Weimaraner – The history of the Grey Ghosts

Last night we all had a cuddle-in on the sofa, playing truth or dare and then Cooka wanted to know about her ancestors. Cooka is always eager to learn, she is our most curious child, which is a good thing but can also be a problem…(like when she decides to take Sherlock on romantic night walks and we get desperate phone calls at 3am, asking us to come and collect our kids???)

So Cooka, here it is – This is the story of your ancestors. Just like mommy your roots come from Germany, but just like mommy your heart is Portuguese ❤️

 

 

THE WEIMARANER

Weimaraner History and Background

Compared to other breeds’ longstanding histories, the Weimaraner is a rather young breed. The Weimaraner dates just back to the early 19th century where they were developed in Weimar, Germany. Yes Cooka, really close to mommy’s birthplace. The noblemen who bred them loved to hunt and wanted a dog with courage, intelligence, stamina, speed, and good scenting ability. The breeds they used to create the Weimaraner include the Bloodhound, the English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the blue Great Dane and the silver-gray Huehnerhund, also known as chicken dog. Weimis were originally bred as big-game hunters for bear, deer, and wolves, but they eventually hunted birds, rabbits, and foxes. Weimaraners are excellent pointers and in fact, early on the breed was known simply as the Weimar Pointer, a name derived from the court by whom the breed was sponsored.

 

The German Weimaraner Club strictly supervised the growth and development of the Weimaraner. So much so that prior to 1929, no Weimaraners were allowed to be sold to non-members. However, rules were relaxed soon thereafter and two Weimaraners were imported into to the United States by Howard Knight, an American club member. The breed would eventually receive wide recognition in the U.S. after performing well in various obedience competitions.

The American Kennel Club granted recognition to the breed in 1943. Today, the breed is seen in more competitions in America than it ever saw in Germany.

 

 

PERSONALITY

Weimaraners are friendly, happy, fearless, intelligent, curious (Curious like Cooka) and playful. They are very good with children and can be extremely attached to their family. They require a lot of attention, as they become deeply connected to their pawrents and will want to follow them everywhere. They also make great watch dogs and are very protective of their families. Weimaraners have an incredible level of energy, and they need to run everyday. They enjoy almost all activities, including, running, hiking, swimming, agility training and retrieving. It is said that no one has reported something a Weimaraner couldn’t do.

On the flip side however, these dogs cannot be ignored. If ignored, they can bark excessively, soil the house; yes Cooka!), or just destroy a house in minutes! They have been known to chew through anything, chase cats, and steal food off the kitchen counter. Weimis need to be well socialized to counter these tendencies. 

Owning a Weimaraner is a full-time job, but one that pays off in dividends if they are well treated and well trained.

Their nickname is “The Grey Ghost” and they make excellent police dogs, service dogs for disabled people and even are known to be amazing search and rescue dogs.

May I add one personal note: Once you get one Weimi, you cannot stop in getting more and more. Maybe there is something called Weimi addiction?