Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is the picture of beauty and grace. Its sleek body is agile and strong, able to spend long days hunting in the field. But this sweet and friendly dog makes an excellent companion off-duty as well. its love of family, and desire to be close with his humans makes him a great choice for those looking for a dog that will be a true member of the family. Read on to learn more about the Weimaraner.

Description of the Weimaraner

These regal dogs are a streamlined and picturesque breed. Their short and fine fur shows off their lean but muscular bodies, and highlights the clean lines of their figures.

As a member of the sporting group, the Weimaraner is a fearless and determined worker who takes responsibility seriously. Bred in the 1800s in Germany from Bloodhounds, and various other German and French hunting dogs, the Weimaraner became a jewel of Germany for many years. But in the 1900s this breed began to appear around the world, and became a popular dog of choice in many different countries. Their excellent combination of hunting prowess and familial affection make them adaptable dogs that make a good choice for many different people.

The Weimaraner is easily recognizable by his short and smooth coat, which is colored solid gray, with the occasional spot of white on the chest. But these dogs have other defining characteristics that make them instantly identifiable. Their long faces and long, soft ears are signature looks of this breed. And you can’t forget about the eyes! These dogs have beautiful amber or blue-grey eyes that are always full of kindness and intelligence.

Life Expectancy and Size

While the Weimaraner is often a healthy breed, its active lifestyle makes him prone to accidental injury. Be sure to keep close tabs on your dog so that he doesn’t hurt himself. But, injury aside, these dogs often live full lives of 10 – 13 years.

The Weimaraner is a decent size, with males standing 25 – 27 inches tall, and weighing 70 – 90 pounds. Females stand 23 – 25 inches tall, and weigh 55 – 75 pounds. Their lean bodies and short fur give them a graceful air that makes them appear slighter than they are.

Protective Ability

These dogs were bred to be fierce protectors.While this instinct may not be as strong as it once was, the Weimaraner will make an alert watchdog, and can be a good guard dog. Their love of family and desire to keep them safe mean your dog will be ready to protect you against a threat. But this breed is often friendly towards strangers, so don’t rely on your dog as your only line of defense.

Training

The Weimaraner can be a true standout in the training ring. These intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs are easily trainable with some creative thinking and patience. The Weimaraner loves to learn, but usually wants to know what’s in it for him. From treats to games, making training fun and enjoyable for your dog will make him excited to learn. Giving him something for his hard work is the best way to train your dog quickly.

Using consistent and positive training is also important for these dogs. They will want to stick with something once they learn it, so make sure you teach things correctly every time so you don’t confuse your dog.

Early socialization is another important step in training for your dog. Exposing them to many situations early, and beginning training when they are malleable, will make things go much smoother for you both.

Energy Level

There are few dogs as energetic as the Weimaraner. They need plenty of physical movement and mental stimulation every day to be happy. A bored and under-exercised Weimaraner is a destructive and miserable dog. As long as you give your dog lots of physical activity every day, he will be happy and well behaved.

These dogs are not for sedentary families. They will seem disobedient and anxious if not given enough exercise, but it is just because they have so much pent-up energy to expend! If you prefer a dog that wants to cuddle all day, perhaps look at a different breed. But if you want a dog that will get you outside, and also loves to spend time with you once he is all tuckered out, you will find no better companion than the Weimaraner.

What Living with a Weimaraner is Like

This is an energetic and loving breed.

The Weimaraner is the perfect blend of working and family dog. They are excellent on the hunt and their boundless energy makes them a great choice for those with an active lifestyle. But their family oriented and loving personality also makes them great home dogs. The Weimaraner loves kids, and can do well with other dogs he is raised with.

This dog will make an obedient companion if given enough physical and mental stimulation. Be ready for plenty of time spent exercising with your dog!

Care of the Weimaraner

Weimeraners may appear the picture of steady and calm grace, but underneath his noble face is a dog with the heart of a puppy. This breed needs plenty of movement and craves attention by the family. Be sure you are ready to give him both of these things

Environmental Needs

Bred in Germany where it can be cold and damp, as well as sunny and warm, the Weimaraner adapts well to many different climates. Consider providing this dog with a jacket in winter, though, as his thin fur doesn’t offer much protection from the cold.

Exercise Needs

These dogs need lots of daily exercise to be happy. Taking your dog for long walks, playing games in the backyard, or going to canine sports are all good ways to work your Weimaraner’s excess energy out.

These dogs are quick chasers, so always keep them fenced in or on a leash when walking to keep them safe.

Shedding and Grooming

The short coat of the Weimaraner needs weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and dirt. The biggest thing for this breed is to keep their nails trimmed. If you can hear their nails tapping when they walk across the floor they are too long. It is also important to regularly clean your dog’s ears, as they are prone to infection.

This breed sheds regularly.

Bathing should happen as needed. These dogs love to roll around in whatever they can, so be prepared for regular bathing.

Ideal Home Environment

While these dogs are popular with families, it is important to understand that they need plenty of exercise and attention to flourish. Give them these things and they can do well anywhere.

The Weimaraner is vigilant and protective, making them good watchdogs. They can even be good guard dogs but you may have to train them to get their natural protective instinct going.

Health Concerns

Some of the biggest concerns for the Weimaraner are accidental injuries. Their active lifestyle leads to plenty of cuts, scrapes, strains, and pulls. They also love to chew, and can easily cut up their gums. While most of these injuries are unavoidable, always keep a watchful eye over your dog to make sure that, if he hurts himself, he doesn’t make it worse.

In terms of actual health conditions, the Weimaraner is prone to hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Working with a regular breeder and monitoring them for symptoms can help catch problems early.

Behavior Problems

These dogs can be mouthy. They love to chew, so train them early on what is okay and isn’t okay to gnaw on. The Weimaraner also loves to chase, so training him, and keeping him fenced in or on leash, will help keep him safe.

Sensitive and affectionate, this breed will become destructive if left alone, or not given physical activity. Be sure you can commit plenty of time to your dog before getting one.