Weimaraner Breed Profile

weimaraner breed profile

Quick Facts

Intelligent, obedient and friendly
Regular vigorous exercise
Excellent watchdog
Male: 61-69cm & 25-32kgs
Female: 56-63cm & 23-29kgs

History
Wiemaraners were once widely used by royalty and aristocrats in Germany to hunt large prey such as wild pigs, deer and bears, yes thats right, bears! However, in more recent times the Wiemaraner is used as a gun dog and retriever of much smaller game, such as waterfowl. Wiemaraners were breed in the late 18th and 19th Century with the aim of creating a noble-looking gun dog that was highly prized and at one stage Weimaraners sent to America were sterilized in so that the breed would not populate outside of Germany. It was until the late 19th century that the breed did start to become more common outside of Germany and spread to the USA as it became more popular.

Description
The Weimaraner has a well-proportioned athletic body with a sleek coat that ranges in colour from a spectacular silver to shades of light amber and grey. Eye colour is striking blue-grey or amber with a tail traditionally docked to a third of its natural length shortly after birth (several countries now ban this practice)

Temperament
Weimaraners are alert, intelligent and strong willed. Early Weimaraners used as hunting dogs, were so highly prized that they lived with the families rather than in large kennels with other hunting dogs, thus resulting in a breed that needs to be around humans. The Wiemaraner is a dedicated companion dog and is at its happiest when engaged with exercise and activities that require mental stimulation. The breed makes a wonderful family pet and is fantastic with children, however with all dogs adult supervision is recommended.

Grooming
With its smooth, shorthaired coat, a quick daily brush is enough to keep it in peak condition. Use a brush with a firm bristle and bathe with a mild soap only when necessary. Inspect ears and feet and mouth regularly and keep nails trimmed.

Exercise and Diet
These dogs are powerful working dogs and require plenty of vigorous exercise and appreciate games and loads of mental stimulation. Be careful not to over exercise a pup when it's young, wait until it reaches adulthood before any vigorous exercise is performed. Weimaraners are prone to bloat so it's better to feed 2-3 small meals a day and do not exercise the dog straight after a meal.

Health Issues
Generally, the breed is very hardy. Weimaraners like most large breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia and is recommended that when buying your pup, acquire from a registered breeder who have the parents' hip scores. As a deep chested dog, Weimaraners are prone to bloat which is a serious condition that can cause a rather painful, rapid death. Bloat occurs when the intestines twist itself thereby cutting off the blood vessels to allow food travelling in and out. Symptoms include signs of distress, swollen stomach and no bowel movement.

Contacts for more information
Wiemaraner Club of NSW
Wiemaraner Club of Victoria
Wiemaraner Club of South Australia
Wiemaraner Social Club of WA