Weimaraner Voerstehhund, Grey Ghost, Weims

Germany

Large

Height 61 to 69cms; weight 27kgs. Bitches measure 56 to 64cms, weighing around 22.5kgs.

The Weimaraners can have the usual canine problems, especially those effect energetic dogs like hip dysplasia, but it's the less common ones that can be really nasty. Watch out for spinal dysraphism which, though non lethal is not much fun for your pup. It effects their spine, making them appear constantly crouched and making it difficult for them to walk. Ear infections and eye problems are more usual problems to be aware of.

The Weim is an intelligent and quick witted dog and they know it! A confident handler will keep them in line and make sure they know who is the leader of the pack. As long as your pup respects you they will be eager to please. You should ensure that training begins at a young age and is consistent and firm to stop your Weimaraner getting into all sorts of bad behaviours like chewing, scratching and potentially destroying your furniture. A bored Weimaraner is a destructive Weimaraner!

High

Low

$15-$20 p/w

Weimaraner's take energetic to the extreme and absolutely need long and regular exercise sessions to keep them happy and stimulated. The Weim is a strong swimmer and happy to play games with the family as long as it involves burning energy!

Little

The Weimaraners can have the usual canine problems, especially those effect energetic dogs like hip dysplasia, but it's the less common ones that can be really nasty. Watch out for spinal dysraphism which, though non lethal is not much fun for your pup. It effects their spine, making them appear constantly crouched and making it difficult for them to walk. Ear infections and eye problems are more usual problems to be aware of.

The Weimaraner has a beautiful coat and even better it is relatively easy to keep looking at it's best. All you will really need to do is give the coat a good rub down to give it a bit of shine and remove any dried dirt that could have got caught in there. The longer coated Weim, though almost unknown in comparison to the short haired, will need regular brushing of the coat and trimming around the ears.

Up to once a week

None

The exact history of this breed is unknown but it seems that it probably came from a mix of a descendant of the German Short-Haired Pointer, some bloodhound and even one of more of the schweisshund breeds. The Weimaraner even appears to be in a Van Dyke painting from the 1600s. What we do know for sure is that the Weimaraner gained their name from the Grand Duke of Weimar and were originally used in hunting big game, like deer, wolves and even mountain lions and bears! As the big game ran out in the 1800s so did the Weimaraner, luckily they were saved by specialised breeding to shape them into hunters of smaller game instead. Originally their breeding in Germany was a tightly held secret but they were eventually introduced to America and in 1934 the American Kennel Club officially recognised these beautiful canines.