Weimaraner Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 23 – 27 in
Weight: 55 – 82 lbs
Life Span: 10 – 13 yrs
Coloring: Varying shades of grey
Area of Origin: Germany
Similar Breeds: German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla, English Pointer, Bloodhound

History and Origin:

The Weimaraner’s ancestry dates back to the thirteenth century, when grey hunting dogs were produced by German and French nobility. Like the Hungarian Vizsla, which helped to refine the breed to the breed standard developed in the nineteenth century, the early Weimaraner was a prized possession of nobility, and lived in the home with its family instead of in a kennel with other hunting dogs. Thus, it developed a strong attachment to humans, one that is still present in today’s Weimaraner. With English Pointer, Vizsla, and Bloodhound blood in its ancestry, the Weimaraner was a natural pointer and retriever, originally used to hunt large game such as boar, wolves, deer, and bear. It was prized so much by breed fanciers that in 1929, American breeder Howard Knight received two sterilized dogs from Germany even though he promised to maintain purity of lines. Ultimately, Knight was able to acquire breeding stock in 1938, and founded the first Weimaraner breed association in the United States. Weimaraner numbers grew in North America throughout World War II, and when the stress of the war made it hard for German breeders to maintain their dogs, many of the best dogs were sent to the United States with the hope that the breed would not become extinct. Accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1943, the Weimaraner currently enjoys great popularity in the United States.

Personality and Temperament:

The Weimaraner is an incredibly energetic, good-natured, and loyal breed, fantastic with active children and extremely attached to its family. It is intelligent, and due to its history as a hunting dog, needs plenty of stimulation both mentally and physically to prevent it from developing behavioral problems. Because the Weimaraner was traditionally kept by aristocracy in the household with people instead of in a kennel with other dogs, the breed tends to suffer from separation anxiety, and should not be left alone for long periods of time. It is a loyal and devoted breed, making it an ideal watch and guard dog. Its prey instinct remains strong, and as such this breed typically does not tolerate cats or other animals. Due to its incredible stamina and boisterous nature, the Weimaraner is not suitable for the nervous or first-time dog owner; it needs firm and unwavering leadership to help it develop into a well-adjusted and loving family companion.

Exercise & Training:

Due to its working dog past, the Weimaraner expects plenty of exercise: long daily walks and runs with plenty of play time are required to ensure the dog’s physical and mental needs are met. It excels in activities and dog sports that require human interaction, such as agility, flyball, hunt trials, dock diving, or competitive obedience, which will help to satisfy the Weimaraner’s desire to be constantly near its loved ones. An extremely intelligent breed, the Weimaraner is easy to train with consistent and firm leadership. Advanced obedience classes are recommended to keep the dog constantly challenged and stimulated.

Grooming:

The Weimaraner is an easy keeper; its short, smooth coat sheds an average amount and needs brushing a few times a week to remove dead hair. Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying out the skin.

Similar Breeds:

The Weimaraner is closely related to the German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla, and the English Pointer; it is likely that all of these breeds were used throughout history to develop the other breeds. It is particularly closely related to the Vizsla, and was used to revitalize the Vizsla breed in the late nineteenth century when it was faced with extinction. The Bloodhound is also believed to have been used in the development of the Weimaraner.

Interesting Facts about the Weimaraner:

1. Due to its unique color, the Weimaraner is known as the “grey ghost”.

2. With a fantastic sense of smell, the Weimaraner can get into mischief; it is a master at opening cabinets, and many owners have to resort to “childproofing” their homes to deter their dogs!

3. Brad Pitt and President Dwight Eisenhower are among many well-known people who have owned Weimaraners.

4. The Weimaraner’s name originated from the town of Weimar; the eighteenth century Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August, was an avid hunter and possibly helped in the development of this unique breed.