Weimaraner
- Protective
- Muscular
- High energy levels
Weimaraner History
Weineraners are an athletic, working breed that was originated in Germany and were bred by the court of Weiner in the early 19th century.
They were popular in German courts for their speed, athleticism, sense of smell, courage and stamina.
They are an all purpose gun dog used for hunting and pointing both large and small game (rabbits, foxes and birds).
Weimaraner Characteristics
Their short, smooth coat and striking eyes give it an aristocratic appearance.
The colour of the coat comes in many hues, ranging from mouse grey, charcoal blue to silver grey. Less commonly the breed also comes in blue or black.
They have webbed feet which help them to be excellent swimmers.
Weimaraners are fun loving, friendly and are devoted to their owners but can be highly strung, so appropriate training is needed to avoid behavioural problems.
Weimaraner Health Issues
Average lifespan is 10-12 years.
Common Illnesses include;
- Hip Dysplasia – Abnormal formation of the hip joints causing early onset degenerative joint disease.
- Epilepsy – Recurrent seizures.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, GDV) – Twisting of the stomach resulting in rapid swelling of the abdomen causing pain and eventual death if not treated.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder.
- Hypertrophic Osteodystropy - Condition causing painful, swollen bones resulting in lameness in young dogs between 2 and 6 months.
- Distiachiasis – Extra eyelashes at eyelid margin which can rub against the corneal surface.
- Entropion – Excess eyelid tissue causing the eyelashes to turn inward and rub against the surface of the eye resulting in corneal ulceration.
- Degenerative Myelopathy – Spinal cord degeneration in older dogs beginning with hind limb weakness and progressing to paralysis.
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia – Hereditary malformation of the tricuspid valve in the heart causing inefficient cardiac function and in severe cases heart failure.
- Melanoma – Skin cancer.