The Weimaraner is a versatile pointer and hunting dog. They were originally intended only for use by royalty to hunt, track, and take down large animals such as wild boars, bears, elk, and deer. Today the Weimaraner is adapted to smaller game and highland birds and has a reputation for being a good water retriever.
Certain aggression is innate to the breed and they serve as personal and patrimonial protection. They make good pets for families with older children and a strong, experienced trainer.
The appearance
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
The Weimaraner is a relatively large and very athletic and muscular dog. The head is elongated and aristocratic and the muzzle is strong. The ears are moderately long and hanging. He has long legs with defined muscle tone and webbed feet for swimming. The tail is cut to 1½ inches.
The Weimaraner is nicknamed the ‘silver ghost’ or ‘gray ghost’ due to its distinctive bluish-gray color which is very rare in dogs. Even more fare is the long-haired variety. The smooth shorthair coat is easy to care for.
Use in the field
Weimarans were once used to hunt large game. Nowadays they are mainly used to recover and eliminate small game, but, given the opportunity, they will go after big game like deer and even bears, as this dog is not afraid. It can hunt well both in water and on land.
Although slower than many other hunting dogs, the Weimaraner is an energetic and powerful dog with a good sense of smell. A passionate worker prized for his physical stamina and vigor, he can be used for all types of hunting.
At home
The Weimaraner is a loyal companion that will protect your family and drive away or even kill any animal that enters your garden regardless of its size. They are often kind to children, but they are energetic and can accidentally harm younger children due to their playful enthusiasm.
This is not a breed that can be left for long periods of time as they tend to suffer from severe separation anxiety. The Weimaraner also has a tendency to steal food from countertops and chew on furniture if not properly supervised and given a chance to remove excess energy.
This breed likes to bark and can be combative with other dogs unless properly trained from a young age.
The history
The breed is several centuries old and is believed to be descended from the Mastiff and Vizsla with albinism as the main cause of their unusual coloration. Similar dogs date back to the 13th century. These prized dogs lived with the family rather than in kennels, something that was very unusual at the time. As a result, today’s Weimaraner needs the company of its human owner and will not thrive in a kennel environment.
The Weimaraner name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, whose court enjoyed hunting. Dogs first arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, where they soon became a popular hunting dog and family pet.