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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 come command is one of the most important you can teach any dog. Begin your training indoors where there are few distractions. During your first few sessions with your puppy, keep him on a leash. Say his name firmly to get his attention and gently pull the leash toward you.

When he approaches you due to the pulling leash and stands directly before you then this is when you praise him. Repeat these steps, gradually removing the leash and moving to a more distracting location. Get your family involved to provide distractions rather than taking him to an unfenced area where the early stages of puppy training are not good enough to prevent him from running into the street and possibly being injured.

The sit and stay command is a basic one you should incorporate into your Weimaraner puppy training goals as well. As you teach the sit command, begin by observing your pup and when he begins the act of sitting by himself, make sure the “sit” command is given quickly and praise him when his rear touches the floor. This will make actual training sessions go naturally smoother as he is already familiar with the word. The stay command should be taught in a similar manner to the come command. Begin with a leash in a quiet place and gradually increase the difficulty of the situation.

Once your dog knows sit and stay in the sitting position, the down command is a good one to teach next. Let him smell a treat in one hand as you grasp his collar firmly with the other hand. Very gradually transfer the doggie treat toward the floor and your puppy should follow it with his head. When he gets close to the floor, say the down command and praise him when he follows through.

The titles of some of my favorites are:

My Arrival – Chimney tells how some people came to the kennel to choose a dog for their pet and the little girl picked “Susie” an Irish Setter. The litter of kittens was spotted under a chair and Chimney was the one chosen to go along with Susie.

The Naming of Me – Chimney tells how he got his name.

Time Wasting – Chimney tells why he hates to see people working.

Susie – Mother – When Susie had eleven puppies in all and how proud she was at that time.

My Favourite Person – Chimney explains what a joy it is for families to have a Granddad.

My First Christmas – This one is my very favorite of all. Chimney tells about his first time seeing a Christmas tree. If anyone has a cat, this poem will mean so much to you and I’m sure it will give you many laughs. I could go on and on because I own a cat and many of these poems bring back some fond memories.

Pamela Douglas has done an excellent job with these poems. Any reader, young or old, will come away with the feeling that the cat is “really” the one telling the story in these poems. The author uses her writing skills and creative imagination to make the reader feel this way.

If you are a cat lover, this is a must read book of poems. If you don’t own a cat, you might want to get one after reading this book. Parents will enjoy reading these poems to their younger children. What a combination – cat adventures made into poetic stories!

What I really liked about the author’s writing style is that she makes the reader aware that cats are keenly aware of everything going on around them. If you have ever had a cat, you are well aware of this trait.

There are also several poems that teach lessons with messages such as Sadie’s Sore Paw. Sadie stepped on a piece of glass due to someone “littering” the countryside. Another example of a message is All Pals Together where we learn it is important to “share and appreciate friends.”

Be sure to pick up a copy of Chimney & Co. You will find the poems funny, a learning experience and very entertaining.