Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is the grey German pointer — the "Grey Ghost" — bred for the court of Weimar to hunt large game and later adapted to birds.

History

It was developed in the early nineteenth century under the patronage of the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar, for hunting boar, bear and deer. As that game disappeared from Germany the breed was reworked into an all-round gun dog. The German club controlled it tightly for a long time — ownership required club membership — which is why it reached the rest of the world late.

Temperament

The breed is known for being energetic, intelligent and extremely attached to its people, to the point that separation anxiety is a common complaint. It is often called a velcro dog and the label is earned.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and cannot be left alone for long stretches. Training should be consistent and reward-based; it is sensitive despite its size. The short coat needs almost nothing.

Health

Known tendencies include bloat given the deep chest, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.