Weimaraner
The grey ghost, bred by German nobility to hunt big game and kept a closed secret for years. Puppies are born with blue eyes that turn amber as they grow.
Overview
The Weimaraner was developed at the court of Weimar in Germany to hunt large game, boar, bear and deer, and was redirected to birds when the big game was gone. It was closely guarded by a German club that restricted ownership for decades.
The grey coat and pale amber or blue grey eyes are the breed's signature, and the nickname the grey ghost comes from both.
Temperament
Intense, affectionate and demanding. Weimaraners are devoted to their families to the point of being physically attached, and they are among the most prone to separation anxiety of any breed.
They are high drive, clever and stubborn, and they need real work. They can be reserved with strangers and dog reactive. A Weimaraner without exercise and company is destructive in an impressive and expensive way.
Care and grooming
A short sleek coat, a weekly rub down, moderate shedding. Very easy.
Bloat is a serious risk in this deep chested breed and prophylactic gastropexy is worth discussing with a vet. Hip dysplasia and hypertrophic osteodystrophy occur, and the breed has a documented sensitivity to some vaccine protocols. Ten to thirteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day minimum of hard exercise plus mental work.
They feel the cold with that thin coat. The combination of high drive and severe separation anxiety is what makes this breed difficult, and it is worth being honest about before buying rather than after.
Something here wrong or out of date?