Weimaraners were first bred by 19th-Century German aristocrats to track big game like wolves and bears. Today, they’re beloved for their intelligence and loyalty. Despite their regal appearance, they tend to be fun-loving dogs who make great companions—especially for those willing to give these high-energy athletes the ample activity and training they require. Here’s what to know if you’re considering adding a Weim to your family.
Basic Weimaraner facts
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Weimaraners range from 55 to 90 pounds and 23 to 27 inches tall, with males usually taller and heavier than females. They’re typically born with blue eyes that change to amber or blue-gray over time. Weimaraners are also known for their distinctive silver coats, which are sleek, short, and easy to care for. (Long-haired Weimaraners, which are much rarer, require more work on the grooming front). Healthy Weimaraners typically have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
Weimaraners in history and culture
Weimaraners are thought to date back to the early 1800s, when the breed was a favorite of German nobility. Later, they became popular among prominent figures like President Dwight D. Eisenhower and actress-turned–Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly—and, later, actor Brad Pitt. In the 1970s, Weims were immortalized in a series of famous photos by photographer William Wegman, which featured his own Weimerarner “Man Ray” wearing human clothes. “My Weimaraners are perfect fashion models,” Wegman said. “Their elegant, slinky forms are covered in gray—and gray, everyone knows, goes with anything.”
Living with a Weimaraner
First, a disclaimer: every dog is an individual, and breed is no guarantee of personality. So if your Weimaraner doesn’t act the way you expect them to based on what you’ve heard about the breed, that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them. But people who live with Weimaraners have noticed certain tendencies.
Like many dogs, Weimaraners can be very attached to their people. If they develop separation anxiety, they may engage in destructive behaviors. You’ll have to give them an appropriate amount of mental and physical exercise, and plenty of quality time—and get them used to being comfortable on their own once in a while. Weimaraners can be highly vigilant and bark at perceived threats, which makes them effective watchdogs (but may be an issue if you live in an apartment with thin walls).
As Michele Guthrie says of her 13-year-old Weimaraner Blanche, “She never quite realized her size—and, for the longest time, insisted on being a lapdog. Even now, she still wants to be as close as possible, guiding me to the couch with her paws and nose so she can cuddle.” While Guthrie adores the affection, she was initially surprised at just how much of a shadow Blanche became. “I expected loyalty, but not to the extent that she would be attached to me every moment of the day.” Weimaraners, she says, “don’t just love their humans—they need them. It’s a full-time relationship.” So keep in mind that the loyalty will have to go both ways.
“The thing that is ‘so Weimaraner’ is when he burrows under the covers in the bed,” says Bryan Harvard of his 14-year-old dog, Charlie. “Always feeling secure under covers or wanting to be next to you” is Charlie’s M.O., as it is for many Weims.
Alizabeth Ballard says of her dog, Pokey: “She is a Velcro Weim… I haven’t gone to the bathroom alone in over seven years!”
Training and exercise for Weimaraners
While training any dog requires commitment and dedication, Weimaraners have a reputation for being smart, loyal, and eager to please. Their sharp intellect has even earned them the nickname “the dog with the human brain.”
“You can pretty much train them [to do] anything,” says Denise King, President and founder of Louisville Weimaraner Rescue. Her next comment evokes the velociraptors in Jurassic Park, if they were much cuter. “We tell people: Don’t teach them something that you don’t want them to know—because we’ve actually gotten some in rescue who know how to open up refrigerators and cabinets.”
As with all dogs, it’s best to start training Weimaraners at a young age. Patience and consistency are key. Always be kind, and reward the behaviors you want.
Weimaraners require a lot of stimulation—both physical and mental. They are known as among the most active dogs, and the typical Weim requires at least an hour or two of vigorous physical activity a day. Their love of running, as well as their talent in agility and fetch, makes them a suitable choice for those seeking an athletic companion. Yet, while Weims tend to be people-pleasers who get along well with kids, extra caution should be exercised with smaller pets in case these speedy hunters see them as prey to chase. And, no matter the breed’s reputation, you should always supervise interactions between dogs and children.
“Charlie has had three walks a day since he was a puppy,” says Bryan Harvard of his own Weimaraner. “He is almost 15 today, so his walks are much shorter—but he still gets out and breathes fresh air often.” Activities at home—like interactive games and puzzles—are also useful tools to keep your Weimaraner mentally stimulated.
Because Weimaraners are so intelligent and lively, one who’s bored is liable to get into mischief and do things like open doors and turn knobs. For all these reasons, Weimaraners require frequent activity to make sure they aren’t left to their own devices with too much pent-up energy. Before a training session, it’s a good idea to make sure your Weim has been adequately exercised so they’ll be relaxed enough to focus on the task at hand. Exercise isn’t just key to a healthy lifestyle—it’s also essential to prevent anxiety or destructive behavior at home.
Common Weimaraner health problems
According to the AKC, healthy Weimaraners typically live 10–13 years. Still, the breed can face health challenges including, but not limited to, the following:
Dental issues: Weimaraners, like other dogs, may face dental issues like tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Brush your dog’s teeth at home every night (with patience you can train them to tolerate or even like the ritual), bring them to the vet for regular checkups that include dental exams, and get them professional cleanings as needed.
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disorder. In a dog afflicted with this condition, the joint grows improperly and becomes loose. Hip dysplasia develops over time, beginning with weakness and pain in the hind legs and progressing to degenerative joint disease (also known as osteoarthritis).
Treatment options include pain medications, joint supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, and surgeries, as well as canine rehabilitation therapy and controlled exercise. With proper management, dogs with hip dysplasia can have a good quality of life. If you notice that your dog is limping, having trouble getting up or laying down, or showing signs of muscle loss, call your vet.
Entropion: Entropion is a condition in which a dog’s eyelid rolls inward. When this happens, the eyelashes rub against the cornea (the clear, front part of the eyeball) and cause irritation. Signs may include eye discharge, watery eyes, redness, or squinting; most cases require surgical correction.
Hypothyroidism: Weimaraners are also prone to this common endocrine disease, which can be diagnosed with a blood test and managed through medication. Signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, and skin and coat changes.
Heart disease: The most common heart disease in Weimaraners is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This condition causes the heart muscle to become weak and enlarged, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. Dogs with DCM may feel tired more often, develop a cough—or, in severe cases, experience sudden heart failure. Ask your vet how often your dog should get cardiac checkups—catching DCM early can allow for better management and keep your dog healthier for longer.
Gastric-dilatation volvulus: Large, deep-chested breeds like Weimaraners are at risk of a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This happens when the stomach fills with gas and food—often after eating too quickly or too much—and then twists on itself, preventing proper digestion and blood flow. Signs to watch for include drooling, a swollen or firm belly, and trying to vomit without bringing anything up. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to get your dog to a vet right away—GDV is a life-threatening emergency. Treatment usually involves emergency abdominal surgery to correct the issue and prevent it from happening again. Read our full article about GDV here.
Feeding your Weimaraner
As with any breed of dog, it’s important to feed Weimaraners healthy, complete and balanced food on a regular schedule. Here are some other important considerations:
Support joint health: A fresh diet that provides balanced omega-3 fatty acids may help keep joints healthy. A pre-portioned fresh food plan also makes it easy to feed the right number of calories every day. This helps maintain a healthy weight, which is another key factor in keeping joints healthy—as well as improving general health and quality of life.
Encourage healthy teeth: Eating for dental health means eating for overall health—a fresh, whole-food diet promotes a healthy immune system, which helps ward off dental maladies. Crunchy kibble is often said to clean teeth, but most kibble does no such thing.
Choose high-quality food for high-quality poops: A diet of fresh, lightly cooked food has been shown to be more digestible than typical kibble, and can promote a healthy gut and good digestion (which also means better, smaller poops).
A healthy diet—alongside ample exercise, training and vet care—is key to giving your Weimaraner the best quality of life.
Where to get a Weimaraner
If the noble Weim has won your heart, reach out to a local shelter or rescue organization. Some Weimaraner-specific rescues include Louisville Weimerarner Rescue, The Grayter Good Weimaraner Rescue, and Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue.
The post The Weimaraner Guide: Personality, History, Training, Food, and More appeared first on The Farmer’s Dog - Digest.
Comments
Post a Comment