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Hound breeds: Weimaraner
Origin
The origin of the Weimaraner, also known as the gray ghost, is shrouded in antiquity and disagreement. The most convincing argument made is that the Chien Gris de Saint Louis (the Gray Hound of Saint Louis) is the first ancestor of the modern Weim. Louis XI of France (Saint Louis) became acquainted with the breed in 1248 on his first crusade while a captive in Egypt. He imported a pack after returning to France. A hunting treatise with illuminations finished in 1391 bears a striking resemblance to the modern Weim. In the next several centuries, the Weim type dog is portrayed in text and illuminations as a dog for the royalty. References in these texts describe a dog with some of the most unusual features and attitudes of the modern Weim.
Modern history regarding the Weim begins in the 1700s with the Grand Duke Carl August and his court in Weimar, capitol of Thuringia, a principality in central Germany. There is disagreement over the duke's participation in the development of the breed. One faction believes the grand duke developed the breed himself. The other faction of thought, and the more likely, is that the grand duke was introduced to an already established breed on the estates of Prince Esterhazy in Bohemia and imported some of the dogs. These dogs then became the foundation of his breeding program.
It is almost certain that the Weim is also a descendent of the Red Schweissehund, a descendent of the Bloodhound, who is a descendent of the St. Hubertus Brache, the accepted progenitor of most hunting and hound breeds of today. The color of the Weim almost certainly comes from the genetic recessive known as the isabellismus factor, which when carried by dogs of red or tan color can produce isabella, a dilution of the red factor to a silvery taupe with variations in tone to an almost lavender shade.
The Weim was originally a big game dog, used on wolves, wildcats, deer, mountain lion, bear, boar and the like. As the big game disappeared in Germany the breed was redeveloped into a bird-hunting dog probably by crossing with the Spanish Pointer in the 1800s. By the early 1900s the German breed wardens who still direct the breeding of Weims in Germany today tightly controlled the breeding of the Weim.
By 1882, the Weim was strongly represented at a show held by the Thuringia Club for Breeding Purebred Dogs. The German Delegate Commission from 1880 until 1896 denied official recognition of the Weim. The first German Weimaraner club was established in 1887. Howard Knight imported the first Weims into the United States in 1929. These dogs turned out to have been sterilized. In 1938 Mr. Knight brought five more Weims to the United States. These dogs became the foundation breeding stock in the United States and the majority of Weims today can trace their lineage back to these dogs. The AKC recognized the Weim at the beginning of 1943 and the Weimaraner Club of America was formed in February of 1943 with Howard Knight as its president.
General description
Height: Males 25-27", females 23-25"; an inch over or under allowed in both sexes.
Weight: Males 70-85 pounds, females 60 to 75 pounds
Color: The coat is short, smooth and sleek. In the United States, the longhair coat is not permissible, but it is accepted in other countries. The solid color is shades of gray, from mouse gray to silver gray. A small white mark is permitted on the chest, but no where else on the body. Distinctly blue or black coats are a disqualification.
It should be noted that white spots, resulting from injury are not penalized. Older dogs may develop a white band on the top of their head between the ears. This is normal and accepted. Agouti hairs (usually found on the tail or back of the shoulders), which are white, and gray banded hair are also acceptable.
Grooming requirements
The Weim is an easy dog to groom. He needs his nails clipped on a regular basis and a bath occasionally. Regular brushing with a hound mitt gives the coat a beautiful sheen, and it's like a massage to the dog. Never use harsh brushes or wire brushes; the skin is too tender. Special care must be taken with the ears. Yeast infections and spider mites can result from ignored ears. Keep them clean and dry, especially after swimming or being out in the rain or snow. For healthy strong teeth, brush them regularly.
Health considerations
The Weim ranks number three in the prevalence of bloat. Hip dysplasia can be a concern, so the parents of a prospective pup should be X-rayed. HOD is a problem that is becoming more common. The Weim, along with many other breeds can have a variety of autoimmune problems. Entropic or ectropic eyes (eyelids that roll in towards the eye or out) and distichiasis (extra eyelashes that grow inwards towards the eye) can be a problem. Skin allergies and fleabite dermatitis can be bothersome.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Weimaraner requires obedience training. Without it, he will take over the household. He is easily trained, but difficult to handle, as he can be stubborn. A fenced yard is a necessity. He is a chasing dog with a strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves and won't remember until later that he left his yard. He does not do well living outside or in the kennel. He has a strong need to live with his humans. He is not a protection dog, but is territorial. He is an enthusiastic barker when strangers come near. He needs to be socialized while still a young pup or will not readily accept strangers when an adult. His intelligence is his biggest problem. He can be destructive when bored. Smart dogs get bored easily. He is a most affectionate, loving and loyal companion. He is a dog for people who want a relationship with their dog instead of a dog to look pretty lying around. He cannot be ignored.
Watch the weight. The Weim can be a real chowhound. When he is standing still, you should see the outline of the last three ribs, but no more than that. Being overweight can promote spinal problems in old age.
The Weimaraner is intelligent, lively, affectionate, loyal and stubborn. He is a picture of grace, speed, stamina and balance. Capable of working a long day in the field, he is also happy taking a nap on his human's lap. He desires, above all else, to be with his humans. He has a strong need to please.
The Weim is not a breed for everybody. He is a very intelligent and demanding dog. He will not be ignored and is not suitable for people who don't have the time and energy to devote to his needs. He is good with children and can be trained (if started young) to get along with cats. He is a people oriented dog. His most notable trait is the need to be with his humans all the time, preferably touching them. He will do anything you ask of him and loves to work. The only thing you can't do with this breed is "nothing".
Uses
The Weim was originally developed as a big-game hunting dog and still retains the capabilities to perform that task. He is however a specialist in upland birds, pheasant, chuckar, and quail and will also water retrieve. He has a very fine nose and the strength and stamina to perform a full day in the field. He is a close-in hunter and prefers to stay in sight of his handler, which makes him a great dog for the foot hunter.
The Weim is considered a very versatile dog. Today he participates in conformation shows, field trials, hunt tests, obedience trials, and agility, as well as being a good therapy dog and fine companion.
Web links
AKC Weimaraner page
The Weimaraner Web Ring
The Weim Homepage
Dr. P's Dog Training
The Weimaraner Club of America
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