The Weimaraner breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Weim's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
The Gray Ghost, as the Weim is popularly called, enjoys a following as versatile as his own talents. Bred to be an all around hunter by foresters in Germany (that country had a fascination with versatile hunting dogs, consider the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as another example), the resulting Weimaraner is unique in his stamina, power, intensity, protectiveness as well as his working ability. No doubt all of this contributes to their ongoing popularity today.
with Children: generally very good given that the children aren't too young, well behaved, supervised and the dog properly socialized
with other pets: variable- remember their hunting drive
with dogs: variable
Socialization requirements: fairly high - the tendency of the Weim to be very focused and intense can be a problem if the dog is not properly socialized
Ideal home characteristics: appreciates the powerful mental and physical needs of the dog, this is a true decathalon athlete!
Temperament Notes: Powerful, intense, prone to some strong prey drive especially if undirected
Training requirement: fairly high: socialization, basic manners and consistent ongoing activity (preferably performance related and highly active)
Trainer notes: The drive and stamina of the Weimaraner makes them an exceptional training partner. Their focus can be a positive as well if the trainer knows how to motivate the dog to focus on the handler. Otherwise, distractions can be the rule of the day. The remarkable hunting drive of the Weimaraner makes many field endeavors preferable and unleashes the true joy and rapture this breed finds in working. Generally not the best of retrievers or pointers, they still retrieve better than most pointers and point better than retrievers!
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: early 1800s
Country of Origin: Germany
Original Function: versatile gun dog
History: Developed as a companion to foresters who needed a protective dog that could also retrieve and point.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard:
Health Notes: eye problems, bleeding disorders, bloat, hip/elbow dysplasia, HOD, neurological issues in some pups, hypothyroidism, heart issues, dwarfism
Health Testing: OFA, VWD test, Thyroid Panel, CERF - many of the problems are mild and/or treatable
