Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind the Weimaraner?
What is the typical appearance of the Weimaraner?
How big do Weimaraners get?
What type of personality is typical of a Weimaraner?
Do Weimaraners have any type of behavioral disorders?
What common health problems should I be aware off?

Q: What is the history behind the Weimaraner?
A: The Weimaraner is a dog that was originally bred for hunting in the early 19th century. Early Weimaraners were used by royalty for hunting large game such as boar, bears, deer. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals like fowl, rabbits, and foxes. The Weimaraner is an all purpose gun dog. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, whose court enjoyed hunting.

Q: What is the typical appearance of the Weimaraner?
A:This breed's short and very smooth grey coat and its unusual eyes give it a regal appearance different from any other breed. The coat is extremely low maintenance, short, and smooth to the touch, and may range from charcoal-blue to mouse-grey to silver-grey. Where the fur is thin or non-existent, inside the ears or on the lips, for example, the skin should be a pinkish tone rather than white or black.

There is also a variety of long-haired Weimaraners. These weims have a silky coat, with an undocked, feathered tail. The gene is recessive, so breeding will produce some long-haired puppies only if both parents carry the it.

Q: How big do Weimaraners get?
A: According to the AKC standard, the male Weimaraner stands between 25 and 27 inches (63–68 cm) at the withers. Females are between 23 and 25 inches (58–63 cm). Of course, there are many dogs taller or shorter than the breed standard.

The breed is not heavy for its height, and males normally weigh roughly 70-80 pounds. Females are generally between 55-70 lbs (25-32kgs). A Weimaraner should give the appearance of a muscular, athletic dog.

Q: What type of personality is typical of a Weimaraner?
A: Weimaraners are fast and powerful dogs, but are suitable home animals given appropriate training and exercise. These dogs are not as sociable towards strangers as other hunting dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Weimaraners are very protective of their family and can be very territorial. They can be aloof to strangers, and must be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent aggression. They are also highly intelligent, sensitive and problem-solving animals, which earned them an epithet "dog with a human brain".

To find out is a weimaraner is a good fit for you and your family take the Weimaraner Assessement.

Q: Do Weimaraners have any type of behavioral disorders?
A: Like any other breed, the Weimaraner is not perfect. Since they were bred to be true members of the family, some Weimaraners suffer from severe separation anxiety. Manifestations of this behavior disorder include panicked efforts to rejoin the owner when separation occurs, excessive drooling, destructive behaviors, and associated injuries such as broken teeth or cut lips. Behavior modification training and medications may reduce the severity of symptoms associated with this disorder in some Weimaraners. However, the breed is generally refractory to such treatment and behavior modification training efforts. As individuals of the breed age the severity of separation anxiety symptoms decreases somewhat, but does not completely abate.

More common, lighter manifestations of separation anxiety include wailing, which mimics a high pitched crying tone. This is even more noticed when the Weim's owner is near, or returning home. If properly socialized young, the tendency for separation anxiety may be reduced. In similarity to lighter manifestations of separation anxiety are the inability for the Weimaraner to leave its owner's side. Many Weimaraners will insist on even sleeping as close to the owner as possible. It is not uncommon to find the Weim sleeping on its owner's bed.

Q: What common health problems should I be aware off?
A: According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Weimaraners suffer from low rates of dysplasia. The breed is ranked 102nd of 153 total breeds and has a very high test rate and a very high percentage of excellent rating among those dogs tested. It is generally recommended to acquire Weimeraners only from breeders who have their dogs' hips tested using OFA or PennHIP methods.

As a deep-chested dog, the Weimaraner is prone to bloat or gastric torsion, a very serious condition which can cause painful and rapid death when left untreated. It occurs when the stomach twists itself, thereby pinching off blood vessels and the routes of food traveling in or out. Symptoms include signs of general distress, discomfort, no bowel movement or sounds, and a swollen stomach. Immediate medical attention is imperative when bloat occurs and surgery is the only option if it is caught early enough.

One way to help prevent bloat is to spread out the Weimaraner's feedings to at least twice daily and to avoid any vigorous exercise right after feedings. It is also recommended that the dog's feeding dish not be placed on a raised platform to discourage it from gobbling its food too quickly and keep air from entering the stomach.

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