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"The only real problem with the Weimaraner as a breed is that he is often more intelligent than the person who owns him. When this happens, it is not the happiest of man-dog relationships. The owner should always be in command. Any person smart enough and strong willed enough to properly select, train, and manage a Weimaraner is in for an unparalleled dog-owning experience. The owner who overrates himself or under-rates his Weimaraner is in for an ordeal."  

(from the Roger Caras Dog Book).  

 

Thank you for your interest. We have owned Weimaraners since 1986, and have been breeding for over 20 years. We strive for excellence in not only conformation and natural ability, but temperament as well.  Our babies are handled from birth, and socialized with children, cats, and adult dogs before they go to their new homes. We temperament test our “kidz” and try to match up “like” temperament homes to each of the pups.  

Weimaraner Needs:

Companionship -
  Weims require your companionship.  They go where you go, following you about during the day.  They prefer to be with you at all times.  If this type of behavior bothers you, a Weim is not for you.  They do best with a family that will almost always have someone home, especially their special person; or if you have a job that they can go with you.  They are not the kind of dog you can leave home alone unattended, on a tie out in a yard, or left alone in an apartment. while you go off to work, all day, every day.  Dogs are pack animals - you are their pack and like all breeds they are susceptible to 'separation anxiety'.  If you are interested in a hunting companion, a show prospect, or a good quality pet for your family, be prepared for a 10 to 16 year commitment, from a loving companion that wants to please its owner.  This breed loves attention, and snuggles under the blankets with you, and can become quite the bed hog. This is not a breed to leave outside.

Exercise
-  Weimaraners are not for every home.  They are a high energy breed, bred to hunt (run) all day, and be in the home with their “pack” (family) at night.  Their temperaments are a cross between a cat, a goat, and a two year old child.  They are ON everything, IN everything, and DEMAND a lot of your attention.  They require you to think up challenging games for them to do, to wear them out, both mentally and physically.  If new homes do not keep pups and adults “worn down” they can become destructive, and will chew the siding off your home, and bark off your trees, they will dig and rip up plants in your yard.  They are happiest with a person who loves to get out with them a lot, although forced exercise, such as running with an owner while still growing -before 18 months - can be very detrimental to their joints. They do not have the option of putting on an expensive pair of running shoes for additional shock absorption.  Running Info   

Crate Training
is also an essential  part of your early puppy training.  It provides a den like environment that is strictly their own, a safe haven so to speak (do not use it for punishment).  It helps house train them as they will very rarely soil their bed area; it teaches them to hold their eliminations for longer periods of time - such as overnight for a puppy.  Also should there ever be a need for kenneling at a vet hospital they will not freak out as much.  Our puppies go into the crate right out of the whelping box at  3-4 weeks of age.

Terrible Two's -
They can be a handful between the ages of 8 months and 2 years - when they enter the 'teenage years'.  You may think they have forgotten everything you have taught them, but don't despair, it is still there, and it will return ...shortly.  Most dogs are given up during this time, especially if they have not had any discipline training.  Make sure you and your dog have done your homework well!  When you get past this stage you have the beginnings of an outstanding companion!

Obedience Classes
Absolutely essential - Weims are very intelligent. I stress the intelligence  (such as mine can open all my doors; sliders, lever handles, screens).  They are also notorious counter surfers.  You need to be very knowledgeable in dog behavior to think ahead of them as they can really try your patience.  Weims are a much better companion if they have had group obedience training for proper socialization along with their owners.  Take your puppy to puppy obedience and continue on up to advanced.  It is a great time spent together.  As you move up to higher levels, be sure and keep them interested with lots of praise, treats and an upbeat tone to your voice.   I also recommend the positive method of training your Weimaraner rather than the jerk and puke method.  They respond to this 'highly motivational with lots of treats' method of training very well. Obedience classes help you to establish yourself as the 'leader' of the pack. The new discipline of Rally, is very user friendly and is a great introduction to formal obedience competition.

Agility /Tracking
- This is really fun  - for both you and your dog.  You can start limited training for these as pups.  They excel at all of them. There are many books on agility and there are usually lots of classes available.  Tracking is a natural for them and classes are much harder to come by, but there are some very good books available and the two of you can do this on your own together. 
Hunt - Field 
This requires a more professional support by either attaining the services of a professional trainer and or joining your local Weimaraner club and/or the local NAVDHA chapter training days.  This sport is extremely fulfilling for your dog of course, but you will be surprised how much you love to see your dog doing what it was bred to do. As our breeding direction is moving toward the field lines this discipline will be a required commitment for my blue pups. It does take a great deal of time, but once you begin you are hooked.  
Male or Female:   Males do not mentally mature until they are two to three years old, but are more “Velcro” of the two sexes.  Females mentally mature earlier, but are more independent than the boys.  I highly recommend you keep an open mind and take the puppy that best seems to fit you and your life style regardless of gender.   

                                                

The Blue Issue 

Our first Weim was a blue puppy that came from a 'backyard breeder'.  We discovered the 'blue controversy' when we took our sweet little blue girl out with other Weims.  We did extensive research on the issue and decided to stay with the blues and improve on the quality of each succeeding generation. 

The original blue dog was Casar von Gaiberg, born in Germany. He was imported to the U.S. and earned his Championship points along with other Weims.  He was bred extensively and almost all Weimaraner lines go back to Tell as he was called.  The blue appearance was considered to be a mutation or an introduction of another breed.  

The disqualification of the blue coat (Weimaraner Club of America only not AKC) took effect in 1972 after a verbal battle within the WCA.  Refer to this website for the most comprehensive information on the blue Weimaraner -  www.blueweimaraner.com  

The Weimaraner Club of America has previously not allowed blues to compete under any WCA events since the early 1970's  but as of 2008 a blue may compete if he/she has been spayed/neutered.  Intact blues are still barred from WCA events  although they are allowed to compete in all AKC events. The Blue Weimarner Club America is planning on beginning our own Rating Tests very similar to the WCA tests.  All blues will be able to compete.  

A DNA study has recently been completed and it has been determined than there was no 'mutation'.  We do not have any other information at this time as the 'paper' for the study is being written for publication.  After 70 years the introduction of "Tell' into almost all Weimaraner lines is a moot point.  Blues are purebred Weimaraners and are AKC register able.  

 

Links

Take the test  Should You Own a Weim Quiz     

Blue Weimaraner Club of America www.BWCoA.com 

The Blue Weimaraner  www.blueweimaraner.com

Weimaraner Club of America   www.weimclubamerica.org

American Kennel Club   www.AKC.org 

Just Weimaraners     www.justweimaraners.com  

Blue Weimaraner Today    www.BlueWeimaranerToday.com  

Steady With Style   www.steadywithstyle.com   

Save A Weimaraner Rescue www.SaveAWeimaraner.com 

Northern California Weim Rescue  Available Weims in need of their forever home.  Foster homes are also needed.  

North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association- NAVHDA

 

 

Books on Weimaraners and Insightful Reading

Weimaraners by Susan Fox

Weimaraner Ways by Virginia Alexander and Jackie Isabel 

Essential Weimaraner by Patsy Hollings

Weimaraners Today by Vicky Bainbridge

How To Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar (Sirius Puppy Training Manual)

Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson

For The Love of a Dog by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D

Dogs Never Lie About Love by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

The Other End of The Leash by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.

Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier

Smarter than You Think by Paul Loeb & Suzanne Havacek

Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin

The Dog’s Mind by Bruce Fogel

Dogspeak : How to  Understand Your Dog and Help Him Understand You by Matthew Hoffman

And specifically for rescues – Second Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet by Carol Lea Benjamin

The BARF Diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst

Switching to Raw - A Fresh Food Diet for Dogs that Makes Sense by Susan K. Johnson

Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats - The Ultimate Diet by Kymythy R. Schultze, C.C.N., A.H.I.

 

 

 

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Contact:  Liz@Fairhavens.com   707-263-3887