Size: Female Weimaraners are between 23-25 inches and males are between 25-27 inches. The weight of the females are generally between 60-75 pounds and males are between 70-95 pounds.
Appearance: The Weimaraner has short, fine, smooth gray coat that led to its nickname, "gray ghost" or silver ghost. The coat's color range from mouse-gray to silver-gray. The eyes may be amber, gray or blue-gray.
Temperament: Weimaraners are intelligent and fast learners giving them the nickname "dog with a human brain". This breed is happy, loving and cheerful suitable as household pet. A well bred Weimaraner is not aggressive or a consistent barker if raised in the right surroundings. Firm and appropriate training and exercise are necessary to help them control their behavior since this breed requires vigorous exercise, games or running.
Living Environment: Weimaraners will adapt to urban living but do need plenty of space. They do not kennel well and may have separation anxiety. They need active, confident owners and plenty of attention. Find games that will stimulate their minds as well as their bodies to really exercise your Weimaraner.
A special note to new Weimaraner owners:
The Weimaraner Standard
describes our breed temperament as friendly, fearless, alert and obedient; but
this is only part of the personality. Demanding, loving, loyal and surprisingly
headstrong also fit, giving the dog not only a willing attitude, but a drive to
be a complete member of your family. Owning a Weimaraner
is like always having a young child in your life.
They are lively, energetic, inquisitive, eager and they love to travel with
you!
Weimaraners are very
energetic and will need frequent exercise to keep them happy. They do not do
well left alone in a kennel. They seem to think they were put here to occupy
your couch and sleep in your bed. Just remember a toddler’s needs and you will
have the right mindset.
The Weimaraner is a sporting breed bred for hunting, and will leave your unfenced
area very quickly if allowed. A large, thoroughly fenced yard with sufficient
toys and bones will occupy a Weimaraner and keep them safe. Invisible fences work well for some families.
Weimaraners are
easily trained if you are consistent and loving. Consistency is the key to an
obedient dog. A solid, assertive correction is sometimes necessary. Begin with
puppy classes between the ages of 10 weeks - 4 months and socialize your puppy from
the day he/she comes home. Check with your vet for puppy classes. This is a breed that needs obedience training
as well. We recommend beginning
obedience classes at 6 or 7 months. As
soon as you get your new baby home, you can start by teaching the new pup not
to jump up. Set your goal to not let the puppy jump up - ever! Push him/her
down with your hand and repeat "off" with each event.
Crate training is a good idea and should be
used for any breed if you need to leave your pup for a length of time. The
crate provides a secure "den" plus some freedom for you. Crate training
is basically providing a secure place where the new pup can’t get to household
things and will wait until you let him/her out before using the potty. New pups
need to go to the washroom about every 2 hours or so. If you confine them when
you are busy with other chores and let them outside immediately when they wake,
they will do their duty and then can run around the house for almost 2 hours
before another trip outside is necessary. Care should be taken not to leave any
dog in a crate for any length of time. Weimaraners, like most breeds, left in crates for hours will quickly become
unmanageable.
While they are not noted as a
"barky" breed, a Weimaraner left alone in a back yard or crate will quickly become a barker. Although Weimaraners
are protective and will alert you when necessary,
they are not considered to be guard dogs.