Weimaraner

Description

The Weimaraner, also called as Weims or the Grey Ghost, is a well-liked breed of medium-sized, athletic dog that originated in Germany. It belongs to the Sporting family which is notable for the pleasant, well-rounded company of its breed members. Weims have been bred to become hunting dogs and trustworthy companions. Their smooth coat is typically tight and comes in mouse-gray or silver-gray colors.

Height and Weight

The male members of the Weimaraner breed commonly stand a height of 24 to 27 in, and weigh 55 to 70 lbs. Bitches, on the other hand, are slightly smaller. They normally have a height of 22 to 25 in, and a weight of 50 to 65 lbs.

Temperament

Weims, in general, are happy and cheerful dogs. They are loyal, loving, affectionate, and good with children. The breed is brave and protective, and this makes them good watchdogs. They are intelligent, and quick to learn, though can get bored easily when under repetitive training. Without sufficient exercise, the breed can be extremely rambunctious and hard to control. Weims generally require firm and experienced training at their young age. Their owner has to be a calm, true pack leader who can display an inherent air of dominance. With this, the dogs can be kept from becoming stubborn and willful. In addition, Weim dogs possess extraordinary prey instinct. They should never be trusted with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Proper socialization is necessary for this breed.

Grooming

Weimaraners are easy to groom. Their short, smooth coat only needs occasional brushing. Because the breed is a medium shedder, daily vacuuming is advisable. Brushing and dry shampooing the pet occasionally is also helpful to keep their coat in good condition. Bathing them with the use of mild soap must be done when needed. To maintain the coat’s gleam, owners can apply a chamois. Weim’s nails also need to be trimmed regularly.

Health Concerns

Although Weims are gifted with great speed and agility, a lot of them are prone to bloat or gastric torsion. Other health issues known to plague the breed include joint pains, eye diseases, bleeding disorders, and cancer. Nevertheless, with proper care, nutrition, and exercise, Weims can live for as long 10 to 13 years.

Best Environment

Kennels as well as cramped indoor dwellings are basically not suited for Weimaraner dogs. The breed requires a spacious, fenced yard where they can perform vigorous physical activities. Although Weims love the outdoors, they are not recommended to be left to sleep outside the house, particularly during cold nights. In addition, Weimaraners need a lot of exercise. They can be taken for long walks, whole-day hunting, or daily jogging to meet their exercise requirements.