Weimaraner Dog Breed Information
-
-
13 to 14 years
-
-
Extravagant *
-
-
Star
Superstar
-
-
Rare
Easy to get
Introduction
Weimaraners are graceful, athletic dogs, originally bred to be hunting dogs and are known for their agility and muscular strength. Their gray coat and light eyes can often give them a spooky air, but that’s pretty much all that is spooky about this breed. Weims are intelligent, loyal dogs who love a good long run in the park and the company of a loving family. These dogs are fans of the Great Outdoors, so if you’re content to spend your time in front of the television or curled up with a book for long hours, it’s best not to choose to live with a Weim.
Their immense intelligence can make them stubborn and even funny, while they decode every trick and hiding place in no time, with a gentle know-it-all air. Weims need gentle yet firm upbringing and do not do well with harsh admonition, so prepare for a long, patient ride, when it comes to training.
History
Weimaraners date back to early 19th century Germany, where they were developed at the Weimar court to assist noblemen with their hunting. The noblemen needed a courageous, intelligent dog with good scenting ability and stamina, and the breed was achieved through crossing the Bloodhound, the English Pointer, the German Short-haired Pointer, and the blue Great Dane. As the forests shrank in size and big game became hard to come by, the Weim’s talents were used to hunt birds, rabbits, and foxes.
In 1897, an exclusive Weimaraner club was started in Germany to maintain breed standards and ensure responsible breeding. However, during World War II, it became difficult for German breeders to keep their dogs, so the best of the breed were sent to the US, where the breed gained popularity. As is often the case, their popularity led to irresponsible breeding, overpopulation, and an overall drop in breed standards. Weims began to develop temperamental problems and their popularity fell. By the late 1960s, their numbers had fallen drastically enough for breeders to resume a dedicated campaign for their responsible breeding. Today, the Weimaraner continues to be amongst the 30 most popular breeds in the US and not far behind, the world over.
Unique Aspects
Weims are bred to have a lot of energy, so be prepared to exercise them well. If their brains and bodies cannot be kept adequately occupied, they will turn their ample intelligence and stamina to more interesting and destructive things!
Having originally been bred to hunt, Weims have low tolerance and high curiosity for smaller animals and birds. If they aren’t socialised from a young age, Weims can quite easily – and proudly – hunt other smaller animals in the house. They can also be quite suspicious of strangers to the point of seeming aggressive, so the early socialisation helps them accept people more easily as well.
Weims love the outdoors, but are equally big fans of human companionship. If you’re looking for a dog that is content to live outdoors and with little human contact, look away from this breed. They thrive when they live close to their family and don’t do well as only outdoor dogs.
Fun Trivia
The Weimaraner gained prominence and fame through the various photographs by the famous photographer William Wegman, who dressed up and photographed his two beautiful Weims, setting them up in regular human frames, to bring out just how eerily human they can look!
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Gun Dogs
Height: 29-33 Inches
Weight: 24-30 Kg
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
Pros
- Grooming is a breeze
- Very intelligent breed
- Excellent pet for the family
Cons
- Not suitable for confined spaces
- Need early training and socialisation
- Not an ideal breed with small animals
