Weimaraner

The Weimaraner (WAHY mah rah ner) is a regal, noble hunting dog that was developed in the courts of German nobility. Popularly referred to as the "gray ghost,"� this aristocratic dog was bred to have great speed and superior scenting ability and its versatility as an all-around gun dog.. The Weimaraner is an excellent family companion and is popular as a household pet and reliable watchdog. The Weimaraner is a large dog, standing an average 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. It is of medium bone and well-muscled with a square build. The ribs are well-sprung and the chest is deep, allowing for endurance when hunting or performing other demanding exercise. The Weimaraner has feet that are slightly webbed, and are heavily padded. Dewclaws are generally removed. The tail of the Weimaraner is usually docked to be about six inches long in the adult, and is held erect, communicating confidence. The Weimaraner's signature coat is silver-gray, from a very light gray to a darker shade. It is solid, but often blends to a lighter shade on neck and ears. It is smooth, straight, and sleek. The eyes of this dog are amber, gray or blue-gray, adding to its striking appearance. The silver coat, fairly unique amongst breeds, is the result of breeding for a recessive gene. The skin of the Weimaraner is pinkish. Occasionally a Weimaraner will show with tiny white markings on the chest. Rarely it one will have subtle tan markings a leftover trait from the early days of the breed. Although it is not recognized in North America, there is also a long-haired Weimaraner variety; the coat of this dog is the usual silver gray, but is longer and silky, and the tail is left long and is heavily feathered. The Weimaraner was developed to its modern form in by the early decades of the 19th century. It was derived from various German hunting dogs and the Bloodhound, bred to track and hunt large game such as deer, bear, wolves and wild boar. The German nobles sought a dog that could embody all the best qualities of their valuable hunting breeds. Particularly mportant in the Weimaraner's bloodlines was the Red Schweisshund, a prized scent and tracking hound bred from the Bloodhound. The Weimaraner is also a close cousin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, and in its early days was called the Weimar Pointer. As time went by, there was less large game hunting in Germany, and the Weimaraner was increasingly used as a small-game and bird dog, and traits were emphasized accordingly in breedings. The Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, was an avid hunter and it was at his court that the Weimar Pointer was first known. Its early breeding was closely monitored and controlled, as was the custom in Germany. The strict controls on breeding and owning hunting dogs kept the breed a secret from the rest of Europe for many decades. The only way to own or breed a Weimaraner was to join the breed club, and its membership was exclusive. But in 1929 American Howard Knight, who had become a devotee of the breed, was admitted to the German Weimaraner Club. Shortly after, he was permitted to take two of the dogs to America as foundation stock, and eventually he imported six more. These eight are the ancestors for the majority of Weimaraners bred in the United States today. Howard Knight founded the American Weimaraner Club in 1929 and served as the first president. The breed has steadily increased in popularity outside of its native country. Ironically, the Weimaraner has ultimately been represented to a far greater extent in the U.S. in terms of showing and trialing in dog sports, than it ever was in Germany. The Weimaraner is an active dog, bred to endure long days of hunting. It is not suited for a small apartment, or for a quiet, inactive household. This breed requires at least one period of vigorous exercise such as a long brisk walk daily. A secure fence is essential; as a hunting breed that is strongly led by its nose, the Weim will be off tracking a scent before the owner realizes the dog is gone. This breed has strong instinctive guarding instincts and will bark frequently if not trained to do otherwise. The coat of the Weimaraner needs minimal care: occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep coat conditioned and skin healthy, is all that is needed. Ears should be checked frequently for signs of parasites and infection, and should be cleaned weekly. Neglect of ear health can result in permanent damage. If the dog spends time hunting out in the field, its coat and ears should be examined frequently for ticks. This breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, and breeding stock should be tested. Being a deep-chested breed, it is also prone to bloat (GDV) which is a sudden, life-threatening emergency condition. Owners should be familiar with the signs of bloat, and should keep the dog from hard exercise for a period after eating. Von Willebrand's Disease, a blood disorder, is sometimes fround in the Weimaraner. The Weimaraner can be very reserved with strangers and outside dogs. It is especially prone to severe separation anxiety and should not be left alone for long periods with no human interaction. The Weimaraner is happiest when it has plenty of activity, whether in work or play. The prospective owner should be aware that this breed can be extremely rambunctious as a pup through the first 18 months of its life or more. For this reason, it not only needs firm training, but is likely not suitable for very young children or for the elderly. Early, consistent and ongoing obedience work will ensure that the dog remains well-behaved and under control. The Weim is a thinking dog sometimes referred to as "the dog with a human brain"�, it is a problem-solver. Games and activities that take this trait into account will keep the dog well-occupied and content.

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