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Originally bred in Germany, the Weimaraner dog breed has the nicknames “Gray Ghost” or “Silver Ghost” for his habit of shadowing his owner. He is a skilled hunting dog who tracked deer, bears, and even wolves back in the day.
This dog was first known as the Weimar Pointer because it points at the game with its snout. It still goes to the hunting grounds today but is preferred by many as a companion.
The Weimaraner is loving and devoted which makes him a fine family dog. In fact, he will follow you anywhere like a shadow.
If you have an active lifestyle, then this is the breed for you as it has a lot of energy and stamina.
Although it enjoys plenty of exercise, the Weimaraner dog does not like living outdoors.
He seeks attention and wants to be close to you at all times. Although he has many qualities of a good pet, such as keen intelligence, friendliness, and obedience, expect to spend a lot of time caring for his needs.
He is affectionate but alert and fearless making him a great watchdog.
Recognized in 1943, the Weimaraner breed ranked 40 on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds of 2021.
Weimaraner Dog Breed Standard
Height and Weight
Weimaraners are gray dogs of medium size with aristocratic features, grace, and balance.
Males stand from 25 – 27 inches weighing 70 – 90 pounds. Females, on the other hand, weigh between 55 – 75 pounds and 23 – 25 inches tall.
Coat
Their beautiful coats are short, smooth, and solid-colored, ranging from mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually with lighter shades on the head and ears.
Coats that are distinctly long and colored blue or black are disqualified from the standard breed.
Feature
Weimaraner dogs have long, slender legs with ears slightly folded and set high. Eyes are in shades of light amber, gray, or blue-gray.
The nose is gray. Lips and gums are in pinkish flesh shades.
Weimaraner Family Life
These dogs take great pleasure in bonding with the family and are good with children.
When chosen as members of the household, Weimaraner breeds will yearn for your company and will follow you around the house. They are curious — wanting to involve themselves in the family activity.
Weimaraner dog breeds are active and will be very happy to join you in physical activities. They will play and cuddle up with you while continuing to watch over the family and home.
As long as the activity involves being with you, they will enjoy running, swimming, and essentially anything.
They deeply connect with you and would love nothing more than to spend the day together — all day long, every single day.
Their attachment can be wonderful but at the same time makes it difficult for them to handle the separation.
After all, who would want to be alone?
They tolerate other dogs and strangers well if properly socialized. Though may not be the breed for everyone, they can be amazing family pets when paired with an active home.
A Weimaraner may devote himself to you, but he is free-spirited to have his way. Given that he is smart, he is a talented escape artist who excels at breaking out of enclosures.
Nevertheless, he may not be the right choice for families with cats or rabbits because of his high prey drive. He has the urge to chase smaller animals.
Apartment life is also unfitting to the breed as he needs space to run and play.
Like all dogs, no matter the size, always teach children how to approach and touch dogs.
A Weimaraner dog can be a great buddy but no matter how friendly, you should never leave him all by himself with a child.
Even small breeds defend themselves when mistreated.
Weimaraner Dog History
The Weimaraner breed developed in the 19th century. Germany’s Grand Duke Karl August, who held court in the town of Weimar, dreamt to develop the perfect hunting dog.
In pursuit of this ambition, the duke and other noblemen of the age crossed Bloodhounds with various German and French hunting dogs. As a result, they came to possess the Weimar Pointers.
People prized them for their speed, courage, and versatile tracking ability.
This breeding produced the remarkable character and distinctive gray coat color that is the hallmark of the breed.
The European nobles used them as big-game hunters. When the population of the forests’ predators decreased, the Weimaraner dog breed switched to pointing and retrieving game birds.
Eventually, the German aristocracy controlled the availability of dogs. The German Weimaraner Club was formed to maintain the breed and ensure its future.
Nobody was allowed to own one unless they joined the club. Membership with strict guidelines was imposed in breeding the “Gray Ghost”.
By the late 1920s, a sportsman named Howard Knight joined the exclusive club. Despite his promise to protect the purity of the breed, he received two spayed dogs.
That did not stop Knight’s determination to get a hold of foundation dogs to breed in the United States. Finally, he acquired three females and a puppy in 1938.
Others joined Knight’s efforts and formed the Weimaraner Club of America in 1942. A standard was created for the breed and recognized by AKC.
In 1943, the breed made its debut at the Westminster Kennel Club show.
Weimaraner Breed Health
All dogs may develop genetic health issues, hence Weimaraners are no exception.
Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and there is no guarantee whether an animal will be free of illnesses.
This is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.
Since they are active, Weimaraner dogs are very healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain ailments.
It is important to know about precautions when symptoms occur if you are considering this breed.
- Blood Disorders: Von Willebrand's Disease and Factor XI Deficiency
- Eye Problems: Corneal Dystrophy, Entropion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Distichiasis
- Congenital Heart Defect: Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
- High Levels of Uric Acid in the Urine: Hyperuricosuria
- Malformation of the Hip Joints: Hip Dysplasia
- Bloating: Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Thyroid Gland Disorder: Hypothyroidism
How to Care for Weimaraners
Exercise
Weimaraner breeds are high in energy and need a large, securely fenced yard where they can run. They need an active family who can provide the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Daily activities will prevent them from being destructive — excessive barking, digging, and chewing. They require consistent exercise for their physical and mental well-being.
Walking may suffice but will prefer intense movements such as jogging, hiking, and of course, hunting.
The goal is to satisfy their active and roaming minds, enough to settle them down for the rest of the day.
A tired Weimaraner is a good and happy pooch.
Training Weimaraners
Even though highly trainable, be consistent and firm when training, but remember to be gentle.
The Weimaraner dog is sensitive and does not respond well to anger. Harsh treatment will only make him resentful.
There is no such thing as luck involved in having a good dog. Like every canine buddy, it needs early socialization to ensure it grows into a well-adjusted companion.
A good dog owner will enroll his Weimaraner puppy in a kindergarten class as a great start to learning the right manners.
Crate training is vital at the early stage of life to give your dog a territory of his to which he can retreat.
Grooming
Its silvery coat is easy to groom but sheds moderately. A bristle brush will remove loose and dead hair to keep the coat and skin healthy.
The difficult job in grooming the Weimaraner breed is keeping the nails short. This is important for the comfort and health of your pooch.
Once the nail length gets out of hand, it is difficult to return to a proper length. Also, do not forget to clean the ears from potential infection.
More importantly, brush his teeth regularly for dental health. Bathe when needed which should not be very often.
Diet and Nutrition
Once you have taken new Weimaraner puppies home, protect them from one of the most common health problems: obesity. If you allow them to get fat, this can stress their hips and knees — and shorten their life span.
Weimaraners need about 2.5 to 3.5 cups per day. Since this breed tends to suffer from bloating, divide the food into two meals.
Ideal Owner of Weimaraner Dogs
Much of the original hunting instincts remain today and must be taken into consideration when deciding to buy Weimaraner dogs.
They can make excellent companions, but due to their hunting heritage, they have a lot of energy to burn off. If you are athletically minded, then this is the right breed for you.
They are house dogs, therefore, not suited to live in kennels nor be kept in the backyard.
Not for a first-time fur parent nor to be paired with a busy owner, they are sensitive and do not tolerate being left on their own.
If you are prepared to meet their needs, you will be rewarded with dedicated and adoring additions to the family.
Have the Weimaraner breeds won your heart?
They may be popular but they are not the canines for all owners. People purchase Weimaraner puppies without knowing the obligation of dog ownership.
As a result, some end up in rescues.
If you are planning to add a member to the family, consider adopting one if it suits your lifestyle.
You can check on animal rescues in the area. Reach out to experts to know how to handle a Weimaraner.
Breed rescue groups are direct about any defects the dog may have and give you pieces of advice.
But remember that it is a responsibility, not a privilege.
Why bring one into your life if you will just give it up to shelters and break its heart?
FAQs about Weimaraner Breeds
Does a Weimaraner dog breed make a good pet?
In the right hands, it will make a wonderful family pet and is gentle enough towards children. Pet owners enjoy hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities with it.
The Weimaraner dog has high intelligence and motivation. It makes a great pet because it has a great sense of courage and alertness to the family’s defender.
What is the price of a Weimaraner dog breed?
The cost of a Weimaraner puppy is normally anywhere between $500 and $1,500. You might want to consider adopting instead of shopping.
There are rescue groups that take in dogs that need fostering. Many of them need adoption.
Will a Weimaraner dog breed protect me?
While it is a great hunter, it is also a very good guardian of the family. The Weimaraner breed will react accordingly and protect its owner without needing to be trained to do so.
Weimaraner Dog Breeds Summary
Originally bred as hunting dogs in the 19th century, these dogs are medium-sized, grey with light eyes.
Weimaraners are large, athletic pointers that have roots in Germany. They are well-liked for their affectionate, obedient, and fearless personalities.
Although hunters of large animals in the past, they are now considered to be excellent companions for adults and children of all ages.
When badly trained, Weimaraner dogs become destructive even to the point of hurting themselves. This is why they need a committed owner that will meet their wants and needs.
They are very lively and possess such great stamina that it would take a lot of exercises to burn off the energy.
Not only do they demand physical maintenance, but they also need mental nourishment.
Even though smart, Weimaraner breeds can still be a handful since they require a lot of attention.
So, why even have one?
Simple. Weimaraner dog breeds love their hoomans dearly.
Personally, I would not mind if someone is clingy to me. It would be comforting to know that a furry friend would love my company.
See if it is the right one for you, too. No dog is perfect but you can believe that there is nothing in the world like a Weimaraner.
