{"id":6580,"date":"2022-02-12T10:42:25","date_gmt":"2022-02-12T15:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/?p=6580"},"modified":"2022-02-12T10:42:27","modified_gmt":"2022-02-12T15:42:27","slug":"are-weimaraners-good-family-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/are-weimaraners-good-family-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Weimaraners Good Family Dogs? Surprising Truth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Weimaraner (nicknamed the grey ghost) originated in Germany, specifically from the court of Weimar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was first known as the Weimar Pointer and was employed as a hunting dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They went against prey like wolves, bears, and deer, a testament to its strength and speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, they hunt less and are found more in households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like other active dogs turned companions, there might be some concern in the minds of potential pet parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Weimaraners good family dogs? Are they fit for everyone? What are Weimaraners’ pros and cons?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who would want to own a Weimaraner, this article would get into details about the facts, characteristics, temperament, health, and other information you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, you should be able to decide if this breed is a good fit for your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weimaraner Dog Breed Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Height<\/strong><\/td>23 to 27 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>55 to 85 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>11 to 13 years<\/td><\/tr>
Coat<\/strong><\/td>Short, Sleek, Smooth<\/td><\/tr>
Colors<\/strong><\/td>Silver, Mouse gray, Silver-gray<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Smart, Active, Friendly, Alert\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Ideal For<\/strong><\/td>Active and experienced owners<\/td><\/tr>
Hypoallergenic<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Breed Recognition<\/strong><\/td>American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Federation Cynologique International, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Australian National Kennel Council, Continental Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club<\/td><\/tr>
Puppy Price<\/strong><\/td>$1,500 to $2,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Weimaraner Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/strong><\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming<\/strong><\/td>Low<\/td><\/tr>
Friendliness<\/strong><\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Energy<\/strong><\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Trainability<\/strong><\/td>Medium<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Typical Weimaraner Temperament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner is often seen as fully trained from puppyhood because of its good behaviors in older times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, training is the only way one can make a dog well-behaved.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The typical member breed presents a paradox of personalities. On one hand, it is obedient, friendly, and always on alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, it is highly energetic and can be stubborn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the hands of a timid and inexperienced owner, this breed may turn out to be dominant and even aggressive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner should never be left without exercise for long or you would pay the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive barking<\/a>, ripping cushions, chewing objects, frantically trying to escape… those are ways the Weimaraner reacts to boredom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner also tends to be suspicious of strangers and might even resort to biting if not socialized enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper socialization is vital to manage this wariness, and it must begin from a young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With family, its behavior is the opposite. Though it is a hunting dog, this breed doesn’t appreciate being alone or staying confined outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It loves being around family members, and would often lie close to you quietly, as long as it is exercised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It isn’t suitable for apartment living, though, because of its energy and barking tendencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Weimaraners Good Family Dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman
Photo by SolStock \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although the Weimaraner is a hunting dog at heart, it has many qualities that can make it integrate safely into homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far from being a wild dog (though it did spend a lot of time in the wild), the Weimaraner can be trained to be a good family dog and provide the joys and challenges of handling a pet dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the list of AKC<\/a>‘s popular dog breeds for the year 2020, the Weimaraner falls in 39th position, surpassing Akitas and even Dalmatians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That shows how increasingly people opt for this breed as a household companion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, this breed is not suitable for every family. Unlike natural companion dogs like the French Bulldog, the Weimaraner has a lot of requirements that disqualify many potential pet parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ideal family should be an active family with more outdoor activities on their schedule not limited to watching movies or playing monopoly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Weimaraner
Photo by bit245 \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, Weimaraners can also cope with kids but is better kept around older children as it is highly energetic and may accidentally knock down a toddler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Weimaraners Good with Other Dogs and Pets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner tends to be dominant with other dogs and might get aggressive with canines it doesn’t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is more advisable to have one in a single dog home where it is the sole pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do decide to have many dogs, introduce the Weimaraner to dogs slowly and at a young age. This would enable it to recognize those dogs as family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may not be peaceful with outside dogs, though. Keep that in mind when you go visiting a dog park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small dogs and other pets should not be kept anywhere around the Weimaraner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This breed has a strong hunting instinct<\/a>, and even socialization may not reduce it. It will regard any small pet as prey, even toy dog breeds, and cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Weimaraners Friendly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner can be friendly, but it reserves that only for family. With those, it loves it is fun, playful, and even a bit mischievous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can run around with kids in the yard or go on a jog with you. There’s no limit to how friendly the Weimaraner can be when its family is involved.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is not like the Siberian Husky that loves everyone around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At best, this breed remains aloof towards unfamiliar faces. At worst, it would turn aggressive and may become a biter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not encourage visitors to touch your dog, even if it is well socialized. It takes time for it to warm up to visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the plus side, this wariness makes the Weimaraner a good candidate for guard duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its alertness and high barking tendency make it a good watchdog, and the suspicion towards strangers means it won’t hesitate to defend its family when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Weimaraners Easy to Train?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner is a trainable breed, but it should be noted that it is not an easy breed to train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-time dog owners are not advised to own this breed as they risk getting overwhelmed and may turn out with a rebellious breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unfortunate circumstance often ends up with the dog at the shelter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weimaraner is stubborn and highly energetic, making it even less of a good choice for new pet parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before getting one, you should be experienced and firm with handling breeds like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This breed will be obedient if it sees you as a leader, but would sometimes try to challenge you. That is where firmness and patience come in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are tips to ensure training gets successful:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  • Start at a young age:<\/strong> The Weimaraner should be trained from when it is a puppy to reduce the dominant and stubborn tendencies. If you adopted a grown dog with some possible behavioral issues, hire the services of a professional trainer.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    • Have the basics in place:<\/strong> Obedience training for this breed must not be overlooked. Teach it simple commands like Sit, Heel, and Come. Repetition and consistency help a lot.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      • Socialize your pet:<\/strong> All dogs need socialization, but this breed requires it even more because of its wariness towards strangers. Take it to meet new places, people and animals. You might also enroll in a puppy class if it doesn’t show strong anxiety.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        • Set your place as a leader:<\/strong> The Weimaraner, like other stubborn breeds, needs to know you are in charge of it would try to take over. Such a situation would lead to more rebellion and even aggressiveness. One way to go about this is feeding it after you and your family members have eaten.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          • Use positive reinforcements:<\/strong> Like other breeds, the Weimaraner responds better to positive reinforcements rather than harsh treatments. The latter would only make this breed get more aggressive.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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