Blue Weimaraner Dog Breed Characteristics and Care

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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Weimaraner Dog with Hat in Studio Portrait
Credit: pexels.com, Weimaraner Dog with Hat in Studio Portrait

The Blue Weimaraner is a sleek and agile dog breed that's a rare variation of the Weimaraner. They have a distinctive blue-gray coat that's the result of a specific genetic variation.

Their short, smooth coat is low-maintenance and requires only occasional brushing. This makes them a great choice for busy owners who don't have time for extensive grooming.

Blue Weimaraners are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build and a wedge-shaped head. They typically weigh between 55 and 85 pounds and stand between 25 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

They're an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Additional reading: History of the Blue Heeler

Size and Appearance

The blue Weimaraner is a stunning breed, and one of its most notable features is its size. Males can weigh between 65-85 pounds and stand 23.25-27.5 inches tall.

Their muscular build and short, smooth coat are a big part of their appeal. The coat can range from mouse-gray to silver-gray, with occasional white markings on the chest.

Weimaraner puppies are known for their light blue eyes, which shift to amber or gray-blue as they age.

Size of the Blue Weimaraner

Credit: youtube.com, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A WEIMARANER | BLU

The Blue Weimaraner is a beautiful breed, and one of its most striking features is its size.

Male Blue Weimaraners stand between 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder.

Their weight range is also impressive, typically falling between 70 to 85 pounds.

Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, measuring between 23 and 25 inches tall.

Their weight is also slightly less, ranging from 55 to 70 pounds.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Blue Heeler Weight Calculator

Appearance

The Weimaraner's appearance is certainly one of its most striking features. Their muscular build and big ears that hang down the sides of their head make them a visually appealing breed.

Their unique gray coat is a key part of their charm, ranging from mouse-gray to silver-gray. Weimaraner puppies are also known for their signature light blue eyes.

The Weimaraner's nose is dark gray, and the insides of their ears and lips are pink. These distinctive features add to their overall appeal.

Weimaraner puppies grow into adult dogs that weigh between 55–90 pounds. The female dogs tend to be slightly smaller, while the males are generally bigger.

The average height for a female Weimaraner is about 24 inches.

Recommended read: Lab Blue Heeler Puppies

Coat of the Blue Weimaraner

Credit: youtube.com, Dogs 101 - Weimaraners

The Blue Weimaraner's coat is a striking feature of the breed. It's a unique combination of gray and blue tones that give the dog its distinctive appearance.

Their coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming. This makes them a great choice for busy owners who don't want to spend a lot of time on grooming.

The Blue Weimaraner's coat can range in color from a light blue-gray to a dark charcoal gray. This variation is due to the breed's genetic makeup.

They shed moderately, but regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair. This will also help keep their coat looking its best.

Their coat is also known for being water-resistant, which makes them a great choice for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Additional reading: Great Dane Weimaraner Mix

Characteristics

Blue Weimaraners are known for being large dogs, with males being slightly bigger than females. They're not well suited for living in a kennel due to their strong attachment to their family.

Credit: youtube.com, 6 WAYS WEIMARANERS ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DOGS

Weimaraners are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they love being around their family members. This means they're not good kennel dogs and require a lot of attention.

They're incredibly intelligent dogs, known to use their brainpower to get what they want. Owners must be prepared to stay one step ahead of their smart dog breed.

Weimaraners have a high energy level, requiring a lot of physical and mental exertion. This is why it's often said that a tired dog is a good dog, especially for the Weimaraner!

Here's a summary of their characteristics:

Training

Training a blue Weimaraner requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Use tactics like reward-based training to help your dog learn good behavior.

This breed's intelligence means they can become stubborn if not given clear pack leadership. Without proper training, they may exhibit undesirable behaviors like chewing on furniture or barking excessively.

Teach your blue Weimaraner from an early age what is acceptable to chew on and what is not. This will save your shoes and minimize the risk of them swallowing a foreign object.

Credit: youtube.com, Blue (Weimaraner) Boot Camp Dog Training Demonstration

Socialization is key to raising a well-mannered blue Weimaraner. Enroll them in puppy kindergarten classes and regularly expose them to new people, sights, and sounds.

Consistent training will help your dog grow into a confident and friendly companion. With time and effort, you can develop a strong bond with your blue Weimaraner and enjoy their loving and playful nature.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keeping your blue Weimaraner happy and healthy. Engage them in activities like walks, runs, or agility drills to keep them busy and prevent destructive behavior.

Protection

The Weimaraner's protection instinct is a fascinating topic. For over a century, Weimaraner breeders in Germany have sought to breed courageous dogs with a strong protection instinct.

Weimaraners are the only pointing breed in Germany required to pass tests designed to evaluate these traits. The breed's reputation of being "mannscharf" or "man-sharp" is slowly fading, according to Tanja Breu-Knaup, a leading breeder of long-haired Weimaraners in Germany.

Credit: youtube.com, Weimaraner - Fiercely protective of the dog breed

The man-sharpness test, which was used until 2001, was a challenging evaluation. The handler held the dog on a lead, and the judge made threatening moves toward the handler, expecting the dog to show courage and willingness to defend its handler.

The new Wesenstest, introduced in 2001, is a more comprehensive evaluation. A group of about a dozen people forms a large circle around the handler and dog, and the people slowly move toward the center, testing the dog's courage and willingness to defend its handler without showing fear or aggression.

In the Wesenstest, the handler must let go of the leash and exit the circle, leaving the dog behind. The dog should then go to the handler when called, and the handler and dog re-enter the circle.

Health and Care

Weimaraners are generally a relatively healthy breed, known for their robust build and athleticism. They're built for speed and endurance, with a deep chest and long legs that make them natural runners.

However, like any breed, they do require regular care to stay happy and healthy. This includes regular exercise, which is essential to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors like chewing, barking, and digging.

A weekly brushing can help remove short hairs and prevent shedding from becoming a huge issue.

Health

Cute Weimaraner dog with large ears and sad eyes
Credit: pexels.com, Cute Weimaraner dog with large ears and sad eyes

The Weimaraner is a breed that requires careful attention to its health.

Weimaraners are at a higher risk for autoimmune reactions to certain vaccination protocols, so it's essential to take precautions.

The Weimaraner Club of America recommends giving Weimaraner pups parvo and distemper shots separately, about two weeks apart.

This breed is also at a higher than average risk for a severe form of hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), an inflammatory condition that can be fatal.

Bloat, or gastric torsion, is another issue that Weimaraners are prone to.

Von Willebrand's disease is another condition that affects Weimaraners, affecting their blood clotting ability.

Care

Weimaraners are relatively easy to live with, known for being loyal, trainable, and relatively healthy. They do require ample exercise to utilize their natural strengths.

Their beautiful fur is very easy to care for, and wiping them down with a chamois cloth will make their silvery coats shine. They do shed, so a weekly brushing can help remove short hairs before they become a problem.

A Weimaraner Dog Photographed Outside
Credit: pexels.com, A Weimaraner Dog Photographed Outside

You should always check your Weimaraner's foot pads for injuries after outdoor activities. Their high energy levels mean they need at least one heart-pumping session a day.

A tired Weimaraner is a happy Weimaraner, so making sure they get enough exercise will prevent unwanted chewing, barking, and digging. Weimaraners are very smart, so they can pick up training cues quickly with consistent positive reinforcement.

Feeding

Feeding your Weimaraner requires attention to their individual needs, which can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

The recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food is 2.5 to 3.5 cups, divided into two meals.

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Weimaraner, and feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

If you can't see their waist or feel their ribs, they need less food and more exercise.

Brushing your Weimaraner's teeth at least twice or thrice a week can help remove tartar buildup and bacteria.

Daily brushing is even better for preventing gum disease and bad breath.

Trimming your Weimaraner's nails once or twice a month can keep their feet in good condition and prevent scratching.

Activities and Abilities

Credit: youtube.com, Weimaraner Facts: The Dog With a "Human Brain"

The blue Weimaraner is a versatile breed that excels in various activities. They have a strong tracking ability, thanks to their Leithund heritage, which emphasizes a "deep nose" and a lower head.

Tracking is a crucial aspect of upland game hunting and NAVHDA testing in America, where many breeders value a higher head but still prioritize tracking ability.

The Weimaraner's tracking prowess is not just limited to hunting; they can also be trained for big game tracking, although this is more emphasized in Germany and Eastern Europe.

In fact, some Weimaraner fanciers in these regions even select for traits like spurlaut, a behavior where the dog gives voice on track.

Broaden your view: Blue Heeler Hunting Dog

Ownership and Adoption

If you're considering bringing a blue Weimaraner into your life, you'll want to think about the costs involved. Expect to pay around $700 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Finding the right breeder can be a challenge, but a good place to start is with the Weimaraner Club of America Breeder Listing or the American Kennel Club Breeder Listing.

Credit: youtube.com, Living with a Weimaraner | Should You Get One?

However, before reaching out to breeders, it's worth exploring adoption options. You can find Weimaraners in need of a second chance through local or regional rescue groups, such as the Weimaraner Rescue Directory.

If you do decide to adopt, you'll be giving a loving home to a dog that truly needs it.

Expand your knowledge: Kerry Blue Rescue Dogs

Craig's Take

The Blue Weimaraner is a unique breed, and I've learned a thing or two about them.

They're a rare color variation of the Weimaraner, with only a few breeders working with them.

Their distinctive coat is the result of a genetic dilution that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for their coat color.

In fact, the Blue Weimaraner's coat can vary in shade from a light silver-gray to a dark charcoal-gray.

Their eyes, on the other hand, remain a dark brown, which provides a striking contrast to their coat color.

You'll often see them with a black mask, which adds to their sleek and athletic appearance.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Despite their low-maintenance coat, Blue Weimaraners still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a blue Weimaraner cost?

The cost of a blue Weimaraner from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $500 to $1,200. Prices may vary depending on factors such as bloodline and location.

What is the difference between a blue and GREY Weimaraner?

The main difference between a blue and a gray Weimaraner lies in their underlying base coat color, with blue Weimaraners having a black base coat and gray Weimaraners having a brown base coat. This subtle genetic variation affects their overall appearance, making them distinct from one another.

How do you get a blue Weimaraner?

A blue Weimaraner's coat color can result from genetics or individual interpretation of gray shades, but its definition may vary among breed enthusiasts and breeders. The exact cause and definition of a blue Weimaraner can depend on various factors, including genetics and lighting conditions.

What is the personality of a blue Weimaraner?

Blue Weimaraners, like their standard counterparts, are known for their loving and energetic personalities, making them excellent family pets for active owners.

What is the rarest color of Weimaraner?

The rarest color of Weimaraner is Piebald, which is considered a defect rather than a true color. This unique coloration is extremely rare in Weimaraners due to its non-recognized status by the AKC.

Sources

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  3. all-around hunting dog (gundogmag.com)
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  5. Weimaraner Rescue of the South (weimrescue.com)
  6. Mile High Weimaraner Club (mhwc.org)
  7. Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue (greatlakesweimrescue.com)
  8. The Weimaraner Club of America (weimaranerclubofamerica.org)
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  10. Weimaraner immunodeficiency syndrome (vetlexicon.com)
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  13. Weimaraner Rescue Directory (justweimaraners.com)
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  15. Nosam Kennels in Kentucky (nosamkennels.com)
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  18. Weimaraner named Heidi (presidentialpetmuseum.com)
  19. WEIMARANER Breed Standard (fci.be)

Bryant Blick

Senior Writer

Bryant Blick is a talented writer with a passion for storytelling. With a keen eye for detail, he brings readers into the heart of the stories he tells. His writing career has taken off with a focus on exploring the rich tapestry of food culture.