Weimaraner

The grand ducal court at Weimar, which can be considered the birthplace of the Weimaraner breed, already appreciated the versatile hunting abilities of the elegant grey dog in the early 19th century. 

Its remarkable sensitive nose, endurance, sharpness for game and vermin, obedience to its owner, and significant guarding and protective instincts made the Weimaraner a useful and noble companion for nobles and hunters. 

Hunting dog with high demands 

Even today, in its home country of Germany, the Weimaraner’s suitability for hunting is a primary focus in breeding. Its reliability in pointing and water work, as well as its distinctive inclination for post-shot work, are essential traits according to the FCI breed standard. 

In this regard, its versatility, enduring search, controlled temperament, and ease of handling are also emphasised. Dogs that fail to demonstrate these characteristics in a hunting performance test cannot be used for breeding in the breed’s country of origin. To meet the requirements of a hunting dog, Weimaraners in Germany are only given to hunters. 

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Is a Weimaraner a family dog? 

In the USA, Canada, and the UK, the Weimaraner is also sought after as a rescue dog, therapy dog, and police & drug detection dog, beyond its role as a hunting dog. It is also gaining popularity as a pure family and companion dog. 

It is no surprise that there has been ongoing debate in Germany in recent years about whether the Weimaraner could be suitable as a family dog. 

After all, its elegant appearance has contributed to increasing interest in this beautiful breed among non-hunters. But can the Weimaraner truly be fulfilled as a family dog? 

Pros and cons 

Critics highlight that the Weimaraner is a typical one-person dog, obeying only its owner and merely tolerating other family members. Proponents, on the other hand, point to its sociability, attachment, and strong desire to learn. This makes it not just a sensitive but also an incredibly loyal and obedient companion. 

These two perspectives may seem quite different, but there is likely some truth to both. After all, a dog’s character development depends not only on its genes but also on its upbringing, socialisation, and environment. 

What is certain is that the Weimaraner is a demanding dog that, as a former hunting dog, has a naturally high need for movement and activity. It belongs—if not in the hands of a hunter—at least in experienced hands. Owners need to respect and nurture the unique character of this breed. 

Opinions on the requirements for keeping a Weimaraner vary considerably. While one side insists that only advanced hunters can do justice to this special hunting talent, the other side believes that the Weimaraner can also receive sufficient activity in a family without hunting experience. 

Whichever opinion you lean towards, it is undeniable that the Weimaraner is not an easy companion dog. It absolutely needs a task to devote itself to with all its passion. 

As a former working hunting dog with a strong will and high intelligence, it requires consistent training from the start. It also needs a suitable task that nurtures its strengths, respects its character, and keeps it mentally and physically engaged every day. 

Can physical and mental engagement work without hunting? 

A role as a detection, pointing, or tracking dog aligns most closely with the Weimaraner’s instincts. However, with the decline in hunters and hunting grounds, many traditional hunting dogs have had to find alternative roles. 

In many industrialised countries, there are now a variety of dog sports and training opportunities offering dogs meaningful substitute activities. The Weimaraner will likely enjoy activities such as dummy work, mantrailing, tracking, or training as a rescue dog. 

It is crucial that the substitute activity be carried out daily, combining exercise and mental stimulation. A Weimaraner without a task that engages it physically and mentally can quickly become a problem dog. 

Ensure that your dog gets the work it deserves. It will repay you with lifelong loyalty and a greater willingness to obey. 

Unlike its high demands for physical and mental engagement, the Weimaraner’s care needs are quite low. Short-haired Weimaraners, in particular, are very easy to care for. 

To maintain the shine and texture of its short, smooth fur, you only need to brush it once or twice a week. Bathing is necessary only in exceptional cases. The rarer long-haired Weimaraners naturally require a bit more coat care. 

Additionally, both varieties require attention to their ears. Their long floppy ears can lead to infections and ear inflammations. Regular inspection and cleaning of the ears are therefore essential. 

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Fortunately, the risk of skeletal diseases and the danger of gastric torsion can be reduced with a healthy and appropriate diet. 

To prevent later musculoskeletal issues, you must ensure healthy growth during the puppy stage. The energy needs to be perfectly adjusted to the puppy’s requirements. Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth, causing an imbalance between bone and muscle development and leading to future joint issues. Also, ensure a healthy phosphorus-calcium ratio in the diet to guarantee stable bone development. 

To prevent gastric torsion, divide the daily recommended portion into several small meals throughout the day and ensure rest after feeding. Vigorous play after eating can increase the risk. 

A puppy from a reputable breeder with official papers has the best chance for a long, healthy life. The criteria for breeding approval are high, including eye examinations and X-rays of hips, shoulders and elbows, to exclude genetic predispositions. 

Nevertheless, a healthy pedigree is no guarantee of eternal health. Poor diet, lack of care, or other adverse environmental factors can also cause health issues. 

One of the most common conditions in Weimaraners is the dreaded hip dysplasia (HD), despite genetic exclusion measures. Eye diseases like entropion, and ear infections due to the long floppy ears, can also be a problem for these grey dogs. 

Other known issues include epilepsy and, like many large breeds, Weimaraners can be prone to gastric torsion. 

Due to the strict rules of the Weimaraner Club e.V., which includes most German breeders, the breed is relatively rare in its homeland. Hunting is often viewed as a hobby, and the available hunting grounds are shrinking. 

The requirement that Weimaraner breeders only provide pups to professional hunters restricts the number of interested people. Simultaneously, interest in the beautiful Weimaraner is growing abroad, and more non-hunters in Germany are becoming interested in the proud grey dog. 

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