The Weimaraner is a large dog that was originally bred for hunting in the early 19th century. Early Weimaraners were used by royalty for hunting large game such as boar, bear and deer. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals like fowl, rabbits and foxes.
The Weimaraner is an all-purpose gun dog. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Karl August, whose court, located in the city of Weimar (now in the state of Thuringia in modern-day Germany), enjoyed hunting.
Weimaraners are active dogs, requiring a high level of physical activity given their hunting history. Although they are hunting dogs, they do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them occupied to prevent destructive behaviour such as chewing and digging. They need to be kept in a large fenced-in backyard to prevent them from roaming.
History
The Weimaraner appeared in the early 19th century. These dogs belonged to the Nobles of Weimar, who bred the “Weimar pointers” to hunt big game. It is believed that the Bloodhound might be an ancestor or relative of the Weimaraner. Regardless of its origins, the nobles restricted the ownership of the Weimaraner to the membership of the German Weimaraner Club. The Weimaraner was later developed as a bird dog as big game declined in Germany.
Howard Knight, an American sportsman and dog breeder, brought two Weimaraners to the United States in 1929. Even before AKC recognition, the Weimaraner performed exceptionally in obedience trials, stirring interest on the part of dog enthusiasts. The Weimaraner was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1943.
The Weimaraner excels in hunting and is a member of the sporting group. This breed makes a delightful, active companion.