A Versatile Breed
Weimaraners are one of several breeds described as "versatile Continental
hunting dogs." This description refers to the Weimaraner's diverse abilities:
Originally bred in the Weimar Republic of 19th century Germany, Weimaraners have
been developed to find and point game, track wounded game, and retrieve both
birds or furred quarry. They usually have a strong prey drive and may not be
good with cats or other small animals. Weimaraners typically have a stronger
protective instinct than other hunting breeds. They are often natural guardians
or watch dogs.
The versatile Weimaraner, nicknamed the "Grey Ghost" for its unique color, is
also a dedicated companion dog. The Weimaraner is sometimes described as hunting
more for the love of its master, rather than for the sake of hunting itself.
From the early years of the breed to the present, Weimaraners have lived with
their people as dedicated companions and hunting dogs. They are not kennel dogs
and will suffer if shut away from their people.
An Aristocrat and a Clown
The Weimaraner personality is a complex mix of the aloof aristocrat and a
silly clown. To strangers, Weimaraners may appear aloof and self-assured. With
their own people, however, Weimaraners reveal a more complex personality. They
are fun-loving, demanding, clever, devoted, cuddly, pushy, responsive, obedient,
stubborn, and loving. Their expressive faces, groans, and sighs seem to convey a
language all their own.
Dog trainer Matthew Margolis writes, "Weimaraners embody all of the negative
characteristics of the hunting breeds. They are stubborn and strong-willed and
try to get away with everything possible." The Weimaraner's "pushy" personality
requires that their owner be a firm, fair leader. Without clear leadership, a
Weimaraner will take over a household. Virginia Alexander and Jackie Isabel,
long-time Weimaraner fanciers and breeders, note that "Weimaraners are a breed
for those who enjoy a dog that is intensely devoted and responsive to
attention--they demand attention, and will follow owners from room to room,
usually lying down with body contact when owners sit down." Weimaraners are not
a breed that can be ignored for long periods of time!
A Tired Weim is a Good Weim;
An Exhausted Weim is a Great
Weim!
Weimaraners were developed as pointing dogs to search independently for game.
This trait is revealed in their ability to hunt and run during a full day of
hunting for as long as six hours. As Chris Walkowicz notes in The Perfect
Match, "This kind of energy will explode if the dog is expected to be
content with a stroll around the block and a once-a-day pat on the head."
Weimaraners need abundant physical activity plus mental challenges to be
content. Hunting, running, bicycling, hiking, swimming, retrieving, and romping
through safe fields are all great ways for Weimaraners to exercise. Obedience
training and tracking are good problem solving exercises for the ever-active
Weimaraner mind. As Margolis notes, "If their pent-up energy is not released in
some positive form, they are capable of destroying entire apartments."
What Can I Do With a Weimaraner?
The only thing you can't do with a Weimaraner is nothing. Weimaraners
have excelled in a number of activities. They love to learn new skills and are
always ready for a new challenge.
Hunting
Weimaraners are currently used as upland bird dogs and,
less frequently, as waterfowl retrievers. They tend to have a closer working
range than other pointing breeds. This range is generally appropriate for the
foot hunter. They are methodical, careful hunters. Weimaraners are renown for
their sensitive noses and dedication to their master. Most Weimaraners are
natural retrievers and swimmers.
Tracking
Whether tracking wounded game or human scent, the
outstanding Weimaraner nose prepares this breed well for a variety of tracking
challenges. Many Weimaraner enthusiasts participate in AKC tracking events. Law
enforcement has employed Weimaraners as working search and rescue dogs or drug
detection dogs.
Competitive Obedience
Weimaraners learn quickly and are eager to
please. Although they tend not to do well if training involves excessive
repetition or force, Weimaraners have excelled in the obedience ring.
Weimaraners enjoy learning new tasks and like to work closely with their people.
Agility
The athleticism and endurance of the Weimaraner prepares
the breed well for dog sports like agility. Weimaraners tend to be physically
confident, if not fearless, and thrive on the physical and mental exercise
required by agility courses.
There are many more activities that would be enjoyed by a Weimaraner. If it's
hard physical work and takes brains, too, a Weimaraner will probably love it. The Physical Details
The Weimaraner is a large, short-coated dog with a lightly carried docked
tail. The coat of the Weimaraner ranges from light silver grey to taupe to dark
grey. There are also Blue coats and long haired. Weimaraners
may have very little hair on their belly and may be susceptible to scratches
from briars and prickers. The eyes are usually light amber in color, but may
also be blue. Females are usually between 23 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder
and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Males are larger at 25 to 27 inches at the
shoulder and 65 to 85 pounds. Grooming requirements for the breed include
regular brushing (every few days for a few minutes at a time) to remove dead
hair, regular cleaning of the long ears (every week or two), regular trimming of
toe nails, and dental care. Although the Weimaraner has a very short coat, it
does shed; however, the shedding will be much less visible than with longer
coated breeds. Those who are allergic to dogs should spend time around
Weimaraners before assuming that their coat will not cause a problem.
Do You Still Think a Weimaraner is Right for You?
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