Creature feature | PETS
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it was initially recognised and is considered
the oldest German pointing dog, bred without
crosses for the past 100 years.
This “grey ghost”, as it is called, has an
uncanny knack for tracking and was bred by
the Germans to work at a steady and tireless
pace. This thorough hunter is a keen swimmer
that loves the water and also has a nose for
the search. With a diverse range of natural
abilities, the Weimaraner was developed to
find and point, track and retrieve game.
They were so sought-after and well
respected that the dogs were often kept
as companions by the early German
hunters, instead of being kennelled. This
could be a reason for their need for human
companionship today.
Having owned Weimaraners since 1975,
Debra Howell of the Weimaraner Club of
NSW adores the breed and has experienced
firsthand their amazing sense of tracking and
devotion to their owners.
“Years ago, I lived with my Weis in
Guildford, NSW, and my parents lived close by.
One night I went out without my dog and he
proceeded to get out of the house and track
me across two main highways to my parents’
place. Luckily, he was quite safe, but it taught
me what a phenomenal sense of smell they
have for tracking,” Debra says.
Highlighting the need for training, their
undying devotion is highly commendable but
also means they need to be in a secure home
and backyard environment. One attribute
commonly given to the Weimaraner is its
intelligence and thorough nature. If they are
bored and want to break out of the family
home, they will stick at their chosen task for
as long as it takes.TRAINING REQUIRED
Debra says the breed certainly requires
attention and training. “Ideally, as young
pups, it is good to get them into a routine and
be firm and consistent with the rules of the
house. It is much harder to train a 30kg-plus,
out-of-control and ‘too smart for their own
good’ dog. They can open doors, get through
the smallest hole in the fence and be totallydeaf if they are on the track of something
exciting,” Debra reveals.
She adds it is a good idea to introduce
your Weimaraner to anyone new who arrives
at your home. “This way, the dog knows
you are happy with the newcomer and you
have accepted that person or dog into their
territory. They can bite if not introduced to
newcomers to the house,” Debra warns.
Very capable in all fields of dog sports,
Weimaraners excel at retrieving, tracking,
agility and obedience. However, they are
happiest when they are doing simple tasks
with their owners, like following their masters
around or going on a daily walk and rolling in
something they’ve tracked.
“They are definitely not the dog for
everyone,” Debra says. “They will give their all
to you, but will expect something from you in
return — be that a cuddle on the bed or just
sitting next to you on the lounge.”
When you are looking at welcoming a
Weimaraner into your home, be prepared to
have a mate for life. Some Weimaraner clubs
have a breed information officer who can
provide prospective Weimaraner owners with
a list of available puppies, as well as older
dogs from the rescue service.Grooming:
Exercise:
Size: Large
Lifespan: 10–12 yearsAt a Glance
For more information on the Weimaraner
or to contact a local breed club, visit
your state canine council website via
ankc.org.au New Zealand readers can
visit nzkc.org.nz for information.PLF071_pg080-081_Weimaraner.indd 81PLF071_pg080-081_Weimaraner.indd 81 8/22/2017 10:33:13 AM8/22/2017 10:33:13 AM