Weimaraner
|
|
| Weimaraner | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||
| Alternative names | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| Country of origin | ||||||||||||
| Germany | ||||||||||||
| Classification | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| Breed standards (external links) | ||||||||||||
| FCI (http://www.dogdomain.com/fcistandards/fci-099.htm), AKC (http://www.akc.org/breeds/weimaraner/index.cfm),
ANKC (http://www.ankc.aust.com/weimaran.html), KC(UK) (http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/gundog/g832.htm), NZKC (http://www.nzkc.org.nz/dogselect.html) | ||||||||||||
| Notes | ||||||||||||
| Note |
The Weimaraner is a silver-grey breed of dog developed originally both for tracking large game, such as bears, and as a gun dog. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Charles August, whose court enjoyed hunting.
| Contents |
Appearance
This breed's short, smooth grey coat and its usually grey eyes give it a regal appearance different from any other breed. There is a long-haired variety that is not as commonly known. The colour is rare in dogs and is the result of breeding for a recessive gene. It has also lent the breed the nickname 'silver ghost'. The coat is extrememly low maintenance; it is short and coarse to the touch. Additionally, the Weimie's eyes are unusual in that they change colour according to mood. Colours range from amber to blue and are very striking indeed.
Typically, the male Weimaraner stands between 25 and 27 inches (63-68 cm) at the withers. Females are generally between 23 and 25 inches (58-63 cm). The breed is not heavy for its height, and weighs upwards of 70 pounds (32 kg). Traditionally, the Weimaraner's tail is docked at birth to a third of its natural length.
Temperament
Weimaraners are fast and powerful dogs, but are also suitable home animals given appropriate training. From adolescence, a Weimaraner requires extensive exercise in keeping with an energetic hunting dog. No walk is too far, and they will appreciate games and play in addition. They are easily excitable and require appropriate training to calm them down. This includes behaviours towards other family pets. Depending upon training they can be quite aggressive towards other dogs, but they are a loyal, playful and affectionate pet and an alert and friendly member of the family. Visitors are likely to be licked rather than warned away but the Weimaraner does not miss a trick and is always aware of its surroundings. Prospective owners should note that the Weimaraner is not recommended for families with young children as it is usually boisterous, sometimes hyperactive. Furthermore, the breed will continually try to push the boundaries set by its owner. If it can get away with something, it will! The expression, 'give him and inch and he'll take a mile' was made for this breed! Having said that, this is also a breed with tremendous personality.
History
Today's breed standards developed in the 1800s, although the Weimaraner has existed since at least the 1600s in a similar form. It is believed that Continental pointing breeds and mastiffs were its ancestors. The breed was created strictly for the nobility. The aim was to create a noble-looking, reliable gundog. As ownership was restricted, the breed was highly prized and lived with the family. This was highly unusual, as during this period, hunting dogs were kept in kennels in packs. This has resulted in a dog which needs to be near humans and which quickly deteriorates when kennelled. Originally, Germany was possessive of its highly skilled all-purpose gundog, but released a pair in the 1950s, to America where the breed quickly became popular. Although slower than many other gundogs, such as pointers, the Weimaraner is very thorough and this made it a welcome addition to the sportsman's household. Furthermore, it's happy, lively temperament endeared it to families, although it is perhaps too lively for families with young children. Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity, some careless matches were made and some inferior specimens were produced. Since then, both in Britain and America (where the breed remains popular) breeders have taken care to breed for quality and purpose.
Dog Pictures and Clipart
- Pictures of Dogs (http://classroomclipart.com/cgi-bin/kids/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Animals/Dogs)
- Dog Clipart (http://classroomclipart.com/cgi-bin/kids/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Clipart/Animals/Dog_Clipart)
Clipart and Animal Pictures
- Clipart (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/clipart.htm)
- Animal Clipart (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/animal-clipart.htm)
- Animal Animated Clipart (https://classroomclipart.com/clipart/Animations/Animals.htm)
- Pictures of Animals (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/animal-photos.htm)
- Amphibian Clip Art, Pictures and Photogaphs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/amphibian-clipart.htm)
- Farm Animal Clip Art, Pictures and Photographs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/farm-animal-clipart.htm)
- Mammal Clip Art, Pictures and Photographs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/mammal-clipart.htm)
- Marine Animal Clip Art, Pictures and Photographs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/marine-life-clipart.htm)
- Reptile Clip Art, Pictures and Photographs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/reptile-clipart.htm)
- Spider Clip Art, Pictures and Photographs (https://classroomclipart.com/image/category/spider-clipart.htm)