See What This Beautiful Dog Can Add to Your Life
The Weimaraner is known as The Gray Ghost due to its short, smooth coat that’s a distinctive silver-gray. This sporting breed hails from Germany and was bred for hunting. The Weimaraner is a highly intelligent dog, very muscular and athletic and is known for forming strong bonds with their family. Male Weimaraners stand 25-27 inches tall and weigh 70-90 pounds while the females are usually 23-25 inches in height and weigh 55-75 pounds. They are alert and eager to please and make excellent family pets. If you’re interested in adopting a Weimaraner puppy, we encourage you to contact Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, today or fill out the online form to get the adoption process started. We’re excited to match you with your perfect Weimaraner puppy today!
History
The Weimaraner originated in 19th century Germany, developed by nobles in the Weimar region. These dogs had excellent tracking abilities combined with speed and courage, making them the ideal hunting companions, especially for big game like bear, boar, and deer. As the big game population fell into decline, the Weimaraner evolved into an all-purpose gundog, capable of pointing and retrieving game birds while still retaining their hunting instincts. The Weimaraner Club of Germany was established in 1897 to standardize the breed’s characteristics, leading to recognition as a distinct breed In the 1920s, Howard Knight was the first to bring the Weimaraner to America, importing a pair of dogs and, in 1929, founded the Weimaraner Club of America. The Weimaraner was recognized by the AKC in 1943.
Temperament
The Weimaraner is a highly intelligent breed, very powerful and steady but also stubborn and can act aloof with strangers while extremely loyal, protective, and loving to their family. They make excellent companions and great family pets but due to their hunting heritage, they are naturally very energetic and possess a high prey drive. They are easily bored and will become destructive if not provided enough physical and mental stimulation. Early socialization is recommended.
Environment
As a breed with an excess of energy, the Weimaraner needs an environment with plenty of space to run, that’s why a house with a large yard or, alternatively, easy access to wide spaces that they can run in is ideal for their wellbeing. They are not a breed suited to apartment living and will get destructive if their energy isn’t channeled into physical or mental challenges.
Exercise
The Weimaraner needs at least one hour of vigorous exercise daily such as a long walk, runs, hikes, or fetch. Mental stimulation is important as well so puzzle toys, scent work, or obedience training are great ways to keep their intelligent minds working.
Grooming
Weimaraners shed year-round so it’s important to brush them 2-3 times a week to remove loose hair and prevent any matting. Bathing needs only take place every 4-8 weeks unless they get dirty or have allergies, so bathing more frequently will help. Choose a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Nails need to be trimmed and teeth tended to regularly while their ears should be cleaned monthly with a vet-approved cleaner to help prevent infections.
