High Energy Dogs for Families With Teenagers
The Weimaraner is a Gundog and long haired weimaraner is a member of the HPR category which means Hunt, Point and Retrieve. This breed was thought to be developed in the Weimar region of Eastern Germany, however they are popular around the world these days, including the UK, Europe, Australia and USA.
The Weimaraner has a really distinctive colour, classed as silver-grey, and also shades of mouse grey or roe-grey. Ideally without any white markings, however a small white mark on the chest is allowed. Their sleek coat and colour really is of a striking silver sheen, and they can be both long haired or the more common short haired.
Weimaraner Characteristics
They are a large dog breed the height range being from 57cm to 70cm to the withers with an average weight range of 25kg to 40kg bitches tend to be at the smaller end of the spectrum and dogs at the larger end.
As a puppy his eyes are an incredible blue colour, but as he matures they generally turn more to amber coloured. Another lovely feature of the Weimaraner are his ears, they are long and floppy, but have a slight fold too.Their body should be sleek and muscled in the correct places, so not skinny or emaciated, and also not overweight and fat.These are traditional hunting dogs and are able to run and work for hours so their condition should reflect a dog that is in fit looking condition rather than fat or skinny.
The Weimaraner breed was developed for hunting although the exact origins are unknown. A dog of the Weimaraner type appeared in a Van Dyke painting in the early 1600's.The breed is believed by many to have come from the German short-haired pointer, crossed with the bloodhound, mastiffs and various schweisshund breeds.The Weimaraner takes its name from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Charles August and was used by the nobility to hunt big game, wolves, wildcats, deer, bears and mountain lion.
Dog Breeds Info - The Weimaraner
As the big game hunting declined the breed was used to hunt smaller animals like fowl, rabbits and foxes. The breeding of this dog was kept a close secret in Germany for many years and it was not introduced to America until 1929. It was in 1943 that the American kennel club granted official recognition to the breed.
These dogs have sleek, short grey coat and amber or blue eyes. They are the tallest of the gun dog group and are elegant, noble and athletic in appearance. The tail is normally docked to around 15cm. They are graceful and have speed, stamina and endurance giving them a tremendous presence. The breed are capable of working in the field whether from hunting or show stock. There is a long haired variety of the breed which is less common, it also has a silky coat but has an undocked, feathered tail.
Weimaraner - A Guide to the Breed
Weimaraners are highly athletic and trainable and excel in a variety of dog sports such as agility as well as obedience and field trials.They are fast and powerful but make excellent family dogs given appropriate training and exercise.They love family life and are friendly intelligent and quick-witted.The breed is very protective of their family and can be territorial so make excellent guard dogs.They must be trained consistently and with patience and confidence from an early age so that they learn to mix with people and other animals.Weimaraners lively temperament may be a little to much for families with small children.Lots of exercise and attention is essential to prevent the dog making its own fun and getting into mischief.