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.

They may be considered as hunting dogs but they do make great household pets too. In fact, some owners even consider their weimaraners as additional members of the family in which pets are loved and taken cared of just like mothers to their children. The love for the animal is so great that some even consider having their pets insured.

Don’t think that insurance is for humans, houses or cars only. There also exist insurance companies that cater to the needs of our furry four-legged friends. Some people consider pet insurance as unnecessary expense, but come to think of it! What if Fido contacted a disease that can’t be home cured? What if you later found out that the disease is a chronic disease and will cost thousands of dollars in order to treat Fifi? Being in this situation could be so heart-breaking knowing that there is nothing you can do to save your friend or if there is, will definitely leave a very big hole in your pocket.

With the economy right now, you cannot expect everything to be cheap much more free. Medicine costs and veterinary bills can mount up faster than you can imagine. Because of lack of funds, some owners have no choice but to give up their pet or worst, have these poor creatures put down. But with pet insurance, you will never have to go through this. You will never have to sacrifice your dog’s health, your dog’s life. You will never have to suffer the guilt if you neglected your dog in times when he needed you the most.

One rule of thumb when getting insurance, understand the policy, rules, regulations and requirements. Some cover health, hospitalization, veterinary care and medicine while some include life and accident. There are lots of factors to consider when getting insurance. These factors include but not limited to breed, age, living conditions, activities and level of care provided by the owner.

Check if that insurance is accepted by your vet or if your vet is accepted by your insurance company. You also need to know if the insurance covers regular scheduled check-ups, preventive medication, vaccination, grooming and others.

Some premiums are paid monthly, some quarterly and some annually. Find out which one best suit you and your dog’s needs.

The Sporting Group includes pointers, setters, retrievers and many spaniels. This group of fairly active dogs is composed of a wide variety of breeds, which were developed to aid hunters by finding, flushing out and retrieving game. Members of this group all need a fair amount of exercise but you don’t have to be a hunter to own one of these dogs. Many breeds in this group are usually very good with children and include the: English Setter; Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Flat Coated Retriever. Dogs in this group range in size from small dog breeds like the American Cocker Spaniel up to medium to large dog breeds with the setters (English, Irish and Gordon) and the Weimaraner being the largest The two most popular family dogs in the world are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. The top ten most popular sporting dogs in the US are the following.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the US (#1) and one of the best family dogs in the world. The Lab is gentle, loyal, intelligent and extremely reliable with children. These large-sized Retrievers are not apartment dogs but can adapt well to city living if they are given sufficient exercise. The Labrador is good natured and eager to learn and can be easily trained to do everything from competitive obedience and field trials to becoming a “seeing-eye” dog for the blind.

2. Golden Retriever

This Retriever is a good hunting dog, seeing-eye dog, obedience and agility competitor, and outstanding family dog. The extremely popular (#2) Golden is a gentle, confident and loyal dog that is cheerful, trustworthy and responsive to training. This breed makes a wonderful family dog that is friendly with everyone – both human and other animals. This large-sized Retriever does very well with children but toddlers should always be supervised as young untrained dogs can be over exuberant.

3. Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller than its English cousin – the English Cocker Spaniel. This beautiful spaniel has a luxurious thick and silky coat with trousered legs. This small- to medium- sized gun dog can be used for hunting and retrieving but is extremely popular (#15) as a companion and show dog. Cockers get along extremely well with children and strangers and can adapt to apartment living if exercised twice daily.

4. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired is a very athletic gun-dog that doesn’t belong in the city. This large-sized dog is loyal, intelligent and eager to learn and can be trained for field, agility and obedience competitions. This breed is extremely popular (#20) but needs to be challenged both mentally and physically. The breed makes a good family dog but may be too exuberant for toddlers and small children

5. English Springer Spaniel

The cheerful medium-sized English Springer Spaniel is the progenitor of the English hunting spaniels and the largest of the spaniel dog breeds. These popular (#28) Spaniels make both excellent hunting retrievers and good family dogs that get along well with children. Some Springer bloodlines have shown some aggression and dominance so early socialization and obedience training for males should be a priority.

6. Weimaraner

The popular (#30) Weimaraner is a large-sized hunting dog breed. This high-energy dog needs an athletic family that can satisfy his demanding exercise requirements. The Weimaraner needs an experienced owner who can manage and control this headstrong breed and provide early socialization and on-going obedience training. This dog doesn’t do well with children unless it is raised with them. Weims need to live indoors and spend a lot of time with their families. Well trained Weimaraners are a delight but poorly trained dogs can be destructive, rambunctious, have a high prey drive and try to dominate other dogs.

7. Brittany

The Brittany Spaniel is an active medium-sized dog that is intelligent, loyal and easy to train. It makes a terrific hunting dog or family pet and requires very little grooming and does very well with all children. This popular breed (#30) needs lots of exercise and makes a fairly good watchdog.

8. Vizsla

The Short-haired Vizsla is a popular (#44) medium- to large-sized hunting dog breed with an elegant bearing and strong and muscular appearance. The Vizsla is lively, sweet, affectionate and somewhat sensitive. This athletic, sporty and agile breed needs lots of exercise and lots of human companionship. Vizlas must be socialized and trained early to build confidence and prevent neurotic behaviour. This is not a city dog and it needs to live with a very active family.

9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chessie is the strongest and most powerful of the sporting dogs. This large dog loves hunting but also is a great family dog and gets along well with all children. This intelligent breed is quite popular (#49) and somewhat distrustful of strangers and makes a good watchdog. Chesapeakes are not city dogs and need a lot of regular exercise and love to go swimming.

10. Irish Setter

The popular (#67) Irish is an exuberant, happy-go-lucky, goofy, kind, charming and intelligent dog. This breed has no aggression and welcomes everybody. These Setters can be somewhat independent and easily distracted but are intelligent and eager to learn and therefore can be trained fairly easily. The Irish is a superb hunting dog and must have lots of exercise with challenging field and retrieval exercises. If these dogs are given early obedience training, they adapt very well to older children. However this breed is so lively and impulsive when it is young that it could knock toddlers over.

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.

Probably by now, you have already decided the objectives of your Weimaraner training. As an all-purpose gun dog, it is expected that the Weimaraner is good in hunting at the same time protector of his family and territory. Thus Weimaraner training is usually aimed to create a hunting dog and a well-mannered four-legged member of the family.

What do you think is better than a reliably house trained Weimaraner dog? Having this elegant and noble yet with athletic appearance dog is a joy and pride to its owners. But having a reliably house trained one is way better.

Housebreaking, also called potty training or house training is one of the major concerns of most dog owners. Naturally, one cannot expect a dog to go straight to his owner and say “I need to go” or “I need to do this now or else I’ll stain your highly-valued rug you got from your last trip abroad.” As dog owner, it is your responsibility to see to it that the four-legged creature you brought home do what is appropriate, in a human’s perspective at least.

The first tip in housebreaking is to establish regular feeding schedule. So if you feed your dog thrice a day, you have to do this almost at the same time everyday. This process will help you establish your Weimaraner’s regular potty break. But how? 15 to 20 minutes after they ate or drank water, they usually pee or poop out. Thus you have to take your pet outside so as to avoid accident inside the house. Apart from every after meals, you also have to take him outside as soon as he wakes up in the morning, right after his naps, after taking him out of his crate, before bed time and if he whimpers in the night.

Another important tip is to watch out for signs indicating that he wants to do his thing. Restless behavior, heading toward a previously soiled spot, circling and sniffing the floor and/or digging at the floor are some signs indicating that it’s time you take him outside. Just be sure that you are always around to watch him to prevent the occurrence of mistakes.

And one more thing to remember, if you do not catch your puppy doing it, then you need not punish him for it. He will not understand that he is being punished for the mistake he did three hours ago. If caught in the act, do something to distract him – loud clap or the likes. Then take him out immediately to finish what he has started.

A reliably house trained Weimaraner is an indication that you successfully hurdled one important part of Weimaraner training.

The health and well being of your Weimaraners generally depend on the quality of foods you are feeding them. It is important to feed them with foods that contain necessary nutrients required by the breed. Their nutritional requirement is just like those that have been passed on from their ancestors, nutrients in which sources are similar to those found in their original environment.

Weimaraners should be given the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Decreased in vitamin C or excessive vitamin other than vitamin C is not good for your Weim. The deficiency or the excess may cause diseases particularly hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Excessive mineral and calcium supplementation are also reasons for the occurrence of HOD.

Using commercial dog food is probably the most convenient way to feed your Weimaraner. Lots of it are readily available in any pet stores, all you have to do is simply open the package and pour it into your dog’s food bowl. Commercial dog food comes into three types: dry, semi-moist and canned. Dry food, or kibble is commonly preferred because it is less expensive compared to semi-moist and canned food. It is believed that dry food or kibble benefits your dog’s dental care because the dry bits scrape tartar from the teeth during chewing. Canned foods are recommended to old age dogs or dogs with poor appetite due to illness or medical problem. However, canned foods are usually expensive and requires refrigeration once opened. When using commercial dog foods to feed your Weimaraner, read the product label carefully. Check the ingredients and make sure that it contains the necessary nutrients in right amounts.

Despite the convenience of using commercial dog foods, some owners prefer the noncommercial foods to ensure the quality of the food. Some believe that noncommercial food is expensive and time-consuming to prepare but in fact, it is also faster and cheaper provided correct planning has been done. With this type of food, you can be sure that your pet gets the fresh and best ingredients ideal for his health. Noncommercial foods are classified into two: home-cooked and raw diets.

The frequency of feeding depends on your pet’s age and activities. Feeding one full meal a day is not advisable for it can cause bloat, obesity or other digestive problems. Instead, spread out your Weimaraner’s feedings to at least twice daily. Free feeding, feeding in which food is left out all day is not good either. Rigorous exercise and other activities should be avoided right after meals.

Designed for the potential owner of the Weimaraner as well as the owner who is bringing home his Weimaraner today, this Breeders’ Best pet guide offers the best possible start for admirers of this elegant Sporting dog. This colorful, fact-filled book presents accurate, helpful information that addresses all of the questions that new owners must frequently ask. This responsible and reliable handbook contains precisely what you need to know. From how to find a reliable, qualified breeder to how to select a sound and healthy puppy, the authors guide you every step of the way. Written by Weimaraner breeders and highly regarded international judges Anitra and Roy Cuneo, Breeders’ Best Weimaraner offers helpful advice about house-training, sensible obedience training and effective problem solving, as well as responsible home care, health and veterinary concerns.

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.

Buying a collar and leash is probably one of the first things a new dog owner does as they are a necessity for proper control of your dog and an essential piece of equipment when training a new dog or puppy.

If you have a puppy then it’s likely they will quickly outgrow a collar or leash, so it is perfectly acceptable to buy non-expensive and lightweight equipment during this early stage of their life.

Many people like their dogs to wear a collar all of the time, but some ornamental collars will not stand up to a sudden movement or constant straining. You should therefore consider having 2 collars; one for ornamental purposes and another one for training your dog or puppy.

Even though puppies get plenty of exercise through play you should try and get your puppy accustomed to wearing their collar and leash at the earliest age possible.

Even if you do not intend your dog or puppy to wear a collar all the time you can buckle a light collar around their neck and leave it there for a number of days until your dog or puppy ignores its presence.

Do be aware that the neck hair of a long haired dog will be permanently marked if it wears a collar at all times so use common sense depending on your breed of dog or puppy.

A bolt and spring clip is best on the end of a leash and you should buy clips where the opening does not come at the point of most strain as they are liable to come apart.

Leather and nylon leads are a good choice and although many owners think chains would be stronger they can be very uncomfortable from the owner’s point of view.

If you are serious about training then you will be using a slip collar as this will provide you with much more control. A slip collar consists of a chain with a ring at either end, the chain is dropped through one of the rings to form a loop, which is then put over the dog’s head.

A pull on a slip collar is slightly uncomfortable for the dog providing focus for training, but when the lead is slack the collar is loose. The slip collar will only work well if the collar is put on correctly so you should practice to ensure the fit is best for you and your dog.

When using a leash take it in your right hand and ensure your dog walks on your left hand side. If using a slip collar the ring through which the chain is slipping should be underneath. Practice as much as possible with your collars and leads so that both you and your dog or puppy become familiar with them and you can both use them in the best possible way.

Once you have the right equipment you can begin basic exercises and lessons to train your dog for obedience, competitions or shows, providing pleasure and companionship for you and your dog or puppy.