Weimaraner Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Weimaraners were mainly bred as hunting dogs involved in big games such as deer or bear hunting. Over time, they were modified to hunt rabbits, birds, and foxes. These dogs got their name from the place of their origin in Germany and were initially named Weimar Pointer.

In this article, you will learn more about Weimaraner dogs, including their characteristics, training, and health issues.

Weimaraners originated in the Weimar court, which is now known as Germany. They were developed for elite noblemen who loved a dog with courage, intelligence, speed, and stamina to accompany them in hunting sessions. The breeds used to create Weimaraners are Bloodhound, English Pointer, Great Dane, and German Shorthaired Pointer.

As the hunting sprees ended, the handlers formed a club and worked relentlessly to improve the breed. Only the exclusive club members were allowed to keep a Weimaraner.

Some of the characteristics of Weimaraner dogs are:

• Lifespan: Weimaraners have an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
• Height: Male weimaraners grow up to 25 to 27 inches, while the females attain a height between 23 to 25 inches. 
• Colour: Weimaraners are seen in different coat colours: mouse-grey and silver-grey.
• Weight: While males weigh about 32-37 kgs, females usually weigh 25-32 kgs.
• Temperament: Apart from being loyal and intelligent, they can be stubborn at times as well.
• Energy Level: Weimaraners are highly energetic and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy.

Weimaraner dogs need proper training because they are aggressive and have a high prey drive. So, here are a few tips to train your Weimaraner efficiently:

• Try Clicker Training: Use the clickers with your Weimaraner after a particular action to tell them they have completed it. The clickers have proven to be of much use during the training sessions.
• Be Consistent With Commands: Use the same commands and cues daily so that your Weimaraner doesn’t get confused while following your commands. Also, break down the simple commands and make them understandable.
• Socialise Your Weimaraner: Owing to their possessiveness and aggression, you must socialise your dog with other pets and animals. It also makes your dog understand that interactions with strangers are parts of daily life.

Exercise Your Dog As A Warm-Up: Exercise your dog before every training session, which will help your Weimaraner concentrate on the session. However, make sure that your dog doesn’t get exhausted.

 

• On the water line: These additional sets of eyelashes irritate the eyes and cause them to tear. Mild distichiasis is treated with lubricating ointment, epilation, and elecSome of the common health problems seen in Weimaraner dogs are:
• Bloating: In this medical condition, deep-chested dogs suffer from gas accumulation in the stomach. As a result, the stomach gets twisted and cuts off the blood supply. This is caused by excessive eating or eating all at once. In severe cases, the blood pressure may drop, leading to shock.
• Hip dysplasia: It is a malformation of the hip joint in Weimaraners, in which the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly in the hip joint. This may result in lameness or pain in the rear legs. Some people think it is an inherited disease, but may also result from environmental factors.
• Factor XI Deficiency: Factor XI deficiency is another type of bleeding disorder seen in Weimaraners that is less serious than Von-Willebrand’s disease. However, it may become serious after any kind of heavy trauma or long surgery. As for now, no treatment is available, and this condition can only be managed to some extent.
• Distichiasis: Distichiasis is an eye problem in Weimaraners in which the eyes grow an extra row of eyelashes, generallytrolysis. 
• Immune-Mediated Disease: Weimaraner dogs are pretty strong, but sometimes they might react to certain combination vaccines with inflamed tissues and joints. The reactions are generally seen between 12 to 16 weeks of age. However, the rabies vaccine can be administered at 16 weeks.
• Hypothyroidism: Due to some genetic abnormalities, the Weimaraners lack thyroid hormone in this medical condition. It results in obesity, mental dullness, infertility, and lack of energy. The coat also becomes brittle and gradually starts to fall. Treatment includes a lifelong thyroid replacement pill.

Some of the tips to take care of Weimaraner Dogs are:

• Food And Nutrition: The meal portion of your Weimaraner dog ultimately depends on its metabolism, age, activity level, and build. Every dog of this breed doesn’t require the same amount of food. Keep an eye on the calorie intake to rule out obesity.
• Grooming: Weimaraners have silky coat that doesn’t need much grooming. The coat is so smooth that dirt doesn’t even stick to it and falls off. Brushing twice a week with a bristle brush will help circulate and distribute natural oils throughout the body. Weimaraners shed a minimal amount, and brushing helps remove it efficiently.
• Exercise: Weimaraners are highly energetic and muscular dogs that need lots of exercise to stay healthy. Include various activities that stimulate your dog physically as well as mentally. Daily walks for 30 to 60 minutes can also be done to fulfil the exercise requirements.

Thus, the Weimaraner's rich history as a hunting companion for German nobility has shaped its distinctive characteristics, from intelligence to stubbornness. Training is essential due to their high energy and prey drive. Despite common health issues, attentive care, proper nutrition, grooming, and regular exercise contribute to the well-being of these loyal and energetic dogs.