Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs Weimaraners?

Any thoughts on these dogs?

I have a very close friend with contacts to a VERY reputable breeder with 8 pups (2 already sold); 3 blues and 5 greys. Personally, I like the look of the blues best.

Anyway, I'd be looking primarily for a companion dog for me (and my daughter when I have her), and one that is also capable of being a good hunter; upland (grouse) mostly but with maybe some waterfowl occasionally as well.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Weim's can be great dogs, but there are definitely "hunting weimeraners" and "show dogs". Good friends of mine have one, and though very beautiful, the dog is a bit neurotic and gun shy, so I am probably a little biased to the negative.

If pet quality is a prime consideration, also consider the small or large Muensterlanders, or perhaps a setter. HTH, Dutch.

VA,

A reputable breeder should be able to PROVE that his dogs can grow to be the dog you want - that's the whole point of breeding.

I overheard a proven breeder (four dual national champs and member of the GSP Hall of Fame) ask a potential customer, "Do you want a dog for sitting on the front seat and taking out for a hamburger or do you want a hunting dog? I can breed you either one."

The man wasn't BS'ing.

Naturally, that type of breeder talent is gonna cost some money.

Fellas, this breeder can PROVE that the dogs can be either or both; seen the evidence first-hand (excellent field and trial dogs and wonderful house/family dogs). I know that the potential is there; I guess my problem is I want both the front seat, hamburger-snarfing, kid-playing dog AND the hunt'm up, bring-'em back, find'em when I can't dog.

To be honest, I knew a Weim when I was a kid (two actually) and they were GREAT family dogs, but never got hunted. As for hunting dogs, I've been around labs and retrievers (sorry, just don't want 'em), and spaniels - which are my other choice, esp. a Boykin.

But, a blue Weim seems to have my attention right now and I'm strongly considering one. I'll be getting a dog either this late summer/fall (probably) or next spring (I'm not housebreaking a puppy during the winter).

So, thoughts on the breed?

VA,

Let�s see how much trouble I can get myself into by speaking in broad generalities...

Labs and Goldens are first and foremost, retrievers. They can also have good hunting instincts of course, but that isn�t their prime directive. Weimaraners and GSP�s (a close cousin) are first and foremost, hunters.

As such, they will be more inclined to run past the ball in your yard to kill the squirrel in your neighbor�s. This inclination presents both a benefit and a detriment depending on your point of view, and if you�re holding shotgun or a garden hose at the time.

Weimaraners can be great dogs, and combined with the faith you have in the breeder, it sounds like good fit to me. Weimaraners are pointing dogs so developing the dog�s hunting potential will take more involvement on your part than with a straight flushing dog.

Good field dogs are all bred to be biddable � to train easily and interact well with you and your family. They desire human contact and will not do well as an outside or kennel dog. If you plan on keeping the dog outside you�ll do better with a more independent breed.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The squirrel's I can take care of. The neighbor's cat on the other hand... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

JOG, thanks for the reply; very informative for overly broad terms. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I have ! and a half year old female Weim, she was a handful the first couple of months. I've not taken her hunting, as she is my wife's pet, but she's always looking in the bushes and tall ornamental grass in the backyard. She's pointed several times, and I never really tried to bring it out in her. They are very loyal dogs and atleast mine is very klingy to one person. I'm looking for a GSP right now, but have thought several times of getting another Weim.

I have had my female longhair for a year now. Wonderful pet, the wife loves her too....and she has been training on live pigeons all spring. Does not come from "hunting" lines that I know of...breeders were very reputable people....BUT....she has proven to be a good pointer, retrieves to hand without damaging the birds and has an enormous amount of energy. Just a little skittish personality....but doing great with gunfire.
I say go fot it....but be ready to spend the time with quality training and a lot of love.

I believe finding the right breeder for a hunting weim is the biggest challenge. Since you're past that, go for it. Just be aware that weims tend to mature a bit slower and will benefit most from a slower training pace. I am very happy with my weim, she's very adaptable to different species of birds. I think any breed can be a competent family and gun dog if consistent and reoccuring obiedience training is part of their continuing education.

Wonderful disposition, love people.
Had one when I was a boy, a gift from the mailman, so I named him Zipcode, "Zip" for short.

My Unkle, had 2 of em back in the 70's. Big blood red ones, both good hunting dogs and family dogs. He never had any problems with them.

Phil

I may be mistaken, but I think you're talking about a Vizla, not a Weimaraner.

Most weimaraners, are 45-60 lbs, but can and do go over 100 with large males. They are not color specific. Silver-Blue, Silver Grey, Browns and Reds. My Uncles were both large males. Brothers from the same liter. If I remember right he got them from a breeder/hunting partner some where in Utah, but that was 35 some odd years ago. They can be very aggresive. As you say, depends on what you want and training.

Phil

http://www.weimaraner-dogs.com/

LOL! Aren't most uncles large males? And usually they are from the same litter... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


SS

Yea, my english never was much good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Phil

VA, you should go for it. From what I have seen, Weimerieners THRIVE with human contact and affection. I don't buy the "hunting" dog has to be kept outside garbage. My GSP was my best friend, then my wife's best friend, then my kids' best friend, and he was a real good phesant dog. We are thinking about another dog (he died 3 years ago) and the Weim is the only pointing dog I am considering. Think we may go with a Lab though, I don't think I can give the time to train a pointer properly.

And it takes less time to PROPERLY train a Retriever?!?!?!

Just an update -

I decided against getting a puppy right now. My living situation is not one that I'm permitted to have pets (apartment), nor one that I'd put a dog into in the first place. When I get a dog, I'm gonna have the room to let the dog play (i.e. a good sized yard and decent sized living space).

Also, I may not be staying where I am for more than another year or so, so the living situation again (wherever that may be) would dictate whether I thought it was good for a dog.

Thanks for the advice, and I have pretty much determined that when I do get a dog, it will either be a blue weimaraner or a Boykin spaniel.

I may be a little prejudiced here,but I much prefer the GSP.I've personally raised three,and they've been ridiculously easy to train.Here in the North East,I can't remember seeing a Weimaraner in the field.In this area at least they have a reputation for being a little knuckleheaded.
In theory they should be good hunters.If you look at GSP,

Black and tan coonhounds are usually very good family dogs and very good hunting dogs.Im not sure you want this kind of hunting dog,but I thought Id post it anyway.Ive had several B&T's and each has been very laid back.......unless your hunting at that moment.........then thell be barking their heads off.And of course if you dont excersice them,they wont stay laid back.But if they get excersice,they practically sleep the rest of the day if there alone.There is a breeder not too far from me,and probably not to far from you either.Im probably going to get a pup from him within the next 6 months. http://www.rockyroadkennels.net/