General Description
(Weimaraner Voerstehhund, Grey Ghost, Weims) The Weimaraner is a medium-sized dog with elegantly defined features and an aristocratic appearance. Their image is one of speed and grace, and their expression is alert and self-assured. Their back is moderately long, straight, and muscular, with a slight slope downwards at the withers. They have a well-developed, deep chest and shoulders that are well laid back. Their long ribs are well sprung and their flank is properly tucked-up. Their limbs are straight, sturdy, and parallel, and their compact feet are firm. They have webbed, arched, thickly padded toes. The breed’s hindquarters feature well-angulated stifles and straight hocks. The head of the Weimaraner is elongated and dignified. They have a moderate stop and a barely detectable median line that extends back over the forehead. The breed’s eyes are set far apart and possess an intelligent expression. Eye colors of this breed include amber, gray, or blue-gray. Their teeth are strong, even, and well-developed, and they close in a scissors bite. Their nose is gray in color and their clean-cut neck is comparatively long in length. The short-haired coat of the Weimaraner is smooth, sleek, and solid gray in color. The shades of gray will vary from mouse- to silver-gray. A lighter shade of gray is usually present across the face and ears. A small white marking on the chest may be present. Tails of this breed are customarily docked.
Character
The Weimaraner is an energetic breed with a cheerful, affectionate disposition. While they are highly intelligent, they can also be willful and opinionated. For this reason, the Weimaraner needs firm, experienced training from an early age. The breed is sometimes leery of strangers and combative towards other dogs. Proper socialization can alleviate these traits. They have strong protective instincts and they are very loyal. While they are very good with children, they aren’t recommended for small ones they could inadvertently knock over. The breed is very rambunctious and should be taught not to jump. They shouldn’t be left unattended with small animals, and they shouldn’t be utilized as a herding or farm dog. They are hard workers and they approach hunting tasks with a great deal of passion. They have a keen sense of smell and can track and find all kinds of game. They need a substantial amount of human attention, and they shouldn’t be kept in a kennel. This breed likes to bark.
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Size 22 – 27 inches
Weight : 50 – 70 pounds
General Health
The Weimaraner is prone to bloat. For this reason, they should be fed two or three small meals per day. Like many other larger dog breeds, the Weimaraner is susceptible to hip dysplasia. In general, they are very healthy dogs. This breed typically lives for 10 to 12 years.
History
There are a number of theories regarding the exact origin of the Weimaraner. Some believe the breed is a result of the impact of albinism on several types of German pointing dogs. Another theory is that the Weimaraner is a descendant of the Braken, a type of German hound. The third common theory is that the breed is the product of a crossing between a regular pointer and a specific type of yellow pointer. The first Weimaraner appeared in a Van Dyck painting in the early 1600’s. The breed’s original purpose was to hunt, track, and bring down large-sized game. As big game became scarce, the Weimaraner was able to adapt. The breed became well-known for its abilities as a bird hunter and water retriever. They have also been used as rescue dogs, service dogs, and police dogs. The breed was first brought to the United States in 1929 by the founder of the U.S. breed club, a man by the name of Howard Knight. The Weimaraner has a number of natural abilities including hunting, pointing, tracking, retrieving, guarding, search and rescue, agility, and police work.
Maintenance
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Weimaraner requires very little grooming or maintenance. It should be regularly brushed and dry shampooed as necessary. Rubbing the coat with a clean cloth or chamois will create a healthy sheen. Nails of this breed should be kept trimmed, and the feet and mouth should be checked regularly for signs of damage. The Weimaraner is an average shedder.
Ideal Environment
The Weimaraner is content to live in a small household or apartment if it receives plenty of daily exercise. They are a relatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. Because they are a working breed with lots of stamina, they need regular opportunities to run free. This breed shouldn’t be exercised immediately after eating.