A dog with gray-blue fur. Long-haired Weimaraner. Appearance and standards

Or brakka) has rightfully earned its unusual nickname - “Silver Ghost”. Its elegant appearance and beautiful color will not leave you indifferent. The Weimaraner (a description of the breed is presented in the article) comes in two subspecies - smooth-haired and long-haired.

The first version of the origin of the breed

It is generally accepted that the first mention of dogs with unusual silver hair appeared in the 13th century. According to ancient documents, at the court of the French king Louis IX the Saint there were animals such as the Weimaraner. A description of the breed is contained in the manuscript of Count Gaston de Foix entitled “Book of Hunting”. It is thanks to her that this dog breed has become so popular in European countries.

It is worth noting that there are many other versions of the origin of the Weimaraner, according to one of which their ancestors were European Braques crossed with Ulm. The name of the breed itself appeared relatively recently - in the 19th century. It is associated with the German city of Weimar, where these animals were allegedly bred. Over time, the dogs became participants in specialized exhibitions, where they were presented as a crossbreed, and since 1896 as an independent and officially registered breed.

Initially, these animals were used for hunting wild boars, deer and bears. However, a little later they began to gradually become accustomed to hunting poultry. It is interesting that at all times the Weimaraner (photo below) was considered an elite dog that accompanied its high-ranking owner everywhere. Perhaps it was precisely this fact that left an indelible imprint on the character of their modern representatives.

The second version of the origin of Weimaraners

In fact, it is not known for certain how and when these dogs appeared, but there is no doubt that such animals were present at the German court of Karl August, Duke of Weimar in the 19th century. They say that the nobleman himself dreamed of creating a new universal hunting breed that would be distinguished by endurance, courage, lightning-fast reaction and selfless devotion to its owner.

Seeing the almost catlike grace of the dog, suddenly turning into a swift rush towards its prey, German hunters called it the “Silver Ghost”. Subsequently, in Weimar for a long time these amazing animals were called that way.

Registration of a new breed

It is known that these dogs got their name back in the 1850s. The official birthday of the Weimaraner is considered to be 1890, when the first stud book appeared. Their selection was immediately started by Weimar hunters, who, as usual, prepared dogs for working on animals.

The long-haired Weimaraner, which was born from smooth-haired parents, was considered a breeding cull and excluded from breeding until 1935. This continued until the famous Austrian writer Ludwig von Merey liked the dog. Soon after this, long-haired individuals were nevertheless included in the standard, and several enthusiasts began breeding them.

Weimaraner: description of the breed

As already mentioned, the fur of these animals can be long or short. Long-haired individuals have very soft, slightly wavy or straight hair. The fur on the paws, ears and tail is always of different lengths. Smooth-haired dogs have hair that is quite hard and lies tightly to the body. It is interesting that both one and the other subspecies may not have undercoat. The color of this breed can vary from mousy to silver, with the hair on the head and ears often being lighter than the rest of the body, and there are white spots on the toes and chest.

Weimaraner puppies are born with sky blue eyes, but as they grow older the color changes to dark or light amber shades. The ears are wide and long with curves at the bottom. The head of these dogs is proportional to the body, and there is a pronounced groove between the eyes. The muzzle is angular and elongated. There is a hump on the nose, and the earlobe itself is gray-black.

The Weimaraner's neck is graceful and long, smoothly merging into distinct withers. The chest is deep and wide. The back is quite strong and long. The stomach is slightly tucked. The paws are strong with well-developed ligaments. They must be parallel, as a bulldog stance is not allowed. The tail is long and set low.

As for the parameters, these dogs can be both large and medium in size, while the height at the withers is almost equal to the length of its body. According to generally accepted standards, the height of males should be in the range of 59-70, females - 57-65 cm, and weight, respectively, 30-40 and 25-35 kg.

Character

It is difficult to find a more sociable and active dog than the Weimaraner. A description of the breed would be incomplete without mentioning that he gets along well not only with small children, but also with other animals. However, we should not forget that some individuals are sometimes overly persistent and stubborn. Such animals will require their owner to have some experience in keeping them and special attention to their upbringing.

Considering the fact that Weimaraners have been living with people for quite a long time, there is no talk of any aggression in this case. Judging by numerous reviews, despite its friendliness, this dog does not trust strangers and, if necessary, will be able to protect its owner.

The Weimaraner is one of those animals that loves space and has a hard time withstanding the cramped conditions of small apartments. For him, the ideal option is a private house, in the courtyard or garden of which he could frolic to his heart's content, and in bad weather he could stay in the house at night. It is known that representatives of the short-haired variety of the breed often freeze in winter, so it is best for them to be close to their beloved owner.

Having decided to get yourself such a dog, you need to know that it simply needs regular and intense physical activity in the form of hunting, all kinds of games, etc. Such training has a good effect on both the pet’s health and its emotional state. In addition, the more often a dog communicates with its owner, the kinder and more affectionate it becomes.

The long-haired Weimaraner (photo above) needs daily brushing, as well as water treatments, which are usually carried out no more than once every two to three months. To care for short-haired dogs, there are special rubber brushes or gloves that can be used to remove dirt after another walk, as well as dead skin particles. In addition, like other breeds, Weimaraners need to have their eyes washed, ears and teeth cleaned, and sometimes their nails trimmed from time to time.

Health

Representatives of this breed live on average about 11 years. Basically, Weimaraners are distinguished by good health and may never get sick during their entire lives. But alas, there are exceptions to the rules.

Dogs may be susceptible to diseases such as mastocytoma, intestinal or eyelid volvulus, fibrosarcoma, demodicosis, distichiasis, melanoma, cryptorchidism, corneal dystrophy, interdigital dermatitis, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.

But do not despair, since the risk of disease can be significantly reduced if you love your pet and care for it properly, as well as get all the necessary vaccinations on time and regularly visit the veterinary clinic.

Prices

The cost of dogs of this breed can range from 5-75 thousand rubles, depending on the status of the seller. A purebred Weimaraner, the price of which is 40 thousand or more, can be purchased at a good kennel. If the future owner plans to make his pet a champion of exhibitions, then the animal will cost him no less than 60 thousand rubles.

In the case where you just need a cheerful and friendly companion for the family, you can buy it for half the price. There is also a budget option - buy Weimaraner puppies second-hand. Sellers usually ask for them from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. These are the prices for animals of this breed throughout Russia, but as for the capital, here they are much higher.

The Weimaraner is a versatile hunting dog with excellent sense of smell and excellent working qualities. She is obedient and balanced. But at the same time, she is passionate and persistent in systematically searching for game, although she does not show excessive temperament. The Weimar Pointer copes equally well with both game and rodents. Can also be a good watchdog without being aggressive. Sturdy in the stand and works great in the water. The Weimaraner is a gundog (or hunting) dog of medium or large size, with regular, proportional build. Her sexual dimorphism should be clearly expressed. According to the standard, it should be dry and muscular, with beautiful lines and good working qualities.

Character

The Weimaraner's character is energetic and quite active. At the same time, he can be called quite stubborn - he will persistently strive for his goal. He is quite friendly towards people - he would rather lick even a stranger than bite him. This feature of Weimar cops makes them poorly suited for use as guards. They sincerely love all members of their family, while singling out one person as the owner. They get along well with children. Being very social animals, Weimaraner dogs do not tolerate loneliness well. At the same time, they do not get along well with other animals due to their pronounced hunting instinct.

(Weimar Pointer, Weimar Bred) is a hunting breed of dog above average height with a graceful physique and a charming look that will not leave anyone indifferent. It was bred at the end of the 19th century in Germany for Duke Karl August and his nobles. It was used for hunting large game - wild boar, bear, deer.

This energetic and resilient dog was simply born to run, so it deservedly received the nickname “silver ghost”. She has a keen sense of smell, is well trained and shows excellent results in dog competitions. Freestyle, agility, frisbee seem to be created for her. But we should not forget that no sport can fully replace the main purpose of the breed - hunting.

The Weimar Pointer has a strong hunting instinct, it was bred as a gun dog, it can navigate well in the field, find and lift a bird on its wing, make a stand when it detects game, and most importantly, bring and return the shot bird, and believe me, this is not so easy.

Photo of Weimaraner on the grass

An interesting feature of the Weimaraner breed, puppies are born with blue eyes and blue-gray fur, but as they age, the eyes change color and become amber-yellow, and the fur acquires a grayish-silver tint.

Weimaraner character

Photo of a Weimaraner with his favorite toy

By nature, the Weimaraner is cheerful, active, energetic and affectionate. Like a real hunter, he is assertive and stubborn, clearly moving towards the goal he has set for himself. This cop completely lacks aggression towards humans, so it is not entirely suitable as a watchman. He can warn by barking, but nothing more. He would rather rush at a stranger to hug and lick him than to drive him away or bite him.

The Weimaraner will adore all family members, but most often it chooses one owner, obeys and obeys him. He has considerable strength; in adolescence, during a walk, he can be strongly drawn to an object that interests him, so the owner must be an athletic and strong person. His strong sense of smell makes him react to different odors, so he can pick up everything on the street. Be sure to teach the command “no”, and best of all, wear a muzzle.

Suitable for a family with children, affectionate and gentle with them, but almost never listens to them. As much as you may love him, given the Weimaraner's large stature, do not leave children who are too young alone. The Weimaraner does not get along well with domestic animals, because the hunting instinct is very strong, unless it grows with them. On the street he may react to aggressive dogs and want to chase a cat or bird, and it is the owner’s responsibility to constantly wean him from this.

The Weimar Pointer is very smart. They even say about her that these are dogs with human intelligence. She cannot just sit still, and is constantly looking for something to do, even if it is risky. She was born with a hunting instinct, and this cannot be taken away from her.

The Weimaraner is ideal for a hunter and an active person who can devote a lot of time to it. Needs early training and socialization. Cannot stand loneliness and will not be able to sit cooped up all day. If you are a very busy person, it is better to give up the idea of ​​having one. The Weimaraner needs to be exercised, trained, looked after and walked a lot. He must waste energy, strain his body and brain, otherwise he will spoil things in the house and destroy the apartment.

The Weimaraner is easy to train and gladly follows the owner's commands, just like any Weimaraner dog wants to please a person. The owner must clearly understand one rule - Never hit a pet. Try to find an approach to him, make each lesson interesting and unexpected for him. Never suppress his will, do not insult him, he will understand everything if you clearly and calmly explain what task he must complete. If you cannot find a common language with your Weimaraner, contact a training specialist.

Weimaraner description and FCI standard

In the photo, the Weimaraner lies on the lawn and poses for the camera.

1. FCI classification: Group 7 Cops; Section 1.1 Continental pointers of the "brakk" type. With working tests.
2. Application: hunting, pointing.
3. General view of the Weimaraner: An above average sized hunting breed. Beautiful, strong and graceful with a muscular body and an irresistible look. The sexual type is well defined.
4. Important proportions: The length of the body is proportional to the height at the withers 12:11.
   1. Head proportions: the length from the nose to the stop (the transition from the forehead to the nose) is slightly greater than from the stop to the occipital protuberance.
   2. Forequarters: The distance from the elbow to the middle of the pastern and the distance from the elbow to the withers are almost equal.
5. Head: the skull looks harmonious with the height and facial part. In males it is slightly wider than in females, but in both individuals the relationship between the width of the skull and the overall length of the head should be proportional. A median groove is visible on the forehead. The occipital bone is moderately convex. The zygomatic arches are clearly visible behind the eyes.
6. Cheekbones: Muscular, clearly defined.
7. Transition from forehead to muzzle(stop): weakly expressed.
8. Nose: large with wide open nostrils. Protrudes noticeably above the lower jaw. Dark flesh color, gradually turning into gray closer to the body.
9. Muzzle: powerful, rectangular, longer in males than in females, this is very noticeable. The bridge of the nose is straight, slightly convex.
10. Jaws: moderately deep, flesh-colored. There is a slight fold at the corner of the mouth.



Weimaraner - close-up photo of a puppy

11. Jaws/Teeth: regular scissor bite, strong jaws. The teeth are complete, correctly positioned, straight, white. The upper and lower canines touch closely in a scissor bite.
12. Eyes: round, slanted. The eyelids fit tightly. Eye color is amber (from dark amber to light amber). Weimaraner puppies have sky blue eyes. The expression of the eyes is intelligent and insightful.
13. Ears: hanging, wide, reaching the corner of the mouth, the ends of the ears are rounded. Set high and close to each other. When alert, slightly turned forward.
14. Neck: muscular, almost rounded, dry. Gives a noble appearance and aristocratic posture. Closer to the shoulders it widens and harmoniously merges with the top line and chest. When viewed in profile, the top line is convex.
15. Topline: Gradually merges with the strong back from the convex nape through the well-developed withers.
16. Withers: clearly visible.
17. Back (from withers to forelocks): strong, muscular, even, without sagging. A slightly elongated back - this feature is not a disadvantage.
18. Croup: long, moderately sloping.
19. Chest: massive, moderately wide, deep, almost reaching the elbows. The ribs are convex, but not barrel-shaped. The front part of the chest is well developed.
20. Underline: Slightly raised, but the belly is not tucked in.
21. Tail: strong, even, densely covered with short hair. Low set. At rest, the tail is lowered down. When alert or at work, carried horizontally or above the line of the back.
22. Forelegs: straight, parallel, not widely spaced.
    1. Shoulders: long, sloping, muscular, close-fitting. A good angle of the glenohumeral joint is visible.
    2. Humerus: sloping, fairly long, strong.
    3. Elbows: located parallel to the middle plane of the body, looking straight back. Turned neither in nor out.
    4. Forearms: straight, vertical.
    5. Wrists: strong.
    6. Pasterns: sinewy, slightly sloping.
    7. Paws: strong, set straight relative to the middle plane of the body. The fingers are arched and gathered into a ball. Long middle fingers are a feature of the Weimaraner and are not a disadvantage. The claws are strong, color from light to dark gray. The pads are elastic.
23. Hind limbs: strong, muscular, straight, standing parallel.
    1. Hips: strong, muscular.
    2. Knees: with well-defined articulation angles.
    3. Shin: tendons clearly visible.
    4. Hocks: strong with well defined angles.
    5. Hocks: vertically set.
    6. Hind legs: strong. The fingers are gathered in a ball, without the fifth dewclaws. The pads are elastic.
24. Movement: in all gaits, sweeping, smooth, rear and front legs are placed parallel to each other. The gallop is creeping, with long jumps. At the trot, he keeps his back straight.
25. Skin: skin fits tightly, smooth without folds.
26. Coat: According to the type of Weimaraner, they are divided into:
    1. Shorthair: short, thick. The outer coat is smooth, close-lying, without undercoat, or with very sparse undercoat.
    2. Longhair: soft, straight, slightly wavy, medium length. The outer coat is long, thick, close-lying, approximately 3-5 cm with or without undercoat. The ears are covered with wavy hair. The hair is slightly longer on the underside of the neck, front of the chest and belly. There are feathers on the back of the front legs, and “pants” on the back of the thigh. The tail is well feathered and covered with hair. The hair on the head and muzzle is much shorter than on the rest of the body.
27. Serious disadvantages (defects) of the Weimaraner:
    1. Clear deviation from type. The sexual type is not expressed.
    2. Significant deviations in height and proportions.
    3. Overly developed jowls, short or pointed muzzle.
    4. Jaws and teeth: absence of more than two P1 or M3.
    5. Weak and unilateral eyelid defects.
    6. Ears too short or long, without fold.
    7. Dewlap (suspension), significant deviations in the neck shape and muscles.
    8. Back: Definitely sagging or hunched back; high-ass.
    9. Chest, stomach: barrel chest; insufficient chest depth or length; tucked belly.
    10. Significant anomalies in the position of the limbs, i.e. insufficient joint angles, turned out elbows, flat paws.
    11. Pronounced barrel-shaped posture or.
    12. Poor movement at various gaits, including lack of freedom of movement forward or insufficient drive or amble.
    13. Serious skin imperfections, i.e. the skin is very thin or very rough.
    14. Intermediate wool specified in the standard.
    15. The shorthaired Weimaraner has a fluffy coat. Curls or sparse fringes on a long-haired individual.
    16. Deviations from shades of gray (yellow or brownish).
    17. There are some tan marks in the color.
    18. Serious deviation from the correct height or weight (for example, more than 2 cm from the measurements given in the standard).
    19. Minor temperamental deficiency.
    20. Other serious defects.
28. Disqualifying faults (outside the breed)
    1. Too rough or too light build.
    2. Complete disharmony.
    3. Atypical head, for example, bulldog type.
    4. The bridge of the nose is too arched.
    5. Undershot, overshot, missing teeth, except P1 and M3.
    6. Entropy, ectropia of the eyes.
    7. Atypical ears
    8. Pronounced dewlap.
    9. Sagging or hunchbacked back, too pronounced high rear.
    10. Barrel ribs or underdeveloped chest.
    11. The limbs are rickety or underdeveloped.
    12. Lameness.
    13. General stiffness of movement.
    14. Skin defects.
29. Defects: Any deviation from the above points should be regarded as a defect or defect depending on the severity.

Weimaraner color

• Light silver gray
• Brownish gray
• Mouse

Light or dark and all shades of these colors. The head and ears look a little paler. Small white markings on chest and toes are acceptable. Sometimes there is a more or less definable belt along the back.

A Weimaraner with tan marks is allowed for exhibition, but do not expect a rating higher than “good”. A brown spot is considered a serious defect.

Weimaraner care and maintenance

Caring for a Weimaraner (short-haired or long-haired) is not difficult, but it is required. Weimaraners shed, but the shedding is almost unnoticeable. If you take 5 minutes outside and brush your pet with a rubber brush (short-haired) or a natural bristle brush (long-haired), the house will always be clean. But if the room where the Weimaraner is kept is too warm and dry, the coat may constantly fall off. Heavy shedding should alert you; consult your veterinarian about proper diet and care.

The characteristic “dog” smell is completely absent, but only with the correct diet, selection of food and a healthy lifestyle of the Weimaraner. Any manifestation of an unpleasant odor is a signal that there is a health problem.

Coat: needs to be brushed 1-2 times a week with a natural bristle brush, rubber glove or rubber brush. During shedding, you will have to brush every day. This is a very useful procedure, because during brushing, blood circulation improves, dead hair and dirt are removed, and the Weimaraner receives an excellent massage.

Blue eyes and chocolate color, Weimaraner in the photo

Bathe the Weimaraner once a month or as needed with dog shampoo. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub so that the paws do not move apart and it does not get injured. After bathing, dry thoroughly with a towel and, if necessary, dry with a hairdryer. It is recommended to walk after water procedures only after 2 hours. In winter it is better to bathe at night.

Be sure to make sure that the Weimaraner does not sit in a draft and that it dries well. In winter, wool can be cleaned with a damp cloth or dry brushing. Dry shampoo or talcum powder is applied to the coat, rubbed in, and then combed out thoroughly. In the summer, the Weimaraner loves to swim in open water; only after such water procedures, be sure to rinse your pet with warm boiled water to wash off sand and small microorganisms.

Eyes: Examine your eyes regularly. The healthy eyes of a Weimar pointer are clean, clear, without souring or tearing. To prevent souring, wipe your eyes once a week with a soft, lint-free cloth (not cotton wool) soaked in chamomile decoction. We wipe each eye with a clean cloth. Small lumps of gray color in the corners of the eyes in the morning are acceptable, since the Weimaraner is active, runs a lot outside, and thus the eyes are cleaned. It is enough to remove them with a soft cloth or wash with chamomile. But if you notice profuse redness of the eyes, a souring yellow color (they come back together after washing off), a swollen eyelid, profuse tearing - immediately seek help from a veterinarian. There are several reasons: draft, allergic reaction, insect bite, etc., so it is better not to self-medicate.

The photo shows a white Weimaraner with blue eyes.

The ears are floppy and poorly ventilated; check them regularly for redness or allergies. Once a week, wipe the inside of your ear with a damp cloth soaked in warm water. To air out your ears, wave them for a few minutes. When swimming, it is better to plug your ears with cotton pads or simply put a swimming cap on your head. A healthy ear is soft pink in color, without odor and excess wax. If you notice too much wax, an unpleasant odor, fluid leaking from the ear, the ends of the ears are swollen, pimples or sores have appeared, the Weimaraner shakes its head and rubs its ears on the floor - contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Weimaraner's ears are very sensitive to cold, sometimes the tips can freeze in a matter of minutes, so in winter it is better to wear a hat.

It is recommended to brush the Weimaraner's teeth 1-2 times a week with a special toothpaste for dogs (they cannot tolerate regular human toothpaste, which foams heavily) using a toothbrush or a finger attachment. To prevent the appearance of tartar, include solid foods in your diet.

Trim the nails 1-2 times a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. The more often you trim the claw, the less risk there is of damaging a blood vessel. You need to cut off very little, the soft part of the claw hardens over time, and the vessel moves higher, file the sharp ends with a nail file to avoid burrs.

Wipe paws with a damp cloth after walks. Check paw pads for wounds and damage. To avoid cracks, rub vegetable oil into the pads and be sure to include it in your diet (1 tsp per day). In winter, wash your paws especially carefully after walks; if you live in the city, do not let them lick off the snow to avoid poisoning by reagents.

Clothing is an important attribute for a Weimaraner, and not a whim of the owner. Since it has short hair and almost no undercoat, the Weimaraner does not tolerate cold well. Therefore, to keep your pet healthy when the cold weather sets in, dress him in overalls. In the rain, wear an ordinary raincoat, and in severe frosts, overalls with a warm lining. Of course, don’t forget about the hat, it will protect your favorite ears - the bugs - from freezing.

It is recommended to walk 3 times a day, accompanied by the owner; if kept in the city, it is better to be on a leash. The hunting instinct is so strong that it can muffle the owner’s commands, and the dog, carried away by the pursuit of a bird or cat, will end up on the roadway.

The Weimar Pointer is very active and also cannot tolerate loneliness, so it needs frequent walking and release of energy.

• In the morning you need to take a walk for at least half an hour
• During the day the main long walk is up to 2 hours
• In the evening 1 hour is enough

Walks are active, playful with elements of training, since the Weimaraner is very energetic and hardy. She needs to run a lot, hunt for someone, catch someone, train her body and brain. Remember, the more energy she spends on a walk, the less she will pose a threat to the owner’s things at home.

But noticing the following symptoms:

• Lethargy, apathy
• High body temperature (39 - 42 degrees)
• Yellowed whites of the eyes
• Red-brown urine
• Refusal to eat and drink
• If he falls on his hind legs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Only a specialist can save the health and even life of your pet.

Worms: deworming is necessary once every three months.

Weimaraner food

The Weimaraner's nutrition is a very serious issue; it is susceptible to food allergies, bloating and volvulus; the owner must carefully monitor the diet. It is better to give small portions.

Kids playing after lunch - Weimaraner photo on the grass

Number of feedings for a Weimaraner puppy:

• At the age of 1.5 months - 5-6 times in small portions
• At 3 - 4 months - 4 times a day
• 5 - 7 months - 3 feedings per day
• 8 - 12 months and adults 1-2 times a day

There are two types of food:

1. Finished dry food of the highest quality
2. Natural food

When feeding natural food, you need to provide a complete, balanced diet with vitamins and microelements.

• It is recommended to feed 2 hours before walking
• After a long walk and physical activity, you can feed only after 1 hour.
• Water is given half an hour after walking.
• The prepared food is served at room temperature, the portion is eaten in a sneaky manner within 15 minutes.
• If the Weimaraner refuses to eat, we hide the portion in the refrigerator until the next feeding.
• Always keep fresh water in the bowl.
• Bowls are washed with hot water after each feeding.
• Never feed your Weimaraner table scraps.

Prohibited products:

• Fatty meat (pork)
• Grapes, raisins
• Chocolate
• Spicy food
• Spices
• fried food
• Pasta
• Sweets
• Raw river fish (may be infected with worms)
• Tubular bird bones
• Minced meat is poorly digestible

Healthy foods.

The Weimaraner dog breed is also called the Weimar Pointer. These animals were bred in Germany and are hunting animals. In their group, they are considered continental pointers, which means that they have a good upper and lower sense of smell. Thanks to the upper sense, Weimaraners find the victim by smell, and with the help of the lower sense, by imprints on the ground.

Dogs are valued for their excellent hunting qualities and devotion to their owner. They are taken on hunting forest birds(crake, quail, duck, partridge) and animals (fox, hare). But Weimaraners can earn respect in other areas besides hunting. They make excellent companions and search engines. Representatives of this breed love their owners and have a stable psyche, which makes them versatile pets that do not require special care.

In Russia, Weimaraners are practically unknown, although they could live perfectly in families leading an active lifestyle.

Externally, these animals are quite large. Their height reaches 70 cm, weight - up to 40 kg. The bones and muscles are massive. The coat can be long or short. Long the coat has a silky texture, the undercoat is weakly expressed, there are feathers in the area of ​​the ears, belly, chest and tail. Short-haired cops have thick, shiny coat that lies close to the body, without undercoat. The color of the hair is from silver to dark gray, slightly lighter in the area of ​​​​the ears and head.

Weimaraners have a groove on their forehead and their cheekbones are clearly defined. The muzzle is quite elongated. The eyes are rounded, light or rich amber color. In puppies eye color - sky blue, later changes. The ears hang, they are wide, they rush forward. The neck is also wide at the base, merging into proud withers. The chest is massive, the back is stretched. The tail is pointed down.

The only official color of the breed is silver-gray. But there are also other varieties. For example, blue representatives of the breed They are blue-gray in color, with black lips and noses. They are bred only as companions. There are brown-gray and mouse colors. Yellow and brown colors are considered serious faults of the breed.

The emergence of Weimaraners

The Weimar Pointer was recognized as a breed in 1896. Previously, similar dogs were known since the 17th century in Germany, they were used by hunters. Accurate facts about the origin of the breed No. Some experts believe that the dog was brought to Germany from the Czech Republic by Duke Karl August.

Another version says that Weimaraners originated in Germany. They are reported in manuscripts from the 13th century. According to one of the legends King Louis the Saint of France was captured in Egypt, from where he returned along with several gray dogs. Later, such animals were involved in hunting massive animals - wild boar, bear, roe deer.

Since the 19th century, the breed has taken part in exhibitions, first as a mixture with other breeds, then separately. The name of the dogs comes from the German city of Weimar.

Character

The Weimaraner has an excellent temperament. These dogs are kind, but occasionally show their strong character. For example, they can do something contrary. They affectionate to the owner and the rest of the household. They get along great with children. Pets are perceived with restraint if the owner has previously taught the correct reaction.

Dogs, accustomed from childhood to going outdoors and hunting, are distrustful of strangers. They are devoted to their owner, soft and gentle. It is important for the Weimaraner's emotional health to communicate with its owner.

The activity of Weimaraners is best realized when living in suburban areas. If the owner is not sure that he can ensure due attention pet, you should not get this dog. Weimaraners are very lively and active.

Weimaraners get bored when separated from their owner. If she is forced to often stay at home, damage to things and furniture may occur. Weimaraners' favorite pastime is hunting. They have wonderful intellect, the dog is smart and quick-witted. The Weimaraner rarely barks and is not known to be aggressive. Such a pet will bring a lot of pleasure to its owner and will not cause much trouble.

The Weimaraner is an excellent hunter. In a standing position, he indicates a found bird, can get a duck out of a pond, detect and raise a wild boar. In an apartment The hunter's instinct can be dangerous, so the dog should not be led without a leash in the city.

The Weimaraner can be moody. This happens when the dog is not allowed to do what it wants. Increasing physical activity will help cope with the situation.

The dog is quite strong, and during walks it can pull the owner to the side, so the owner of the dog must be a physically resilient person. Dog's interest in birds and other animals on the street awaken the hunting instinct in her, so it is important to accustom the puppy to prohibitions and obedience.

Care measures

The dog needs to be walked 2-3 times a day. At the same time, it is important to think about the dog’s leisure time; regular walking will not suit him. Frisbee and agility will be excellent activities. The Weimaraner's walks should be long and intense.

It is not worth keeping a Weimaraner in an apartment for a long time; the dog needs movement. Weimaraners love to exercise their bodies.

The pet will feel uncomfortable in the enclosure; it will be difficult for him to cope with separation from his owner. If the dog lives in the yard and does not communicate with the owner, she may be disobedient and lethargic. The Weimaraner is a poor guard dog; aggression is not typical for the breed. But if necessary, the dog will stand up for itself and for the owner.

Caring for a Weimaraner is easy. It includes the following activities:

• weekly brushing;
• bathing 2-3 times a year;
• wiping your pet's paws after walks;
• regular cleaning of ears and teeth;
• claw trimming.

You can feed the Weimaraner with natural food or dry food. But you should not choose economy class food, they will lead to problems with health. There is also no need to give your dog food from the owner's table; fatty, spicy, sweet foods are completely unhealthy.

The Weimaraner does not smell “dog” at all. But if this smell appears, it means that something is wrong with the Weimaraner’s health. The owner should be wary in this case.

Training

From the moment you get a puppy, it is important to socialize it. You should not hide your pet from other family members. The Weimaraner must get used to the sounds and behavior of the other inhabitants of the home. The puppy is accustomed to the collar by wearing it for a short time at first.

Weimaraners are well trained and strive to please their owner. They should not be overloaded with tasks and commands. If the puppy is purchased as a companion, a basic training course is enough for him. Hunting representatives from 4–5 months taken out into nature for training. In this case, the puppy learns all the intricacies of hunting from childhood. If the dog will not hunt, it needs some kind of sporting hobby.

When training, physical punishment should not be used; this can cause mistrust and caution in the puppy’s character. Treats and praise are suitable as rewards. Thanks to its excellent trainability, the dog is valued in the search service and in rescue activities.

Diseases

The Weimaraner lives up to 10–12 years. It is very important to vaccinate your pet and prevent diseases. The owner should pay attention to health animal and do not miss all cases of illness. These may be temperature changes, gastrointestinal disorders, discharge from the nose and eyes.

In any situation, you should take your dog to the veterinarian; self-medication can be dangerous. For simple cases, a home first aid kit is suitable, with which you can provide first aid to the animal if necessary.

Weimaraners are in good health. The following diseases are diagnosed:

• congenital defects of the hip joints;
• skin rashes;
• brain diseases of the spinal region;
• eye pathologies.

Weimaraners are often called silver ghosts. The dog deserves such a strange name thanks to his mysterious look, as well as the ability to quickly rush towards its victim. And the noble gray color of the coat makes the dog attractive and elegant.

A dog of this breed participated in the film “Handsome Alfie, or what men want.”

Weimaraners are quite rare puppies, so the price for the breed is $800–1000. Those representatives who do not claim for breeding work and participation in exhibitions cost less - $500–700. A budget version of Weimaraners can be purchased at a cost of 5 thousand rubles.

The Weimaraner has been known as a hunting dog since the beginning of the 19th century. The homeland of this breed is considered to be the city of Weimar, which is located in East Germany. Weimaraners are distinguished by their excellent sense of smell, viciousness and hard work. It is thanks to these qualities that they are so popular among avid hunters, not only in Germany, but throughout the world. By the way, these slender and hardy dogs are also used as service dogs. In this capacity, they were especially in demand in the United States during the 2nd World War. One of the main features of dogs of this breed is that their coat color changes with age. For the first two months, puppies are gray-blue in color, but from the 3rd month their coat begins to acquire a soft silver tint. You've probably seen their photos. Isn't that impressive? By the 8th month the color acquires its final color. Therefore, a description of the puppy should be given precisely from this age. By the way, at this age their price is highest.

Weimaraner - the character of an intellectual

Weimaraners are called the intelligentsia of dogs. They are very delicate and have good manners. They love communication and are quite friendly, although we must not forget that these are hunting dogs and malice is in their blood. In addition, these dogs have a very freedom-loving character and do not tolerate being kept locked up. They want to be accepted as part of the family. And somehow calling a Weimaraner a pet doesn’t work either. She is too smart and quick-witted, besides, she is easy to train and can easily perform some household duties. This is the character of these silver German dogs with very smart eyes. That is why their price around the world is quite high. For example, in Russia it costs about 25-30,000 rubles. Moreover, their puppies are more expensive than mature dogs.

Intelligence

Another compliment given to dogs of this breed is the word “aristocrat”. Moreover, they received this nickname not only because of their beautiful appearance, but also due to their elegance, intelligence and discipline. All this is noticeable even if you look at their photos. Even in the most difficult circumstances, they do not panic and remain calm and maintain their dignity, not only mature individuals, but also puppies. If you raise them correctly (I don’t even want to use the word training for these dogs), then they won’t cause any trouble in the house. Reviews from their owners indicate that these dogs are so intelligent that they are able to learn an incredible number of commands. Their mind is more directed towards proper hunting, however, in other areas they also show incredible ingenuity, and become the best friends of their owners. The dogs of this German aristocratic breed make excellent guide dogs for both deaf and blind people. By the way, in most photographs showing blind people crossing the road with the help of a dog, the Weimaraner is most often the guide. Thanks to their incredibly sensitive sense of smell, these dogs are often involved in the activities of the detective department of the police.

Weimaraner and its health

These beautiful and very smart dogs are big sissies. They, unlike most other dogs, when vaccinated, encounter autoimmune reactions to certain protocols. To avoid this, veterinarians recommend separate injections against distemper and parvovirus with an interval of two weeks. In addition, he is prone to osteodystrophy, von Willebrand disease, and gastric torsion. Reviews from many owners on cynology websites often contain information about this feature of dogs of this breed. All these diseases can lead to their death. Therefore, their puppies should be under constant veterinary supervision. The most interesting thing is that because of this feature, their price does not suffer at all, and they continue to remain a fairly expensive breed of hunting dogs.

Description and appearance

Weimaraners have a simply unique appearance. Of course, this is a big plus for owners, or rather housewives, who need these dogs solely for decorative purposes. However, we must not forget that this is a breed of hunting dog and it must have developed hunting instincts. Their colors are especially beautiful, and their muscular, slender figures also leave a great impression. Photos of them against the backdrop of beautiful nature can often be found in the interiors of dog lovers’ homes. The first thing that comes to mind when you give a description of this animal is its intelligent look, slightly splayed ears, pointing downwards and, naturally, this magnificent silver shade of fur. It is thanks to this color that he often comes to the attention of photographers, who often post their photos on various Internet portals dedicated to dogs.

By the way, dogs of this breed mostly have short hair, however, in nature you can also find long-haired Weimaraners. At the same time, their shade is still the same silver-gray.

Weimaraners can be medium or large in size, depending on their origin. Their height on average is from 60 to 70 cm, and their weight is from 25-40 kilograms. Looking at them, you begin to admire their royalty, beautiful posture, correct body proportions. The muzzle is also very beautiful, elongated, and the nose is light sandy in color. As for the color of their eyes, reviews from owners contain quite interesting information about this: it turns out that they have the ability to change depending on the time of day - from very light to dark amber. Imagine how beautiful it is when a silver dog suddenly has golden-amber eyes and this gives them some kind of mystical effect. Many lovers are attracted not so much by the magnificent character and hunting skills of these dogs as by their beauty. Once you see them and love them at first sight, price can't stop them. Imagine that puppies have blue eyes until a certain age. This is such a beauty!