Is the Weimaraner Right for you?

The Weimaraner is a unique breed and is not necessarily suited to all families. Adding a Weimaraner to your family is a long term, serious commitment, so please do not take it lightly. These dogs give your their hearts and do not deserve it being broken by someone that made a snap judgment getting a cute little grey bundle.

A Weimaraner is not for you if...

1. You cannot tolerate hair. It will be in the house, on your clothes, and in your car. Short, grey ones that shed all year round and extra during season changes. They hook into fabrics too!

2. You want a low energy breed. Weimaraners were bred to hunt and as such can go all day long. They require daily exercise and lots of mental stimulation to exercise those big brains!

4. You want a breed that is safe to have around small pets (rats, rabbits, chickens, etc). Weimaraners were bred to hunt all kinds of game, and as such, have that instinct. Training and socialisation with small animals is required to keep a Weimaraner, and always under supervision. All game is fair game to a Weimaraner. Also never assume that if your Weimaraner is ok with your own cat or other small pet, that it will be ok with others.

5. You don't want an affectionate, dependant dog. Weimaraners have a very high dependance on their owners and only thrive with human companionship. They do not do well when excluded from family life, and as such are not suited to being outdoors or alone for long periods. They need to be with you, on you, behind you or under you!

6. You want a friendly, outwardly social dog with strangers. Weimaraners have an aloof nature - they are incredibly loyal to people that they know but they can be wary of strangers. They have been used in the past as Guardians and watch dogs. For this reason, if you want a dog that is going to be happy to meet and approach people, or for a dog that is always approachable, the Weimaraner is probably not for you. This isn't to say you won't get the odd Weimaraner that will want to be friends will everyone and everything, but generally, this is not the case!

7. You have a pretty landscaped property and do not want extra holes. Weimaraners, like many puppies, will dig, destroy plants and whatever they can get their teeth on (even the reticulation!), particularly if they are bored! If you can get them through their puppy years safely, they may grow out of it, but don't count on it, espeically if they have nothing better to do! They are a very intelligent breed that will find things to do if they are not given things to do.

8. You want a dog that doesn't need much training. Weimaraners can be easy to train, but they can be stubborn. The best way to train a Weimaraner is a firm, gentle approach, but as a general rule, consistent, lifelong training is a must for a Weimaraner. If you get slack with ground rules, a Weimaraner can, and will, take advantage of that!