by Mille Tappe

Created on: June 01, 2008   Last Updated: September 26, 2009

The Weimaraner is one of the most striking looking dogs you will ever see, with its unusual coloring, athletic build and icy blue eyes.

If you have children, you are probably familiar with the Weimaraner breed thanks to a regular appearance by one of these dogs on Sesame Street. You may have seen William Wegman's famous portraits of these long-eared, taupe-colored hounds in hilarious costumes with goofy props.

These star turns, and others such as Parker Posey's troubled Weim in the movie Best In Show, have surely contributed to the growing popularity of the breed. But popularity is often detrimental to the overall health of a specific breed, as has been seen in past with Collies (Lassie), and Dalmatians (101). Weimaraners are no exception, and the growing numbers of these beautiful dogs abandoned to shelters is evidence that too many breeders are cashing in, selling dogs to the wrong homes.

Fortunately, there are many Weimaraner breeders and enthusiasts eager to promote an accurate public understanding of this breed's characteristics, which are not well suited to every household.

Perhaps most obvious among these is size. Weimaraners are a large breed, with males weighing 65 to 90 pounds, and females 55 to 80. This is a consideration not only regarding size of home and vehicle, for instance, but also regarding physical strength, as anyone who's been on the other end of a Weim's leash when a cat or squirrel crosses in front of him will attest. There is a financial implication here as well, as a large dog will eat more than a small dog.

Closely related to size is the issue of energy. Weimaraners are extremely high energy dogs requiring a great deal of intense exercise. A walk around the block in the mornings and evenings is not going to cut it here, and the Weim will take it out on your shoes, count on it.

Which raises another common problem uninformed and unprepared Weimaraner owners often encounter: separation anxiety. This is a breed prone to SA, and while exercise is not the sole solution, it definitely plays a role. Without a solution, expect damage to your belongings.

A Weimaraner may suit your lifestyle, time constraints, and living space, but may not be the dog for you for other reasons. This is a dog that wants to be physically close to you, often literally touching, a lot of the time. A variation on this theme specific to hunting is that the breed tends not to range out as far as some others.

As well, Weimaraners have no undercoat and very little fur, so they are not a breed that can live outdoors, but rather must share your living space most of the time.

If none of this is daunting to you, it could be that you are right for Weims, and they for you. Lucky soul! Under the right circumstances, this is an incredible companion. Athletic, goofy, brave, cuddly. Watching your Weimaraner navigate the obstacles of the forest at top speed will take your breath away. And feeling the weight of that warm and loving head on your knee later on will brighten your heart.

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