Weimaraner - Dog Breeds

 Originally bred as a gundog to handle big game like deer and bear, the Weimaraner, or “Silver Ghost,” since a highly sought-after dog breed in their native Germany. Today, these elegant but demanding dogs can still be found out on the hunting grounds. However, they can also make fine family friends if they get enough exercise. As the quality of the breed dropped and temperament problems became common, the Weimaraner's popularity fell.

How they achieved their dream dog, first known as the Weimar Pointer, is unknown, but it's believed that the breeds used to create the Weimaraner included the Bloodhound, the English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the blue Great Dane, and the silver-gray Huehnerhund, or chicken dog.

Weimaraners can make excellent companions, but due to their hunting heritage, they have a lot of energy and high prey drive. Novice owners and apartment dwellers should beware, as this dog needs consistent training and plenty of activity. That said, if you’re prepared to meet the breed’s needs, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and affectionate addition to your family.

PetsCareTip recommends this big, spacious crate to give your big Weimaraner a plthece to rest and relax. You should also pick up this dog fetch toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy!

See all Weimaraner characteristics below!

Weimaraner Dog Breed Pictures

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs

Height: 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 55 to 85 pounds

Life Span: 11 to 13 years

More About This Breed

Your first exposure to the Weimaraner dog breed may have been through the photographs, calendars, and books of William Wegman, a photographer who uses wigs, costumes, and props to capitalize on the breed's ability to assume almost human expressions. His ever-patient Weimaraners have impersonated Louis XIV, posed in bed watching television, and appeared as Little Red Riding Hood.

But the Weimaraner's earliest job was to serve as an all-around hunting dog who handled big game such as deer, bear, and wolves. As Germany's forests shrank and big game became scarce, the Weimaraner's handlers turned the breed's talents to hunt birds, rabbits and foxes.

He takes his name from the place in Germany where he was developed - the Court of Weimar, whose noblemen wanted a dog with courage married to intelligence, one with good scenting ability and speed and stamina on the trail.

How they achieved their dream dog, first known as the Weimar Pointer, is unknown, but it's believed that the breeds bred to create the Weimaraner include the English Pointer, the Great Dane, and the silver-gray Huehnerhund, or chicken dog.

Today, Weimaraners are affectionately called Weims, Silver Ghosts, or Gray Ghosts. Part of their appeal lies in their sleek mouse-gray to silver-gray coat and light amber, blue-gray, or gray eyes. But there's far more to the Weimaraner than his distinctive appearance. The elegant, aristocratic dogs are loving and devoted.

A Weimaraner's first desire is to be with his people, preferably within touching range. It's not for nothing that many Weimaraners bear the name Shadow. One or both eyes can be affected.

Weimaraners aren't the breed for everyone, however. First-time dog owners need not apply. These dogs have a great deal of energy and stamina and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they're likely to become nervous and high-strung. They may be quite a handful, with loads of energy to burn, and the intelligence to figure out how to get into trouble all on their own!

Because they're hunting dogs, Weimaraners have a strong prey drive. If not trained or kept under control, they'll chase and kill anything that resembles prey, including cats and small dogs, mice, frogs, birds, and more. They will then proudly present you with their trophies. They'll also chase joggers and bicyclists.

Despite their hunting instincts, Weimaraners are house dogs (like most dogs). They're temperamentally unsuited to living in a kennel or being kept in the backyard with little human interaction.

Weims are independent thinkers and will constantly test your boundaries. If you haven't owned a Weimaraner before, you'll do well to attend puppy kindergarten followed by obedience class. Training should be gentle and firm, however, because harsh treatment will make him resentful.

Once he's trained, the Weimaraner is a versatile dog who can be an up-close-and-personal hunting companion, compete in agility, and be a fine family friend.

Highlights

• Weimaraners were bred to possess a lot of energy and stamina. Be prepared to provide them with lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
• Weims aren't a soft-mouthed dog such as a Golden Retriever and some have a low tolerance for small, furry animals, such as rabbits, and even cats and dogs. Until you know your dog well, watch him carefully when small creatures are in his presence.
• Weims are high-strung dogs and can suffer from severe separation anxiety. If left alone for too long, they may bark, become destructive, or even injure themselves.
• Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they don't like living outdoors. They require lots of attention and want to be close to you.
• Weims often are suspicious of strangers and can be unacceptably aggressive. Socializing them to many different people and situations if they are puppies and throughout their lives is critical.
• Weimaraners are intelligent and they think for themselves. Firm, consistent, gentle training must continue throughout their lives.
• Weimaraners can be difficult to housetrain. Crate training is recommended.
• Unethical breeders may advertise blue or black Weims as "rare" to attract buyers and will charge more for pups of these colors, but the truth is that blue and black Weimaraners are disqualified in the breed standard.
• Weims are intelligent and can learn quickly, but if their intelligence and energy are usuallyn't channeled constructively, they may learn some things you don't want them to know, such as how to open doors and escape.
• To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

History

The Weimaraner dates to the early 19th century, when he was developed at the Weimar court in what is now Germany. The noblemen there loved hunting and they wanted a dog with courage, intelligence, good scenting ability, speed, and stamina. This canine would stick close to them as they walked in search of game and would be a close companion in the evening by the fireside. If this is the breed for you, opt to adopt if possible! Because the decades passed, Germany's forests shrank and big game became scarce. The Weimaraner's handlers turned the breed's talents to hunt birds, rabbits and foxes.

In 1897, an exclusive club was stared in Germany to maintain the breed and ensure that responsible breeders would oversee its development. No one was allowed to buy a Weimaraner unless they joined the club. Strict guidelines were imposed upon the breeding of Weimaraners.

In 1929, Howard Knight, an American sportsman, was allowed to join the German club and bring two Weimaraner dogs to the U.S. The Germans were so protective of their "Gray Ghosts" that although Knight promised he would protect the purity of the breed, the club sent him two desexed dogs.

Knight was not deterred, however. He kept working to get some foundation dogs that he could breed in the U.S. Finally, in 1938, he acquired three females and a male puppy. The females included two littermates, Adda and Dorle v. Schwarzen Kamp, and a year-old female named Aura v. Gailberg. The male puppy had been named Mars aus der Wulfsreide. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.S. and in 1942, the Weimaraner Club of American was formed. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed at the end of 1942. The breed made its formal show debut at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1943.

During World War II, it became difficult for German breeders to keep their dogs, so many outstanding Weimaraners were sent to the U.S.

At the end of World War II, many American servicemen brought Weimaraners home with them, and they quickly grew in popularity, especially when President Dwight D. Eisenhower brought his Weimaraner, Heidi, to the White House. By the mid- to late 1950s, Weimaraners were the 12th most popular breed registered by the AKC. Unfortunately, as often happens, this led to plenty of irresponsible breeding.

Although they’re purebred dogs, you may find Weimaraners in shelters or in the care of rescue groups.

By the late 1960s, the number of Weim registrations fell to nearly half of what they had been in 1957. Registrations kept decreasing throughout the 1970s and 1980s. This allowed breeders who were dedicated to the breed (not just breeding puppies to sell) an opportunity to improve the health, temperament and conformation of the Weimaraner breed. Registrations begun to climb in the 1990s, and today the Weimaraner is once again of the most popular breeds in America. He ranks 30th among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC.

Size

Male Weimaraners stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 70 to 85 pounds. Females are between 23 and 25 in . tall and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.

Personality

Early tales about the Weimaraner made it seem as if the dog came fully trained and was perfect in all respects. Even today, many people still hold this belief regarding the breed. Unfortunately for them, there's no such thing as a dog that comes programmed with good behavior.

The typical Weimaraner is friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, all traits that make him an excellent companion and watchdog. On the flip side, he's assertive, smart, restless, and willful. This is a dog who will take over the household if you give him half a chance. He'll chew, bark, chase cats, and steal the roast off the counter - if you don't give him the socialization, experienced trainer to avoid serious behavior problems such as for example biting.

Temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's becomeating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents - usually the mother is the one who's available - to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up.

Like every dog, Weimaraners need early socialization - exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences - when they're young. For the Weim, however, socialization should continue throughout his life.

In the house, a mature, well-trained Weimaraner will be your shadow, from bedroom to bathroom to kitchen to den. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a good start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Health

Weimaraners are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Weims will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware usually of them if you're considering this breed.

If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Weims, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA site (offa.org).

• Hip Dysplasia: This is an abnormality of the hip joint. It may affect one or both sides. Dogs with hip dysplasia may or may not show any clinical signs. Although the tendency toward hip dysplasia is thought to be inherited, diet, rapid growth, and environment also are thought to be contributors to the condition.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also called Bloat or Torsion: This is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs, especially if they are fed one huge meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Some believe raised feeding dishes and type of food might be a factor in causing this to happen too. It is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to end up beinglch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its abdomen, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a dis definitelytended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. It is important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
• von Willebrand's Disease (vWD): This is an inherited blood disorder that is caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen (von Willebrand factor). The primary sign is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other signs, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines may also be present. Most dogs with von Willebrand's disease lead normal lives. If you feel this is a concern, your vet can perform tests to determine if your pet has it.
• Distichiasis: This is a condition in which the dog hthes an extra row of eyelashes, usually on the lower lid, that cause irritation to the cornea and tearing.
• Entropion: This defect, which is usually obvious by six months of age, causes the eyelid to roll inward, irritating or injuring the eyeball. They'll lie at your feet or follow you through the house. If your Weimaraner has entropion, you may notice him rubbing at his eyes. The condition could be corrected surgically if necessary.
• Factor XI Deficiency: This is another bleeding disorder that usually is minor, but may become severe after trauma or surgery.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. The dog's fur could become coarse and brittle and begin to fall out, while the skin becomes tough and dark. Hypothyroidism can be managed very well with a thyroid replacement pill daily. Medication must continue throughout the dog's life.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the vision. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Just don't make it a habit to move the furniture around. Reputable breeders have their dogs' eyes certified annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist , nor breed dogs with this disease.
• Immune-mediated Disease: A small percentage of Weimaraner puppies react to vaccinations, particularly combination vaccines, with fever, elevated white blood count, and inflamed tissues and joints. Reactions occur most often at 12 to 16 weeks old. The Weimaraner Club of America recommends that puppies be vaccinated only at 8 and 12 weeks of age with four core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The rabies vaccination can be given at 16 weeks of age.

Care

The first thing to know about the Weimaraner is that he's a housedog. He's not meant for kennel or backyard life, and he's also not suited to apartment living. This highly active dog needs a large, securely fenced yard where he can run, and an active family who can provide him with the exercise and mental stimulation he needs.

A sense of humor helps as well, especially when you see how your Weim has relandscaped your yard in his efforts to rid it of mice, moles, and bugs.

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. You might want to supervise him more closely and provide him with additional exercise. Nope, they won't sink ships, but they will splash water everywhere when they drink. Play fetch and other running games, take him jogging or hiking, teach him to run alongside your bicycle, or get him involved in a dog sport such as agility or flyball. And, of course, you can always consider him hunting.

Be sure your yard is escape-proof. Weims are Houdinis when it comes to confinement, and they're very good at learning how to open doors and gates and jump over or dig under fences. That's another reason why it's best to have them as housedogs. Socialization helps ensure that your Weimaraner puppy matures to be a well-rounded, outgoing, friendly dog and stays that way. A Weimaraner puppy is really a challenge and requires careful supervision. He can be a destructive chewer and difficult to housetrain. Crate training is a good idea.

Weimaraners of any age with separation anxiety, that is not unusual in this breed, can become destructive and may "dig" within your carpet or sofa in an attempt to create a secure nest.

It's certainly not a behavior problem, but be aware that Weimaraners have loose lips.

Weimaraners need a couple of hours of exercise daily if you need to prevent recreational barking, chewing and digging. Keep hand towels handy to wipe their mouths and clean up spills.

Weimaraners are highly intelligent, but they're also independent thinkers. That combination can make them a challenge when it comes to training. Be consistent and firm, but gentle. The Weimaraner is sensitive and doesn't respond well to anger, but you must be able to say "No" and mean it. Keep coaching sessions short and interesting, and always end them when he's done something right so you can praise him for a job well carried out. Last but not least, hold tight to your sense of humor. Your Weimaraner may or may not do as you ask, depending on any number of factors, but he'll always disobey with style.

Among the talents your Weimaraner may acquire are getting ice from the dispenser in the door of your refrigerator, turning on faucets, and opening gates and doors - including refrigerator doors. It's a cinch to teach him tricks and you may want to do so, simply to keep him occupied and out of trouble.

Feeding

Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. He'll be proud of himself for his good efforts, so don't forget to praise him as you calculate in your head how much time, money, and effort it will require to put the yard back the way you like it. Dogs are individuals, just like people, plus they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of canine food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Keep your Weimaraner svelte by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You ought to be able to feel but not notice his ribs without having to press hard.

Other breeders joined Knight in his quest to breed Weimaraners in the U.

For more on feeding your Weim, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Weimaraner's coat is short, smooth, sleek, and solid-colored, ranging from mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually with lighter shades on the head and ears. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification according to the American Kennel Club breed standard - a written description of how a breed looks - but in European countries a longhaired variety is recognized. Longhaired Weimaraners have a silky coat and feathering on their tails and legs, but they are rarely seen in this country.

A Weim's nose is dark gray. Inside the flaps of the ears and on the lips, where the coat is thin or nonexwill betent, the skin is pink, not white or black.

A Weimaraner is one of the easiest breeds to groom. Even when he has been running through mud, the dirt just seems to fall off him. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush should keep his coat and skin healthy. Weimaraners shed, but brushing will help keep loose hair off your clothes and furniture. To make his silvery coat shine, wipe him down with a chamois. Bathe when needed. He takes great pleasure in rolling in anything stinky, so this may be more often than would normally become necessary.

All breeds with pendant, or hanging, ears tend to have issues with ear infections. Check your Weimaraner's ears weekly and wipe them out with a cotton ball moistened with a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Never stick cotton swabs or anything else into the ear canal or you might damage it. Your Weimaraner may possess an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his hearing.

Brush your Weimaraner's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better in order to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from getting scratched when your Weimaraner enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.

Begin accustoming your Weimaraner to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently - dogs are touchy about their feet - and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams along with other handling when he's an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Children And Other Pets

For an active older child who's familiar with dogs, a Weimaraner can be a great companion. They're far too rambunctious for toddlers, however, and could chase small children who are running.

Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or even tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

Weimaraners are not the best choice for families with cats, small dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, or birds. Weimaraners have a solid prey drive and it's difficult, if not impossible, to redirect that instinct. They will go after and kill, when possible, any small or large furry animals they see.

Rescue Groups

Weimaraners are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are several Weimaraners in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Weimaraner rescue.

• Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue
• Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue
• Heartland Weimaraner Rescue
• Mile High Weimaraner Club
• Tri State Weimaraner Rescue
• Weimaraner Club of Albuquerque
• Weimaraner Rescue of the South
• Weimaraner Rescue of Texas

By Dog Care Tip