Weimaraner

Origins and History

The Weimaraner was developed in the early 19th century in the Grand Duchy of Weimar (modern‑day Thuringia, Germany). Originally bred to hunt large game such as boar, deer, and bear, the breed combined the speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer with the stamina of the Bloodhound. The first recorded Weimaraner litter was presented to Grand Duke Carl August in 1825. By the late 1800s the breed was exported to the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was refined for upland game and waterfowl hunting. The American Kennel Club recognized the Weimaraner in 1930.

General Characteristics

• Elegant, athletic build with a deep chest and well‑angled shoulders.
• Intelligent, eager, and highly energetic; requires extensive physical and mental activity.
• Originally a versatile hunting dog; today excels in field work, tracking, and companion roles.

Disclaimer: While this information reflects current breed standards and veterinary data, individual dogs may vary.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 23–27 inches (58–69 cm); Females 21–25 inches (53–64 cm).
• Weight: Males 55–90 lb (25–41 kg); Females 45–80 lb (20–36 kg).

Coat and Color

• Coat: Short, dense, smooth, and glossy; lies close to the body.
• Color: Solid mouse‑gray to silver; a black mask on the muzzle is permissible. No other colors, markings, or white are accepted in the standard.

Temperament Considerations

Weimaraners are confident, loyal, and possess a strong prey drive. Their high energy level and desire for a clear job can lead to boredom‑related behaviors if not properly channeled.

Training Essentials

• Early, positive socialization with people, children, and other animals.
• Consistent obedience work that incorporates reward‑based methods.
• Daily vigorous exercise (minimum 2 hours) and mental enrichment (tracking, scent games).
• Potential challenges: tendency to become overly attached, occasional stubbornness, and need for firm leadership.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the short coat once or twice weekly with a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.
• Bathing only as needed; over‑bathing can strip natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly (every 3–4 weeks) to maintain a comfortable gait.
• Brush teeth several times weekly and schedule professional dental cleanings annually.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming schedule 2 weeks before the show: weekly brushing, a light bath 48 hours prior, and ear cleaning.
• Clip nails to a uniform length; file to avoid sharp edges.
• Ensure the coat is glossy and free of debris; a finishing spray may be used for a sleek appearance.
• Present the dog in a balanced, forward‑moving gait; maintain a relaxed head carriage and proper tail set according to the standard.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – recommended screening with OFA or PennHIP radiographs.
• Gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) – awareness of risk factors; consider prophylactic gastropexy in high‑risk lines.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – DNA testing available.
• Hypothyroidism – routine blood panel for early detection.
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) – cardiac auscultation and echocardiogram as indicated.

General Care

• Provide at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, supplemented with off‑lead play and tracking work.
• Feed a high‑quality, age‑appropriate diet; maintain body condition score 4–5 of 9.
• Average lifespan 10–13 years; regular veterinary wellness exams are essential.