Characteristics of the breed

Good Points: The Weimaraner can be described as intelligent, almost human, fun loving, loyal, loving, good with children, responsive, a guardian, a good watch dog, and a good friend. Many owners I talk to, and in my own experience, they can also be described as a shadow, following their loved one from room to room, once you own a Weimaraner, you will never get to the toilet in peace again. Any owner will tell you that the dog just has to have its head between you, and whatever you are doing! Of course, these good points could also be described as bad points if you are not the kind of person who enjoys a clingy dog.

Another good point, and probably the reason most owners want a Weimaraner is because they are drop dead gorgeous. . A one hour walk can turn into a three hour walk by the time you have been stopped by loads of people wanting to stroke them, admire them, or ask about the breed. If you are unsociable, then walk your dog at midnight!

Bad Points Any Weimaraner owner will confirm that they can be fretful, they don't like being left alone, and majority of them suffer from 'seperation anxiety'. Many an owner return home to find that their dog has eaten their way through the house. Human worriers bite their nails, Weimaraner worriers chew.....BIG TIME. I have known dogs who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, and household insurance does not cover pet damage.

They can also be noisy, stubborn, jealous, demanding, strong willed, spiteful, bossy, mischievous, difficult to train, bitches may fight with other bitches, and they can be a real nightmare when handled 'wrongly.

A Weimaraner absolutely needs to know who is in charge, they know that someone needs to be the leader, if you do not take charge, then the dog certainly will. This is particularly noticeable in males, beginning around the age of eighteen months. See training your Weimaraner

Do you really want a Weimaraner?

The first thing you need to consider is whether a Weimaraner will really suit you. Many people love the way that the dog looks, and consequently make a decision based on the aesthetic beauty of the dog. People who don't take time to study the breed first, and spend as much time as they can with them, may soon end up hundreds of pounds down, with egg on their faces, a house chewed to pieces, and a poor animal in rescue through no fault of its own.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Will the animal spend a significant proportion of the day alone? If the answer is 'yes', then go and buy a breed that will cope with it. Majority of Weimaraners suffer from a condition known as separation anxiety. Such a sociable creature should never be left on a regular basis, indeed, they are at their happiest when they are able to follow you from room to room. They can destroy a home in days, trust me. They also are howlers, what will the neighbours make of that when you go out?

Do you have the time and patience necessary to train a puppy, this can take forever.

Do you have very small children? Then you might like to think about buying a less bouncy breed. When the doorbell rings, this dog will not look out for any small children that are between them and the door. Also consider that this dog will be around for 10-15 years, are you planning to have a family within that timescale?

Do you have plenty of green space near your home? The Weimaraner, bred specifically for hunting, pointing and retrieving needs a lot of exercise. If they don't for whatever reason, get this exercise, then they either run in figure eights around the house, or stand looking so bored that you will feel guilty about caging the animal.

Do you envisage walking out on a lovely summers evening with your dog? Well you might like to remember that it is cold, wet, and miserable far more often than it is sunny and beautiful. The dog doesn't mind going out in any weather, but would you?

Do you have plenty of dosh kicking around for when you have to visit the vets in an emergency? not to mention vaccination and worming costs. Also there is the cost of feeding the animal.

Have you thought about what you will do with the dog when you go on your 'all inclusive cruise'? Weimaraners can be kennelled, but in my experience, they don't thrive well without their beloved family.

Do your children run rings around you? Then don't get a Weimy, they are more manipulative than children! You may loose control and god knows what might happen.

Do you mind cleaning up the garden daily of piles of dog mess? If you are squeamish, then remember that these dogs are fairly large, and produce piles which would put a lot of horses to shame. Do you mind your lovely lawn having great big brown patches all over? Then don't buy a bitch!