Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a versatile hunting breed native to Germany. The fanciers of this dog often call it «Gray Ghost» or «Silver Ghost» because of its peculiar coat color. It is well-balanced, obedient, bold and makes a great watchdog. This dainty, aristocratic dog will be an excellent and faithful friend for everyone who prefers active lifestyle.

The Weimaraner is a relatively young breed that begins its official history in the XIX century. However, first depiction of this breed can be found on the Van Dyck painting that dates back to the beginning of the XVII century. This dog was developed in the late XVIII century by the Duke of Weimar in Germany and was used at that time for hunting big game like deer, wolves and bear.

Most likely the Weimaraner is a result of selection and mixing of several hunting dogs: the English Pointer, the silver-gray Huehnerhund (chicken dog), the Great Dane (blue), the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Bloodhound. Initially the breed had other name Weimar Pointer and was a hound whose job consisted of hunting for big game but when the forest area in Germany reduced due to a cutting down and the population of the big animals substantially decreased, the Weimaraner began to be used as a hunting dog for small game such as rabbits, birds and others.

In 1897 in Germany was formed the privileged club of the breed with very strict rules. Only member of the club could buy a dog and it was not an easy deal to become that member. These dogs appeared in the United States thanks to the American Howard Knight who managed to obtain membership of the club and brought some dogs to the USA in 1929. However, the German club didn’t fully trust Howard, so the was «honored» to have sprayed dogs. After some years of struggle (in 1938) he finally obtained 3 females and a male. Howard Knight was a founder of the first American club of the breed that was created in 1942.

In the end of the 1942 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Weimaraner and in 1955 the United Kennel Club (UKC) followed it.

The Weimaraner is a cheerful, friendly, curious and vigilant dog. These dogs love their families and are very attached to people. It is better not to leave the dog alone for a long time, as it can suffer deeply from separation anxiety. The Weimaraner is kind and affectionate with children. But like many other breeds it is more suited for children of older age who know rules of conduct with dogs.

Unlike many other hunting breeds it’s not a good idea to keep your Weimaraner in a back yard, as it needs to be a part of the family. This alert dog makes a great watchdog. However, it is so discreet and suspicious of strangers that can be even aggressive towards them. Therefore early socialization is very important.

The Weimaraner will get on well with the dog that it knows from puppyhood but it has a high potential to develop same-sex aggression. This breed can be also aggressive and dangerous for small pets such as cats, hamsters, birds and small dogs too. Because the dog possesses strong hunting instincts it can injure and even kill small animals. Remember that this dog likes to chase anything that runs or moves including children, cars, bicycles or joggers.

The most common health problems for this breed include:

• distichiasis;
• gastric torsion;
• von Willebrand’s disease;
• canine hip dysplasia;
• entropion;
• hypothyroidism;
• immune-mediated disease;
• progressive retinal atrophy.

The Weimaraner’s coat is not very difficult to groom. Brush your pet with a bristle brush to remove dead hair and maintain its coat healthy. Bathe occasionally the dog when there is a necessity. To prevent dental diseases and bad breath, brush your dog’s teeth daily. You need trim its nails once or twice a month. As the Weimaraner has pendant ears it is prone to ear infections. That is why it is necessary to check and clean them regularly.

The Weimaraner is very bright and learns fast and easily, but this breed is not for everyone, as it is also independent-minded and can be disobedient and willful. You need to start the dog’s training as early as possible. Be prepared that your dog will always try to test your authority and if given a chance will immediately become a pack-leader.

Training must be firm but at the same time you must not show anger, as the dog is sensitive to rudeness. Nevertheless you should be a true leader and keep your dominant position, be persistent, but gentle. Moreover the Weimaraner is a fast leaner and it gets bored quickly with repetitive tasks. So your training should be diversified.

Socialization must also start as early as possible and continue throughout the whole life of your dog. A properly trained and socialized Weimaraner will become a wonderful companion for a family, an excellent hunter and a successive agility participant.

The Weimaraner is an extremely energetic breed that needs a great deal of daily exercises and mental stimulation. These dogs like walking, running and all kinds of active games. It is important to give it at least two hours a day for its exercises otherwise it will become irritable, can bark infinitely, dig and display other destructiveness.

When you let your Weimaraner to run free in an enclosed area be sure it’s really secure as this breed is a great escape artist that is able to jump over high fences, dig under them or even open doors. This dog has a great stamina and makes a great jogging, cycling and hiking companion.