Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a slender, athletic looking dog. Traditionally used in hunting, these dogs are also safe to have around families. Typically, they have short gray coats which are smooth and easy to maintain. There is, however, a long haired variety that has a silky coat. Weimaraners usually measure between 23 and 27 inches and can weigh up to 85 pounds (38kgs).

Although the earliest Weimaraner dates back to the court of Louis IX of France in the 1200s, the breed popular today was developed in the 19th century. The breed was originally created as a dependable, strong hunting dog for nobility. Due to its exclusivity, these dogs were highly prized and were usually allowed to live with the families that owned them. This resulted in the dogs’ need to be raised as part of a family rather than in a kennel.

Temperamentally, these dogs are suitable for homes but need to be appropriately trained. Because of their lively and energetic nature, it is not advisable to leave these dogs unsupervised around very young children and elderly people, as the dog might accidentally knock them over. This breed can learn to tolerate cats but only if they are accustomed to cats as puppies. As adult dogs, they will almost always hunt small animals that enter their territory. Like most other breeds, Weimaraner puppies also engage in vigorous play and may chew things around the house. Through proper training, this can be curtailed. A properly trained Weimaraner can make a truly loyal companion who will never abandon their family or master.

Weimaraners are fiercely territorial and will protect and guard their territory and family. These dogs need to be in and around the family they belong to. Restricting them to kennels will inevitably lead to poor health and behavioral disorders. Separation anxiety is very common among these dogs and might be manifested in excessive drooling, panic and even aggressive behavior. Other health problems include serious conditions like bloating. The breed’s deep chested structure makes it especially vulnerable to this disorder. Bloating, also known as gastric torsion can be fatal if untreated. To avoid this, the dog’s feeding dish should be placed at ground level instead of a raised platform so that the dog is not able to gulp the food down too fast. Hip dysplasia is also common among these dogs. This can cause permanent crippling and arthritis of the joints. It is advisable to adopt Weimaraner pups only from breeders who have had their dogs’ hips examined.

In the late 19th century this breed became increasingly popular in Europe and the United States. To this day, Weimaraners are a popular choice in both Britain and America. They have been used in popular Hollywood movies, including the Jennifer Lopez starrer Maid in Manhattan. As the demand for these dogs has grown, some inferior breeds have also been created. However, the purebred Weimaraner still remains a multi-purpose gundog that can also stay close to the family and be gentle towards children.