Weimaraner

The Weimaraner’s ancestry is quite a mystery. However, it has been speculated that its possible parent breeds go way back to the thirteenth century. The Chien-gris and the bloodhound have been thought to be ancestors of the Weim. The German short-haired pointer is also said to be a relative. Further, canine pets looking very similar to the Weimers were observed in Van Dyke paintings dating back to the 1600s.

The Weimaraner breed was developed in Germany in the state of Weimar. It was developed for the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, and thus takes its name after the state. It was bred for the nobility to hunt big game, such as bears, wildcats, deer, boars, and even wolves. However, when huge prey grew scarce in the country, the number of Weims also fell.

Despite the downturn on the hunting front, the Weimaraner continued to survive as it was a hunting dog that lived with its family. This was regarded as an unusual arrangement as hunting canines were typically kept in packs and housed in kennels. As such, this dog is used to being in the company of humans and does not thrive well in kennels.

A major reason for the mystery of the Weimer’s breeding history is due to the fact that the Germans kept it a secret. The nation was possessive of its prized, all-purpose canine. In fact, the first Weim brought to the US in 1937 was sterilised to prevent the spread of the breed beyond German borders.

In later years, non-sterilised Weimaraners reached American shores. It was in 1952 that the canine was brought to the UK, thanks to Major Petty. The Weimaraner is recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

Today, the Weim has grown in popularity in various parts of the world and has been used by the police and as assistance dogs. 

This graceful and handsome dog has a tall yet medium-sized body. Its average height ranges from 58 to 68 cm and its weight ranges anywhere from 25 to 37 kg.

Its head is a bit long and sits proudly on a moderately long neck. It has a powerful jaw, grey nose, and long, high-set ears that fold downwards. Its eyes are medium, round, and set apart nicely on its face and have an alert and intelligent look. The light blue Weimaraner eyes typically occur during this breed’s puppy stage. As an adult, the Weim’s eyes transform into a grey blue or yellow colour.

The Weimer’s chest is deep and its loins are on the shorter side. It has strong, straight front legs and muscular back legs. These end in compact, well-padded feet and arched toes. Its tail is moderately long and is thick at the root. This breed is frequently docked in countries where the practice is not banned.

Its silvery coat is short and sleek. It is also extremely low-maintenance. A bath every few weeks is sufficient to keep it in good condition. Its distinctive coat colour ranges from light silver grey to dark grey and is famous for creating a disappearing effect. As such, it has also been called the 'grey ghost.' Such a smoky, silvery coat allows the Weimer to easily blend in the fog.

There also are Weimaraners with longer coats, with hair ranging from 2.5 to 5 cm in length. Whilst uncommon, these long-haired varieties were suitable for hunting waterfowl due to the added insulation.

The Weimaraner’s temperament is famously energetic and demanding. It is a breed that has a profound need for hunting and bonding with its family. Its high prey drive is such that it may chase even animals it has already known, although it can learn to tolerate them. As such, it is not ideal for households with smaller pets.

This dog is said to be amongst the most energetic of all hunting canines. It needs to be constantly kept busy as a bored Weimer is destructive. As such, it needs a lot of daily exercise and is thus ideal for those who lead an active outdoor lifestyle.

Sensitive, eager to please, and supremely loyal, the Weimaraner is known to be very devoted and attached to its human family. It follows its owners from room to room and will develop separation anxiety when left on its own.

The Weimaraner is gentle, sociable, playful, and generally good with children. As such, it makes a wonderful pet for active families. However, it is not ideal for city living. The Weim needs much room for running and thus will be suitable to the countryside and homes with yards or wide landscapes.

This canine has such a keen sense of smell that it has been used to sniff out missile shrapnel during the Cold War. It can handily sweep tracking competitions with its powerful nose, which is powered by half of its brain.

A very smart dog, the Weimer has been called 'dog with the human brain' and is thus easy to train. As such, it needs to be constantly challenged mentally. As it has a stubborn streak and a tendency to think independently, the Weim is not recommended for first-time owners. Ideally, this dog should be trained and socialised early on.

The Weimaraner requires a diet that composed of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, but these must come from excellent sources to keep your Weim healthy and fit. All dogs need meat, and the Weimaraner is no exception. His diet should contain 50 to 80 per cent of quality meats. Fat content must best come from animal sources, such as chicken fat, rather than plant sources. Other fats, like fish oil, help to keep your dog’s skin and coat in excellent condition. Carbohydrates such as potatoes, oatmeal, or rice are also needed in his diet.

The Weimaraner is a very athletic dog. To ensure that he receives the calories, vitamins, and minerals that he needs, pick a high-quality dog food. It should be specifically targeted to his size, age, breed, and activity levels. Asking the vet for help will quickly narrow down what dog food best fits your Weimaraner.

Do not buy commercial dog food as it often has insufficient nutrients and minerals. Others also contain unhealthy ingredients, such as preservatives and additives that can harm his well-being. Fresh water should always be available, especially on a hot day. This will prevent heatstroke and keep your Weimaraner well-hydrated.

Follow a set feeding schedule consistently and provide the same food to your pet to avoid gastrointestinal problems. A Weimaraner puppy must be fed three to four times a day. An adult Weimaraner should be fed twice a day, but in small meal portions as he is prone to bloat.

For a Weimer puppy that’s two to seven months old, feed 264–506 g of food daily, depending also on his size and activity level. For one that is eight to ten months old, feed 374–402 g of food daily. For a Weim pup that is eleven to fourteen months old, provide 290–357 g of food. When he turns fifteen months and beyond, you can give him adult food.

The adult Weimaraner weighing 25 kg should be fed about 276–363 g of food daily, taking into consideration his activity level. If he weighs 30 kg, offer 307–404 g of food. For a Weim that weighs 32–37 kg, give 322–482 g of dog food.

The average lifespan of Weimaraners is eleven to fourteen years. This breed is robust, healthy, and faces only few hereditary issues. However, it is known to be affected by the following health issues:

• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat
• Ectropion and entropion (eyelid issues)
• Epilepsy
• Dilated cardiomyopathy

Being a very intelligent and active breed, the Weimer should be exercised for at least two hours daily. The activity should involve a combination of mental and physical stimulation.

To buy a well-bred Weimaraner puppy, you may expect to spend at least £400–£900. Insurance may cost about £30 (basic) to £67 (lifetime) monthly. The food expenses may cost about £40–£50 per month. For vaccinations, boosters, annual checks, and other veterinary costs, pet care expenses may add up to more than £1,200 annually.

On average, a Weimer owner will spend about £80–£120 per month. The insurance costs can also influence these cost estimates. For its lifetime (11–14 years), the costs can range from £10,560 to £20,160 overall. This estimate does not include the expenditures incurred in acquiring a Weimaraner for sale, though.