Long haired Weimaraner is a breed with a rich history. These beautiful hunting dogs require special care from their owners. Their lustrous shiny coats can make any owner proud.
Due to their calm temperament, Weimaraner dogs are very appealing to families. Due to their silvery gray coats with a tinge of amber, they go by the names Silver or Gray ghost.
Weimaraners usually have blue gray or gray eyes. Special attention should be paid to the appearance of these dogs. They have an aristocratic, almost regal, look to them while they are very tender and loving.
Origin of the Long-Haired Weimaraner
Although the exact history of the Weimaraner is unknown, many people speculate that the first ancestor of this popular dog appeared in a famous picture of King Charles V in 1533.
The first mention of the Weimaraner breed appeared in the German Shorthaired Club book in the early 19th century. For this reason, the Weimaraner has often been considered a more recent breed than others.
Through the selective breeding of various hunting dogs, a German Duke, Karl August of the Court of Weimar, developed the Weimar Pointer to hunt big game like wolves, bears, and deer.
However, those animals began to disappear over time from German forests, leading hunters to seek more adaptable dogs.
They began to breed their Weimar Pointers to have smaller mouths and faster reflexes so they could hunt minor game like birds and rabbits. They also preferred dogs that could retrieve small animals in water and land.
The first long-haired Weimaraners appeared in the early 1900s, and experts completed breeding documentation by 1924.
By the mid-20th century, Weimaraners were popular in the United States and Great Britain—among them, the famous long-haired Weimaraners.
What Is the Size and Appearance of a Long-Haired Weimaraner?
Long-haired Weimaraners are generally large, lean, and athletic. They are friendly dogs and are usually quite obedient.
They are also hunting dogs, have long shoulders set far on their backs, and are heavily muscled.
The average male Weimaraner weighs 70-90 pounds and is 25-27 inches tall. The average female weighs 55-75 pounds and is 23-25 inches tall.
Weimaraners are relatively large compared to other dogs, and the long-haired variety has smooth, silky hair, much like a human’s. The fur on a long-haired Weimaraner is typically 2-5 cm long and can be curly or straight, depending on the dog.
They typically shed and require frequent grooming to maintain their sleek appearance, but they are less likely to drool than other dogs.
Weimaraners were bred to have grey coats, but the color can range from brown-grey to silver-grey or blue-grey.
They also have grey or amber-colored eyes, very long snouts, and triangulated ears that are often long and floppy.
Facts About Long-Haired Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a fascinating dog. Despite its recent addition to popular canine breeds, it has become famous for its many unique features.
The following is a list of some of the most interesting facts about the long-haired Weimaraner:
- They often have amber or grey-colored eyes that are pretty striking.
- Weimaraners are extremely friendly and obedient since they were bred to be hunting dogs.
- Weimaraners can be silvery grey, grey, or blue-grey; their coats are incredibly soft and silky.
- Weimaraners require regular exercise and stimulation.
- Weimaraners engage in a practice called “nooking,” in which they knead and suck on their beds or soft toys.
- Weimaraners get bored quickly, so keep yours engaged!
- Weimaraners can have poor impulse control and are liable to chase animals.
- Weimaraners often feel separation anxiety, so they require separation training.
- They do not need baths unless they are dirty.
- They are likely to shed more during the start of summer and winter.
Who Should Get A Long-Haired Weimaraner Puppy?
If you purchased a long haired Weimaraner puppy, you have a lot to learn. A weimaraner is not the best breed to begin with if you have never owned a dog before. These dogs require a lot of special care, mental stimulation, and exercise.
If you don’t give enough attention to the Weimaraners, they can become nervous, which can lead to various health problems.
These hunting dogs have a lot of energy, and you should give them a chance to let it out.
Meanwhile, these animals require special grooming, which is not always an easy deal.
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How to Groom A Long Haired Weimaraner
When you buy a long haired Weimaraner puppy, make sure to purchase a wide-toothed comb. It will become yours and your dog’s best friend.
You need to brush the dog’s hair at least once a month to remove all the dirt and dead hair. Weims are extremely active dogs, so if they like rolling in dirt, you need to be ready for more frequent brushing.
Besides combing the dog’s body, you need to brush the neck and the tail. Be very careful when doing the brushing not to touch the skin. Weimaraners have sensitive skin that can be damaged by combs.
The same goes for the areas around its eyes and nose. When it comes to bathing, long-haired Weimaraners don’t need regular baths.
Frequent washing might be damaging to their health. Don’t wash your dog unless it smells bad or appears very dirty.
Use special dog shampoo to keep your pet clean. Make sure to keep the water out of the pet’s ears by inserting cotton balls.
1. Get ready for long walks
If you want your long-haired Weimaraner to stay healthy, you need to let it use up its energy. These hunting dogs have plenty of it!
So you need to be ready for long daily walks. If you don’t have time for such walks, don’t buy a Weimaraner.
2. Sell the cat
Weims are hunters at heart and they don’t tolerate little animals, such as hamsters, cats, and even small dogs. If you have any of those, think twice before buying a Weimaraner. You might get a serious problem on your hands.
3. Care for the teeth
Make sure your dog’s teeth are well cared for. You need to buy special toothbrushing accessories and clean your pet’s teeth twice a week. Regular teeth care can help you avoid various diseases and increase the dog’s lifespan.
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4. Trim the nails
Carefully watch your dog’s nails. As soon as you hear them clattering on the floor, the time has come to cut them. Make sure to use special nail cutting accessories to do the job. Long nails can break and split. This can cause painful moments for your dog.
5. Cut the excess hair on feet
Check your dog’s hair once a month. Pay close attention to the hair on its feet. It needs to be cut as short as possible in order to avoid knotting and tangling. This will keep the dog from carrying dirt on its feet.
6. Don’t leave
Longhaired Weimaraners may suffer from separation anxiety. Don’t ever leave the dog for long periods of time or it can suffer from psychological. When left alone for a long time, these dogs can even injure themselves.
7. Make space
Weimaraners need to be close to their owners. Even though they love running around, they prefer to come back indoors. Make sure you have enough space for your new pet. Consider buying a sizable dog bed to accommodate it inside your house.
8. Socialize
Long haired Weimaraners can be very aggressive when it comes to strangers. In order to avoid problems, you need to teach your pets that not all people are dangerous. Make sure to help the dog meet as many people as possible when it’s still a puppy.
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9. Keep them inside
Since Weims are huge bundles of energy, they often look for ways to escape the house and/or backyard. Make sure that there is no way the dog can leave your yard. If it runs away, it might not find its way back home.
10. Learn to be patient
Training these dogs is not easy. When they are puppies, Weims can become real destroyers, chewing everything on their way. You need to start training immediately and learn to be patient about their active lifestyle.
11. Say “No”
You have to be very consistent with your training. Weims are just like children and they need to understand what “no” is. If you decide to be soft with your long-haired Weimaraner puppy, you might regret it in the future.
12. Weim-proof your house
Weims are very intelligent and they do all types of things, such as getting ice from the ice dispenser, turning on the light, starting the microwave and flipping on the faucets.
Make sure to weim-proof your house as much as possible by keeping doors closed and restricting access to bathrooms.
13. Check the waist
Weimaraners are prone to excess weight. If you worry that your pet is eating too much and getting bigger, do a waist check.
When you look down on the dog, you must be able to see a waist. If you don’t, ask your veterinarian about the compulsory changes in your pet’s diet.
14. Talk to your kids
Weims make wonderful companions for kids, but they can be a hassle when it comes to small children. They might even pursue young children the same way they would smaller animals.
Make sure to talk to your children and teach them how to behave around a dog.
15. Have fun
Long haired Weimaraners are amazing companions. They might be the only creatures in the world that can help you get your butt off a sofa and do some cardio. They are nice, friendly, and loving. Have fun with them!
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What Are the Health Issues of the Long-haired Weimaraner?
Weimaraners with long hair may face various health problems, both common to dogs in general and specific to their breed.
They are susceptible to several conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, distichiasis, and mast cell cancer prevalent among them.
Dysplasia
Dysplasia refers to a condition when there is abnormal cells growth in an organ or tissue, and while it may not carcinogenic, it often leads to cancer. It can range from mild to moderate, severe, or even cancerous. Additionally, dysplasia may cause arthritis, which can be extremely uncomfortable for dogs.
Dysplasia is more frequently observed in older dogs, so keeping an eye on your long-haired Weimaraner as they age is essential. Although there is no known cure for dysplasia, there are ways for pet owners to manage its symptoms. Some of these include:
- Poor mood
- Limping or hopping
- Loss of muscle
- Stress, restlessness
- Exercise intolerance
- Whining
- Licking the joints
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a medical condition where eyelashes grow on the inner side of the eyelid. Thankfully, this condition is easily treatable.
Symptoms often include:
- Inflammation of the eye
- Discharge
- Tears
- Pawing or scratching at the eye
- Squinting
- Excessive blinking
Gastric Torsion
Long-haired Weimaraner breeds are particularly susceptible to gastric torsion, a prevalent dog illness. This condition arises when the stomach or intestines become bloated with gas, restricting blood flow to organs.
Gastric torsion is a medical emergency, and it can lead to fatal consequences if not treated immediately, If any of the following symptoms occur, you should go to a vet also, be vigilant always:
- Swollen, hard stomach
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Distress, restlessness, whining
Mast Cell Cancer
Mast cells are responsible for triggering inflammation and allergic reactions in the body. Unfortunately, mast cell cancer is a common occurrence in dogs, particularly in the case of Weimaraners.
Mast cell tumors are often visible as lumps on the dog’s skin but may not always be easily identifiable. The type of treatment required for the condition depends on its severity. Symptoms of mast cell cancer may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Heavy breathing
- Vomiting
- Dark stool
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition among dogs and humans alike. This disorder arises when the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormones, resulting in a sluggish digestive system.
Fortunately, hypothyroidism is not a medical emergency and is easily manageable. Some symptoms of the condition may include:
- Lethargy or exhaustion
- Resistance to exercise
- Resistance to cold
- Low mood
- Weight gain
- Increased shedding
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to learn more about this gorgeous breed, consider reading the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Long-haired Weimaraners typically cost between $1500 and $2000. They are more expensive than the short-haired variety because they are rarer.
You may find a long-haired Weimaraner at a dedicated breeder near you. Occasionally, they might end up in shelters but are typically considered valuable.
Most long-haired Weimaraners need more than two hours of exercise per day. While other puppies may only require a few minutes of exercise, Weimaraners hunt dogs and demand more.
Yes! Long-haired Weimaraner dogs bark, mainly when left alone. They will likely bark for a long time without stopping if they are distressed.
Yes. Dobermans are typically slightly taller than Weimaraners at 26-29 inches tall.
Long-haired Weimaraners are high maintenance because they require a lot of exercise and attention. They are often easily bored.
If you haven’t changed your mind about getting a long-haired Weimaraner after reading these tips, you’re in for a wonderful adventure. If you ask any Weimaraner owner if they made the right decision, they will all say yes!