It was a misty morning, with just enough bite to the air to need a jacket, when the pair of hunters arrived at the field. They heard the birds, sent the dog in, and… nothing! Where did she go?! The older hunter smiled and said, “Be patient.” They spread out, and he nearly walked over the ghostly grey dog, quivering but inching closer to the birds, less than 15 feet away, waiting for her handlers to come. A flurry of feathers, a gunshot, and a streak of silver crashing through the grass, then returning with the bird, dropping it, and running off again to search for more. The Weimaraner was in her element.
Weimaraner: The Active and Energetic Hunter
The Weimaraner is first and foremost a hunting dog. They won’t enjoy being a 24/7 couch potato, and you may find yourself needing quantity discounts on couches if they get bored! If you’re active and disciplined, this can be an excellent choice. However, if you love to relax and watch TV with your dog, and expect them to be quiet in the house, you might want to consider another breed or find a Weimaraner that aligns more closely with your expectations. This doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs — it just means they’re not the right fit for every home!
This is an often high-energy dog, and if left to their own devices, they will find trouble. One older Weimaraner owner has a “spoiled” dog that many would look at and say, “Oh, I want one of those!” She comes instantly when called, sits when asked, and gets along well with visiting dogs. She’ll alarm bark at a stranger, but once it’s clear that the “friendly” person is there for petting, she relaxes. She even plays with younger dogs and teaches them the ‘rules of the home.’ What people don’t see, though, is the years of consistent training it took to get her to that point. It doesn’t just happen! It also doesn’t show the time she explored the woods outside and became too friendly with a black-and-white furry creature — and was banished from the house for a few days, even after remedies to remove the smell!
Weimaraners can develop bad habits easily due to boredom. They can have a low tolerance for small animals like cats and small dogs. They can also be rambunctious, and a crate is strongly advised to prevent bad habits from forming. Don’t just put them in a crate, though! While you want to keep them from getting into things, you’ll need to keep their minds busy. Toys, large chew bones, and other mental stimulation will keep both the dog and owner happier. They can also be protective of their home more than some retrievers.
The Weimaraner has a distinctive grey coat that makes the breed easily recognizable. These dogs, originally bred for tracking ability, speed, and durability, were once used to hunt bear, big cats, deer, and wolves. As time passed, they evolved into bird dogs. It was due to wartime events that the breed was sent out of their native land to ensure their survival. In 1943, the AKC officially recognized the breed. The Weimaraner experienced a boom in popularity, with numerous bench winners, Best in Shows, and outstanding field dogs through the 1950s. Due to their hunting heritage and short coat, they are low maintenance for grooming.
Possibly due to the breed’s multi-faceted nature, in the ’60s, there was a shift to return to basics. Today, the Weimaraner is once again a popular breed, but there has been an increase in dogs ending up in shelters and rescues, likely from owners not understanding that you cannot simply put a lid on their activity.
