About the Breed
*Getting to know this breed before taking one home is essential.
A good rule to follow is: if you don't have time to carefully read
all this information,
then you most likely don't have time for a Weimaraner!!!
The Weimaraner Standard describes the breed temperament as
friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, but this is but the half of
its personality. Assertive, bold, loyal, and headstrong also fit,
giving the dog a loving attitude with a willingness to take the
upper paw in the family if the opportunity presents itself.
Housebreaking can be a problem, as can destructive chewing.
Like most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner needs lots
of exercise and must be kept in a fenced yard to prevent
him from ranging in search of game. Because he was developed as a
hunting dog and still maintains those instincts, he may be dangerous
to birds and small mammals. Unlike many hunting breeds,
however, the Weimaraner is an indoors house dog and does poorly when
confined to a kennel.
This is a breed that needs obedience training to control
his rambunctious nature the moment he enters the family. He
must be taught all members of the family are to be obeyed. Training
methods must be gentle and firm, for harsh treatment will sour his
attitude.
Weimaraners are very energetic animals...they are bred to hunt
all day with their master. Changing this behavior changes the
essential Weim. Weims seldom ‘self-exercise’...they want to be with
you! If you can not deal with this behavior and and are unable to
provide opportunities for extensive exercise, you should look at
other breeds less rambunctious!
Weims are not soft mouthed like a Golden Retriever or Irish
Setter. They are still a game hunter, and some Weims have a low
tolerance for small fur bearing animals including cats, bunnies, and
small dogs. Changing this behavior again changes the basic
temperament of the dog.
If you are away from them too much and they are left to
themselves, Weimaraners are like any other lonely dog! They will
bark incessantly and develop bad habits (chewing, digging, etc.) or
try escaping their surroundings.
Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they
do not like living outdoors. They require your attention.
They are the true, loyal, hunting companions in every respect,
needing your friendship and presence. Keeping a
Weim outside will not work!
In spite of the folklore and myth surrounding the breed, the
Weimaraner is not a wonder dog. Given the opportunity, he will still
steal the pot roast off the dining room table when no one is
looking!
This may seem like a lot of work, but a good owner/dog
relationship could last around fifteen years. (Longer than some
marriages!) The time and effort put into finding a dog that suits
your needs and personality, whether it a Weimaraner or some other
breed, will provide a rewarding experience for both of you over the
life of the dog.
If you have read all this and feel that adopting a Weimaraner is the right choice for you,
click here for more information about the Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue
adoption process.
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