Weimaraner Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The Weimaraner coat is short and easy to maintain. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath is plenty to keep them looking healthy and clean. Don’t forget to trim their nails at least a couple of times per month. If you let their nails grow too long, you risk painful breaks, cracks, and infections. When you settle down to do your regular grooming sessions, take a few moments to check out their ears, eyes, teeth, and skin for any signs of blockage or irritation.

Shedding: The Weimaraner is a moderately heavy shedding machine. They tend to shed the most in the spring and fall, but they also drop a fair amount of fur year-round. If you want to be proactive in the fight to keep the hair at bay, it’s worth investing in the proper tools. A grooming glove or shedding tool is helpful to make the job easier, as well as buying a good vacuum.

Training: Weimaraners can require a bit of effort to train – the problem is usually social anxiety and separation problems from too-strong bonds with their human companions. They have a very strong prey drive that poses problems for obedience and safety. Always use a leash, rely on positive reinforcement, and don’t be too forceful with your training. Early socialization is key, and consider puppy kindergarten for your new dog.

Barking: Weimaraners are well known for their barking and howling. They quickly suffer from separation anxiety, so be warned if you plan to leave them alone at home all day. Your neighbors won’t appreciate it, and your Weimaraner may chew up your favorite shoes in an effort to deal with the stress of isolation. They form very close bonds to their human family, and they need your love and affection to stay happy and healthy.

Personality: Pomeranians are proud and extroverted. They can display great intelligence and loyalty to their extended family. They are curious and like to be the center of attention. They are very friendly and playful. With poor training and a lack of obedience lessons, Pomeranians can develop aggressive tendencies and excessive barking problems. A little defensiveness is okay, but don’t let your Pomeranian become a nuisance for everyone around you. They respond well to obedience and agility training, so it’s up to you to show them the right way.

Temperament & Behavior: Like many sporting dogs, Weimaraners can form incredibly strong bonds with their owners. Unfortunately, this trait often manifests itself through separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. If you must leave your Weimaraner at home alone for long stretches during the workday, it’s worth considering the services of a mid-day dog walker. Without enough social interaction during the day, Weimaraners can easily develop stress conditions and anxiety.

Life span: On average, Weimaraners live to be about 12-14 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Several health conditions appear more commonly in the Weimaraner breed as a result of inheritance or occurring at an increased frequency. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: Tricuspid dysplasia, Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Muzzle folliculitis and furunculosis, Gastric dilatation-volvulus, Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Mast cell tumors, Hypomyelinogenesis, Spinal dysraphism, Corneal dystrophy, Distichiasis, Entropion and Third eyelid cartilage eversion

Preventive Care: Weimaraners are at an increased risk of developing gastric dilatation-volvulus (commonly known as bloat) as a result of the deep chest in their conformation. With this condition, the stomach fills with air and food, and then twists upon itself, preventing the emptying of the stomach’s contents and creating a life-threatening situation. Avoiding exercise for an hour or two prior to meals and keep your Weimaraner’s food and water bowls on the ground rather than in a raised stand. A surgical procedure (gastropexy) is available to prevent the stomach from twisting.

Regular veterinary care is crucial to diagnosing problems before they become more severe. Even if your Weimaraner seems to be healthy at home, don’t skip routine visits to your veterinarian.

With insufficient exercise and overfeeding, Weimaraners are prone to becoming overweight. Feed your dog portion-controlled meals of a high quality balanced diet. Avoid feeding table scraps or treats in excess, because these goodies quickly pack on the pounds.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Weimaraner is 2 to 3 cups.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Since they were bred for long days on the hunt, these dogs have a big gas tank. It’s up to you to help them burn it off with vigorous daily exercise. Don’t be shy when it comes to walking and running with your dog. If you can’t provide an active lifestyle for your dog, you should consider the services of a willing dog walker. Rely on your family to help you spread out the burden of getting your Weimaraner enough daily exercise. Failure to do so risks an unhappy, unhealthy, and badly behaved companion.