The Weimaraner has been referred to as the “gray ghost” because of his unusual color. He is always gray, although the color could be a light silver ranging to a slightly darker “mouse-gray”. The light eyes are a particularly striking feature of this handsome hunting breed. Living with a Weim has sometimes been referred to as living with a two-year old – the breed is very active, playful and loves to show off. It is for this reason that prospective owners should really examine their lifestyle to make sure this breed will be compatible with them before buying a puppy. He is not a dog to be kept outside, nor is he suited in any way to apartment-living.
Weimaraners are large, strong dogs that require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. As a dog that was bred to be out in the fields all day, they have a lot of stamina and usually don’t wear out before their owners do. As such, some exercise regimes work out better than others. A simple walk won’t cut it for a Weim… but a long jog alongside a bike, or a hike in the woods followed by a swim… these pursuits are more suitable for this breed. This high-intensity exercise needs to be every day! Furthermore, just having a large yard will not be enough – A Weimaraner isn’t going to run around the property and wear himself out, he often needs (and wants) to exercise with his human. This is not a dog for couch potato owners! The breed does tend to take a while to mature so owners often see puppy-like behavior for longer periods of time. Also keep in mind… the younger the Weim, the more energy he has!
The Weimaraner loves people beyond anything else, including children (although he can accidentally knock small kids over). He will follow his owner around the house and sometimes try to join in whatever activity is being engaged in. If you’re in bed, he would prefer to be as well! If you’re in the bathroom, or in the garage, or…. you get the picture. The Weim wants to be as close to you as absolutely possible, at all given times. As such, separation anxiety can be a problem for many (this is also one of the top reasons they end up in rescue). This clinginess combined with their energy level means that they are not suitable for first-time dog owners.
Weimaraners are intelligent, albeit also goofy. Although they can be extremely obedient dogs – obedience needs to be taught. They are not just “naturally trained” by any means. If the training is done consistently, the Weim is a fast learner and often at the “top of the class”! He has a great memory, a fantastic desire to learn, and lots of drive. His boundless energy can be channeled into all number of cool tricks and commands. For owners with a competitive edge, this versatile breed is also an excellent competitor in almost every single dog sport.
If, however, the owner decides not to put any work into training… the Weim will use his natural intelligence for evil rather than good! He can be creatively destructive and cause a lot of frustration. He has been known to chew up everything in his wake, bark and howl for hours on end, and even plow through plate-glass windows! With a halfway dominant nature, he may try to take over the household completely. Willful, stubborn, pushy and smart can be a difficult combination of features to have. There is a huge difference (more so than other breeds) between a trained and untrained Weimaraner!
Although great with people, not all Weims are good with small animals. Some have too high of a prey drive to live safely with cats, and the situation can be downright dangerous at worse. Weims do, however, normally get along fine with other dogs although toy dogs may cause the same prey drive issue. A note about their high prey drive – these dogs may also try to chase down cars and bicyclists. Don’t let them!
Most Weimaraners make good watchdogs, and some are naturally protective under the “right” circumstances. Although friendly for the most part, Weims can tend to be more reserved around strangers until they’ve decided if the person is friend or foe. For the most part, however, they usually tend more toward watchdog duties than anything (alerting). Besides being large dogs, they also have very loud barks that is usually just the right volume to keep away intruders. Thankfully, they are not avid barkers and will normally only bark to alert – unless they are bored and/or not given enough exercise.
It is important to note that Weims are also very clever escape artists. Not only are they great diggers and jumpers, but many are smart enough to learn how to open latches and gates! A very secure fence is necessary to keep a determined Weimaraner in the yard. Good training and adequate exercise will often help with this possible problem.
Photo By Linda from Jacksonville