Anyone have a Weimaraner?

[Allyson Kendrick]

There is an absolutely adorable Weimaraner for up for adoption and I want him so bad! I'm trying to do some research on them, but i thought I'd ask here and get some real-life facts! We have an 8-month old mini schnauzer, Jake. He is pretty big for a mini (19#s!!!), so I'm not too worried that he would feel uncomfortable around a large dog. He has played with a Dalmation before and just adores her.

What can you tell me about Weimaraners? Temperament, history of genetic illness, hair/coat, shedding, food, etc. Anything is appreciated! I've been wanting another dog for quite awhile (since we are waiting to have real babies!) and this pup is just too gorgeous to pass by!

[Jill Ramsey]

I've heard (don't know if its true) that they are pretty hyper, and need lots of exercise. I've seen them, but never had the chance to meet one.

[Renee]

I don't have a Wiem, but I'm met quite a few at the dog park. The ones I met were very goofy, playful, and athletic. They definitely need a lot of exercise. The Wiems that I have been around were also very responsive to their families/guardians and were a bit aloof to other people at the park. It seems like a really nice breed as long as you can handle the exercise requirement.

[Sherri]

We were looking into a Weimaraner for a while as well. It is true, they are hyper, energetic dogs.. They have a very strong hunting instinct. We were warned against getting one because of this reason. We have 2 cats and were told this is not a good fit at all. I also looked at this website to find out more info. on them www.dogbreedinfo.com and here is the link directly to the info. on the Weimaraners: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/weimaraner.htm
I think they are the most gorgeous dog out there, but not a good fit in our home. :(

[Rebekah Hartman]

My neighbor has one (we play with him a lot) and the man I buy our food from used to breed them and currently has a couple in his family. We also met another couple this weekend that has a Weim the same age as our puppy, so we're definitely going to try to plan a play date!

Dino (neighbor's Weim) is very hyper and has some food allergies. He's 2 years old and is about on par with my 7-1/2 m.o. puppy as far as energy level. He's very submissive and sweet as well. My impression is that they need very consistent training and lots and lots of exercise, but they're great family members. Dino will jump on anyone that comes to visit, but he now has a "little sister" (family has a 5-1/2 m.o. baby) and he does very well with her. I've been told by several people that they don't mature/mellow out until about 4 years old (just something to consider). If you're a very active individual who likes to include an animal in your outside activities, it's probably not a bad fit. They are very handsome doggies!

Hope that helps!

[Chris Smith]

There are two that come to the dog park frequently. There are very energetic and seem to have a strong hunting drive. As far as size, they can get very large. One of them is almost 110lbs. and one that is a 9 month old puppy is over 80 lbs!! So compared to a your mini, that is a pretty big dog to play with!

[TimberWolf]

I too have only seen them. I met one named Ghost and I thoguht that was a beautiful name for the shade of grey he was nto to mention his eyes were gorgeous! The owner said they are very smart dogs but yes, as everyone has said, they need tons of exercise and a lot of attention. I'd find out how they are around smaller dogs though. ...If they can handle a smaller dog as a housemate. I'd worry about their hunting drive as well as their hyper activity around a smaller dog. Schnauzers are strong dogs as well but I'd be concerned about how they'd be together.

That's just me though.

[Gaddy Mep]

Weimaraners are extremely energetic dogs. They need lots of daily exercise, they can't go without a daily walk.

The breed's history is shown in examples of apparent Weimaraner ancestors in art and literature, such as a 1631 painting by Van Dyck. The breed might even trace back to the Gray Hound of St. Louis, a breed King Louis IX of France brought back from a crusade in Egypt in 1248.

The breed's varied roles in history produced an athletic, loyal, intelligent, flexible dog whose modern counterparts excel at obedience training, field trials, agility, tracking, hunting, search and rescue, and drug detection.

Their intellect and energy require a variety of challenges, or they get bored. Mary Brown and her husband, Jeff, of McLean, Va., love outdoor activities that make good use of the energy of their five Weims—Teffa, 12; Bud, 8; Kane, 3; Penny, 1; and Saga, 5, a national field trial champion. Brown, director of a psychological rehabilitation program, also takes the dogs to the office as therapy for her clients, whose troubles range from anxiety disorders to schizophrenia. She says the dogs seem to sense which people can use the relaxation that comes with rubbing a belly or scratching an ear and which ones prefer to be left alone.

"People are probably seeing the work and thinking it must be a very easy dog to keep around," he says. "[But] if they're not happy, they can wreak a lot of havoc. They're great if you have lots of time."

[Jay Adams]

This breed in particular tends to have a problem with seperation anxiety. I've read numerous articles on it. In particular, my neighbor had one, it went to doggie daycare, and she did everything she could to have Gandelf occupied during the day, but seperation anxiety was still so bad that she gave him to another family.

[Peggy Lee]

I had a weim for 15 yrs which I understand is a very long time for weims. She was my baby. I got her when she was 3 months old. Nothing but legs and ears. I never thought she would grow into those ears. Her name was Rosie. I think my demeanor played a large part in her temperment. I am very laid back and I believe that is why she was never the nervous type. The vet would always comment on how mellow she was. Most weims are very nervous, to the point of peeing when new folks are introduced to them. Never a problem with Rosie. And she loved cats. I got her a kitten for her birthday one year and they played and slept together. The only problem I had with Rosie was she was a counter cleaner. If I left anything on the counter or table she would get it and eat it. Once she got a whole box of Fiber wafers which I found were very toxic and would have killed her, had I not gotten her to the vet in time. She also lvoed chocolate. I know it can be deadly, but she snatched a bag of Hershey kisses one night while I was gone and the only thing I found was the plastic bag and several bright shiny things in her poop!!! We really went through a lot together. She was my shadow and not happy unless by ny side which was fine. She stayed inside while I was at work, then some yard time - pasture time - then slept with me too. When I got married we had to get a bigger bed. I told my husband she was here before him, so get used to it and he did. He loved her too. She passed away while I was away from home, God knew that I would have never been able to make the decision to put her down. A few months earlier I had to make the decision to put my 20 yr old cat to sleep. that was hard enough. I will try and get to more specifics, if you want. Hope you have many happy, happy years with your puppy. I really miss mine, but I would (could) never have another. Last time she was sick I was not able to pick her up to get her to the vet. Thankfully the vet came to me. I had to go back to work, so I know I would not have enough time to spend with another Weim. Maybe someday...

[Stefie C]

Peggy, What a touching story. I can just feel your love for Rosie in every word. I hope you reach a point in your life where you are able to have another weim.

Allyson, Did you get the weim?

[Peggy Lee]

Allyson - there is also a very informative site that I subscribe to at msn groups. Is Weimaraners@groups.m sn.com They have plenty of info there about Weims.
Peg

[Jesse Cruz]

Peggy, I love your story. The love you had for Rosie show clearly through your words. She was with you for as long as she could because if she could fit a few more years, I bet she would.