Weimaraners - The Grey Ghost

By Joseph Devine

The Weimaraner, also known as the grey ghost, is a German breed of dog originating from the 1800's. The Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar, Germany wanted to develop a breed that could function as a reliable and noble gundog. To achieve this goal, breeds such as the Vizsla and Mastiff were used in the development of the grey ghost. Initially, ownership of the breed was restricted in Germany to nobility, making them highly prized and often kept with the family, rather than kenneled outside like many hunting breeds. As a result, the Weimaraner developed a strong attachment to people, making them able to fulfill roles as both gundog and house pet.

Weimaraners are a medium sized, elegant, and athletic hunting dog. Males generally weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and females weight from 55 to 70 pounds. Their tails are usually docked to about one third of their natural length. The breed's short and very smooth coat is a trademark of the Weimaraner and is responsible for the nickname. The color is grey, ranging from a lighter mouse grey to silver-grey. The breed's color is rare in dogs, as it is the result of a recessive gene. Eyes may be light amber, grey, or blue-grey.

Temperamentally, the Weimaraner is not as sociable as some other hunting breeds such as the Golden Retriever and the Labrador. However, Weimaraners are very sociable with loved ones and are known to be quite protective of their families. It is important to socialize this breed in order to minimize any potential aggression towards strangers. The grey ghost requires a lot of exercise, both physically and mentally. Additionally, this breed is not recommended for small children, as they can easily knock down children due to their rambunctious nature. Also, because Weimaraner's have a strong prey drive, they are not a good breed to have in the house if smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, are present.

Some health problems plague the breed, so potential owners should become knowledgeable about troublesome issues. Weimaraners are susceptible to bloat, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and elbow dysplasia. Additionally, this breed has a proclivity to suffer from severe separation anxiety and unacceptable aggression. By socializing your Weimaraner, training your dog from an early age, and keeping your pet fit and well-exercised, you can lessen these behavioral issues.

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Joseph Devine