Thanks to world-famous photographer William Wegman, the Weimaraner has been lauded worldwide and portrayed in books, calendars, greeting cards, magazines and TV commercials. Dressed in costumes and depicted in settings ranging from the silly to the sublime, the Weimaraner is the epitome of a bright and willing participant in the colorful scenarios contrived by photographer/owner Wegman.
Such portraiture can be deceptive, though! Weimaraners are highly intelligent, very affectionate and devoted to their families, but they are also very energetic, independent-thinking animals who were bred to work and hunt all day. They need training and a variety of high-energy activities to keep them happy and content.
The ideal environment for a Weimaraner is an active family that is willing to spend a lot of time with their dog. This is a true hunting companion, with emphasis on companion, who needs the full attention of his person. Despite his hunting ancestry, a Weimaraner is a people dog who will not thrive if housed outdoors. Outdoor Weimaraners become lonely and frustrated and often suffer from separation anxiety. They will bark incessantly and develop bad habits and destructive behaviors, a situation that unfortunately often leads to abandonment and possible euthanasia. If you do not want an indoor dog, if you do not want a dog that follows you around the house, do not allow yourself to get a Weimaraner!
The Weimaraner is neither vicious nor aggresive but is protective of his house and people and will bark at the approach of strangers. His warning bark is deep and intimidating. The Weim will bark indoors as well if he is ignored or left alone too long. His need for human companionship supersedes all else. A neglected Weimaraner will be difficult to housebreak and will attempt to take the upper paw at every opportunity.
The Weimaraner requires lots of exercise, training, time and attention. If these needs are not met, he will become hyperactive and destructive. Puppy class and obedience training are essential to teach him proper rules of behavior and to control his rambunctious nature. He must learn to respect and obey all members of the family, not just one owner/trainer. Weimaraner rescue groups frequently take in dogs from owners who were unprepared for the commitment required for living with this active and demanding breed.
The modern Weimaraner retains his ancestral hunting instinct for small furry animals. While he may learn to tolerate and befriend cats and other dogs, his prey drive will kick in over rabbits, squirrels and pet birds. Such tendencies can seldom be reversed. If you can't deal with the possibility of such behavior, think twice about getting a Weimaraner.
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