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1- Bibliography and History of the Weimaraner

Origins and Purpose:
The Weimaraner is a breed developed in the early 19th century specifically for hunting. Initially, it was used to hunt large game such as wild boar, wolves, bears, and deer. Over time, its role expanded to include hunting smaller game like pheasants, quail, hares, rabbits, and foxes.

Current Role in Hunting:
Today, the Weimaraner is primarily recognized as a pointing dog, particularly effective for hunting quail, pheasants, partridges, ducks, and other game birds. Its exceptional skills make it a versatile and valuable asset in the hunting field.

Etymology and Historical Background:
The breed’s name, Weimaraner, is derived from Weimar, a city in Thuringia, Germany. The name honors Grand Duke Karl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who was known for his hunting trips in the region.

2- Characteristics and Temperament

Versatility and Abilities:
The Weimaraner is celebrated for its versatility in hunting due to its excellent sense of smell, speed, endurance, keen eyesight, courage, and intelligence. These traits make it highly effective in tracking and pointing game.

Temperament and Pet Considerations:
While the Weimaraner excels in hunting, potential pet owners should be aware of its strong temperament. The breed was selected for its behavioral aptitudes, and its natural instincts can be challenging if not properly managed. In the early stages of life, it is crucial to address its predatory drive to prevent behavioral issues. Without proper training and containment, the Weimaraner may become difficult to handle, especially in situations involving other animals outside its family or pack.

[blockquote align=”none” author=”Steve Jobs”]The Weimaraner embodies the grace of a hunting dog and the loyalty of a lifelong friend.”[/blockquote]

 

3- What does the Weimaraner look like?

The Weimaraner has a muscular and athletic appearance .
Traditionally, the tail should be cut off – an operation prohibited in Italy.

Weimaraner Appearance and Characteristics
The Weimaraner is known for its muscular and athletic appearance, which is both striking and functional. This breed exhibits several distinct characteristics that contribute to its unique look and functionality.

Tail Docking Practices

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Standard: Traditionally, the Weimaraner’s tail is docked to approximately 15 centimeters (adult dog). This practice is no longer allowed in some countries, including Italy.
• British Kennel Club (BKC) Standard: The tail is described as reaching the hocks and being carried below the level of the back when relaxed.
• German Breed Club Standard: The tail should be strong, well-covered with hair, and can be carried above the line of the croup when the dog is working.

Coat and Grooming

• Coat Characteristics: The Weimaraner’s coat is short, hard, and smooth, with colors ranging from charcoal to mouse gray, silver gray, or blue gray. The coat has no undercoat, so it should not be exposed to very cold temperatures.
  
• Grooming Needs: The coat requires minimal grooming but does shed a little. Areas with thin or non-existent hair, such as inside the ears or on the lips, should have pink skin rather than white or black.

Grooming Needs: The coat requires minimal grooming but does shed a little. Areas with thin or non-existent hair, such as inside the ears or on the lips, should have pink skin rather than white or black.

Physical Features

• Webbed Feet: Weimaraners have webbed feet, which makes them excellent swimmers and suitable for use in water.
• Eyes and Ears: The breed’s eyes can be light amber, gray, or gray-blue, and their ears are long and velvety.

Breed Variations

• Long-Haired Weimaraners: These have a silky coat with a plumed, undocked tail. The gene for long hair is recessive, so both parents must carry the trait to produce long-haired puppies.
• Blue Coats: The AKC recognizes blue-coated Weimaraners as purebred, although they are disqualified from conformation/show competitions. The BKC now recognizes long-haired and blue Weimaraners but does not accept black pigmentation.
• Incidental Varieties: Some Weimaraners exhibit faint light brown markings, similar to those of the Doberman Pinscher, and are described as having the “mark of the hound.”

Unique Traits

• “Harrasburg Horns” and “Grafmar’s Caps”: The breed can have small lobes inside the ear known as “Harrasburg Horns” and light gray patches between the ears called “Grafmar’s Caps.”

Size and Proportions

• Height and Weight: According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard, the male Weimaraner stands 59 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in) tall at the withers . Females measure 57 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in). Males normally weigh around 30–40 kg (66–88 lb ). Females generally weigh 25–35 kg (55–77 lb).

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4- Weimaraner Temperament

Energy and Hunting Instincts

• “The Weimaraner is a very energetic dog, a strong hunter, appreciated for its physical resistance and speed, with a strong and instinctive predatory ability.”

Behavior Towards Other Animals

• “Being completely subjugated by the predatory impulse, he usually does not tolerate cats (let alone rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) no matter how long he has known them – but sometimes it happens. He is also likely to chase and kill any animal that enters his territory.”

Exercise and Training Needs

“The Weimaraner requires frequent and constant exercise, and enjoys both play and proper training. It also requires proper training to learn to remain calm and control its behavior.”

Weimaraner as a hunting dog
The Weimaraner often has an excessive amount of energy , which consequently requires good management. It is an all-round hunting dog that excels in searching, tracking, pointing and retrieving both on land and in water.

The Weimaraner is a very people-oriented breed, although that does not necessarily mean it is “good”, with a strong desire to work and live with its owner . For this reason, it is usually a good choice for the novice hunter.

It is considered a bit “touchy”, and requires more gentleness than other breeds during training; it often learns better when paired with a more experienced hunting dog.

5- Weimaraner Behavior Disorders.

Weimaraner Attachment and Separation Anxiety

• Breed Dependency: Weimaraners are not an independent breed and love to be with their owners. This trait can create very severe separation anxiety.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

• Genetics
• Waste Management
• Poor Socialization
• Boredom
• Stress

Manifestations of Severe Separation Anxiety

• Destructive Behavior: Weimaraners with severe separation anxiety may destroy things and injure themselves in an attempt to escape.
• Vocalization: A Weimaraner with separation anxiety is likely to bark, whine, howl, and even dig until his owner returns home.
• Additional Symptoms: Panic, excessive drooling, and destructive and aggressive behaviors.

6- Weimaraner Heath

Hip Dysplasia

• Prevalence: According to the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals, Weimaraners have low rates of hip dysplasia. The breed is ranked 102nd out of 153 total breeds with a high percentage of excellent scores among tested dogs.
• Testing Recommendations: It is recommended that Weimaraners be adopted from breeders who have their dogs hip tested using the OFA (Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP methods.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion)

• Risk: As a deep-chested dog, the Weimaraner is prone to bloat or gastric torsion, a serious condition that can lead to rapid and painful death if left untreated. This occurs when the stomach twists, blocking blood vessels and the passage of food.
• Symptoms: Signs include general discomfort, absence of bowel movements or sounds, and a swollen stomach. Immediate medical attention is essential, with surgery being the only viable option if diagnosed early.
• Prevention Tips: To prevent bloat:
  • Distribute the Weimaraner’s food at least twice a day.
  • Avoid physical exercise an hour before or after meals.
  • Do not place the dog’s food bowl on a raised surface, as raised bowls have been found to double the risk of bloat in large breed dogs.

Skin Allergies

Veterinary Consultation: Consult a veterinarian if your Weimaraner begins to lose hair, shows signs of constant itching, or develops a rash.
Common Issues: Skin allergies are common among Weimaraners. Symptoms include hair loss, constant itching, and the development of rashes.
Parasites can cause an allergic reaction in addition to the normal irritation from bites.

Other Weimaraner health problems include:

• Cryptorchidism ;
• Distichiasis;
• Elbow dysplasia ;
• Entropion ;
• Pituitary dwarfism ;
• Hypertrophic osteodystrophy;
• Hypomyelinogenesis;
• Hypothyroidism ;
• Progressive retinal atrophy;
• Renal dysplasia;
• Von Willebrands disease.

7- History of the Weimaraner

Origins and Early Use

• 19th Century Selection: The Weimaraner was developed in the 19th century at the court of Weimar. The breed’s development likely began with the scenthound (Leithund), although it is unclear whether its ancestors included the Chien-gris or St. Hubert.
• Early Hunting Roles: Initially, the Weimaraner was used by German Grand Duke Karl August to hunt large game such as wolves, bears, deer, and wild boars. As the availability of large game dwindled in Europe, the Weimaraner’s role shifted to hunting small game.

Arrival and Popularity in America

• Introduction to America: The breed arrived in the United States in the late 1920s. Its popularity grew significantly in the 1950s, largely due to the influence of celebrities.
• Celebrity Influence: Prominent figures such as Grace Kelly, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Dick Clark helped increase the breed’s visibility and appeal.
• Cultural Impact: Renowned artist and photographer William Wegman played a significant role in further popularizing the Weimaraner. His portraits and video segments featuring the breed gained international acclaim and contributed to the breed’s global recognition.

8-Bibliography

References on Weimaraner Health and Longevity

• Longevity and Mortality Study
  O’Neill, D.G.; Church, D.B.; McGreevy, P.D.; Thomson, P.C.; Brodbelt, D.C. (2013). “Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England.” The Veterinary Journal, 198(3): 638–43. DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.020. PMID 24206631. n=26, median=12.6, IQR=11.1–13.5
  
• Elbow Joint Health Study
  Fitzpatrick, Noel; Smith, Thomas J.; Evans, Richard B.; Yeadon, Russell (February 2009). “Radiographic and Arthroscopic Findings in the Elbow Joints of 263 Dogs with Medial Coronoid Disease.” Veterinary Surgery, 38(2): 213–223. DOI:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00489.x. PMID 19236680.

Weimaraner Breed Information

General Information and Breed Standards

• “Weimaraner”. The Kennel Club. Retrieved December 26, 2016.

• “Weimaraner | Gundog breeds | Gundog Journal”. gundog-journal.com. Retrieved April 26, 2021.

• “Weimaraner Dog Breed Information”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved April 26, 2021.

• “Weimaraner”. OFFA.

• “Weimaraners”. Canine Inherited Disorders Database. Archived from the original on February 19, 2007.

Breed History and Peculiarities

• Deep, John. “Weimaraner”. 2 puppies. Retrieved December 26, 2016.

• Kočov, Dr. Jana. “Weimaraner Breed History”. Royal Splendor.

• Taguchi, Anne (January 22, 2022). “Smart Bumps, Harrasburg Horns and Other Weimaraner Peculiarities.” JustWeimaraners.

“Weimaraner: Pros and Cons of Owning a Weimaraner.” Pettium.

Health and Behavioral Studies

• “List of common problems afflicting Weimaraners”. Weimaraner Club of America.“Phase IV: Troubleshooting your Mission: Dealing with problem behaviors.” Adonai’s Weimaraners.