Weimaraner : 10 Most Common Questions

Last updated Sep 30, 2020 0

The Weimaraner is one of the 50 most popular dogs in America, as a family pet and as a hunting companion. This is a breed known for its excellent temperament and friendliness, though a Weimaraner can be a bit headstrong at times.

To help you understand this beautiful breed, we have gathered 10 common questions and provided answers for each.

1. What is the history of the Weimaraner?

The Weimaraner was bred in Europe in the 1800s to be a hunting dog that worked well on land and in the water. The first Weimar pointers appeared in the middle of that century.

At first, the breed was a dog that followed scent similar to a bloodhound but over time, the Weimar was crossed with a pointer and is now also a pointing dog when hunting.

2. How big does the Weimaraner get?

Males of the breed can grow to 24 and 27 inches at the withers and may weigh up to 70 pounds. On the other hand, females will stand about 22 to 25 inches and weigh 50 pounds to 65 pounds.

3. Can I train my new dog for hunting or field trials?

The Weimaraner is an excellent hunting and retrieving dog, on land and in the water. Weimaraners may also perform very well in agility and field competitions. Formal training by a professional can make some dogs champions.

4. What is the best way to give my Weimaraner exercise?

Because this dog was bred to be a hunting dog, you should plan to give him plenty of outdoor exercise. The Weimaraner will do reasonably well in a smaller home as long as there is space and time to exercise outdoors. In fact, the Weimaraner will not do well living outside.

This is definitely an indoor dog except when hunting or exercising.

5. How should I choose a breeder?

You should first read all you can about the breed and be prepared with questions about health and general care of the Weimaraner. Then it would be best to learn all you can about the various breeders in your area.

We recommend visiting at least three, asking questions and looking closely at the living conditions of the dogs and the way the breeder interacts with the dogs.

A breeder should put emphasis on good socialization of the young dogs so that they are comfortable with other dogs and with people.

6. What should I feed my Weimaraner?

Experienced owners recommend staying away from low-quality commercial foods with excess amounts of grain (corn, wheat, and soy). Some dogs are allergic to these grains. This energetic, outside dog should receive the correct amount and type of food to sustain his activity.

A quality diet of lean meats and some vegetables, with adequate protein, is a good place to start, but you should talk with your veterinarian and breeder to determine which long-term diet is best.

7. What health problems should I watch for?

With many purebred dogs, you should ask about hip dysplasia when you visit a breeder, which is also the case with the Weimaraner. This degenerative joint disease can be detected early with the OFA radiograph test.

A puppy should be certified as free from this tendency. A Weimaraner may also be prone to genetic eye conditions such as retinal atrophy. Ask your breeder about these conditions in the parents of a puppy you are looking at.

8. What is the best way to housebreak my Weimaraner?

There are several different methods for this, but we recommend crate training because it gives the dog a safe place to go when it needs to be alone and it gives the dog a natural den that it will want to keep clean.

Prevention is a key in this type of training, so you should take the dog outside early in the morning and again late at night.

9. Is the Weimaraner good for a family pet?

Generally, yes. The Weimaraner is a friendly and loving dog that does well as a family pet. Just remember, you must remember this breed is energetic, needing to run and exercise.

The dogs of this breed tend to be a bit willful and stubborn at times too. It is best to plan on plenty of exercise for the Weimaraner and show plenty of patience.

10. How hard is this breed to groom?

The short, sleek Weimaraner coat will need very little grooming. A good brushing will keep the beautiful gray coat in nice shape.

You should probably not bath the Weimaraner unless absolutely, necessary. With regular brushing, you will find the Weimaraner to be an average shedder.

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