The Weimaraner, fondly called the Gray Ghost, was developed as a hunting dog and companion for German nobility. They are a medium-sized dog. Males stand between 25-27 inches at the withers and females 23-25 inches. When in good condition, most Weimaraners will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. The head is moderately long and aristocratic and their expression should convey kindness and intelligence. The eyes are shades of light amber, gray or blue and the nose is gray. The coat is short, smooth, and sleek ranging in shades of mouse-gray to silver gray often blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. Variations include a dark blue coat or a long-haired coat. Weimaraners have webbed feet and are good swimmers.
While a hunter by nature, the Weimaraner’s first love is the human. He likes people and wants to be with his owner constantly. It is not unusual for a Weimaraner to follow his owner from room to room. When sitting on the couch, chances are the Weimaraner will be lying down so that he is touching his owner, hence the term “Velcro dog”. The Weimaraner wants to be involved in everything that is going on and to go everywhere with his owner. If left alone in the backyard or kennel with little human attention the Weimaraner will become hyperactive and destructive and mentally unstable. This breed needs daily human companionship and not just on weekends. If you are someone who is gone at work all day and goes out most evenings, a Weimaraner is not for you.
The Weimaraner requires basic obedience training to become a well-behaved family member. He is highly motivated by food or praise and is eager to please making him quick to learn if commands are communicated clearly. Weimaraners are affectionate, sensitive, and intelligent dogs but don’t be fooled into believing they are a weak, submissive softie. He will quickly assume the leadership role from those he perceives as weak or incapable.
Don’t expect your Weimaraner to be a couch potato. Few, if any, breeds of dogs require more exercise to keep them fit and happy. A leisurely walk around the block or even a 2 mile jog may not be enough. These dogs need to run hard and often. The Weimaraner is a good choice for someone who is active and likes to bike, jog, or hike. A dog who doesn’t receive an adequate outlet for his relentless energy, will create his own – and it’s quite likely you won’t appreciate the results!
The Weimaraner was developed as an all-around hunting dog and as such has a strong prey drive. They are great chasers of bicyclists, cats, joggers, and even cars. With some, everything that runs or flies is fair game. This instinct cannot be “trained out”; it can only be managed and they should not be left unsupervised with small animals.