ORIGINS
The Weimaraner is said to have been developed in the 19th century by German Nobles. Bred initially for hunting large game such as deer and bears, the Weimaraner exhibited exceptional tracking ability, speed, courage and durability. Over time, type and temperament were refined and the breed was later adapted to flush and retrieve game birds. These natural hunting instincts are still present in the breed and should be considered when deciding to buy a weimaraner.
CHARACTER & TEMPERAMENT
Weimaraners make a beautiful and loving family pet. They have a gentle loving nature, and really love to be around their people. They are highly alert and active dogs and need daily enrichment and exercise. They are great with young kids, other dogs and in social settings. However, can be a bit boisterous and clumsy when excited.
Weimaraners can be pretty stubborn and are notoriously 'aloof'. This mean they are sometimes perceived as being slightly dopey. But that couldn't be further from the truth, they are actually highly intelligent. If you train your Weimaraner and treat them well, they will go to the end of the Earth for you.
Weimaraners are great at hunting, tracking, pointing, and retrieving both from land and water. They are a scent trailing hound, so a fenced yard is a must. Their natural inclination to hunt is also something to keep in mind around other species of animal.
A Weimaraner is NOT the type of dog you can leave in your backyard and forget about. They are highly energetic and need to be excised regularly. They also need companionship and can suffer separation anxiety. Neglect of enrichment and attention will most likely lead to destructive behaviour.
MAINTENANCE
Other than their need for daily exercise and companionship, Weimaraners are a pretty low maintenance dog.
They have a smooth, short velvety coat that is shed seasonally. However the shedding truly is minimal. They are a wash and wear dog, meaning they need bathing as required.
As with any dog with long floppy ears, regular ear cleans are a must to remove dirt prevent infection.
Some Weimaraners can also have allergies and sensitivities particularly to commercial pet food. Bloat can also occur so best to feed smaller, more frequent meals and avoid exercise after eating.
Regular obedience training and socialisation are incredibly important.
Monthly parasite protection and annual vaccinations are also required as with any dog.
More about all of these points are discussed in our puppy handbook.