The versatile Weimaraner (nicknamed the “Gray
Ghost” due to its unique color) is a dedicated
companion dog. From the early years of the breed to
the present, they have lived with people both as companions
and hunting dogs. Originally they were kept on the
large estates by the Game Warden who always had two
or three who hunted with them during the day, and
lived in his house at night. They are not kennel dogs
and will suffer if shut away continually from their
people. Dependence on human companionship is exceptionally
strong. Weimaraners will give unconditional love and
affection for the family.
THE WEIMARANER
PERSONALITY - An ARISTOCRAT AND A CLOWN
The Weimaraner personality has been described
as complex mix of aloof aristocrat and a silly clown.
To strangers, some Weimaraners may appear aloof and
self-assured (they will often stand well back when
strangers arrive rather preferring to go over for
a pat in their own good time) or others may be quite
overpowering. With their own people however, Weimaraners
reveal a more complete personality, as they are fun
loving, demanding, clever, devoted, cuddly, pushy,
responsive, obedient, stubborn and loving. Their most
expressive faces groans and sighs seem to convey a
language all of their own. One would possibly describe
a lot of their actions as “attention seeking”
as they adore being the center of attention.
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Dog trainer Matthew Margolis writes:
“Weimaraners embody all the negative
characteristics of the hunting breeds.
They are stubborn and strong-willed
and try to get away with everything
possible”. The Weimaraners pushy
personality requires that their owner
be a firm, fair leader. Without clear
leadership, they will take over the
household. Virginia Alexander and Jackie
Isabel, long-time Weimaraner fanciers
and breeders say that “Weimaraners
are a breed for those who enjoy a dog
that is intensely devoted and responsive
to attention and they demand it! They
will follow owners from room to room,
lying down with body contact when the
owners sit down”. They are not
a breed that can be ignored for long
periods of time!
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A tired Weimaraner is a good Weimaraner,
and an exhausted on is even better:
Weimaraners were originally bred to spend all day
working, running and hunting independently from their
handlers for up to 6 hours at a time. A quick walk
on the lead around the block and a pat on the head
daily are not enough for a dog with so much energy.
Daily free running in a park or large area (not the
suburban backyard type of area) and some training
to exercise the brain prevents them from becoming
bored. A bored Weimaraner is often a very destructive
Weimaraner.
WHAT CAN
I DO WITH THE WEIMARANER?
Weimaraners can do almost anything. They have been
used in every facet of dog work from Showing to Hunting;
they excel in Obedience, Tracking and Agility.
- Hunting - Weimaraners are pointing
dogs. Weimaraners are well known for their dedication
to hunting and to the master. They have great
noses and very rarely lose wounded game, most
are natural retrievers and swimmers.
- Obedience - Weimaraners learn quickly
and are eager to please their handler. Excessive
repetition of an exercise can lead to boredom
and disobedience. They do not like excessive force
but respond well to food training methods and
to light correction and praise methods. Weimaraners
have excelled in Obedience trials over the years
with many high in trials.
- Showing - Weimaraners make wonderful
show dogs. Their clean lines, unusual coat coloring,
aristocratic nature, and large strides make them
most attractive to the show judge. It is quite
common to see them winning at Group level.
- Tracking - Bred with outstanding scenting
ability, the Weimaraner is well prepared for any
tracking challenge, albeit wounded game or human
scent. It can be said of the Weimaraner “you
don’t teach it to track, it teaches you
how to follow”. They have achieved numerous
Tracking Dog and Tracking Dog Excellent titles.
- Agility - The athleticism and endurance
of the Weimaraner prepares the breed well for
sports like agility. They tend to be physically
confident if not fearless, and thrive on the physical
and mental exercise required by agility courses.
GROOMING
Grooming requirements for the breed
include regular brushing to remove dead
hair, regular cleaning of the ears,
trimming of the toenails and dental
care. The Weimaraner does shed its coat,
but not too bad and it blends in to
everything!
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HEALTH
The Weimaraner, like many breeds is subject to some
health problems that you should be aware of before
you purchase a puppy. Make sure the breeder explains
these to you.
- Immune Deficiency - Only a limited amount
of research has been carried out about this disorder
but sufficiently is know to establish that genetic
inheritance is relevant. This disease affects
the immune system. Weimaraners appear to be prone
to this problem. It is thought to be brought on
by stressful situations and vaccine reactions.
It is very important to follow and know the Weimaraner
Clubs policy on vaccinating young puppies.
- Bloat - Bloat or more correctly, “gastric
dilation and volvulus” is a condition in
which the stomach swells and twists. The affected
dog is often distressed, has a bloated or swollen
abdomen and commonly drools excessively. It is
very important that the owner recognizes the signs
and contacts a veterinarian immediately if the
dog is to have any chance of survival.
- Hip Dysplasia - This does not seem to
be a problem with puppies whose parents have been
properly x-rayed and certified through OFA. Although
to say that it never happens would be a lie. Weimaraners
are breeds, which have, known to have this problem
occasionally and this can sometimes be environmentally
induced.
- Eye Conditions - Weimaraners seem to
be prone to eyelid and eyelash problems. Ecntropian,
inward rolling of the eyelids, Etropion, outward
ward rolling of the eyelids, Distichiasis, extra
eyelashes grown on the inside of the eyelid are
all conditions hat you should be aware of.
DO YOU THINK A WEIMARANER
IS RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?
The Weimaraner is a breed that you will either love
or hate. Spend as much time as possible around them
before you decide if this is the breed for you.
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