“The main plus and minus of Weimaraners is immense devotion”

The Weimaraner is considered a true aristocrat of the canine world. The dog has an absolutely unique set of hunting qualities, remarkable intelligence and is immensely devoted to its owner. In addition, the dogs have an amazing and unusual coat and eye color, which leaves no one indifferent who saw such a dog for the first time. From this article you will learn how to properly raise a Weimaraner, what you need to prepare before bringing a puppy into your home, what to feed and how to care for such a pet.

History of the origin of the breed

It is not known for certain whether the breed is ancient. Mention of similar dogs can be found in a chronicle from the 13th century. It is believed that similar animals could already be found at the court of the French king Louis the Saint. Presumably, several gray dogs were brought by him from Egypt.

The fashion introduced by the sovereign was quickly supported at court. Soon not a single aristocratic house could do without such a dog. Subsequently, the fashion for Weimaraners spread to other yards in Europe.

A clearer and more down-to-earth version of the origin says: the hunting dog was bred in Germany in the 19th century. Initially, huntsmen studied the German breed, selecting individuals most suitable for gun hunting. The breed got its name from the area where the first representatives appeared - the city of Weimar.

Since many people were interested in the graceful dogs, the first fans of the breed appeared, and systematic selection began. Representatives of other breeds were not involved in crossing. Since 1890, purebred breeding of the Weimar pointer began. Pure blood has been maintained for over a century.

Photo: wikimedia.org

History of the Weimaraner breed

Weimar cops began to be bred in the 19th century in the Duchy of Weimar. According to legend, they were brought by Ludwig IX from the Crusade to the eastern lands in 1254. These creatures are the ancestors of the animals with which the royal nobility hunted.

A more down-to-earth hypothesis states that at the head of the pedigree were the continental Bracco pointers, who became the ancestors of many hunting breeds.

In 1890, fans of these beauties created a society of dog breeders and began to organize exhibitions where the dog was noticed by enthusiasts from other countries. Foreigners were not accepted into the German club.

Only in the 30s of the last century, an American citizen, who was honored to join it, was able to take several individuals home and began breeding them. Moreover, the Weimaraner dog breed attracted the Americans so much that it soon became a domestic species.

Description of the breed

The Weimaraner is a large dog with power and regal bearing, an athletic build and high intelligence. Dogs live, on average, about 10-14 years. But much will depend on the conditions in which the dog is kept, diet, care and the presence of hereditary diseases.

Dogs that hunt regularly have a longer life expectancy.

Weimar Pointer puppies have azure-colored eyes and are so cute and attractive that few can resist mini Weimaraners.

Varieties

Its coat gives the breed a special charm. In addition to the amazing color, short-haired dogs have a coat so smooth and shiny that it seems as if the dog has been doused with liquid silver. This effect is created due to the fact that the undercoat is almost completely absent, and the outer coat itself is smooth and durable.

There is also a long-haired variety of the breed. The hair length of such dogs reaches 5 cm, there is a small undercoat. The outer hair is soft and has a slight wave.

The rarest type of Weimaraner is the straight-haired. Such dogs simultaneously have a fairly thick undercoat, and the outer coat itself is smooth and durable, and does not curl.

Colors

The most common color is gray, with shades ranging from silver-blue to mouse-like. It is acceptable to have small white spots on the chest and paws. The presence of red tan marks is possible; this will not be considered a defect in the breed, but such an individual will not be valued too highly at an exhibition.

A serious color fault will be the presence of brown markings. The dog's skin has a flesh tone.

Representatives whose color is different from gray shades are subject to disqualification. For example, black, copper or any other.

Breed standard

The breed standard was formed after the first exhibitions. This happened at the beginning of the 20th century.

Standard:

• Dimensions: ideal height for males is 63-67 cm at the withers, but individuals with a height of 59 to 70 cm are allowed for breeding. For females, these values ​​are: ideal 59-63 cm, height from 57 to 65 cm is considered normal;
• Weight: males from 30 to 40 kg, females from 25 to 35 kg;
• The head should be in balance with the height and face. In males it is wider than in females. There is a median groove on the forehead;
• The nose is dark flesh-colored. Gradually fades to gray towards the rear;
• The muzzle is almost rectangular in shape, powerful;
• Strong jaws, scissor bite;
• The eyes should be amber in color, ranging from dark to pale. Puppies have azure eyes, gradually changing color as they grow older;
• Eyelids are rounded;
• Drop-shaped ears. The tips of the ears should reach the corner of the mouth;
• The tail set is lower compared to similar breeds. When at rest the tail is lowered, when excited it is in a horizontal position;
• The skin is strong, but not rough;
• The limbs are high, well developed and muscular.

Photo: wikimedia.org

How to choose a puppy

Systematic selection and breeding work in the breed has ensured the high quality of the Weimar pointer stock as a whole. Having set a certain goal, you can choose a good puppy both for work and just for the family. True, such an acquisition will not be cheap - a purebred baby in domestic nurseries costs up to one and a half thousand dollars, and if you bring a dog of interesting blood from Germany, then, taking into account the costs of delivery and paperwork, it is almost twice as expensive.

It's hard to choose the best among the best

If possible, do not buy a dog virtually, through resellers and carriers - go for it yourself. This is the only way you can get a personal impression of the baby’s parents and littermates, the conditions of keeping the dogs in the kennel, and at the same time get to know the breeder, whose advice can be very useful.

The puppy receives most of its terrier and working qualities from its mother - find an opportunity to look at her

What things should you pay attention to when choosing a puppy:

• on the build and head - the silhouette of the Weimaraner is characterized by smooth and streamlined lines, there should be no sharp transitions;
• on the paws - the pads of the toes of dogs of this breed are collected in a dense lump, and the skin on them is very hard and rough;
• on the Weimaraner's coat - it only looks silky in appearance, but to the touch it is very durable and elastic;
• in terms of color - silver, with a pearl tint, the fur of this cop can not be confused with anyone, it changes shades of its color depending on the lighting;
• on movements - the puppy has all the movements of an adult dog (productive wide step, creeping springy gait, “trademark” stances).

Weimaraners are so charismatic that it is difficult to confuse them with any other breed.

Similar breeds

There are several hunting breeds that can be confused with the Weimar Pointer.

Hungarian pointer

The Hungarian Vizsla is a hunting breed whose representatives have an excellent sense of smell and excellent trainability. The first mention of the breed dates back to the 10th century.

The breeds are very similar to each other, but the Vizsla is characterized by a golden-red color.

Photo: pixabay.com

Kurzhaar

An excellent hunter, distinguished by endurance, fast running and power. Outwardly it has many similarities with the “silver ghost”. But his body is not so muscular, but rather sinewy and lean.

There are many color options for the shorthaired pointer; the standard identifies six types. This is mainly a combination of colors: beige and liver. The color is heterogeneous, with many inclusions.

Photo: pixabay.com

Silver Labradors

Labrador is a breed that has long and firmly won the hearts of people. However, the Labrador was originally a hunting breed. There is no point in comparing him to the Weimaraner. Outwardly they have nothing in common.

The craze for mating dogs of various breeds has become a real fashion. This is done with the aim of obtaining unusual mestizos that cause a stir among buyers. One of these mixed breeds was the silver Labrador.

So far, such individuals have not been identified as a separate breed, but those wishing to buy a purebred German pointer should be careful. There is a high risk of acquiring a mixed breed, one of whose parents may be a Labrador Retriever.

Photo: thelabradorsite.com

Weimaraner and children

Weimaraners love children and get along well with them. Of course, all dogs have different personalities, but by nature, Weimar cops are very kind to all members of their family.

However, you need to understand: if you get a dog and allow him to do whatever he wants at home, he can become jealous and selfish. And if then a child appears or guests come with children, and the children begin to torment the dog, pulling its ears or tail, the dog will respond. This is not a breed that will rush, but the Weimaraner will not allow itself to be offended.

Breeder's Observations: I have a bitch who does not like children under 8 years old. She doesn’t bite them, but she can hit them with her nose, and then run away, lie down and pretend that she didn’t do it

.

Pictured: Weimaraner

Character and behavioral characteristics

First of all, it is worth noting that the dog absolutely cannot stand being alone. She needs constant contact with a person. It will not be possible to send the dog to its place and not communicate with it if the owner is at home. He, of course, will carry out the command, but will be deeply unhappy.

The breed needs constant movement and a variety of activities. Otherwise, the hyperactive dog will not lose energy and will begin to misbehave.

If there is no opportunity or desire to hunt, you will have to come up with a lot of other active activities so that the dog shows maximum physical activity during a walk.

The Weimaraner's excellent hunting instincts in the city can play a bad joke on him. In places where the dog is in danger (near the road, for example), it is necessary to keep it strictly on a leash.

The breed gets along well with other animals. They get along well with children, becoming nannies and security guards.

Look how he watches the cat!

A character trait is irritability. It directly depends on the activity of the animal. The owner is quite capable of removing the irritability factor. Just walk and play with your dog as often as possible.

Weimaraner character

The main plus and at the same time minus of the Weimar pointer, or Weimaraner, is boundless devotion to the owner. They are very dependent on the person.

Pictured: Weimaraner

It is ideal if the Weimaraner lives with someone, for example with a second dog. Alone, they are incredibly bored, this is a dog with a tail. Where the owner goes, so do they. If you go to the kitchen, the Weimaraner goes to the kitchen, you go into the yard - the dog needs to go there too, you get ready for work - the dog gets ready with you. And this is a big problem, since some owners cannot leave Weimaraners alone at home.

It takes a lot of effort to train a Weimar pointer to stay alone without howling, whining or dying of boredom.

But at the same time, the Weimaraner very easily adapts to new conditions, including a change of owner. If the new home is no worse for him than the old one, he will quickly feel like he belongs. Of course, if life in the new family is worse, the dog will be bored. But if you pay attention to your pet, everything will be fine. A male dog from America recently came to us - he adapted in 12 hours. Runs, plays and is completely happy.

Breeder's recommendation: The minimum walks for a Weimar pointer are 1 - 1.5 hours in the morning and the same in the evening, plus a walk in the afternoon. Moreover, you will not just have to stand still, but walk, run, ride a bicycle - in general, you will not be bored. Only in this case is there a chance that the dog will not destroy the house. Because if the Weimaraner is bored or not taken for a walk, the dog will find something to entertain himself with. Weimaraners can do this perfectly: chew something, break something, knock out a window and climb out of a window - it’s easy!

In the photo: Weimaraner puppy

Education and training

Raising a Weimaraner is a real pleasure. Even the most inexperienced owner can do this. Dogs simply love any activity with a person. Possessing a developed intellect, they love to learn new things and quickly master all basic commands even at a very young age.

Here is an example of training a puppy, take a look!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1evvYK12Ku8

The main condition for classes is to conduct them regularly, acting persistently and confidently. Physical force and psychological pressure must not be used. Do not forget that this is a serious and very strong dog.

No matter how successful you are in education and training, remember that the hunting instinct can force an animal to chase what it perceives as prey. Use a leash in the city.

Training tips:

• Teaching a puppy commands begins from the first day: accustoming to a nickname, the commands “no” and “come”;
• Be sure to socialize your dog, otherwise it will become timid and fearful;
• You can take your baby hunting as a cop from the age of six months. At an early age, a passion for hunting manifests itself; training in poultry and game will help the dog quickly master skills and become disciplined;
• Preparing a good hunter is a troublesome task. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consult a specialist.

Here is a Weimaraner on the hunt.

Weimaraner dog training

The “Aristocrat” loves to master new exercises and is easy to train, but a bad mood can result in willful stubbornness.

Following the natural pack instinct, the puppy will strive for leadership; proper consistent training will make him an obedient companion, who must be taught from childhood to wear a muzzle in order to walk in crowded places.

The owner must be strict along with patience. Rudeness and physical force are unacceptable. Classes, starting in puppyhood, continue constantly, at least until 3 years. Sensitive natures cannot tolerate raising their voices; they need not only tasty encouragement, but also praise.

The hunting type is trained in a special way. Its representatives are taught not to be afraid of shots, to pursue prey and bring it to the owner.

Diseases

We can say that the breed is characterized by good health. Hereditary diseases occur, but they are much less common than in other breeds.

The Weimar Pointer has a tendency to:

• stomach problems and intestinal volvulus;
• parasitic infestations;
• joint diseases (hip dysplasia);
• extra eyelashes;
• dermatitis (between the fingers);
• demodicosis;
• melanoma, lipoma;
• cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).

Photo: flickr.com

Diseases of the Weimaraner breed

Strong people are characterized by excellent health, but due to hereditary predisposition they may suffer from:

• joint dysplasia;
• dermatitis due to poor nutrition;
• intestinal weakness;
• problems with the visual organs;
• oncology.

To protect your pet from intestinal volvulus, for preventive purposes, food is placed on a hill, which prevents rapid swallowing with the entry of air.

They go for a run an hour after eating; there should be no objects on the walking area that damage the limbs. In addition, they undergo antiviral vaccination.

Photos of the Weimaraner captured his swift appearance and desire to rush beyond the horizon, enjoying freedom. He can be both a talented provider and a loving companion if the relationship with him is built on trust.

How is pregnancy going?

Estrus

What an owner needs to know about a female Weimaraner in heat:

the onset of estrus occurs between 12 and 14 months of age; duration from 20 days to a month; estrus may occur once or twice a year; during this period, the genitals swell and bleeding begins; During this period, dogs experience an increased need to urinate.

Mating

Nature dictates that the bitch is ready for mating already in her first heat, but this is too early and dangerous for her health. It is better to start breeding Weimaraners by the age of 2 years.

Matings are carried out only in the territory of the male dog. The dogs are given a good walk beforehand. The best period for mating is days from 11 to 15 after the start of estrus.

The control mating is carried out a day or two after the first.

Pregnancy

The duration of pregnancy ranges from 56 to 73 days. It is better to mark the day of the bitch’s first mating to understand what the birth will be like. Premature or late births often lead to the death of the litter.

Obvious signs of pregnancy:

• enlargement of the abdomen and swelling of the mammary glands;
• copious yellow or greenish discharge from the loop is a sign of imminent labor.

On the Internet you can find a huge amount of advice on giving birth to a Weimaraner, preparing a resuscitation kit for the bitch and babies. If you are not an experienced breeder who has delivered more than one dog, you should not do this yourself. There is a great risk that something will go wrong and you will lose not only the litter, but also your pet.

Photo: pixabay.com

Weimaraner in the apartment

Weimaraner. Photo - Serova Ekaterina.

The Weimaraner or Weimar Pointer is a breed of hunting dog, quite rare in our country, but very impressive in appearance. Its distinctive features are beautiful, smooth body lines combined with an unusual gray-coffee coat color and stunning light amber eye color, an expressive muzzle and long hanging ears. The term "pointer" comes from the words "lie down", "lie down", "lie down" and the original lying position on a bird tracked by a dog.

​The modern international standard for breed characteristics FCI recognizes two varieties of Weimaraner - shorthaired and longhaired.

Weimaraner longhair

The appearance of the dog and another romantic name for the breed, “ silver ghost ,” are immediately and for a long time etched in the memory. This is one of the main reasons, if not the decisive one, when choosing a pet from the genus Canis lupus familiaris.

If you have chosen a Weimar Pointer, try to find out more about the breed from the breeder and evaluate your capabilities to make a decision. This is the first and most correct thing that a future dog owner can do. After all, for a conscientious breeder it is very important in what conditions his puppy will live.

​In such conversations, breeders and nursery owners often hear the following phrase from potential buyers: “I would love to buy, but I’m afraid the apartment is too small.” Well, let's look into this issue - is it possible to keep a dog like a Weimar pointer in a city apartment?

First, about the size of an adult Weimaraner. Various sources write about this breed as medium or large. Medium – if we consider three categories of breeds: small, medium and large. Large - if there are four: small, medium, large and giant. According to the international standard, the height of an adult male of this breed at the withers is 59-70 cm, an adult female - 57-65 cm. If we measure the height of the kitchen table, we will get 75 cm. So imagine - your adult pet, standing next to the table at which you are having breakfast, it will rise another 10-20 centimeters above it. This comparison is not meant to scare you, but to give you an approximate understanding of its dimensions. Of course, when you wash it, it will take up the entire bath, and lying at your feet it will take up almost one and a half square meters, and in a narrow corridor you will sometimes have to sidle past it. But this is not always the case. It is your table, wardrobe and sofa that constantly occupy part of your apartment, and most of it. And the dog? Of course, there should be a place for a pet in your apartment - a bed or a cage. But this again is a maximum of 1.5 square meters.

Shorthaired Weimaraner. Photo by Yulia Gulyaeva

​Now about the dog’s behavior in the apartment. “I’m afraid the apartment is too small, but the dog needs to move” is another misconception. Yes, the Weimaraner needs to move, and move a lot - at least 3-4 hours every day, and at a good pace. But not in the apartment. For this you need a park, forest or embankment, that is, a place for long walks. And at home, your pet does the same as you - eats, drinks, rests, sleeps. A dog that has had enough exercise will not arrange noisy games at home and cause mischief, destroying the interior and things of the owners. Adult dogs usually spend most of their day sleeping, especially if the dog is left alone at home. When you are at home, you should definitely exercise your dog, at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes. To do this, they use activities in the form of games or simple tasks for dogs, during which a large area is not required - for example, hiding the dog’s favorite toy and making him find it. At home, you can keep him trained for endurance, repeat the commands “sit”, “lie” at a short distance, wait for you without leaving the room. Over time, you yourself will find some of your own activities or games with your dog at home. The rest of the time, the Weimaraner will be happy to keep you company while watching movies or TV shows, sitting or lying next to you. In extreme cases, he will follow you around, thus “helping” with household chores. This is another distinctive feature of the Weimar cop - increased focus on people. With a Weimaraner you will never feel alone.

Everything we talked about applies more to adult dogs. But, as a rule, a four-legged friend appears in our home at a tender puppy age. Small Weimaraners are distinguished by their gray-blue coat color and bright blue eyes, which makes them incomparably sweet creatures that can be forgiven for any prank. For the owner of this wonderful creature, a very important period begins - raising a small pet and accustoming it to the rules of behavior in the house.

First, determine the place where his bed will be located - away from doors and windows, where there may be drafts, away from radiators, so that the puppy does not get hot, and under no circumstances in a passage corridor. The dog needs a place where it will not be disturbed by walking past its nose, and at the same time where it can see most of the home and residents. A good solution is a place in the corner of the room where family members most often gather, and where the dog has a good view of most of the room. A puppy bed should take into account its size and whether it can be washed or dry cleaned. Nowadays, many owners use collapsible cages or enclosures as a place for their pet. This is an excellent solution - a kind of kennel, in which the dog feels safe, especially if the cage is covered with something dark on three sides and on top. Some manufacturers offer special covers, but you can use a regular bedspread or blanket.

​The next important point is the place for feeding. Usually it is located in the kitchen, somewhere in the corner. Bowls are placed on a small mat on an adjustable stand, one of which is for food, the other for water. The height of the bowls is changed as the puppy grows. The dog's eating area should be kept clean and the water should always be fresh. Leftover food is always put into the refrigerator until the next feeding or disposed of.

​Like all small children, puppies try everything by tooth, so objects (TV and air conditioner remotes, tablets, smartphones, headphones, pens) accidentally left by you will certainly become its prey, and only you will be to blame for this. Provide the puppy with a safe environment in the apartment - cover the wires with boxes, remove easily breakable objects that are within its reach, as well as all shoes. Lock the door to the balcony and large windows to prevent your baby from accidentally falling from a height. See for yourself what in your apartment may threaten the safety of a small pet, and take the necessary measures.

​Weimar Pointer puppies grow quickly. Their skeleton grows especially quickly, but their muscles and ligaments lag somewhat behind in this process. During outdoor games, excessive stress on muscles and joints can cause injury. Gender poses a particular risk of injury. To prevent this from happening, it is covered with cheap carpet or something similar.

​Particular attention should be paid to the toilet. To do this, place a couple of disposable diapers on the floor in a certain place and teach the baby to relieve his needs on them. Responsible breeders have puppies already accustomed to doing this by the age of two or three months. But even the most disciplined child in a new place may not behave entirely correctly. Watch his behavior and remember when the puppy usually relieves himself (after sleep, after eating) and how he behaves immediately before doing this. Usually puppies carefully sniff the floor and then sit down. This can be used for toilet training: stand on the diaper and call the puppy to you. Do not put away a diaper that has only one puddle on it; the smell will attract the baby next time.

​Undoubtedly, the puppy period gives every owner a lot of trouble, and sometimes during this time it is necessary to partially change the usual routine and interior of the home. But this is not forever. And the more attention and effort you put into your upbringing, the easier your life will become in the future. Your little Weimaraner will grow up, become quite mature and calmer, more well-mannered. And he will no longer pay attention to those little things that can be chewed on. The situation in the apartment will return to its usual form. And you will remember with tenderness the cute pranks of the little gray naughty boy with blue eyes.

​Of course, for such a large breed, the best place to live is a house or cottage with a plot. But if the owners are at work most of the day, then no matter how large the home is, it is the same as a city apartment. And it’s not enough for a Weimaraner to run around on his own in the morning or evening across an area of ​​6 or even 26 acres. Therefore, our next conversation will be about walks.

Walking is natural and necessary for a dog, just as it is for a person. Breathing fresh air, stretching, running, chatting with friends - we dream about this while waiting for the weekend, spending most of the week working or studying. Movement is life. We remember this from our school days. Hurrying to work in the morning, returning home after a hard day’s work, we still move for some time in the flow of people, along the way, dropping into shops, and a couple of times a week – to a fitness club. And at home our four-legged friend happily greets us, wags his tail and expects that now we too will give him joy - a long-awaited walk. After all, he was at home all day, mostly sleeping, then wandering around the rooms alone, waiting for his owners. And if your pet is a Pekingese or a pug, then walking around the house on a leash for 20-30 minutes may be enough. But not for the Weimaraner.

Weimaraner loves to run

In terms of its use, the Weimar Pointer is a hunting breed. This means that for walks she needs space - to run at a gallop and trot, examine all the bushes and thickets, if possible, swim or at least go into the water, play with her relatives.

​Therefore, you should prepare for walks in advance and for this you should pay attention to the following:

​

• Duration ​The duration of one walk with a Weimar pointer is from 1.5 to 2.5 hours for an adult dog and 40-60 minutes for a puppy. An adult dog is usually walked 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. For a puppy, this number of walks is not enough, because the first thing we need from walks is to teach the baby to relieve himself outside. Therefore, the puppy needs to be walked at least 3 times a day, and at first four times. Carefully observe your pet's behavior and condition. Remember that he is still just a child and you should not burden him either physically or emotionally. If you go for a walk with your children, do not let them constantly call out to the puppy and shout commands “Come”, “Sit” and others. Remember that the main principle in raising a dog is “Do no harm,” and a walk, like any activity, must correspond to the baby’s wishes. If your pet is tired and lies down, then it’s time to go home.
• ​Place Find a place near your home where you can, without fear for the life and health of your pet, as well as those around you, allow him to walk without a leash. The nearest park or forested area, embankment and even wasteland are perfect for your walks. In such places you will definitely meet a company that is suitable for your ward and for you. Communicating with peers, as well as dogs of a different age and breed, is very beneficial for the dog’s psyche and health.
• Safety for dogs The main danger for dogs while walking are cars and other vehicles. Therefore, we take our pet out of the house on a leash. In those places where you are going to let your dog off the leash, there may be broken glass, pieces of wire and fittings protruding from the ground, and other traumatic objects. To avoid injury, check your route in advance and, if possible, eliminate what you can handle or choose a safer location. Do not feed your dog before a walk, so as not to provoke a stomach volvulus. And be very careful that the dog does not pick up leftover food from the ground, which, unfortunately, is often left behind by careless vacationers after holidays and picnics.

A short-haired Weimaraner puppy can be dressed in a vest in frosty or chilly weather, with rain and sleet, this will help avoid colds and not shorten the walking time. But this is only for the first time and only for those puppies who have never gone outside before. For example, the litter was born in late autumn in a city apartment, the puppies were indoors all the time, and after picking up the puppy, you observed quarantine after the second vaccination. In this case, your first walk will take place in February-March, and at this time the weather is often not favorable for long walks. The rest of the time, Weimaraners do not require clothing - they are strong, robust dogs accustomed to cold climates. If the frost outside is more than 15-20 degrees, then make the walk more intense and shorten the time a little.

​Control your dog's movements; he should always be within your field of vision. Attach a special tag or address tag with your phone number to the collar - this will help if your dog gets lost.

​Inspect your pet after a walk, especially the paws, spaces between the toes, ears, and mouth. Weimaraners have a high pain threshold and are tolerant of pain, so they hardly react to minor injuries. But their consequences can lead to big troubles. Do not ignore any damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Learn how to properly provide first aid to a dog - treat the wound with an antiseptic and apply a bandage. And don’t neglect visiting the veterinary clinic.

• ​ Safety for others

The Weimar Pointer is a fairly large dog and can pose a danger to people. Even the most obedient and kind dog can at some point show its protective qualities or, on the contrary, its friendly disposition and desire to get to know each other. Control your pet's behavior, learn to predict and prevent his unwanted actions. Remember that some people are terribly afraid of dogs and are categorically against communicating with them. In order not to engage in useless conversations about the friendliness of your pet and his lack of desire to attack, treat such people with understanding - take the dog on a leash and calmly walk past.

Put a muzzle on your adult dog when you leave the house, this will save you many unpleasant conversations and proceedings. And you can remove the muzzle where you usually let her off the leash.

​Raise your ward so that he does not pay attention to cyclists, runners, children and teenagers on skateboards, hoverboards and the like.

• ​ Maintaining cleanliness and order

​After leaving the house, the dog usually runs to relieve itself. No one around them likes to observe the result of this process and smell specific odors. That’s why we always take garbage bags with us and clean up after the dog – we maintain cleanliness, the law, and we don’t hear negative comments from passers-by about us.

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• Classes

​During a walk, the Weimaraner will not walk sedately next to you. If you are into running or cycling, this is a great opportunity for your dog to spend his energy and maintain the desired physical shape. If you are walking and your dog is not on a leash, then he will most likely run ahead of his owner, habitually with his nose buried in the ground. He will never get tired of this method of walking, but for you, as the owner, it should not be permanent.

​Keep your Weimaraner occupied, not only physically, but also mentally. It has been proven that mental activity for 10-15 minutes is equal to an hour of regular physical activity. Never be lazy to exercise with your four-legged friend during walks: give him tasks, teach commands and obedience, repeat them daily, reinforce them until they become automatic and you will definitely be rewarded with results. A smart, obedient, beautiful and healthy dog ​​next to you - isn’t this what you dreamed of?

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Author of the article: Evgenia Pugacheva

Care

Weimaraners are predisposed to certain genetic eye diseases, so they should be given special attention and cleaned regularly. In addition, ears need periodic hygiene.

With constant walks, the claws are combed naturally. If this does not happen, they are shortened with a tool.

Brush the animal once a week. Due to the absence, or presence of very little, undercoat, the dog sheds almost imperceptibly. You can bathe your Weimaraner once a month, or do it as needed. For example, after a hunt.

It is optimal to live a Weimaraner in a private house. The dog will be cramped in the apartment, but this option is acceptable for the owner, since its fur does not cause allergies.

Maintenance and care

Due to the large size of the Weimaraner, it is difficult to keep in a city apartment. This is not a lap dog, but it is not a guard dog either. This hound cannot be kept outside in an enclosure or put on a chain, as it needs constant communication with a person. The best conditions for a Weimaraner are a private house with a large fenced area. The dog should be able to run and frolic in the yard, but be able to enter the house at any time.

When keeping in an apartment, you need to provide the Weimaraner with sufficient exercise for at least 2-3 hours a day. In the city you only need to walk on a leash; these dogs have a strong hunting instinct, they can run after a cat or bird without listening to the owner’s commands.

This dog loves long walks, jogging, and outdoor games. Be sure to take your pet out into nature several times a week so that he can frolic in a field or swim in a pond or other body of water. It is also recommended to visit dog parks with obstacle courses. This hound will happily accompany its owner on hikes and bike rides. She loves to swim, look for hidden objects, and fetch a ball.

With sufficient exercise at home, the dog will behave calmly. He should have a comfortable bed and plenty of toys that he can chew on.

Caring for a Weimaraner is not difficult; this dog is unpretentious, sheds lightly, and its fur does not emit an odor. She requires normal hygiene procedures:

• brush with a massage brush 1-2 times a week; short-haired dogs can be brushed with a special rubber mitten; during shedding, this should be done daily;
• After each walk, wash your paws; for long-haired varieties, it is recommended to trim the hair between the toes to make it easier to maintain cleanliness;
• in dirty weather, it is recommended to wear waterproof overalls when going outside, and insulated overalls in cold weather;
• in the warm season, after walks in nature, inspect the pet’s entire body for the presence of parasites; for prevention, use drops on the withers or a special collar;
• in the city in winter you need to inspect the paw pads; cracks may form from the reagents used to treat roads;
• bathe no more than once every 1-2 months, short-haired dogs can be bathed less often, only veterinary shampoo should be used;
• examine and wipe eyes and ears 1-2 times a week;
• The claws of representatives of this breed are too hard, they do not grind down naturally, it is recommended to use a nail clipper and trim them every month.

Nutrition

Weimaraners love to eat and constantly beg for food. But without sufficient exercise, they quickly gain weight, so the amount of food needs to be controlled. An adult dog is fed 2 times a day. The volume of daily food portion is approximately 1.5-2 kg. It is easier to dose ready-made food; you will need less of it - 400-500 g per day. You need to choose super-premium or holistic brands for active large breed dogs. The following foods are suitable:

• Orijen;
• Applaws;
• Acana;
• Wolfsblut;
• Grandorf.

When feeding naturally, the bulk of the diet should be lean meat. This is beef, rabbit, chicken, horse meat. You can give offal, sea fish, and egg yolk a couple of times a week. Protein foods are supplemented with porridges; it is better to give buckwheat, rice or oatmeal. Fermented milk products, vegetables, and herbs are healthy.

It is forbidden to give fatty foods, fried, spicy, food from the human table. Chocolate, legumes, onions, grapes, sweets, confectionery, and baked goods are harmful to dogs. You should not give tubular bones, river fish, or minced meat. When feeding naturally, it is recommended to add vitamin and mineral complexes to the food.

Health

Weimaraners have good health. With proper care, they live up to 14 years. The weak point of these dogs is the digestive tract. They are prone to bloating and volvulus. To prevent these pathologies, the bowl of food should be placed on a stand so that the dog does not bend over, and fed some time after the walk, without allowing the pet to actively move after eating.

Sometimes representatives of the breed also have the following diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• dermatitis;
• food allergies;
• blood clotting disorder;
• eye pathologies;
• neuroses;
• hypothyroidism;
• degenerative myelopathy;
• oncological diseases.

What to prepare for a puppy

It is worth preparing for the arrival of a small Weimaraner into your home. You will need:

• various toys so that he can chew on them and occupy himself while you are not at home;
• a soft rug that will become its place;
• food supply. You need to decide on your diet in advance;
• a supply of disposable diapers;
• cloth;
• ensure safety by removing all dangerous objects away.

It is very important to give your dog something to chew on, like this.

Appearance of Weimaraner dogs

Powerful specimens have an athletic build, height reaches 70 cm, weight 40 kg. Going beyond these indicators is undesirable. The well-proportioned head has a wide skull and a moderately prominent occipital protuberance. The forehead is equipped with a central groove.

When tense, the frontal part is covered with folds. Characteristics:

1. The nose has a small hump above a large lobe of dark flesh color.
2. Sagging lips, palates, and gums have a pinkish tint of flesh.
3. Well defined cheekbones.
4. Impressive scissor jaws.
5. Round amber eyes are set obliquely, their gaze is attentive and soulful.
6. Large, high-set ears fall to the corners of the mouth.
7. A deep muscular chest, a regal neck, a thick tail, which is lowered when in a calm state, and raised up when excited.
8. The sinewy legs are parallel, the paws have an oval configuration with hard pads and strong claws.

The short-haired variety has thick short hair with almost no undercoat, while the long-haired Weimaraner has soft, smooth, wavy fur, especially elongated in the area of ​​the sides, ears, and tail. The paws are dressed in “pants”.

The standard allows silver-gray, light gray, dark gray colors. Possible white spots in the chest area.

Feeding

When composing your pet’s diet, take into account its level of activity and activities. If the dog is hunting, it will need a higher calorie diet.

Calculation of portions depends on the age, weight, and health status of the animal. For dry food, manufacturers set recommended portions. As for natural food, 1 kg per day is enough for puppies, 2 or 2.5 kg per day for an adult dog. The daily norm is divided by the number of feedings, depending on age.

Dry food should be chosen super-premium or holistic.

The basis of natural nutrition should be meat and meat products - 50%. The remaining half should consist of cereals, vegetables, dairy products, and eggs.

Prohibited:

• tubular bones;
• chocolate and sweets;
• raisins and grapes;
• onion and garlic.
• wheat, corn, soybeans;
• White rice.

Photo: pixabay.com

Diet for the Weimaraner breed

Meat on the menu includes beef, lamb, rabbit, and poultry. The diet is supplemented by low-fat, low-bone fish, cereals, vegetables, and dairy products. When choosing dry food, give preference to premium products.

Feeding is carried out in equal portions twice a day. Those who love to eat have a wonderful appetite, they will expressly ask for more, but you cannot indulge them, just as you cannot give food from the master’s table.

Price and where to buy a puppy

Guarantees of purchasing a purebred Weimaraner that is free from hereditary diseases can only be obtained if you purchase a puppy from a kennel. Otherwise, you risk running into breeders who will sell you a mestizo with a lot of diseases and mental problems.

Puppies with good pedigree from working parents will cost between 800-1000 dollars. Babies that do not aspire to a show career will cost slightly less: from 500 to 700 dollars.

Photo: pixabay.com

Estrus and mating

A female Weimaraner's first heat occurs at approximately 6 months of age. However, it is not yet recommended to breed her at this time - the dog is too weak and is not psychologically ready to meet a male dog. Before the onset of heat, the animal becomes too restless or, conversely, bored. Bloody discharge lasts for 5-10 days. After this, they become thick and viscous - this time is considered the most successful for mating the breed.

Pregnancy for a cop lasts 65 days. During childbirth, the owner is recommended to be nearby. He must calm the pet down with a kind word. There is no need to pet the dog, much less pick up its newborn puppies - a Weimaraner female can bite.

Owner reviews

Olga

When I read about the Weimaraner, for some reason I didn’t imagine that he would grow so huge. When buying a puppy, his parents did not make that impression on me. It is very difficult to live next to an active child in an apartment. In the warm season, we definitely take him to the dacha, where he can lose energy and sleep well, without freaking out.

Valery

I have been taking him hunting since he was 8 months old. He is now four years old. I have never met a better hunter. Quiet as a cat, but strong and fast. He understands everything at once. I learned everything at lightning speed. Sometimes he walks next to me and looks into my eyes and it becomes clear that he already knows what I want. He behaves well in the family. He gets along well with children and goes for walks together.

He barely persuaded his wife to buy a hunting dog, but she was delighted with his appearance. He doesn’t chase the cat, they sleep next to him. An ideal companion for hunting and at home.

Breed traits

Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)

This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Vizsla Hungarian Shorthair, Dobermann (Doberman Pinscher), German Shorthaired Pointer (German Shorthaired Pointer), Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian.

The photo shows what a Weimaraner looks like:

Photo

Photo: maxpixel.net

Photo: wikimedia.org Photo: maxpixel.net Photo: pixabay.com Photo: maxpixel.net

Weimaraner dog - varieties

The Weimaraner breed has three varieties that are officially recognized and eligible to participate in shows. Dogs are classified by coat type and color; other characteristics remain identical for all representatives of the breed. By type of wool we can distinguish:

• with hard and short hair without undercoat;
• with a long, soft and wavy six 3-5 cm;
• straight-haired with a thick undercoat.

By color:

• individuals with light silver-gray fur;
• brownish-gray;
• mousey shade.

Longhaired Weimaraner

Until 1935, long-haired Weimaraners were considered culls. The dog with long and wavy fur was accepted into the “family” only after it attracted the attention of the Austrian writer Ludwig von Merey. Now long-haired dogs are included in the standard, their color varies from silver to mouse, there are pants and feathers, and there is a beautiful dewlap on the tail. There is another variety, very rare - the straight-haired Weimaraner. Such individuals are distinguished by wool consisting of two layers: a thick undercoat and long, even outer hair.

Shorthaired Weimaraner

Dogs of this subgroup have short, hard hair that lies tightly to the skin without undercoat. Their fur is very thick, but in the cold season the animals freeze, so they need additional equipment; in rainy weather it is better to walk the dog in a raincoat. According to the breed description, the shorthaired Weimaraner may have a lighter color on the head and ears than on the body.

Wirehaired Weimaraner

The Weimaraner breed with hard hair was specially bred; for this purpose, representatives were crossed with Drathaars. A similar experiment was carried out in Czechoslovakia, but it could not be called successful, since as a result the dog lost some of its breed characteristics. Officially, the Wirehaired Weimaraner was recognized as a separate breed, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer.

Briefly about the main thing

1. The Weimaraner is a German hunting gun breed;
2. Has an exceptionally attractive appearance;
3. Developed intelligence, extraordinary devotion;
4. Good health, although there are a number of hereditary diseases;
5. The best housing option is a private house, but not on the street;
6. Puppies cost between $500 and $1,000.

Which of our readers has such a pet? When you bought your little Weimaraner, did you intend to go hunting or did you just fall in love with its appearance? What is your pet's personality? Is it worth having such a strong guy in an apartment? Tell us about your dog, share your knowledge and experience in the comments.

Diseases and life expectancy

On average, representatives of the breed live 10-11 years. Often individuals have good health and may not get sick throughout their lives. True, there are exceptions. The dog may be exposed to:

• pathologies of the digestive tract;
• oncology;
• eye diseases;
• skin diseases;
• dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system;
• diseases of bone tissue.

To reduce the risk of dangerous diseases and improve health, you should provide your pet with comfortable maintenance and careful care. It is necessary to strictly follow the vaccination schedule and periodically visit the veterinarian.

Weimaraner - colors

The coloring of a Weimaraner is considered a clear indicator of purebredness. The standard provides three shades:

• silver, in this case the wool may have copper tints, but not too pronounced;

• gray-brown with a predominance of gray. A brown Weimaraner with spots or a rich chocolate-colored coat is considered a reject;

• grey-mousy.

About dog breeds. Weimar Pointer (Weimaraner).

The breed called the Weimaraner was first mentioned in the 1850s. The document says that the breed developed in East Germany in the vicinity of the city of Weimar. These dogs were very popular at the court of the Grand Duke of Weimar. This is where the name of the breed comes from. In 1880, dogs of this breed first participated in an exhibition in Berlin (Germany), where they were classified as crossbreeds. In 1896, a commission of delegates finally recognized the Weimaraner breed as an independent breed. Now this breed was no longer classified as a crossbreed. Meanwhile, the German Weimaraner Club was founded by several amateur hunter sportsmen. These people wanted to breed dogs only for hunting, not for sale. Therefore, the rule was adopted that no one could buy a dog of this breed without first becoming a member of the club. This has led to the fact that it has become difficult to buy a Weimaraner even in Germany, and almost impossible outside its borders.

Currently, the Weimaraner is a fairly popular and well-known breed of dog, which shows up equally well both in the field and when participating in show exhibitions; lovers of the breed have managed to preserve the dog’s spectacular appearance and its working qualities.

1. Weimaraner shorthair

Greydove at Flanders Joy (Belgium). Field and exhibition champion.

Afrodita From Yar Helen House (Russia). Field and exhibition champion.

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Despite the fact that Weimaraners are still quite good working dogs, the problem of exaggerating the exterior for the sake of show exhibitions has already affected them. The photo shows the forebreast, the protruding part of the sternum. Exactly the same forebrust can be seen in modern Dobermans, and many breeders believe that this is precisely the craze. exterior accessory led to the widespread disease of Dobermans with dilated cardiomyopathy. This disease has not yet affected Weimaraners, but I personally don’t see any functional meaning in such exterior “delights”.

Monterra's Best Bet (USA). Field and exhibition champion. Please note that the American dog's tail is docked - the ban on docking did not affect the United States, while dogs in Europe and Russia (to be able to participate in European exhibitions) have their tails left on.

2. Longhaired Weimaraner

The first records of longhaired Weimaraner puppies appeared in the pedigree book of the German Shorthaired Weimaraner Club. Most long-haired puppies were born from short-haired dogs in the thirties of the twentieth century. In general, the appearance of long-haired puppies from short-haired parents is a fairly well-known mutation in dog breeding and is not necessarily the result of crossbreeding with any other breed.

Satta vom Brunneckerhof, one of the first longhaired Weimaraners in the USA (imported from Austria).

Waldwiese Y Would You (Australia). Both parents of this dog have short hair.

Arthos von der Hude (Germany/Russia)

Under the supervision of the appropriate national canine organization, in order to preserve the physical and/or mental condition of the breed, it is permitted to cross different varieties of the same breed. Such actions should only be carried out with the permission of the breed clubs, who should make decisions in cases where there is a justifiable need to correct the physical and/or mental condition of the breed, which cannot be corrected during the normal course of breeding activities or breeding programs

This decision was made at a meeting of the General Committee of the International Canine Organization (FCI) in October 2000 and concerns, among other things, the crossing of long-haired and short-haired varieties of Weimaraner with each other. However, in Germany, puppies obtained from a mixed mating can subsequently only be mated with a long-haired dog. In addition, in Germany they are extremely attentive to the working qualities of a dog and it is practically impossible to purchase a pet of this breed there if you are not a hunter.

This is approximately what a dog's coat looks like from a mixed breeding; it does not have long decorative feathering on the ears, paws and tail like a long-haired dog, but is much longer and denser than that of a short-haired variety.
(from myself - I think it feels something like a Labrador retriever).
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Blue Weimaraner.

BlueRivers Benelli Nova (USA)

Khadija Monteros (Russia).

The Weimaraner's blue color is not officially recognized by the International Canine Organization, but it has a lot of fans all over the world who register their pets with alternative canine organizations.

Pictured is Cäsar von Gaiberg, the first blue Weimaraner. He was born in Austria and subsequently imported to the USA, where he had great success and was used for breeding, but then the question of his purebred was raised, and the blue dogs were discarded, considering their ancestor to be a mestizo. Now we cannot determine whether he was in fact not a purebred dog, or whether it was just a genetic mutation. Ultimately, in the USA, blue dogs began to be registered and allowed to participate in exhibitions. I would also like to add that the blue color does not carry any genetic diseases in this breed.

For comparison, there is a blue dog on the left and two standard Weimaraners on the right.

Health and home maintenance.

The Weimaraner does not have any breed-specific diseases. Some breeders test for hip and elbow dysplasia.

Great for a family with a child, very people-oriented and requires constant attention. We train well, training is mandatory to control a dog in the city. Like most hunting dogs, it is not suitable for the role of guard. Frequent and active walks are necessary; with a large minus, the dog may suffer from cold.

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A dog's everyday life

16.5K posts 15K subscribers

Weimaraner

Herring

Newbie

• 22 Jun 2007

• #1

bright miracle

Participant

• 22 Jun 2007

Krist

• 23 Jun 2007

A breeder and her Weimars often walk with us - 6 of them! Charming dogs, perpetual motion machines! Affectionate, sociable, sane. I have not encountered them in training, but in everyday life they are a very pleasant dog, which, in my opinion, does not require much knowledge, experience, or training skills. The only thing is that they really need to move a lot, otherwise mental problems and various ailments arise.

For my taste, they have one more drawback - they are a little “slobbery”!