Let's talk Weimaraners
Weimaraners, sometimes known as “silver ghosts”, were originally bred as hunting dogs. Nowadays though, these eye-catching canines are best known for their looks – sleek coats in subtle shades of grey, striking pale eyes and an aristocratic bearing. Energetic and intelligent Weimaraners are not low-maintenance dogs: they require plenty of attention – although paying attention to these beauties is hardly a chore. They also need plenty of exercise. But if you’re up to the challenge, they make a wonderful companion for their lucky humans.Official name: Weimaraner
Other names: None
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | High | Family Pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone?* |
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* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age | from 8 years |
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Get to know the Weimaraner
All you need to know about the breed
With a regal bearing to match their aristocratic name (they were first bred in Germany by the Duke of Weimar), Weimaraners make an undeniably elegant canine addition to any family, although they have much more to offer beyond their beauty.
Silver, roe and mouse grey might sound like shades of upmarket paint, but these evocative terms in fact describe the different tones of that gorgeous velvety coat (calling it just plain grey doesn’t really do it justice).
Weimaraners may be best known for their ethereal beauty – hence the nicknames “silver ghost” or “grey ghost” – but in fact the breed has its paws firmly on the ground. Originally developed to help hunters handle big game such as deer, wolves and bears, these dogs are still energetic, courageous and tenacious with impressive stamina and a powerful sense of smell. Nowadays, as long as they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, Weimaraners make great, affectionate family pets. They are wary of strangers and can make good guard dogs.
Once trained, Weimaraners get on brilliantly with their human families, including children (although they’re big dogs and always need to be supervised around little ones, who could easily be knocked over). Because of their hunting origins they have retained a strong prey drive: off-the-lead exercise needs to be in a securely enclosed space and they are not suitable for households with small pets such as hamsters.
Weimaraners don’t take well to being left alone for long periods. They appreciate plenty of attention from their humans and will repay that attention in the form of a strong, affectionate bond.
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2 facts about Weimaraners
1. Wegman’s Weimanarers
American artist William Wegman uses his own Weimaraners as his photographic muse, capturing them in human outfits or as historical figures. Wegman’s first Weimaraner (the first of many) was called Man Ray, after the artist.
2. Stripe-araner
Not content with their sublime looks as adult dogs, Weimaranar puppies perform a clever aesthetic trick – they are born with stripes! These fade a few days after birth. In fact, that’s not the only colour-changing trick these dogs can pull off. Weimaraners’ piercingly pale eyes start off blue and change to amber, blue-grey or grey over time.
History of the breed
We have the Duke of Weimar, or Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar in central Germany, to be precise, to thank for the wonderful, versatile Weimaraner breed.
In the early 19th century, the German aristocrat set about developing a gun dog to help with hunting large prey such as bears, wolves and deer. The Weimaraner’s exact ancestry is unknown but the English Pointer, the Great Dane, the Bloodhound and the Hühnerhund are thought to feature in the mix. That mix resulted in something of a superdog: incredibly fast and intelligent, with phenomenal stamina and a powerful sense of smell – and, of course, beautiful.
The Weimaraner breed began to gain in popularity in the US in the early 20th century, and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1943. This elegant breed quickly got used to the high life. U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower owned one, as did Grace Kelly.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Weimaraners
1. الأذنان
آذان مرنة ولكن ليست ثقيلة تتدلى بجانب رأس الكلب
2. الشعر
شعر قصير وكثيف فوق طبقة سفلية مقاومة للماء
3. الفراء
فراء يتراوح بين الأسود إلى لون الشوكولاتة أو الأصفر، ومن الكريمي الفاتح إلى المحمر
4. الذيل
ذيل منتصب وهو بطبيعته طويل ونادرًا ما يتوقف عن الاهتزاز – والجسم كله يمكن يهتز في بعض الأحيان.
5. الساقان والعمود الفقري
متناسب بشكل جيد، مع توازن جيد بين طول الساق والعمود الفقري.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Weimaraner
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Caring for your Weimaraner
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Grooming should be straightforward for this short-haired breed – just a regular brush to remove dead hair should do it. Weimaraners’ nails need to be trimmed regularly to avoid discomfort (a clicking sound when they walk across hard floors is a telltale sign it’s overdue). Weimaraners’ exercise needs should not be underestimated. These dogs were bred to run. And they need to run. A short amble around the block won’t cut it. Weimaraners are intelligent dogs and quick learners. But be warned, that means they will learn any bad habits quickly too – and unlearning them may be tricky. Training needs to start early and be consistent. Any food rewards should come out of your Weimaraner’s daily kibble ration to avoid the risk of them becoming overweight.7/7
All about Weimaraners
Weimaraners are not well suited to being alone for long periods, so they may bark if left too much to their own devices. On the positive side, they can make good guard dogs: although not known to be aggressive, they are naturally wary of strangers. Early socialisation can help them get used to people and other animals.
Yes – as long as the family in question is an active one. These dogs, famous for their speed and stamina, need to run. If their exercise needs are met they can be calm at home. Once trained, Weimaraners get on well with children and form strong bonds with their humans, relishing time with their families.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/