The Weimaraner is a dog that needs plenty of exercise and a place to run. Try to avoid running them after a meal as they may develop a life threatening bloat. This breed of dog will do better with three smaller meals a day rather then two or even one large meal. This is a very protective dog and can be a one person or one family dog. They may not be trusted with other pets due to their strong prey instinct. They may fight other canines. They need to be socialized with children and very young children are in danger of being knocked over but this athletic, highly active dog. They have a coat that is very pleasing to the touch. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Weimaraner is no exception. Be on the look out for bleeding disorders, gastric tension and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Weimaraner has an easy care sleek, short and smooth coat that feels like heaven to the touch. She should be brushed regularly and rubbed down with a chamois to make her coat shine. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Weimaraner can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Weimaraner comes from Germany where they were used to hunt big game. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1943.

Some Registries

• Weimaraner Club of America
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Average litter Size

5 to 7 Weimaraner puppies

Category

Sporting, Gundog

Terms To Describe

Aristocrat, speed, grace, balance, alert, friendly, affectionate, obedient, alert, fearless

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• Very good watch dog.
• Very good guard dog.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• May be a bit headstrong.
• Must be kept exercised.

Other Names Known By

Weimar Pointer, Gray Ghost

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.

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.