Weimaraner

Pronunciation: Vl-mer-ron-er

The Weimaraner (pronunciation: Vi-mer-ron-er) is a happy, loving, intelligent, cheerful and affectionate dog. Without the proper exercise they become very rambunctious. This breed needs firm, experienced training from the start, with an owner who understands how to be a dog’s pack leader, or this breed can become highly opinionated and willful. The Weimaraner can be reserved with strangers. Socialization is very important. Protective on his own territory. Very brave and loyal, it has a very high prey instinct. The Weimaraner needs to live indoors as a member of the family. He needs attention and companionship, but most of all, leadership, boundaries he needs to follow, and limitations to what he is allowed to do, along with consistent leadership. These things are instinctively essential to having a happy, behaved, stabled minded dog. If regulated to a kennel life or left alone too much, he can become destructive and restless. He is a natural protector. Weimaraners are often kind to children, but are not recommended for very young ones, because they are energetic enough to accidently knock a child down. You must give your weim plenty of extensive exercise or he will become overly excited and restless. Because this breed is so full of energy, the first thing they should learn is to sit, then praise only when sitting. This will prevent jumping in the future, as they are strong dogs and will knock over elderly & children accidently. This breed especially should not be hit to discipline, they become wary easily. Once they have a fear of someone/something, they look to avoid and training is all but impossible. They are so eager to please and motivated by reward (food or praise). Although they are often mistaken as dumb, because they have such focus, if the trick or owner’s request isn’t their focus, it will not occur.

Weimaraners are prone to bloat (see Weimaraner Health), it is best to feed them two to three small meals a day than one large meal. They may also suffer from hip dysplasia (see Weimaraner Health), but generally are a hardy breed of dog.

Weimaraners will do okay in apartments if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors, but do best with at least a large fenced yard. The Weimaraner are powerful working dogs with great stamina. They need to be taken on daily walks or jogs. In addition, they need plenty of opportunities to run free within a fenced area. DO NOT EXERCISE THEM AFTER MEALS. It is best to feed a dog after a walk when they have cooled down.

The life expectancy of a Weimaraner is ten to twelve years.