Weimaraner

Description: The Weimaraner or “Silver Ghost” is a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. One-family dogs that are reserved with strangers, they will make good watchdogs. They require owners who have firm, no-nonsense approaches who will take time to train and socialize them. Boundless energy, tireless, driven and a remarkable sense of smell make them great hunting dogs. Weimaraners have been known to hunt for as long as six hours at a time. When well trained the Weimaraner is a confident and assertive dog who makes a wonderful companion.

Other Names: Weimaraner Vorstehhund

Type: Gun Dog

Height: 22 – 27 inches Weight: 70 – 86 lbs.

Colors: Preferably silver gray; shades of mouse or roe gray. Coat: Short, smooth and sleek.

Temperament: Weimaraners are responsive, alert, strong-willed. With Children: Yes, usually very friendly with children if properly socialized at a young age. With Pets: Yes Special Skills: Field sports dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High Guard-dog: High

Care and Training: Brush or dry shampoo the Weimaraner coat as necessary. A rub over with a chamois will make their coat gleam. Prone to sunburn on their nose in the summer. Weimaraners need plenty of opportunity to run free and a lot of regular exercise. The Weimaraner requires obedience training which should begin at 5 – 8 months of age. Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Medium, Problem Solving – High

Activity: Very High Living Environment: Weimaraners will adapt to urban living but does need plenty of space. They do not kennel well. To be an owner of a Weimaraner you should be active and confident. They are not a breed for the sedentary, lazy trainers who will leave them alone for long periods of time.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, bleeding disorders.

Life Span: 10 – 12 years  Litter Size: 5 – 7

Country of Origin: Germany History: The Weimaraner made their first appearance over 125 years ago in the German court of Weimar. Their ancestry is from the old red Schweisshunde crossed with the German Shorthaired Pointer and several other German hunting breeds. Originally they were bred to be used to stalk deer and to hunt bear and wild boar. They made an impact in the US and Canada after the Second World War, but did not gain popularity in the UK until the 1950’s.

First Registered by the AKC: 1943 AKC Group: Sporting Class: Gundog Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 7), KC (GB), UKC