The Weimaraner is a large dog breed that was originally bred for hunting purposes. The breed holds a rich history that includes royalty. There are still several mysteries revolving around the Weimaraner, as researchers and experts have not yet discovered the exact origin of the breed. Some suggest that the dog breed dates back as early as the 13th century. Numerous suggestions have been made regarding the genetic makeup, including ancestry related to the bloodhound.
Over the years, the Weimaraner was used less frequently for hunting purposes – and today, the dog breed has become a loving pet for many families. The large size of the dog means it does take some maintenance and discipline to keep your pet in tune, but overall, the breed tends to be loyal and loving and may even be a good choice as a family pet.
Even though a larger breed, the Weimaraner generally does not exceed 37kg in weight, making it a bit lighter than other breeds with a similar size. In the UK, the Kennel Club officially recognizes the Weimaraner as a dog breed. The breed is often referred to as the "Weim" and has even found itself a spot as assistance dogs in some regions of the world.
Energetic is one of the first traits that come to mind when considering the Weimaraner's personality. These dogs tend to be very active, which is why they need large open spaces to run and play. In addition to being energetic, many people find that the dogs are also quite demanding of attention, which means owners do need to have enough time on their hands to cater to this breed.
The Weimaraner is known to bond with the family in little time. Once bonded, the breed tends to grow attached and demand a lot of attention. The prey drive of the dog makes it prone to chase smaller animals, which may include other dogs, cats, and even squirrels running through the property.
Loyalty is another trait that makes the Weimaraner a worthy companion to have at home. The dog is exceptionally loyal. The breed is always eager to comply with their master's commands and tends to be relatively easy to train. The dogs are, however, very sensitive.
Separation anxiety is one area where some people face a challenge. This particular personality trait can lead to unpredicted behaviour in the dog. When provided adequate attention and care, the Weimaraner is known to be playful and sociable, as well as gentle with kids.
The quick bonding and loving personality of the Weimaraner make this dog a great option for almost anybody. The dog is a great option for homes with a stay-at-home parent, as they do demand a lot of attention from the owners.
The Weimaraner does need to be walked for about one to two hours every day. With this in mind, the dog is not for families that are not very active. The breed also requires a large open space to run and exert its energy. With this in mind, the dog is mostly appropriate for people with a backyard, who live near a dog-friendly park, or who have property that has adequate space for this large breed dog.
The Weimaraner is one of the easier breeds to care for, particularly in terms of breeding. There is no need to worry about brushing this dog breed every day, as the coat is exceptionally short. A soft brush can be used to help remove loose hair from the dog’s coat. Some also prefer the use of a rubber brush. Brushing is also generally not required after washing the Weimaraner, since there is no long coat that needs to be detangled.
Even though brushing is not necessarily required, the personality of these dogs does call for a lot of attention. With this in mind, spending time on grooming can be a great way to bond with the breed, while also keeping their coat healthy at the same time.
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.
The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.
Make sure you ask any breeder if the puppy’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.
Bloat doesn’t sound too serious, but if it’s left untreated it can be deadly for your dog. Large, deep-chested dogs are more commonly affected than smaller breeds.
Bloat causes the stomach to swell with gas and then twist. The dog can’t belch or vomit to release the gas, blood flow to the heart is impeded, blood pressure drops, and the dog goes into shock.
To avoid bloat, split their feeds into multiple smaller meals through the day instead of one large portion. You must also avoid exercise for at least half an hour to an hour after eating. Another cause can be drinking too much water rapidly, so keep a watchful eye on that as well.
Symptoms of Gastric Dilation Volvulus are a swollen abdomen, excessive drooling, dry retching, lethargy and a rapid heart rate.
Without immediate medical attention, bloat can be fatal, so if you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often, but not always, inherited.
The condition causes mild or severe seizures which may show themselves as unusual behaviour such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness.
Although seizures are frightening and saddening to watch, the long-term prognosis for sufferers is generally very good.
If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as there could be other reasons for seizures.
Entropion causes the lower eyelid to fold inward toward the eye. The result is chronic irritation of the surface of the eye.
Fortunately, it can be corrected by surgery.