According to the American Kennel Association, these are the keys to raising and owning a Weimaraner that will be your best companion for life.
NUTRITION
Generally, Weimaraners are good eaters. (In fact, they will eat their dinner and then try to eat the bowl.) Owners should feed a highly rated food that has a moderately high protein content. If feeding kibble, some people add water to the dry food. If the dry food is enhanced with canned food or table scraps, be careful not to add too much. Rich food can upset their digestion.
GROOMING
The biggest job in grooming the Weimaraner is keeping the nails short. This is important for the comfort and health of your dog and cannot be overemphasized. When nail length gets out of hand, it’s difficult to get it back to a proper length. (If you can hear a tap-tap-tap when they cross a hardwood floor, the nails are too long.) The short coat should be brushed to remove “dead hair.” Don’t forget to clean the ears clean the ears, since having an ear structure that impedes air-flow makes for the potential of infected ears.
EXERCISE
Weimaraners have high exercise requirements. They need consistent exercise for their physical and mental well being. They love a good run. While walking is OK, stretching their legs and getting “up a full head of steam” is far better. A tired Weimaraner is a good Weimaraner.
TRAINING
Weimaraners are smart. They learn quickly, and that includes both good and bad behaviors. Get to a training class and be consistent with your training methods. Weimaraners operate on the principle of “What’s in it for me?” Be creative in your training by making what you want what they want. Early socialization and puppy training are vital and help to ensure that the Weimaraner grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.
HEALTH
Being a very active breed, Weimaraners get more than their share of accidental cuts, scrapes, sprains, and pulls. They love to chew, and that makes for mouth and gum injury. Be careful of them ingesting things that should not go down a dog’ s throat. The most serious health issue in the breed is gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach gets overstretched and twists shut. Discuss the symptoms with your vet so you can recognize them, and seek immediate veterinary care should it ever occur.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Hip Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Thyroid Evaluation
Owning a Weimaraner is an excellent choice. Our Weimaraner puppies are of the highest quality breeding. Talk to us today about how you can own a puppy of your own.
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