IS A WEIMARANER THE DOG FOR ME?
Please ask yourself the following questions
in order to determine if you should bring a Weimaraner into your life:
1. Do I have time for a dog?
A Weimaraner is intelligent and active, and wants the companionship
of his owner. If left alone a great amount of time they will become
bored, may bark, will get into mischief and become destructive. If
you work long hours, or If you do not have time to exercise or care
for a dog properly, do not get a dog.
2. Will the size, personality and high
energy of a Weimaraner fit into my family lifestyle?
A Weimaraner is a large dog with an "in your face" personality. They
require a great deal of exercise. As a pack animal, they want to share
your life and be a part of the family. They are not "kennel dogs"
and do not do well confined in crates, pens or chained outside for
extended periods of time. They can be demanding of attention and when
attention is lacking they will become miscevious.
3. Can I afford a dog?
A Weimaraner will need a quality dog food, training, vet care, a dog
crate, collar, leash, boarding at a kennel if you are away, etc.
4. Am I and my family willing to take
care of a dog?
A Weimaraner will need obedience training (as will the owners), plenty
of daily exercise, yard cleanup, grooming, feeding, vet care and most
important - love and attention throughout his life. Does everyone
in the family want a Weimaraner?
5. Am I willing to cope with muddy footprints,
exhuberant excitement, sharing my favorite couch, letting a large
dog in and out, holes dug in the yard, etc.?
While many Weimaraners mellow with age, training and the proper attention,
young Weimaraners can be a challenge on your patience and possessions.
If you are thinking that you might not be able to handle the "puppy
stage" (this can be as long as 2-3 years) but do want a Weimaraner,
please consider adopting an adult rescue Weimaraner who may better
suit your lifestyle and who may be more mellow in temperament.
6. What is my situation with small children?
Small children can be knocked over by an exuberant Weimaraner. A young
dog will require as much attention, affection, guidance, patience
and humor as a child. Children should be taught to be respectful and
caring toward the dog.
7. Do I have enough room for a large dog?
If you live in an apartment or condo with very little yard space,
do not get a Weimaraner. They are Sporting Dogs and were bred to hunt
requiring space to run every day. A walk on a leash in the park once
a day may not be enough to spend a young dog's energy. Being a Sporting
Dog, they require a large fenced yard to keep from roaming. A Weimaraner
will not be happy in an apartment or a home with no yard and could
become destructive.
8. Will my energy and dedication last
as long as my pet lives?
You should be willing and able to give a Weimaraner constant and reliable
care for the approximate lifespan of 12 years.
9. Weimaraner pups are adorable...but
DO NOT buy one because you like the blue eyes.
At approximately three months of age, the pups eyes will change from
blue to amber. Also, do not purchase a Weimaraner because you like
the sleek grey coat or because of how nice they look on Sesame Street,
TV commercials, books, calendars and advertisements. Puppies do grow
up quickly and are not the stoic dogs that you see in books and posters.
Please remember, the Weimaraner was bred for certain characteristics
different from other breeds of dogs.
Do your homework! Read all that you can about
the breed. Visit Weimaraner owners, meet their dogs and ask questions.
Take the time to attend a dog show or field event. Deal only with
reputable breeders who will guarantee the health of their dogs and
who will be available to assist and support you as your pup grows.
Do not buy a pup from a Website unless you have thoroughly checked
the breeder and the background of the pups. Do not buy from a pet
store.
Once you have acquired a Weimaraner, you
have added a whole new set of responsibilities to your life. You have
also gained a new friend who will give you years of unselfish love,
companionship and special memories.
For more information, please go the the Weimaraner
Club of America Website
