Weimaraner

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

A standard meal for a Weim is between 2.5 to 3.5 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. Since this breed is susceptible to bloating, spacing out their meals into at least 2 seperate feeding times a day will help prevent this. Their food should not be placed on raised surfaces as this will make it easier for Weims to gobble up their food too quickly. Using a slow feeder or portioning it's daily intake of food through training can also help slow down their food intake.

With high energy levels, this breed should be fed foods with high protein. Be sure not to feed them too much dry or canned foods, as this may cause stomach aches. Weimaraners may also appear to look skinny; however, this is perfectly normal. If they resemble the body shape of a show-bred Labrador, it means they may be overweight. Adolescent Weims, particularly males, goes through a 'skinny' phase, but they will emerge from it.

Weimaraners are moderate shedders, usually about twice a year, despite having a short coat. They are not hypoallergenic dogs, so they are not advisable for those with allergies. It is advised that you regularly brush their coats to keep any loose 'dead' hair from getting on spreading in your home.

However, because their hair is extremely short, it is not noticeable when they shed, though Weims shed, their coat colour typically darkens. The colour will usually fade and return to normal after about a month.

Because of their short hair, Weimaraners are among the lowest maintenance breeds in terms of their grooming regimens. Brushing with a rubber brushing glove once a week is enough to remove any dead hair. However, the longer-haired Weims will have a slightly more demanding grooming routine.

As hunting dogs, optimal foot condition is essential for Weims. It is best to keep their toenails well-trimmed. You should also bathe them in mild soap as needed. A chamois rub-over will help keep their coats gleaming. Weim's floppy ears should also be routinely checked for infections.

Weimaraners have high energy levels; therefore, they do best in households who are able to provide enough time and energy to help them burn off their energy and keep them both physically and mentally fit.

They are well known for their great stamina levels and physical endurance. They need a great deal of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. An active owner who can take them on regular long walks and jogs would be suitable for this breed. They also need to have plenty of space to run around, such as a large backyard or park.

If being exercised in the yard, ensure that it is safely fenced, as Weims have a knack for learning how to open doors and gates. Adequate exercise will help curb recreational barking, chewing and digging, as well as other destructive behaviours. Weims appreciate playing games and canine sports, including agility and flyball. They also enjoy swimming and retrieving. Overall, the Weimaraner has rather demanding exercise requirements.

Weimaraners, being the active breed they are, tend to get their fair share of accidental cuts, scrapes, sprains, and pulls. They love to chew on stuff, which can cause some injuries in their mouths. Be aware of them ingesting things that they shouldn't be.

Gastric torsion may be one of the most severe health issues prevalent in this breed. This is a condition where the stomach gets overstretched and twists shut, and can be life-threatening. Discuss possible symptoms with your vet so you can recognize them early if it happens, and seek immediate veterinary care should it ever occur. Prevention is always better than cure.

Weimaraners are a people-oriented breed. They love family life. Due to their friendly and loving nature, they are excellent with children. But as dogs bursting with energy, they are more suited to families with older children who are familiar with dogs, as Weims can be too rambunctious for smaller children and toddlers. They are also perfect for dog-sport enthusiasts or owners who have an active lifestyle that can keep up with Weim's high-energy nature.

This breed is not recommended for inexperienced homes or first-time dog owners because they tend to assert their dominance. Weims are also very vigilant, making them excellent guard dogs. Because of their hunting backgrounds, they can be fearless and alert. Weims can be reserved and aloof with those unfamiliar to them.

A Weim who isn't socialised at a young age can be suspicious of others and develop unacceptably aggressive behaviours. Early socialisation and training is necessary to help develop a well balanced and mannered Weim.

As high-energy dogs, Weims require appropriate outlets for their energy as well as firm, consistent training for them to learn how to be calm and well-behaved. They require a confident and firm handler to provide leadership because they tend to be dominant. Without a firm owner, Weimaraners can often become stubborn and wilful.

Weims are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly. They are also quick-witted and eager to please. Thus, training should begin early in their lives, focusing on house training and discouraging bad habits such as chewing, house-soiling, and escaping from enclosed areas. Weimaraners also like barking, so they should be trained before their barking becomes too much to handle. Teaching Weims to sit from early puppyhood will help them from jumping, which will be dangerous around young children due to their large size.

This breed is very food-motivated, so treats would be of help and tug-motivated, making them ideal for dog sport-enthusiast homes. With proper training, your Weimaraner can become a happy, behaved and balanced dog.

To ensure that your Weimaraner gets along with your other pets, early socialisation is necessary. And if properly trained, they will be able to mix with other pets living in the household.

Weims may be perceived as 'off' by other dogs, sometimes coming off as reactive towards other males. Similarly, female Weims may not like other dogs as well. Generally, Weims have low tolerance for smaller, furry animals such as possums, rabbits and guinea pigs.

As an energetic hunting dog, they have a strong, instinctive prey-drive that may lead to them chasing and sometimes killing any small animals in sight. Families with smaller animals are not recommended to get a Weimaraner. Early socialisation can help to remedy aggression towards other pets.