Weimaraners are large dogs with distinctive gray coats that are short, glossy, smooth, and sleek. The gray ranges in color from silver-gray to mouse-gray, often blending into a lighter shade on the ears and head. There may be a white marking on the chest. The breed's ears are long and hanging. These dogs have gray noses and eyes that come in light amber, gray, or blue-gray. Weimaraners measure 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 90 pounds.
Weimaraners are loyal dogs that bond deeply with human family members and prefer to remain in close contact with them. They are friendly and obedient dogs, but they can also be headstrong and stubborn.
Fearless and able to hunt with great endurance and speed, the Weimaraner is a prized personal hunting companion. The breed also makes an excellent family companion due to its friendliness, obedience, and loving nature. These dogs get along great with children and love being part of a family "pack." They are perfect for busy people interested in a low-maintenance breed.
The Weimaraner is known as the Gray Ghost due to the color of its sleek coat and its habit of shadowing its owner.
Loving and devoted, Weimaraners need a lot of attention and affection, and they make great companion animals for families. Although these dogs are gentle and generally calm, they tend to knock small people and items over. They need a lot of space to move around in and aren't the best choice for tiny apartments.
These dogs are happiest when given a good amount of exercise and "tasks" to keep their body and mind stimulated and occupied. Ideally, they will have a securely fenced yard to run and play in. It's important to remember that this breed is talented at escaping; Weimaraners can jump fences, unlock gate latches, and dig out of yards. Being part of an active family and spending a lot of time outdoors is ideal for these dogs.
Weimaraners are loyal dogs that bond deeply with human family members and prefer to remain in close contact with them. They are friendly and obedient dogs, but they can also be headstrong and stubborn. The best way to ensure these intelligent dogs remain content is to keep them busy and shower them with attention.
Weimaraners are known to suffer from a number of health conditions that can negatively affect quality or length of life. Some of these, such as bloat and gastric torsion, are preventable with lifestyle and dietary changes. Others, including hypothyroidism, are manageable with medication. A small number of Weimaraner puppies will develop a painful condition following vaccination called hypertrophic osteodystrophy. This autoimmune reaction is often preventable by giving vaccinations separately.
Hip dysplasia, hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease, tumors, immune system dysfunction, ununited anconeal process, spinal dysraphism, and tricuspid dysplasia, which is a congenital heart disease, are all seen in the breed. Weimaraners are also prone to certain eye conditions, including corneal dystrophy, entropion, eversion of nictitating membrane, and distichiasis. Additionally, these dogs are prone to developing elevated levels of uric acid in their urine, a condition called hyperuricosuria. This condition predisposes the breed to very painful bladder and kidney stones, sometimes requiring surgery to remove. Also, they are more likely than some other breeds to sustain hunting injuries and to swallow unidentified objects.
Weimaraners typically live a long and full life of up to 15 years, provided they are exercised carefully as puppies, given routine veterinary care, fed a healthy diet, and given timely vaccinations.
Eager to please and willing to follow commands with proper guidance and early training, Weimaraners are smart and need special handling during training sessions. They want to behave, but they generally can't stomach following rote commands or strict rules. It's best to turn training into a game and make it mentally challenging. This will keep the Weimaraner engaged and learning.
Eager to please and willing to follow commands with proper guidance and early training, Weimaraners are smart and need special handling during training sessions. They want to behave, but they generally can't stomach following rote commands or strict rules. It's best to turn training into a game and make it mentally challenging. This will keep the Weimaraner engaged and learning.
Separation anxiety is a serious concern in Weimaraners. These dogs can react so dramatically to being left alone that they may bark, chew, and injure themselves while panicking or trying to escape. Early training and socialization can help somewhat, but many of these dogs need professional intervention if left alone for any length of time. A dog sitter can sometimes be helpful.
Grooming Weimaraners is simple; their coat is easy to care for and requires only occasional brushing to distribute skin oils and remove dead hair before it can accumulate along baseboards and on furniture. A rubber curry brush is a good choice for the Weimaraner coat and will help keep shedding under control.
Bathing the Weimaraner is only necessary should the breed roll around in something dirty, sticky, or harmful. Regular brushing will remove loose dirt and debris from the coat to keep these dogs relatively clean. When bathing is needed, a pH-balanced canine shampoo will gently clean the coat without drying or irritating the skin.
The nails need trimming every week or two to prevent potentially painful snags and breaks, and the ears should be checked weekly for signs of excess ear wax and infection. Daily toothbrushing helps protect Weimaraners from tooth decay and gum disease and will keep the breath smelling fresh.
Weimaraners were originally called Weimer Pointers and were named after the court that sponsored them. These dogs are a result of selective breeding in Germany and come from the same stock as other German hunting dogs. They were originally used to hunt bear, wolves, and deer. When big game became more difficult to locate, the breed adapted and became a personal hunting companion and bird dog.
The breed dates back to the 19th century and it was very rare for a long time, primarily because only members of a certain club were allowed to purchase and breed the dogs. An American dog fancier, Howard Knight, joined the club in the early 1900s. He then purchased two Weimaraners and brought them to the United States. From there, the breed's numbers grew.
Several breeds played a role in the development of the Weimaraner, including the Red Schweisshund, Bloodhound, English Pointer, blue Great Dane, and German Shorthaired Pointer. In Germany, these dogs are still used to the hunt and retrieve birds and animals. In the United States, the Weimaraner is used primarily as a personal hunting dog.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Weimaraner in 1943.
