Description

Considered as a hunting dog, the silky coat and the restrained large built of a Weimaraner definitely suits its sporty appearance. The Weimaraner’s limbs are normally long and muscular with webbed feet designed for swimming. Usually, a fully-grown one stands around 25 inches tall. Besides an athletic appearance, the proportionate built of a Weimaraner creates an image of aristocracy and intelligence that is justified by its long regal head with strong muscles topped with amber, blue-gray, or gray eyes. It possesses a gray nose and ears that are considerably long and pendant.

Coat Description

The Weimaraner possesses silky silver-gray coat patterned with lines. Its ears and lips are barely hairy – sometimes fur is even absent. In these areas, its skin appears pinkish and not the usual white or black that makes the breed peculiar among others. Its beauty is easy to maintain as its coat is short though smooth.

Its coat varies from mouse-gray to silver-gray. The latter color is very distinct among other breeds as a silver-gray shade of coat is acquired from a recessive gene. It is for this reason that the dog has come to be called as 'silver ghost' or 'gray ghost'.

History

The origin of the Weimaraner can be traced to a picture painted by Van Dyck in the early 1600’s. However, a lot of theories have been formulated to explain its existence. Some believe it to be a product of albinism among the ancient dogs while others believe that a Weimaraner is a descendant of the Braken which is a German hound. Others on the other hand attribute it to the Grand Duke Karl August who purportedly gave birth to the name ’Weimaraner’.

A Weimaraner is considered by many as a hunting dog and a pointer. It is used as all-round gun dog fitted for tracking, flushing, and pointing big or small game. On the other hand, it is a good swimmer as well that makes it great for rescuing and retrieving objects in water. The breed is capable of watching and guarding too. People in Germany and England have been using the Weimaraner in tracking down criminals. In 1929, Howard Knight who established the U.S. Breed Club pioneered the import of Weimaraner to the U.S.

Temperament

A Weimaraner is fit for the home as it can be easily trained although it is known to refuse repetitive instructions. It can also be very protective of its family and territory. Unlike other canines, it is usually not sociable and it can be aggressive towards other dogs.

Aside from its image of being cheerful, playful, and affectionate, the Weimaraner is also called ‘a dog with a human brain’ because it is smart, receptive, and good in solving problems. It is for this reason that it is advisable to train it while it is young.

Because of its very active characteristics, a Weimaraner must be honed to sit while young. This can prevent it from being destructive and restless in the future. Like other dogs, it is very enthusiastic in amusing people if prompted by laud or food. While is it easy to train, it can be very reluctant to learn when disciplined through pain (like hitting or slapping) and fear.

This breed of dog barks hard and loud and hard. With its prey instinct coupled with the passionate characteristics of its master, it can be a very effective hunting dog. Like humans, a Weimaraner must be considered a member of the family that deserves companionship and attention. You must spend some time walking with it or at least sitting beside it. When properly trained, this dog can be the most loyal companion that a master can ever have.

Health Problems

Keeping a Weimaraner necessitates one to feed it with two to three light meals a day instead of one large meal as it is prone to blowing up. Though it is a hardy breed of dog on a general scale, it is prone to suffer from hip dysplasia. This breed is also vulnerable to hypertropic osteodystrophy or rapid growth and tumors.

Grooming

Its coat requires low-maintenance especially during peak seasons because of its velvety and short-haired coat. A brush with a hard spine can be used in bathing and shampooing it occasionally. Rubbing a chamois over it will make its coat shimmer. It is advisable to always trim its nails and to always examine its feet and mouth after engaging it in any kind of vigorous activities such as heavy exercises or hunting.

Exercise

This breed of dog is energetic and is packed with a spirited stamina. It is essential and a must to take it on a long walk or jog everyday and to give it space and opportunity to run around. The best time to feed it is after a long walk, jog, or play. Never engage it in an exercise after a meal.

Training

The Weimaraner is a hunting dog. When effectively trained, it is capable of rescuing, hunting, pointing, guarding, servicing, tracking, and a lot more. As said earlier, it is known to be a problem-solving breed of dog capable of learning and training easily. It is easy to train but reluctant to obey repetitive instructions because of its high intelligence.