Weimaraner is a great choice if you are looking forward to owning a dog. However, like any other breed of dog, it is necessary that you look deep into how it is like owning one before taking the plunge.
These dogs have a rich history and any dog owner can identify one because of their unique features.
Alongside their unique features, they also have some unique characteristics that make them such fun dogs which you should be aware of to help you better accommodate one in your life.
This particular breed was first bred and greatly sought after in Germany. They were originally known for being hunter dogs which is why they are highly energetic in nature.
They have a high prey drive and owners should be aware that they require consistent training and the desire to play for longer stretches of time. They are operating away from the hunting grounds and are now sought after as companion dogs.
However, do keep in mind that they are not fond of enclosed places like apartments. If you are prepared to meet all its needs and give it the proper training then they are an amazing breed as pets.
Physical features of Weimaraners
These dogs are quite large and their weight can range anywhere between 50 pounds to 85 pounds. They have floppy ears and docked tails which is quite an important feature for them.
Their coats are short and flat and tend to be mouse-gray or silver-gray in color which is why their appearance is so distinct and striking. They have long legs and a very strong body which is built for hunting purposes and thus tend to give them strong endurance power.
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Temperament of Weimaraner dogs
They are hunting dogs and as a result, they have a very high prey drive which must be trained and supervised properly. They do not have the tolerance for small furry creatures and you will have to watch them very carefully until they are fully trained.
Additionally, these hunting roots make them very active dogs and you will have to put in a lot of energy towards physical training. They are also very independent in nature and will tend to test your limits.
These all can be kept under control with the proper physical and obedience training.
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Are Weimaraners Friendly?
Despite the fact that they are hunting dogs they prefer being with humans instead of living in a kennel and having limited human interaction. They require a lot of time and attention and will not tolerate closed spaces like apartments.
If these needs are not properly met they will suffer from separation anxiety and will start barking and become quite destructive in nature. With the proper training, they become great family friends and will want to be close to you.
They are outgoing and social dogs with a lot of affection for their owners. However, they tend to be suspicious of strangers and can get quite aggressive if not trained properly.
Taking care of Weimaraner dog’s hair
The good news is that grooming a Weimaraner is quite easy as they are considered low maintenance. You must ensure to routinely brush their hair which is not that difficult as they tend to not mind their hair being brushed.
There are a few rare ones that might be scared so ensure to start gently brushing ever since they are puppies. If you want to maintain their shiny coat then make sure to rub chamois on their coat.
Are Weimaraners hypoallergenic?
Theoretically, Weimaraners are not hypoallergenic. Do keep in mind that even though they do not have a double coat and instead have a very short coat they still do tend to shed sometimes like any other dog.
However, regular and constant brushing will help to prevent their hair from leaving trails on your furniture and clothes. They also produce dander and saliva which are normal and allergens that you will come across in all dogs.
There is no breed that is fully non-allergenic as all dogs will produce dander and saliva even if it is very optimal.
What are Weimaraners good for?
Weimaraners are good for owners seeking an active dog to indulge in various outdoor activities such as hunting and hiking. They used to be bred to be used as hunting dogs but nowadays with the proper training they can be great all-purpose and obedient home dogs.
They are also great as watchdogs and can be amazing companions. They need a lot of affection and time and they love their owners dearly.
Weimaraner training & exercise
Weimaraners are not that easy to train as they have a lot of needs. You have to invest a lot of time and energy to be assertive as well as gentle in training them. Consistent training is a must for you to get past their hunting roots and intelligence.
They have a lot of stamina and you have to be prepared to deal with that and indulge in various exercises with them. Not only that, it is recommended that you go for crate training as house training will not suffice for them.
Feeding a Weimaraner
It depends on the age of your dog but typically for adult Weimaraners you should prepare a diet consisting of twelve percent of fat and twenty-five percent of protein.
You need to feed adult Weimaraners at least four cups of food per day but the amount can vary depending on how active they are. They must get at least two meals per day with necessary precautions to avoid any form of bloating.
Taking care of a Weimaraner
Assertive, gentle, and consistent training is a must when it comes to helping your Weimaraner grow up to be obedient.
Exercise:
Since they are very active in nature you need to make sure to routinely exercise them every day in a safe area.
Socialize:
They can get quite aggressive in nature towards unknown beings and this is why it is important that from a very young age you teach them to socialize with small furry creatures.
Anxiety:
They are prone to separation anxiety so keep them close to you at all times.
Crate training:
Home training is not always enough so crate training is a good way to properly discipline your dog.
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Weimaraner dog health
Weimaraners have a lifespan of about thirteen years. They are generally very healthy dogs but there are a few health conditions you might come across.
These include hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, entropion, von Willebrand’s disease, distichiasis, and even diseases related to immunity. There are a lot of Weimaraner puppies that react negatively to combination vaccines.
It ends up in an elevated white blood count, inflammation, and fever. To identify any issue in the time it is necessary that you go for regular vet checkups.
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Price of Weimaraner puppies
If it is from a reputable breeder then the usual prices can range anywhere from between seven hundred dollars to be the lowest and can hike up to thousands.
When it comes to a thousand dollars the price can be a thousand five hundred to even two thousand five hundred for the top-notch ones. If your puppy is born from a Snow or a Champion then the price tag can be even heftier at around three thousand dollars or more.
The price solely depends on the parents, age, sex, quality as well as how reputable your breeder is.
More often than not Weimaraner owners get one without knowing the weight of owning one. You have to put a lot of time and effort into maturing them since they come from a hunting background.
If not trained properly they can end up being very aggressive in nature. They are not the best choice if you have small furry creatures like cats at home because they have the instinct to hunt.