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THE WEIMARANER
  
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"The Weimaraner is a sporting
breed which was developed in Germany as an all-purpose gundog. Males measure 25-27 inches
at the shoulder, females 2 inches less. Often referred to as the "grey ghost",
the Weim has a short, sleek coat, ranging in color from silver grey to dark grey. Eye
color is blue-grey to shades of amber. the Weim combines grace, speed and endurance with
an aristocratic appearance.
- Character & Temperament:The Weimaraner is very
intelligent and sensitive and craves companionship. He is happiest as a member of the
family. The Weim is probably the most devoted and loyal breed there is. This devotion
makes him willing to please, easy to train, dependable and protective by nature. This
devotion also makes it hard for a Weim to thrive as a kennel dog or adapt well to a
routine of being left alone. The Weim is a rugged, out-going breed, capable as a hunting
companion and exceptional as an obedience competitor. With proper training and
socialization, he is completely adaptable and happy to share your lifestyle.
- Exercise Requirements: Being a hardy Sporting
Breed, the Weimaraner does require exercise. Several walks per day can be sufficient.
Weims do, however, love hunting and retrieving and excel in dog sports such as flyball and
agility.
- Training Problems: Because of the Weim's inherent
sensitive and devoted nature, early upbringing and conditioning are of utmost importance.
Weimaraners tend to suffer from "Separation Anxiety", causing excessive barking,
destructive chewing, etc.. when left alone. the Weim must be conditioned, at an early age,
to being left alone for short periods of time DAILY. Crate training makes this easier to
accomplish. then you are leaving the pup safe, with suitable toys and a cozy bed. Since
the Weim is such a boisterous and dominant breed, a progressive program of socialization,
Puppy Kindergarten and Obedience Training is highly recommended. " Excerpts from the
Weimaraner Association of Canada.
Rescue is not where we want our Weims to end up. Weimaraners
are not a breed for everyone.They are very demanding, and yet tremendously
sensitive.Weimaraners are also known as the Grey Ghost, they are like a shadow. Cool and
aloof to strangers who meet them for the first time, they will try to get under your skin
the minute you give them the attention they demand. And THAT does not appeal to all...
HEALTH ISSUES
**Note: the following is information that I have gathered throughout the years,
I am NOT a veterinarian, I have put this page together in order to resume some of the
issues that afflict our breed.
For more health issues & information The
Weimaraner Association of Canada Health Section and The
Weimaraner Club of America Website.
 Bloat (canine
gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a problem in the breed.
Bloat or GVD means that a dog's stomach distends with air to the point that it goes
into shock and may die. Dilatation means that the stomach is distended with
air, but it is located in the abdomen in its correct place. Volvulus means that the
distention is associated with a twisting of the stomach on its longitudinal axis. Why does
this occur, is not yet completely understood. It is thought that if a dog eats a large
meal of dry food and drinks a lot of water bloat can occur. The water causes the dry food
to swell. If at the same time the dogs is engaged in strenuous exercise that include
running & jumping, the stomach can twist on itself. The most current theory is
that the stomach's contractions lose their regular rhythm and trap air in the stomach;
this can cause the twisting event.
Diagnosis - An enlarged stomach will cause the body wall to protrude prominently,
especially on the dog's left side. The swelling will be very firm and obvious enough
to see across the room. Occasionally, this distention is not very apparent. A dog which
experiences significant pain will be very depressed. It may lie in what is commonly called
a "praying position" with the front legs drawn fully forward. This should occurs
quickly, within two or three hours at the most. The presence of a rapidly developing
distended abdomen in a weimaraner is enough evidence to make a tentative diagnosis of GVD.
An Xray will confirm the dilatation & if presence of volvulus...
If you want to know more about this, follow the underlined link to "Perdu" .
Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative
disease of the hip joint, it causes the dog pain when he walks. It is of great importance
that only OFA certified dogs be bred, follow the
underlined link to "Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals".
Vaccination schedules(click here) should
always be followed according to breeder's specifications. It is very important to seperate
vaccines and administer at least 3 weeks apart. Better be safe than sorry.
Auto-Immune
disease seem to occur under stress related events.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. HOD afflicts Weimaraner puppies (primarily between four and
eight months of age) and is sometimes fatal. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy,
swelling of joints, and lameness. Many veterinarians are not experienced in diagnosing and
treating this condition, so it is important that puppy owners be aware of HOD's existence.
Oversupplementation of puppies and high levels of protein in puppies' diets, auto
immune reaction to vaccines may be linked to the development of this condition.
Treatment consists of buffered aspirin, amoxil & HIGH doses of prednisone.
(Immunogenetics/Weimaraner
ProjectImmunogenetics/Weimaraner
Project: www.geocities.com/~weimclub/hod.html ).
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