Weimaraner

History & Health

History

Today's Weimaraner is a product of many years of careful, selective breeding and decades of linebreeding to set type. Canine historians generally agree that the Bloodhound is among the Weimaraner's many ancestors, probably through its association with the Red Schweisshund. The Weimaraner shares ancestors with a number of other German hunting breeds, including the German Shorthaired Pointer, which is apparent in their similar body type. Some dog authorities suggest that the Weimaraner came from an albino mutation in some ancient German gundog breed. Other breed experts theorize that the Weimaraner descends from the German Braken, or from crossings between unnamed pointers (huenerhunden, or generic bird dogs), an unusual yellow pointer and possibly some French hounds as well.
Whatever its precise ancestry, the Weimaraner is generally recognized as being developed in a pure form at least by 1810, when it was well-known at the court of the Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar in east-central Germany. Nobles of that court enjoyed a number of different types of hunting and decided to develop one breed capable of expressing all of the traits they found desirable in an all-around hunting dog: a keen nose, good vision, great speed, stamina, courage, determination and brains.
Early in its development, sportsmen used the Weimar Pointer to hunt big game, including deer, mountain lion, wolf, bear, boar and bobcat. Breed enthusiasts during that time were wealthy and hunted for sport rather than profit. The Weimaraner was a rich man's dog. In 1897, the Weimaraner Club of Germany was formed to "protect" the breed and prevent its acquisition by the general public, or so-called "commoners." The Weimaraner Club adopted a breed standard to suit its members' hobby, which made it difficult for anyone else to acquire a Weimaraner in Germany and almost impossible to obtain one in any other country. The Club had strict rules about who could own or purchase a Weimaraner puppy. Litters that were not approved by club members could not be registered in the breed's studbook, and dogs from approved litters that did not turn out to be physically and temperamentally suitable (again, according to the Club) had to be destroyed. Of course, no one but club members was permitted to own a Weimaraner in any event. Obviously, these rules did not promote a surge in popularity of the breed.
As big game available for sports hunting in Germany dwindled, the Weimaraner was increasingly used to flush and retrieve game birds on land, and to retrieve waterfowl from lakes and streams. It became especially known and prized for its soft mouth. In 1929, Howard Knight, an American sportsman and dog breeder from Providence, Rhode Island, was permitted to join Germany's Weimaraner Club – only after he spent much time hunting with its members to prove his dedication to the breed. He imported a pair of Weimaraners to the United States. Apparently, unbeknownst to Mr. Knight, these dogs had been sterilized by their German breeders, so they obviously could not be bred.
Thankfully, this did not deter Knight, and while it took him nine more years, he eventually acquired acceptable breeding stock. Just before the beginning of World War II, Knight purchased a male Weimaraner named Mars and two bitches named Dorle and Aura. These three dogs became known as the foundation of his American Weimaraner "dynasty." Knight was instrumental in forming the first Weimaraner club in the United States – the American Weimaraner Club – in 1941, and he served as its first President. In 1943, the Weimaraner was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of its Sporting Group. The Weimaraner reached Britain by the 1950s and soon became popular worldwide.
Today's shimmering silver Weimaraner continues to be used in its homeland and elsewhere as a talented personal hunting companion that can track, point and retrieve with equal skill. It also excels in obedience trials, field trials, tracking trials, agility and the conformation ring. The Weimaraner makes an alert, fearless, affectionate and gentle family companion.

Health
The average life span of the Weimaraner is 10 to 13 years. Breed health concerns may include bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus), elbow and hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), tricuspid dysplasia, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia, pododermatitis, generalized demodicosis, neutrophil function defect of Weimaraners, meningitis, spinal dysraphism, entropion, distichiasis, eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane, refractory corneal ulceration and von Willebrand disease.

Temperament & Personality

Personality

Weimaraners are highly athletic dogs with a lot of energy who bring an air of elegance wherever they go. They have been made popular in recent years by William Wegman, who photographs Weimaraners in costumes and wigs, acting out scenes as if they were human. This breed is not for just anyone, no matter how cute and expressive their faces may be. Weimaraners are demanding dogs who require strong leadership and a lot of exercise in order to maintain an even temperament. They are reliable hunting dogs and many people still use them in the field for both tracking and retrieving. Though they are active and require a lot of outdoor time, Weimaraners expect to live indoors with the family and soak up as much affection as they can get. For outdoor oriented families who have experience with dogs, the Weimaraner can be an excellent companion.

Activity Requirements

Couch potatoes look elsewhere - Weimaraners need at least one hour of vigorous exercise every day, but two is ideal. They are versatile dogs who enjoy walking, jogging, hiking and accompanying you on bike rides. Weimaraners don't always know how to swim, but once he learns he also enjoys a nice refreshing dip once in a while. Do not leave your Weimaraner in the back yard to entertain himself as he will probably destroy your yard and then try to escape.
Novice dog owners can get into trouble with Weimaraners as they can be quite a handful. The biggest reasons that these dogs become rowdy, hyper and destructive is lack of exercise. If your adult Weimaraner is out of control at home, it is most likely because he is not being allowed to burn off enough of his extra energy. Committing to a Weimaraner means committing to an active lifestyle.

Trainability

Weimaraners can be a handful to train. They are stubborn and mischievous and have no trouble walking away from you if they are bored with the activity. Start your dog off young to establish leadership quickly – if you don't let him know you are in charge, he will naturally assume the position of leader. Training should involve a lot of praise and treats, but should be conducted with a confident air. Harsh discipline will cause your Weimaraner to disregard you completely, so make sure training is conducted by the most patient person in the home, as these dogs can test the patience of a saint. Novice dog owners may wish to consult a professional dog trainer who understand the nuances of the Weimaraner personality.

Behavioral Traits

Weimaraners will chase anything that moves, and small neighborhood animals could be in peril in the presence of this breed. Keep your Weimaraner on a leash at all times and make sure your yard is securely fenced. It is best that you not introduce non-canine pets into a Weimaraner's home. They get along well with other dogs, when raised alongside them from puppyhood, but can be unaccepted of new dogs into the home, especially males.
As puppies Weimaraners are incredibly rambunctious and will bound clumsily all throughout the house, knocking down furniture and people. Without proper exercise and training, your adult Weimaraner will not outgrow this behavior.