Breed Profile: Weimaraner

Grand Duke Karl August (1757–1828) of Germany, an avid hunter, sought to develop the ideal hunting dog: a breed that could both hunt and track game like a hound, had more aggression against predators, could serve as a pointing-type gun dog who could find and retrieve birds, and would be unfazed by water. The Weimaraner, named for the court of Weimar in which the dog was especially popular, was the result. During the second half of the 19th century, as big game petered out in Europe, the breed was converted from a large-game hunter to a small-game hunter and bird dog.

The Weimaraner was brought to the United States by sportsman and businessman Howard Knight, who applied for membership to the German Weimaraner Club and was able to obtain breeding stock from Germany in 1938. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1942. Today, the Weimaraner still serves as a hunting dog but also can excel as a show dog or simply as a family pet.

The following description is of an “ideal” Weimaraner. Not all Weimaraners will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

Weimaraners are friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient. They are extremely loyal to their families and are protective but never aggressive. Although they are hunters, their primary devotion is to their family.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a Weimaraner is going to fit in with you and your family.

Weimaraners require a great deal of companionship, and separation anxiety is a common problem with this breed. They still are powerful and strong-willed, however, and require an owner who can take charge and be a good leader. Properly socialized Weimaraners are friendly and safe to have around all manner of people, but the intense energy of a young Weimaraner may make him unsuited to a home with small children or elderly people, who easily can be bowled over by an exuberant Weimaraner.

Perhaps the most important factor in creating a suitable environment for a Weimaraner is to make sure that he has ample room and opportunity to exercise. A Weimaraner is not a good fit for an owner with a sedentary lifestyle. Also, the breed has a high prey drive, given its history as a hunting dog, and this can translate into a tendency to chase anything from cats to cars. This means that a Weimaraner may not do well in homes with small animals.

There are few if any breeds that require more exercise than the Weimaraner to keep fit and happy. A walk around the block or even a 2-mile (3.2-m) jog will not be enough to meet a Weimaraner’s exercise needs. This is a dog who needs to run hard and often, and without an adequate outlet for his relentless energy, a Weimaraner is likely to create his own—with potentially destructive results. A home with access to a fenced yard or other enclosed space is ideal, allowing the Weimaraner space to run in a safe environment that prevents him from chasing other animals or people.

The Weimaraner’s high energy can both help and hinder the training process: Some of it can be applied to training, but a Weimaraner may have so much energy that he becomes easily distracted. It may be a good idea to take your Weimaraner for a run or engage in other exercise before beginning a training session so that he is more likely to settle down and listen to you. Also, do not rush a young Weimaraner while training. This breed matures more slowly than other breeds, so patience and consistency are necessary. Weimaraners also tend to be a bit slower to housetrain than other breeds.