Weimaraner

Weimaraners are striking-looking dogs and delightful companions, made famous through the photographic work of William Wegman. This breed needs a strong owner who can handle its stubborn personality.

A working gundog who originated in Weimar, Germany, the Weimaraner is often referred to as the “gray ghost” and is both a striking dog and delightful companion.

Weimaraners are famous as both the muses and subjects of world renown photographer William Wegman.

Personality

Loyal, protective, athletic, courageous, affectionate and very strong-willed
Both a venerable hunter and a fearless protector the Weimaraner needs an owner as strong and confident as he is
Can suffer from severe separation anxiety

Size

65-75 pounds
22-27 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Weimaraners will take full advantage of an owner who does not establish his role as “master” immediately; the strong-willed and stubborn Weimaraner needs an owner who will not be easily intimidated
Not ideal for a home with young children or elderly adults as they can be boisterous, rowdy dogs
Provided Weimaraners have enough training, exercise and some type of task to do (guarding, agility training) they are a jovial dog who will bring great life to a home

Training

A stubborn breed with a wandering attention span, training can be difficult
Patient, firm but gentle, short, daily training sessions are the best approach
Young Weimaraners are extraordinarily exuberant and need plenty of socialization and playtime to work off that energy

Exercise

Weimaraners need a high-level of exercise each day — both on-leash and off-leash play in a dog-run or fenced in play area
Plenty of socialization starting at a young age will likely ward off any aggressive tendencies

Coat

Weimaraners are known for their sleek, silver-gray short-haired coats that occasionally have white markings
This is a low-maintenance coat that requires bi-weekly brushing to remove dull hairs and abet shedding
Although not common, Weimaraners also come in the long-haired variety which requires increased brushing especially around the shaggy ears and legs

Care

A young, unsupervised Weimaraner is trouble waiting to happen; they must be engaged and involved from their youth to their adulthood to avoid the consequences of separation anxiety (chewed furniture, eaten documents, etc)
Given the hyperactivity of this athletic breed, ensuring a Weimaraner is properly exercised is the key to owning a happy, well-behaved dog

Health

Weimaraners can be genetically prone to eye problems including cataracts and/or inverted eyelids as well as hip dysplasia, bloat and/or heart disease

Lifespan

10-13 years

Rescue

Visit Weimaraner Addict to find a rescue group near you with a Weimaraner available for adoption.

PHOTO: Mike Bostock

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.