The Weimaraner was developed in Germany as a hunting dog during the 1800s. Originally bred to hunt bear, deer and wolves, the Weimaraner was later used to point and retrieve waterfowl and game birds. The breed is still a popular companion on the hunting trails in Germany and in the United States. In 1943, the American Kennel Club recognized the Weimaraner as a member of the sporting group.
The Weimeraner is an elegant dog with long legs that enable it to run at great speed. It has high endurance levels and is a natural hunter. It has a short, glossy coat of a distinctive gray color. Coat care is minimal.
Personality
The Weimeraner is a high-energy dog breed that needs rigorous exercise on a daily basis in the form of long walks, jogging or vigorous play. It is very affectionate, but it may be too boisterous for small children. It can be stubborn and needs daily exercise otherwise it will get destructive and bored. It’s friendly towards other dogs, sometimes timid, and reserved with strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Pointer |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Weim, Weimer pointer, Gray ghost, Weimaraner vorstehhund |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Weimaraner Build Information
Weimaraners are large, athletic dogs that stand 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 55 and 90 pounds. Their coats are short and smooth. A Weimaraner’s coat color is gray, ranging from mouse to silver shades. The tail is docked to four centimeters in length when the puppy is two days old. The earflaps hang downward. The Weimaraner is an elegant dog with long legs that enable him to run at great speed. He has high endurance levels and is a natural hunter. He has a short, glossy coat of a distinctive gray color. Coat care is minimal.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Weimaraners are active dogs that require plenty of room to romp and exercise daily. They are intelligent and easily trained, but they can be willful. Training is essential in order to maintain control over the dog’s exuberant behavior. Weimaraners that are not well trained and not thoroughly exercised may become bored and destructive. Weimaraners are playful, affectionate, happy and loving. They thrive on the company of their family and get along well with children, household cats and other household dogs. Their hunting instinct will view outdoor birds, wildlife and neighborhood cats as prey, however. Weimaraners make excellent hunting and hiking companions. The Weimaraner is a high-energy dog breed that needs rigorous exercise on a daily basis in the form of long walks, jogging or vigorous play. He is very affectionate, but it may be too boisterous for small children. He can be stubborn and needs daily exercise otherwise he will get destructive and bored. He is friendly towards other dogs, sometimes timid, and reserved with strangers.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Minimal grooming is needed to care for the Weimaraner’s smooth coat. Using a grooming mitt once weekly will redistribute the natural oils to maintain a healthy shine. This will also minimize shedding in the home. The ears should also be attended to weekly. Inspect them for dirt and debris, and clean them if necessary. Brushing the dog’s teeth at least three times each week will be helpful in preventing tartar accumulation and periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Blue, Blue Gray, Gray, Silver |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Weimaraner Common Health Conditions
Weimaraners live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Some health problems to which the Weimaraner is prone include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, entropion, mast cell tumors and gastric torsion, or bloat.
Weimaraner Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
From hiking with the family to playing in the backyard with the children to your morning jog, the Weimaraner has plenty of energy and devotion to go around. The Weimaraner originated in Germany. The Weimaraner is also called a weim, a weimer pointer, a grey ghost, and a Weimaraner vorstehhund. The Weimaraner is a lively and happy dog that gets along well with children and other household pets. The Weimaraner stands 23 to 27 inches tall and weighs 55 to 90 pounds. Weimaraners have high energy levels. Weimaraners require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Weimaraner is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
