Weimaraner Dog Breed Information:
Originally bred as a gundog to handle big game like deer and bear, the Weimaraner, or “Silver Ghost,” was 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.
Weimaraner Dog Group: Sporting Dogs.
Weimaraner Height: 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Weimaraner Weight: 55 to 85 pounds.
Weimaraner Life Span: 11 to 13 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Weimaraners 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. Weimaraners were bred to have a lot of energy and stamina. Be prepared to provide them with lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Weimaraners aren't a soft-mouthed dog like 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 animals are in his presence.
Weimaraner History:
The Weimaranerdates 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 dog would stick close to them as they walked in search of game and would be a close companion in the evening by the fireside.
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. As 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.
Weimaraner Size:
Male Weimaraners stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 70 to 85 pounds. Females are between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
Weimaraner Personality:
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 biting.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Weimaraner 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: Hip Dysplasia. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD). Distichiasis. Entropion. Factor XI Deficiency. Hypothyroidism. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Immune-mediated Disease.
Weimaraner Care:
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. Weimaraners need a couple of hours of exercise daily if you want to prevent recreational barking, chewing and digging. Weimaraners of any age with separation anxiety, which is not unusual in this breed, can become destructive and may "dig" in your carpet or sofa in an attempt to create a secure nest.
Weimaraner Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weimaraner 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 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.
Weimaraner with Children And Other Pets:
For an active older child who's familiar with dogs, a Weimaraner can be a great companion. Weimaraners are not the best choice for families with cats, small dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, or birds. Weimaraners have a strong prey drive and it's difficult, if not impossible, to redirect that instinct.