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The Weimaraner – What should you know? |
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Written by Nigel
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Sunday, 18 May 2008 |
The pictures I posted of Troy a few weeks ago seem to have generated some interest, so I thought It might be useful to post something as about my experience of the Weimaraner.
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Commonly referred to as Grey Ghost, it is a breed of dog developed in the 1800's in Germany for hunting mainly large game. When hunting large game became less popular the Weimaraner was used to hunt smaller prey like game birds. This gun dog rather than being bred to one specific purpose such as pointing or raising prey is the complete package, a true all rounder. Some authorities consider it to be the most versatile of all gun dogs and its intelligence and affectionate nature make it a popular companion dog for active owners. The Weimaraner is loyal and loving to his family, an incredible hunter, and a fearless guardian of his family and territory.
The Weimaraner’s coat is short, fine and smooth [unless you have the long hair of course]. Its colour is a very distinctive silver/roe or mouse grey. This silvery-gray colour is rare in dogs and is the result of breeding for a recessive gene. It has also lent the breed the nickname 'silver ghost' or 'gray ghost.' The coat is extremely low maintenance; it is short, hard, and smooth to the touch.
It has moderately long flop ears set high on the head. Its muzzle is long, broad, and strong, allowing it to retrieve even heavy furred game. Its tail is commonly docked, although this is now prohibited in many countries.
The breed is lean, athletic, and graceful yet powerful, with strong hindquarters that make it able to move rapidly and turn quickly. Various breed standards set its height at the withers anywhere between 21 and 26 inches (53 to 65 cm), making this a large breed. Adults typically weigh from 55 to 70 lbs (25 to 32 kg), with the bitch usually slightly shorter and lighter than the male.
Troy is 3½ years old and I would say is a typical Weimaraner in appearance. He has a small white patch on his chest – which is allowed under the breed standard
This Weimaraner can seem shy; however, it is usually good with children and is affectionate and loyal, making it a good companion dog. These dogs crave interaction and have been referred to as "velcro dogs" often needing to be in physical contact with a member of their human family or very nearby, sometimes almost underfoot. It needs plenty of vigorous activity, so it is not a good pet for an inactive home.
Like the other German Pointers—the German Wire haired Pointer and the German Long Haired Pointer—this is one of the few hunting breeds that can perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, bird dog and water dog, can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent hound's talented nose. It is an excellent swimmer but also works well in rough terrain. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable.
This is an intelligent and trainable breed. Like most intelligent dogs, it can have a mind of its own and so the breed requires training to ensure that it understands that the owner is in charge. Along with its superb hunting ability and companionable personality, its intelligence and biddability (trainability) continue to make this one of the more popular large breeds. Many people find Weimaraners to be headstrong and have problems with obedience, Firm consistant handling is essential to establish the ground rules this is not a dog that will suit everyone. I would definitely recommend any new weimaraner owner to take their dog to puppy socialisation and them move onto dog training classes.
Troy is a very affectionate, loving, loyal dog who adores physical human contact. He needs lots of stimulation and plenty of exercise otherwise he becomes depressed and bored. He is trained to the whistle and knows all the basic commands. I love to see him 'point' though I have never had the camera with me at any of these times. Even though he 'points' birds etc, he does not go near or harm the chickens, ducks and geese we have around Alledal. Unlike my friends Weimaraner; Jack, Troy does not like water so much which I find strange.
The Weimaraner is generally a healthy breed. Seizures have been a problem in some lines, and a few individuals may suffer from hip dysphasia, genetic eye diseases, or skin cancer. The floppy ears can be prone to ear infections and require regular checking and cleaning. It has a longer life expectancy than many breeds of this size, commonly living to twelve years. Like most deep chested dogs gastric torsion or bloat is something to always be aware of. Its short coat needs very little grooming, just the occasional brushing. The dog should be bathed only when needed.
As it is a large, active breed, it can require considerable food; however, it can easily become obese if too much food is given for its activity level.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 May 2008 )
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