you, join you on regular runs, swim with you in the lake and curl up in bed with you at the end of the day, the Weimaraner may be the family member you are seeking.

High energy and stamina along with a strong scenting ability and intelligence make the Weimaraner an excellent hunting dog. Intense loyalty, a protective nature and an eagerness to obey its leader make the Weimaraner the perfect member of the right family-and a member of the family is just what a Weimaraner wants to be. However, a Weimaraner who does not receive adequate exercise, discipline and stimulation will take out its energy through unwanted behavior, and that could mean destruction to belongings and a headache for the entire family.

If you decide to bring a Weimaraner into your home, obedience training and discipline are absolutely critical from the start. While a disciplined, well-exercised Weimaraner will be eager to fulfill your every command and come back for more, an undisciplined one will exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing, jumping and being a colossal pest. Such behavior is simply a show of dominance or an outlet for releasing pent up energy, and can be prevented through exercise and proper leadership. The Weimaraner is headstrong and determined, and will naturally assume the role as leader of the household if not taught otherwise. Every member of a household adopting a Weimaraner must be willing to actively participate in creating an environment of structure and discipline in which the dog will thrive.

Before adopting any purebred dog, it is encouraged to educate yourself about the temperament, care and health issues associated with the breed in consideration. If possible, speak with others who have owned or had experience with the breed. Resist the temptation to take home a puppy of a breed with which you are unfamiliar, even if an adorable puppy dog face is luring you in. Dogs of different breeds vary widely in personality, energy level and maintenance. Be sure that you select a dog based on your lifestyle and ability to fulfill the needs of the dog.

Very intelligent and sensitive these dogs crave companionship. They are at their happiest when amongst humans and a member of the family. Many pet owners do mention that they’re just like humans in the way they think about problems. So like humans they need plenty of companionship and exercise.

The breed can be described as a medium to large sized bird dog with a muscular body, deep chest, and a long neck with a slightly pointed face. Its long ears rest folded and hang close to the head.

A Weimaraner has only two color alleles and in order to make a Blue Weimaraner, at least one allele should be blue. If a Weimaraner has inherited a blue allele, then it will be blue.

Training of a Weimaraner should start as soon as the dog is brought home to enforce the house/family rules and these should be kept strict so the dog understands what is allowed and what is not.

Owners need patience, as this breed is particularly energetic and difficult to control during the first year and a half of its life. Like many breeds, untrained and unconfined young dogs often create their own diversions when left alone, such as chewing house quarters and furniture.

Historically, ownership of these alluring gray dogs was carefully guarded and breeding was strictly controlled by the nobles, and later by The Weimaraner Club of Germany. In fact ownership of the Weimaraner was carefully restricted for decades and only members of the upper class German Weimaraner Club were allowed to own the breed. Given this exclusive ownership, almost all of these dogs lived indoors and where highly pampered, leading to the strong attachment to family life which continues to this day.

A Weim (as they are affectionately known) is not for a person or family that works all day or who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to the dog. Their energy level is very high. A Weim is a lot of dog and obedience training is a must. In obedience training, you will learn that to heel is a very specific position for your dog, and you will need to use it a lot when out with them.

Nevertheless, Weims are a very special breed of dogs and most fall in love with them because they have such human characteristics. But, please be sure to research the breed before purchasing, and be careful to make sure a Weim is right for you. Weims have to be tolerated as world-class house un-decorators and de-landscapers. They can be like having and extra child!

They have lots of energy, as they were bred originally to hunt all day with their master. Changing this behavior changes that essential Weim requirement at your peril, so make sure you exercise you Weim continually.

Weimaraners are often kind to children, but like any dog are not recommend for very young ones because they can be boisterous enough to accidentally knock a child down.

This breed likes to bark as well!

But, most will love their dependence on human companionship which is exceptionally strong among these dogs, and the fact that they will give so much unconditional love and affection for the family.

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is an extremely painful disease of the bone that usually affects large breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherd, Retrievers and Weimaraners. If you are an owner of Weimaraners, knowing facts, treatment and prevention of this disease is an aid in keeping your beloved gray ghost in good condition.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy or HOD is known in other names such as skeletal scurvy, Moller-Barlow’s disease, osteodystrophy II and metaphyseal dystrophy. Apart from large breed dogs, this disease also affects young and rapidly growing dogs. It may occur to puppies two to seven months old. The causes of the disease are not currently known but it has been speculated to include decreased vitamin C, excessive vitamin other than vitamin C, increased mineral, infection with canine distemper and excessive calcium supplementation.

HOD shows up as a severe lameness and pain affecting multiple limbs. Weimaraners troubled with this disease may show reluctance to move and may refuse to stand up at all. Depression, loss of appetite, lethargy as well as fever may be experienced. Fever may not manifest in the early stage of the disease but may rise as high as 106 degrees as the disease progresses. Some symptoms resolve on their own, some causes permanent structural damage and some die from this disease.

In most cases, diagnosis is based on the history, symptoms, physical exam and confirmed by x-rays. This disease may go away on its own but since Weimaraners are affected with the severe form, immediate treatment is necessary. Treatment of HOD is supportive. It usually consists of anti-inflammatories and painkillers such as aspirin, carprofen, butazolidin, etodolac and arquel. Give proper amount of liquid and nutritious diet that is low in calcium. The dog is placed on an adult or large breed growth diet and over-supplementation with vitamins and minerals is discontinued. Good nursing care and rest on a comfortable warm bed is recommended. Some dogs will just lie down and may not be willing to move so it is important to keep them moving to prevent bedsores.

To prevent this disease, high-calorie diets should not be given to large or giant breed dogs. Over supplementation of vitamins and minerals should as well be avoided because they do more harm than good. Vaccine should be administered however, modified live vaccine should not be given to Weimaraners. Instead of modified live, killed virus vaccines should be administered instead to prevent HOD.

The Weimaraner is a pointer and an all-around hunting dog. They were originally destined only for royalty to use to hunt, track and bring down big game such as boar, bears, elk and deer. Today the Weimaraner is adapted to smaller game and upland birds and has a reputation as a fine water retriever.

A certain amount of aggression is innate to the breed and they serve well as personal and property protection. They make good pets for families with older children and a firm, experienced trainer.

The Appearance
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years

The Weimaraner is a relatively large and very athletic and muscular dog. The head is long and aristocratic and the muzzle is strong. The ears are moderately long and pendant. It has long legs with defined muscle tone and webbed feet for swimming. The tail is docked to 1½ inches.

The Weimaraner is nicknamed ‘silver ghost’ or ‘gray ghost’ because of their distinctive blue gray coloring which is very rare in dogs. Even more rate is the longhaired variety. The smooth, short-haired coat is easy care for.

Using in the Field
Weimaraners were once used to hunt large game. Today they are mostly used for retrieving and flushing out small game but, if given a chance, will go after bigger game like deer and even bear as this dog is fearless. It can hunt well in the water as well as on dry land.

Although slower than many other gundogs, the Weimaraner is an energetic and powerful dog with a good sense of smell. A passionate worker prized for their physical endurance and stamina, it can be used for all kinds of hunting.

At Home
The Weimaraner is a loyal companion who will protect his family and chase away or even kill any animal that comes into your yard regardless of size. They are frequently kind to children but are energetic and may harm smaller children accidentally due to their enthusiastic playfulness.

This is not a breed that can be left along for long periods of time as they tend to suffer sever separation anxiety. The Weimaraner also has a tendency to steal food from counter tops and chew furniture if not adequately supervised and given the opportunity to work off excess energy.

This breed likes to bark, and may be combative with other dogs unless properly trained from a young age.

The History
The breed is several centuries old and is believed to have descended from the Mastiff and the Vizsla with albinism as the main cause of their unusual coloring. Similar dogs date back as far as the 13th Century. These prized dogs lived with the family instead of in kennels, something that was very unusual at the time. As a result, the Weimaraner of today needs the companionship of its human owner and will not thrive in a kennel environment.

The Weimaraner name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, whose court enjoyed hunting. The dogs first came to the United States at the beginning of the 20th Century where they soon became a popular hunting dog as well as a family pet.

Originally developed for hunting, Weimaraners are great and versatile dogs, perfect for show, field, obedience, tracking and agility.

It was in the 19th century when this breed was developed and were used by royalty for hunting large game such as boar, bears, deer and foxes. Weimaraners were later used for hunting smaller animals such as fowl, rabbits and foxes when popularity of large game hunting declined.

Size. Female Weimaraners are between 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) and males are between 24-27 inches (61-69 cm). The weight of the females are generally between 50-70 pounds (23-32 kgs) and males are between 55-85 pounds (25-38 kgs).

Appearance. The Weimaraner has short, fine, smooth gray coat that led to its nickname, “gray ghost” or silver ghost. The coat’s color range from mouse-gray to silver-gray. The eyes may be amber, gray or blue-gray. The color of the head and ears are lighter than the rest of the body, with ears moderately long. The head is also long and aristocratic. The tail is docked to 1 1/2 inches (4cm) when the dog is two days old.

In rare cases, there are also long haired variety that is recognized by most kennel clubs in the world except in North America. This variety has silky coat and undocked, feathered tail.

Temperament. Weimaraners are intelligent and fast learners giving them the nickname “dog with a human brain”. This breed is happy, loving and cheerful suitable as household pet but is not as friendly towards strangers just like Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Thorough socialization when young will prevent aggression. Firm and appropriate training and exercise are necessary to help them control their behavior since this breed requires vigorous exercise, games or running.

Health. Weimaraners are prone to bloat (gastric torsion) because of their deep chest. To prevent bloat, it is better to feed them two to three small meals a day instead of one large meal. Rigorous exercise right after meals should as well be avoided. This breed is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypertropic osteodystrophy (too rapid growth) and tumors. Other health issues include cryptorchidism, distichiasis, Von Willebrands Disease, entropion, hypothyroidism, renal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Grooming. Weimaraner with short and smooth coat is easy to groom. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush, occasional dry shampoo and a rub of chamois is enough to make the coat shine and keep your Weim in good condition. Keep the nails trimmed and check the mouth after work or exercise.