Weimaraner
History and origin: The Weimaraner is a fairly new breed that was developed in late 19th century in Weimar, Germany. The Bloodhound and various pointer types were mixed to purposely breed a hunting dog with superior scenting ability, agility, speed, and strength. Weimaraners were originally used to hunt large game such as the wolf and bear as well as bird dogs. Nowadays, this breed is used as a guard, police dog, and a wonderful house pet.
Description: The Weimaraner stands 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 90 pounds. He has a strong muscular body with a deep chest, and is more athletic and powerful than a Pointer. The shedding coat is a very short metallic gray and requires very little brushing. The Weimaraner eyes are unique amber color and the tail is docked.
About the breed: The Weimaraner, also known as “Silver Ghost,” is a distinct looking dog with his metallic silver-gray coat and pale eyes. This breed is similar to the Pointer in temperament. He is a large, high-energy dog that is high-strung and easily distracted by scent. This breed is an excellent gundog and excels in obedience competitions. However, he is as sensitive as a sight hound but as stubborn and driven as a scent hound, which sometimes makes him a challenge to train. The Weimaraner, especially a male, can be very dominant and territorial and can also be reserved and suspicious of strangers. He needs to be socialized early on. He can be good with your own older children but may inadvertently knock down and hurt smaller children. His level of energy is so high that he can wear out an unsuspecting owner. This breed was designed for hunting. The owner of this breed must give him a task such as hunting and provide him with daily exercise. Joggers do well with this athletic breed. If left in a yard all day, he can become noisy, destructive, and very territorial. If you leave a Weimaraner inside all day, you may come home to find your house chewed to ribbons. The key is early, patient, firm training, supervision, and lots of exercise.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Weimaraner is 1 ˝ – 2 ˝ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry dog food.
Ideal home: The Weimaraner is best suited in a house with a fenced yard. A hunter would love this breed. He is tireless and driven and has a remarkable sense of smell. The owner of a Weimaraner must be a strong, no-nonsense leader with time to train, socialize, and exercise the dog. The owner must also be able to tolerate a very busy, high-energy dog. Older children are fine provided no roughhousing occurs. The elderly and disabled should avoid this powerful high-strung breed.
