The Weimaraner
The Weimaraner originated in Germany and was bred to hunt down foxes, birds, boar, rabbits, deer, fowl and even bears! They are also used as retrievers on land and on water making them a versatile, useful hunting partner. They are thought to be a mixture of Pointers, Braken’s (a type of German Hound), and Mastiff’s.
This breed has a lean, toned body and muscular straight legs. They have a long muzzle, large circular eyes and floppy, triangular ears. The Weimaraner has a unique coat colouring which is a gray-ish blue as well as a matching nose and nails. Naturally their tail is long and slender, but for showing purposes it will be docked.
The Weimaraner is a responsive, outgoing, and energetic breed that will need a large amount of exercise daily to keep them mentally and physically healthy. These dogs will become very rowdy and hyperactive indoors if they do not get taken out at least twice per day. They are an affectionate breed that are loyal to their masters but are not recommended for people that want a low key pet.
Breed Group
Sporting
Size
Males: 24-27 inches high
Females: 22-25 inches high
Weight
Males: 55-70 lbs
Females: 50-65 lbs
Color(s)
The Weimaraner will only come in one coat colour which is the steel blue-ish gray. There are to be no spotting or markings on the dog and consistency in colour is a must. The eyes may be gray, yellow or blue and the nose must correspond with the shade of gray the coat comes in.
Coat
This breed has a short, sleek coat that will need very minimal grooming. Weimaraner’s also come in a rare long haired version that will have fur about 1-2 inches in length but most commonly seen is the smooth coated variety.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years.
Personality
The Weimaraner will be a hard worker as well as a great family pet if owned by the correct person. These dogs are definitely not for the first time owner because they can be remarkably stubborn and will need firm, repetitive obedience training by someone who has knowledge of this subject. They will also need large amounts of exercise and affection for them to flourish into happy, loving dogs. The Weimaraner will interact well with other dogs and children but should not be around small family pets such as cats, hamsters, rats etc. because they have a high prey drive and will chase or hunt them when nobody is looking.
These dogs are incredibly energetic and thrive on their owners love and affection! They are not the type to be left alone too often because they will become depressed, bored and even neurotic. 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.
Care
The Weimaraner will need very minimal grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once every 2 weeks and bathing every 2 months will be perfect! They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and bloat. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and distichiasis may also be genetic ailments this breed may inherit.
Training
These dogs will need an experienced, patient owner to teach them any sort of obedience, agility, or hunting training. They are clever dogs but will be stubborn and uninterested in training at times, so short lessons done multiple times per day is suggested so they do not get overwhelmed with all the new information. Weimaraner’s need to be taught using very gentle methods or they will become discouraged and unmotivated.
Activity
Weimaraner’s will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out! Running at an off-leash park, swimming or climbing on a hike will be perfect to burn off their energy. Without proper physical activity, these dogs will become neurotic and even destructive of their owners home, so exercise daily is a must. This breed will do well living in an apartment as long as they are taken out every day, and a backyard is not needed but access to one would be a bonus.