Weimaraner (150 photos): description of the breed, characteristics of the dog, maintenance features, care and price

Review author: “ZooVita”

This elegant, noble and devoted dog is chosen as a faithful friend and an indispensable hunting assistant, because nature has endowed him with a unique flair. Called the “gray ghost,” he fully justifies this name, possessing not only the amazing beauty of his coat, but also unsurpassed working abilities.

Breed traits

Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)

This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Vizsla Hungarian Shorthair, Dobermann (Doberman Pinscher), German Shorthaired Pointer (German Shorthaired Pointer), Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian.

The photo shows what a Weimaraner looks like:

General characteristics of the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a versatile hunting dog. It was bred in the 19th century in the German province of Weimar, for which it received its name. Among fanciers, the dog was nicknamed the “silver ghost” because of the unusual color of its coat, as well as its ability to silently track prey and run like a cat.

Among other cops, the Weimaraner stands out for its aristocratic appearance. Due to the unusual eye color and beautiful silver coat, this dog is immediately noticed. She is graceful, fast, resilient, and passionate. It was bred to hunt big game. Now representatives of this breed have become devoted and obedient companions. Thanks to their sensitive sense of smell, they are used in search and rescue work. Sometimes they guard the territory, although due to the lack of aggression they are not a good guard.

pros

Weimaraners are friendly, cheerful dogs. They are created for hunting, but with proper upbringing and sufficient physical activity they can become a good companion for tourists and athletes. Representatives of the breed have the following advantages:

• balanced character;
• beautiful appearance;
• strongly attached to the owner and family members, affectionate;
• friendly to children, love to play with them, patient, treat them with care;
• not aggressive;
• do not enter into conflicts with other dogs;
• clean, unpretentious, do not require serious care;
• smart, quick-witted, quickly learn new things;
• athletic, agile.

Minuses

The Weimaraner is a large dog; he will feel uncomfortable in a city apartment. Homebodies, elderly people, those who are often away from home, and those new to dog breeding should not get this breed. Weimaraners require constant attention and need special training. They have a few more disadvantages:

• cannot stand loneliness, bark out of boredom, and chew things;
• can run away;
• small animals are perceived as game to be hunted;
• they require great physical activity;
• They can be stubborn and self-willed.

The video complements the characteristics of the breed:

Video: Weimaraner. Pros and cons of the breed

Video: Weimaraner in 4 minutes. Nothing extra.

Pros and cons of the breed

Before you get yourself a Weimaraner, you should consider the strengths and weaknesses of the breed:

The Weimar Pointer dog is perfect as a pet. You can also get such an individual if you want to raise a winner of sports competitions or exhibitions. However, representatives of the breed are completely unsuitable for guarding a private house or apartment.

History of the origin of the Weimaraner breed

The Weimaraner breed is quite ancient and is now one of the rarest. It was officially recognized and given this name only at the beginning of the 19th century. But such hunting dogs were known back in the Middle Ages. The ancestors of the Weimarners are European shorthaired Brackets. They stand out among other cops due to their unusual color. There is information that such silver dogs appeared in France during the reign of Louis IX; he brought them from Asia.

By the 14th century, such gray hounds had become popular among the nobility in France and other European countries. They were used in hunting wild boar, elk, deer and even bears. The dogs turned out to be hardy, fast, easily tracked down game, and brought back killed birds.

At the beginning of the 19th century, under the leadership of the Duke of Weimar, Karl August, they began to breed the ideal hound. We tried to get not only a universal hunting dog, but also an obedient companion.

At first, these dogs were not classified as a separate breed, but were considered a type of German pointer or a cross between hounds and pointers. Bloodhounds, Hugenhunds, Schweishunds, and Burgossian pointers were used in the selection. German hunters called the Weimaraner the “silver ghost.” Researchers believe that the dogs received this unusual coat color from the hounds of St. Hubert or from the silver dane.

Only at the end of the 19th century was the breed recognized and given the name Weimaraner. Representatives of other breeds were not allowed to crossbreed. National hunting clubs began to be created and exhibitions were held. At that time, only club members could own these dogs. The breed was quite rare in Germany and unknown in other countries.

At the beginning of the 20th century, representatives of the breed began to be exported to America. They became popular there in the 50s. These dogs also spread throughout Europe. They began to be kept as companions, pets, and are used less and less for hunting.

Nowadays, when breeding, attention is paid to the hunting qualities of Weimaraners only in Germany and the USA. In European countries, exterior is more valued. At exhibitions and during breeding, attention is paid to compliance with breed characteristics. In the 21st century, the blue Weimaraner began to be bred. This color is not allowed by the standard, so breeders are trying to have such dogs recognized as a separate breed.

Weimaraner Appearance Standard

Weimaraners are beautiful, strong dogs with a muscular yet elegant and graceful build. They look fit and athletic, swim well, and run fast. Distinctive features of appearance: large size, regal posture, smooth shiny coat of unusual color, wide hanging ears, expressive eyes.

The height of the Weimaraner is above average, males reach 70 cm, females - 65 cm. The weight of these dogs is 25-35 kg, males can weigh more, but this is not desirable.

Head

The head is proportional to the body and has a wedge-shaped shape. The skull is slightly convex, the occipital protuberance is poorly defined. The forehead is flat, divided by a furrow, the stop is smooth. The bridge of the nose is straight, the lobe is large and protruding. Colored flesh-colored, brownish or grayish.

The muzzle is long, almost rectangular. The lips are dry, the upper one hangs down a little and overlaps the lower one. Forms a small fold at the corners of the mouth. The jaws are strong, cheekbones with well-defined muscles. Scissor bite.

The Weimaraner's eyes are small, round, and slightly slanted. Puppies are blue, adult dogs are amber - light or dark. The eyelids fit tightly and are colored to match the color of the coat. The look is smart, attentive. The ears are wide, long, and have rounded tips. Set high, hanging down to the lower jaw. If the dog is alert, he lifts the bases of his ears and turns them forward.

Frame

The body is harmoniously built, rectangular in format. The neck is gracefully arched, muscular, smoothly blending into well-defined withers. The back is straight, wide, the croup is moderately sloping. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbows, the belly is only slightly tucked.

The tail is strong, long, and set low. Thick at the base, tapering towards the tip. In a calm state it is lowered down. An excited dog lifts it, sometimes bends it with a hook. Among hunters, it is customary to dock the tail at half its length.

Limbs

The limbs are long, sinewy, with clearly defined muscles. The front ones are not set wide, parallel. The shoulders are muscular, long, elbows point back. The hind legs are straight, with strong bones. The thighs are strong and provide good propulsion when running, and the hocks are well defined.

The paws are oval, the toes are compressed into a ball. The peculiarity of the representatives of the breed is that the middle finger is longer than the others. The pads are hard, the claws are thick and gray. The dog moves sweepingly, smoothly, running with long buckles. When moving, the back remains straight and the limbs are parallel.

Coat and colors

There are two varieties of Weimaraners: long-haired and short-haired. The first has silky, soft fur, 3-5 cm long. It can be slightly wavy or straight. Longer on the ears, neck, chest, and stomach. There are featherings on the legs and tail. Such dogs are not recognized by the American Quesnel Club.

Shorthaired Weimaraners have a smooth, shiny coat that lies close to the body. The outer hair is dense, thick and hard. In both varieties the undercoat is weakly expressed, sparse or absent at all.

The Weimaraner can have one of 3 colors:

• light gray;
• silver gray;
• dark grey.

There may be a slight copper tint present. The hair on the head is lighter. There may be small white marks on the fingers and chest. There should be no brown or other colored spots.

Photos complement the description of the exterior:

Disqualifying faults

The breed standard clearly defines what the appearance of these dogs should be. Although it has changed several times, in 2009 the longhaired variety was recognized. At the same time, blue Weimaraners were no longer disqualified.

To preserve breed characteristics, crossing these dogs with other pointers is not allowed. If there are deviations from the standard, the dogs are disqualified. They can be removed from exhibitions and breeding due to the following shortcomings:

• hunchback or sagging back;
• height above or below standard by more than 2 cm;
• narrow pointed muzzle;
• pronounced jowls;
• short or narrow ears;
• pendant around the neck;
• barrel chest;
• strongly tucked belly;
• the coat is fluffy, with long-haired individuals having curls;
• yellow, brown, black or black color, presence of spots or tans.

Similar breeds

There are several dog breeds similar to the Weimaraner. They are also hunting dogs and have similar temperament and working qualities. But knowing the characteristic features of their appearance, it is easy to distinguish them:

• the Hungarian Vizsla is similar in size and body structure, it has the same coat, but is golden-red or brown in color;
• The shorthaired pointer is not such a muscular and large dog, the color is uneven, with spots;
• The Silver Labrador is a mixed breed obtained from crossing with a Weimaraner; it has a more powerful body, shorter paws, and pointed ears.

In the photo there is a Hungarian Vizsla:

Kurzhaar:

Silver Labrador:

Weimaraner character

Vermaraners are very active, playful and cheerful. They are devoted to their owner and family, become strongly attached to them and need constant communication. This dog is ready to follow his beloved owner everywhere and tries to lie down at his feet. When alone, he gets very bored; out of boredom, he can start to spoil things, bark, and try to run away.

Representatives of this breed are valued as companions not only for hunters, but also for people leading an active lifestyle. They have the following character qualities:

• devotion;
• agreeableness;
• cheerfulness;
• good nature;
• intelligence;
• curiosity;
• determination;
• attentiveness;
• stubbornness;
• equilibrium.

These dogs are wary of strangers, but are not aggressive. They can be used to protect an area or home. Thanks to their sensitive hearing and attentiveness, they will immediately warn of the approach of a stranger. Usually they only bark, but they have a strong protective instinct; if the owner is in danger, the dog will fearlessly rush to defense.

These pets treat children kindly and patiently. They will never show aggression or bite a child. They love to play and get along well with teenagers. This is more of a friend, partner and protector, rather than a nanny. It is better not to leave this large dog alone with children; it can accidentally injure the child.

The Weimar Pointer is a hunting dog. She is friendly towards her relatives and does not enter into conflicts. And he perceives other domestic animals as prey. If a Weimaraner has lived with a cat since childhood, he will tolerate it. But he's hunting everyone else.

Features of training

The Weimar Hound is an intelligent and obedient dog. She is attentive, smart, has a good memory and loves to learn new things. But she can be stubborn, willful, and also prone to dominance. Therefore, it is suitable only for experienced owners with a strong-willed character. In order for this dog to obey, the owner must gain authority from him.

When training a Weimaraner, you need to be firm, patient and consistent. It is recommended to start teaching your puppy the rules of behavior from an early age. By six months he should be able to:

• respond to a nickname;
• come to the command “to me”;
• know your place to sleep and eat;
• observe the regime;
• know the commands “no”, “fu”;
• walk calmly on a leash, following the command “nearby”;
• do not chase people or cats on the street.

During training, it is not recommended to be rude, yell at your pet, or use physical punishment. It will not be possible to regain the dog’s trust and make him obedient with this approach. It is necessary to take into account the temperamental characteristics of the breed. They can get distracted at any time and chase a cat or bird. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct classes in a quiet place where the pet will not be distracted by anything.

If a dog is purchased for hunting, it needs special training from 6 months of age. In this case, you need to allow her to make her own decision. This will help her hunt better. Representatives of this breed have innate universal hunting skills, but it is better to contact a dog handler. Dogs are taught to follow a blood trail, lift a bird on the wing, are not afraid of shots, and find and bring game.

Estrus and mating

A female Weimaraner's first heat occurs at approximately 6 months of age. However, it is not yet recommended to breed her at this time - the dog is too weak and is not psychologically ready to meet a male dog. Before the onset of heat, the animal becomes too restless or, conversely, bored. Bloody discharge lasts for 5-10 days. After this, they become thick and viscous - this time is considered the most successful for mating the breed.

Pregnancy for a cop lasts 65 days. During childbirth, the owner is recommended to be nearby. He must calm the pet down with a kind word. There is no need to pet the dog, much less pick up its newborn puppies - a Weimaraner female can bite.

Maintenance and care

Due to the large size of the Weimaraner, it is difficult to keep in a city apartment. This is not a lap dog, but it is not a guard dog either. This hound cannot be kept outside in an enclosure or put on a chain, as it needs constant communication with a person. The best conditions for a Weimaraner are a private house with a large fenced area. The dog should be able to run and frolic in the yard, but be able to enter the house at any time.

When keeping in an apartment, you need to provide the Weimaraner with sufficient exercise for at least 2-3 hours a day. In the city you only need to walk on a leash; these dogs have a strong hunting instinct, they can run after a cat or bird without listening to the owner’s commands.

This dog loves long walks, jogging, and outdoor games. Be sure to take your pet out into nature several times a week so that he can frolic in a field or swim in a pond or other body of water. It is also recommended to visit dog parks with obstacle courses. This hound will happily accompany its owner on hikes and bike rides. She loves to swim, look for hidden objects, and fetch a ball.

With sufficient exercise at home, the dog will behave calmly. He should have a comfortable bed and plenty of toys that he can chew on.

Caring for a Weimaraner is not difficult; this dog is unpretentious, sheds lightly, and its fur does not emit an odor. She requires normal hygiene procedures:

• brush with a massage brush 1-2 times a week; short-haired dogs can be brushed with a special rubber mitten; during shedding, this should be done daily;
• After each walk, wash your paws; for long-haired varieties, it is recommended to trim the hair between the toes to make it easier to maintain cleanliness;
• in dirty weather, it is recommended to wear waterproof overalls when going outside, and insulated overalls in cold weather;
• in the warm season, after walks in nature, inspect the pet’s entire body for the presence of parasites; for prevention, use drops on the withers or a special collar;
• in the city in winter you need to inspect the paw pads; cracks may form from the reagents used to treat roads;
• bathe no more than once every 1-2 months, short-haired dogs can be bathed less often, only veterinary shampoo should be used;
• examine and wipe eyes and ears 1-2 times a week;
• The claws of representatives of this breed are too hard, they do not grind down naturally, it is recommended to use a nail clipper and trim them every month.

Nutrition

Weimaraners love to eat and constantly beg for food. But without sufficient exercise, they quickly gain weight, so the amount of food needs to be controlled. An adult dog is fed 2 times a day. The volume of daily food portion is approximately 1.5-2 kg. It is easier to dose ready-made food; you will need less of it - 400-500 g per day. You need to choose super-premium or holistic brands for active large breed dogs. The following foods are suitable:

• Orijen;
• Applaws;
• Acana;
• Wolfsblut;
• Grandorf.

When feeding naturally, the bulk of the diet should be lean meat. This is beef, rabbit, chicken, horse meat. You can give offal, sea fish, and egg yolk a couple of times a week. Protein foods are supplemented with porridges; it is better to give buckwheat, rice or oatmeal. Fermented milk products, vegetables, and herbs are healthy.

It is forbidden to give fatty foods, fried, spicy, food from the human table. Chocolate, legumes, onions, grapes, sweets, confectionery, and baked goods are harmful to dogs. You should not give tubular bones, river fish, or minced meat. When feeding naturally, it is recommended to add vitamin and mineral complexes to the food.

Health

Weimaraners have good health. With proper care, they live up to 14 years. The weak point of these dogs is the digestive tract. They are prone to bloating and volvulus. To prevent these pathologies, the bowl of food should be placed on a stand so that the dog does not bend over, and fed some time after the walk, without allowing the pet to actively move after eating.

Sometimes representatives of the breed also have the following diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• dermatitis;
• food allergies;
• blood clotting disorder;
• eye pathologies;
• neuroses;
• hypothyroidism;
• degenerative myelopathy;
• oncological diseases.

Possible diseases

The Weimaraner is a large breed, so their lifespan is shorter than that of small dogs. With proper care and care for this four-legged animal, the life expectancy will be up to 12-13 years. Dog owners should be aware of possible diseases that are typical for this breed.

For example, like other large dogs, the Weimaraner suffers from all sorts of joint problems, the first place among which is hip dysplasia. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract are common. These include bloating and even volvulus.

Another vulnerable spot is the epidermis. Dermatitis is possible, including between the fingers, as well as melanoma and other diseases. Another number of ailments are demodicosis, caused by parasites, mastocyoma (a benign tumor on the skin), as well as lipoma and sarcoma.

Ophthalmological diseases include additional eyelashes, which have the medical name distichiasis, entropion of the eyelid and dystrophy of the ocular cornea.

How to buy a Weimaraner puppy

This breed is quite rare in our country. To buy a purebred Weimar pointer with a pedigree, you need to find a kennel that specializes in these dogs. They are only in some large cities: Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Volgograd and others. The price of a Weimaraner puppy with a pedigree is 35-65 thousand rubles. If a dog is offered cheaper, it may be a mixed breed or has hereditary diseases.

Before choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to the conditions of keeping dogs in the kennel, study the pedigrees of the parents, and veterinary certificates. By the time of sale, babies must have received all necessary vaccinations. A responsible breeder will answer all questions and give advice on feeding and keeping the pet.

You need to pay attention to a cheerful, active, not cowardly puppy. Dogs of this breed are born with blue eyes; as they grow older, the color of the iris changes. The baby should not be thin or too plump. A healthy puppy has a moist and cool nose, a dandruff-free coat, a not swollen belly, and no discharge in the eyes.

The photo shows what Weimaraner puppies look like:

The video complements the description of the Weimaraner:

Video: Weimaraner. Description of the breed

Video: Weimaraner! What you need to know and the peculiarities of education!

The Weimaraner is a dog with a friendly, calm disposition. She can become an excellent companion for an active owner and a reliable assistant for a hunter. But she needs attention, constant communication with a person, physical and mental exercise. A properly raised dog is obedient, affectionate, calm and cheerful.

How and what to feed a Vermarainer

An active breed like the Weimaraner should be fed high-quality, high-protein food. However, this breed is prone to bloating, so feeding several small meals per day is recommended to reduce the risk of stomach problems. You may also choose to feed from elevated food bowls or "slow feed" dishes.

This breed loves treats and can coax you into giving him a treat. It's best to only give treats in moderation and never share food from your plate to prevent begging at the table.

pros

Hunting and dog sports specialist

Great family dog

Easy grooming

Minuses

Prone to mischief

May suffer from separation anxiety

May chew excess