About Weimaraners
The Weimaraner is a silver-grey breed of dog developed originally
in early 19th century for hunting. Early Weimaraners were used by
royalty for hunting large game, such as boar, bears, deer, and
foxes. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline,
Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals, like fowl,
rabbits, and foxes. Rather than having a specific purpose such as
pointing or flushing, the Weimaraner is an all purpose gun dog.
The Weimaraner is loyal and loving to his family, an incredible
hunter, and a fearless guardian of his family and territory. The
name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, whose
court enjoyed hunting.

The Weimaraner is elegant, noble, and athletic in appearance. All
parts of the dog should be in balance with each other, creating a
form that is pleasing to the eye. It must be capable of working in the
field, regardless of whether it is from show stock or hunting stock,
and faults that will interfere with working ability are heavily
penalized.

The tails, which may be amber or gray, are kept short. In some
cases, tails are docked and dewclaws are removed, the tail usually
docked at birth to a third of its natural length.

Is a Weimaraner right for you?

The Weimaraner Standard describes the breed temperament as
friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, but this is but the half of its
personality. Assertive, bold, loyal, and headstrong also fit, giving the
dog a loving attitude with a willingness to take the upper paw in the
family if the opportunity presents itself. Housebreaking can be a
problem, as can destructive chewing.

Like most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner needs lots of
exercise and must be kept in a fenced yard to prevent him from
ranging in search of game. Because he was developed as a
hunting dog and still maintains those instincts, he may be
dangerous to birds and small mammals. Unlike many hunting
breeds, however, the Weimaraner is a house dog and does poorly
when confined to a kennel.

This is a breed that needs obedience training to control his
rambunctious nature. Owners should have a crate for the new
puppy for help in house training and to protect furniture and
woodwork from puppy teeth when the little rascal cannot be
watched. Puppy classes or control exercises at home are essential
for the Weimaraner the moment he enters the family. He must be
taught all members of the family are to be obeyed. Training
methods must be gentle and firm, for harsh treatment will sour his
attitude.

Weimaraners are very energetic animals...they are bred to hunt all
day with their master. Changing this behavior changes the
essential Weim. If you can not deal with this behavior, you should
look at other breeds less rambunctious!

Weims can bark and if you are away from them too much and they
are left to themselves, Weimaraners are like any other lonely dog,
they will bark incessantly and develop bad habits or try escaping
their surroundings.

Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they do not like living
outdoors. They require your attention. They are the true, loyal,
hunting companions in every respect, needing your friendship.
Chaining a Weim outside will not work!

Inspite of the folklore and myth surrounding the breed, the
Weimaraner is not a wonder dog. Given the opportunity, he will still
steal the pot roast off the dining room table when no one is looking!

This may seem like a lot of work, but a good owner/dog
relationship could last around fifteen years. Longer than some
marriages! The time and effort put into finding a dog that suits your
needs and personality, whether it a Weimaraner or some other
breed, will provide a rewarding experience for both of you over the
life of the dog.