Weimaraner

Size: Large
Other Names: Weimaraner Vorstehhune, Weim, Gray Ghost, Silver Ghost
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

Height:

Male: 25-27 inches; Female: 23-25 inches

Weight:

Male: 70-85 pounds; Female: 55-70 pounds

Color(s):

Mouse-gray to silver-gray

Coat:

Short, hard smooth

Description:

The Weimaraner was originally bred for hunting large game, such as boar, bears, deer, and foxes.  As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals, like fowl, rabbits, and foxes.  Rather than having a specific purpose, such as pointing or flushing, the Weimaraner is an all-purpose gun dog.  It is believed that Continental pointing breeds, particularly the Vizsla, and Mastiffs were his ancestors.  The breed was created exclusively for the nobility and alike.  The aim was to create a noble-looking, reliable gundog.  As ownership was restricted, the breed was highly prized and lived with the family.  This was unusual, as during this period, hunting dogs were kept in kennels in packs.  His name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, whose court enjoyed hunting.  Although slower than many other gundogs, such as Pointers, the Weimaraner is thorough, and this made it a welcome addition to the sportsman's household.

Temperament:

The Weimaraner has a happy, lively temperament, is highly intelligent and sensitive, and has good "problem-solving" abilities, which has earned him the epithet "dog with a human brain".  The Weimaraner is an "all-purpose" family dog, capable of guarding the home, hunting with the family, and being loving and loyal towards children.  Due to their size, and their high level of energy, Weimaraners may not be appropriate for smaller children due to their tendency to knock a child down in the course of play.  Weimaraners are very protective of family members.  The Weimaraner has a strong, instinctive prey drive.  Although they will sometimes tolerate cats through early socialization, many will chase and kill almost any small animal that enters their garden or backyard.  In rural areas, most Weimaraners will not hesitate to chase deer or sheep.  With good training, these instincts can be curtailed to some degree.  People familiar with Weimaraners acknowledge two common behavioral disorders; the proclivity of many Weimaraners to suffer from severe separation anxiety, and unacceptable aggression in some Weimaraners, mostly due to inadequate socialization while young.

Training:

Professional training is beneficial, particularly for less-experienced owners.  Because the Weimaraner is a fast and powerful dog, it is important to provide early and proper training for the dog to be an integrated member of a family, especially one with other pets.  The Weimaraner is so full of energy, early training to sit, through positive reinforcement, is critical to prevent jumping, as this strong dog may knock over elderly people or children by accident.  The Weimaraner requires patient, consistent, firm, and kind training, especially during the first year and a half of his life, as during this time, he can be particularly rambunctious.  This breed is known for their tendency for stealing food from table and counter tops whenever given the chance, so early training around food is necessary.  Extensive socialization is critical for this breed.  The Weimaraner is not as social towards strangers as other hunting dogs, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, and can be very protective and territorial, so he should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent aggression.

Care & Grooming:

From adolescence, a Weimaraner requires extensive exercise, in keeping with his heritage as an energetic hunting dog prized for his physical endurance and stamina.  No walk is too far, and an active owner is more likely to provide the vigorous exercise he needs.  Besides walking and running, Weimaraners appreciate games and play.  Under-exercised Weimaraners may exhibit problem behaviors, such as chewing house quarters and furniture.  It may be helpful to spread out the Weimaraner's feedings to at least twice a day, and to avoid any vigorous exercise right after feedings, to help prevent bloat.  The Weimaraner's coat is extremely low maintenance.

Shedding:

Low; the short coat sheds year-round but is easy to wipe down.

Health:

Weimaraners may develop gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), hip dysplasia, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy in fast-growing puppies.  Do not exercise hard right after meals.

Lifespan:

10–13 years

Litter Size:

6–8 puppies