Weimaraner

Other names: Weimies, Grey Ghost Dog Group Kennel Club: Sporting (AKC) Gun Dog (KC) Appearance The weimraner is one of the worlds most versatile hunting dogs, and also the tallest of the gun dog breeds. The weimaraners eyes are a striking amber or blue in colour, they have long ears and a grey nose. Coat They have a short, smooth and sleek coat which is silver-grey in colour. There is also a less common longhaired variety of this breed (which is not accepted in the USA). The long haired type does not have its tail docked unlike the short haired, instead it has only the tip the tail removed .

Weight: 70 - 85 lbs

Average Life Span: 11 - 13 yrs

Temperament
Weimaraners are friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, with a kind and intelligent expression. They love family life, making this breed an excellent companion and family pet. They crave human attention, so destructive behaviour can be a result when left alone for long periods of time. Weimaraners are protective of their family and home and so make excellent guard dogs. Weimaraners are good with children but the dog's energy may overcome a younger child. If socialised properly from a puppy they get on well with with other dogs, but be careful about non-canine pets due to their natural hunting instincts.

Training
Weimaraner needs an active and confident owner to train, socialize and exercise it. Owners must be very confident when dealing with them as they are a very dominant breed. It is recommended to train and socialise this breed from a puppy so that they know who is boss.

Grooming
The sleek, steel-grey coat requires minimal grooming - weekly brushing will keep it clean and shiny.

Exercise
Exercise requirements for this breed are high, they are very active and are known for their tireless energy. They need a lot of regular walks and plenty of opportunities to run free.

Weimaraner Health Issues

Bloat (gastric torsion), though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many breed including the weimaraner. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information

Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.

Hygroma: a swelling of a joint, very often the elbow, that can grow to the size of a golf ball. It is caused by repeated contact with hard surfaces such as cement runs or hardwood floors. This disfiguring problem can be avoided if a weimaraner is provided with a padded or cushioned sleeping and resting area.

VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE (vWD): is an autosomally (not sex-linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time (somewhat similar to hemophilia in humans) and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. A DNA test for vWD is now available. Carrier-to-carrier breedings, in theory, will produce puppies that are 25% clear, 50% carriers, and 25% affected. Ideally, only clear-to-clear or clear-to-carrier should occur, so that no puppies will be affected. Not all dogs that are vWD affected will have severe bleeding problems, but they ARE at risk whenever they need to have surgery or have an accident. Some unlucky affected dogs will actually bleed out from a needle stick or minor wound.

Lick Granuloma: excessive licking which can lead to skin ulcers. The onset of this condition is caused by boredom. The dog licks certain areas until the hair is gone and the skin surface breaks. Treatment can be prolonged and cure evasive. Changing routines and ensuring the dog gets plenty of exercise appear to help considerably.

Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

Distichiasis: or double eyelashes is a condition in which a dog is born with an extra row of eyelashes, usually on the lower lid, that causes irritation to the cornea and tearing

Weimaraner History

The Weimaraner originated in the province of Weimar, Germany in the early 1800's. The Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar wanted an exceptional hunting dog that would be a companion not only in the field but also in the home. The Weimaraner was developed under the direction of the nobles the Duke's court, unfortunately no records were kept to prove the path of its development. It can only be assumed that they are a mix of intelligent hunting dogs and Bloodhounds.

The nickname: "Gray Ghost" comes from  the weimaraner's colour, and its ability to be quick, using an almost feline stealth while in the field, combined with a silent, almost shadow-like way of working.
 

Since the late 19th century, Weimaraner's have formed a distinct, recognized breed, although no dogs were bred outside Germany until the 1930's.