Weimaraner

Sep 19, 2024

Introduction to the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a noble and athletic dog breed that stands out due to its athletic build and striking silver-grey coat colour. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Weimaraner is now popular as both a working and family dog. It is known for its intelligence, loyalty and energetic nature. Its origin takes us back to the 19th century, when it was bred at the court of the Grand Duke of Weimar in Germany. This is also where its name comes from. The Weimaraner combines elegance with strength and is particularly suitable for active people who are willing to provide it with the necessary physical and mental exercise.

Appearance of the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a large, strong and muscular dog that immediately stands out due to its slender yet strong build. It has an elongated head with a pronounced stop and medium-sized, high-set ears that hang down at the sides of the head. The eyes are amber or grey and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. The back is straight and strong, the chest deep and the legs long and strong. The Weimaraner has a long, well-muscled tail that is carried proudly when in motion.

Coat and colours of the Weimaraner

The coat of the Weimaraner can either be short and smooth or long and silky. The short-haired variety is by far the more common and better-known form, while the long-haired Weimaraner is less common. The colour ranges from a silver to a mouse-grey tone, although a slight blue shimmer can also be seen in the fur. A special feature are the so-called ‘blue Weimaraners’, which have a slightly darker, bluish coat colour. However, this colour variety is not recognised in most breeding clubs.

How big can a Weimaraner get?

Weimaraners are a large breed of dog. Males reach a shoulder height of 59 to 70 cm, while females are slightly smaller, reaching a height of 57 to 65 cm. Weight varies depending on gender, ranging from 30 to 40 kg for males and 25 to 35 kg for females.

The character of the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is known for its intelligence, energy and strong will. It is an attentive and loyal companion that develops a close bond with its family. Due to its hunting dog heritage, it has a strong urge to move and needs a lot of stimulation and exercise. Weimaraners are alert and protective, but generally not aggressive. They are curious, eager to learn and enjoy working together with their owner. However, they can also be stubborn and headstrong, which makes training them consistent and patient a necessity.

Training the Weimaraner

Training a Weimaraner requires experience, consistency, and patience. These dogs are intelligent and learn quickly, but they need clear rules and confident leadership. Early socialisation is important to avoid unwanted behaviour. The Weimaraner tends to become very attached to its owner and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too often. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, work best with this breed. In addition to physical exercise, a Weimaraner also needs mental challenges, such as search games or obedience training.

Who is the Weimaraner suitable for?

The Weimaraner is ideal for active people or families who have plenty of time and energy to keep it physically and mentally occupied. It is suitable for dog sports such as agility, mantrailing or dummy work and is a loyal companion for joggers, hikers and cyclists. Due to its high level of intelligence and sensitivity, it is less suitable for inexperienced dog owners. If you decide to get a Weimaraner, you should be prepared to invest a lot of time in its training and activities.

Is the Weimaraner a good family dog?

Yes, the Weimaraner can be a good family dog if it is trained and exercised properly. It is loving and affectionate towards its owners and usually gets along well with children. However, children should be used to dealing with dogs, as the Weimaraner can be impetuous due to its size and energy. Because of its protective instincts, it should always be well socialised to teach it to behave kindly towards strangers and other dogs.

Weimaraner care

Looking after a Weimaraner is relatively straightforward. With the short-haired variety, it is enough to brush the fur regularly to remove loose hairs. The long-haired Weimaraner requires a little more grooming, as its fur can tend to become matted. The ears should be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent infections. Since the Weimaraner is an active dog, it is important to trim its claws at regular intervals and to ensure good dental care.

Weimaraner nutrition

Weimaraners should be fed a balanced, high-quality diet to meet their high energy needs. A mixture of high-quality dry or wet food, supplemented with fresh vegetables and occasional lean meat, is ideal. Special types of food such as BARF (biologically appropriate raw feeding) are also possible, but should be carefully planned. It is important to adjust the amount of food to the dog's activity level to avoid obesity.

How much does a Weimaraner shed?

Weimaraners shed hair moderately, especially the short-haired variety. During the coat change in spring and autumn, the hair loss can be a little more pronounced, but regular brushing helps to reduce the amount of loose hair. The long-haired variety also sheds hair moderately, but requires a little more grooming to keep the coat healthy and shiny.

How old does a Weimaraner live to be?

A healthy Weimaraner has a life expectancy of about 10 to 14 years. With the right care, nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups, the dog's lifespan can be extended. However, as with many large dog breeds, there is a risk of age-related diseases that can affect the quality of life.

Typical diseases of the Weimaraner

Weimaraners are generally robust, but prone to some specific health issues. The most common ones include:

Hip dysplasia: An improper development of the hip joint that can cause pain and restricted movement.
Stomach torsion: An acute and life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists.
Ent Ectropion and ectropion: Malpositions of the eyelids.
Epilepsy: Some Weimaraners may develop genetic seizures.

Regular veterinary check-ups and choosing a responsible breeder can help minimise the risk of such diseases.

How much does a Weimaraner puppy cost?

The cost of a Weimaraner puppy varies depending on the breeder, parentage and location, but is usually between CHF 1200.00 and CHF 2000.00. Reputable breeders ensure that their puppies are healthy and well socialised, which justifies the price. Additional costs for initial equipment, veterinary visits and insurance should also be planned for.

What to look out for when buying a Weimaraner?

When buying a Weimaraner puppy, it is essential to choose a reputable breeder. They should be a member of a recognised breeding association and raise their puppies in a healthy and well-socialised manner. The parents should have been tested for typical hereditary diseases. A good breeder will answer all your questions openly and give you the opportunity to visit the puppies and parents on site. You should avoid puppies from mass breeding or dubious suppliers.

Characteristics of the Weimaraner

Origin: Germany
Height: males 59-70 cm, females 57-65 cm
Weight: males 30-40 kg, females 25- 35 kg
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Coat: Short or long, smooth
Colour: Silver, fawn or mouse grey
Character: Intelligent