There are no breed restrictions on service dogs according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Depending on where you are based your government may impose restrictions. If you are looking for a puppy to train as a service dog, the Weimaraner may not be at the top part of your list.
The Weimaraner has been described as a manipulative, smart, highly energetic, and very loyal canine. If you consider taking a puppy of this breed for service dog training there are a few things you need to know. Please keep reading below!
History
The Weimaraner is a sleek and swift canine of the sporting group that bears the nickname “Gray ghost” due to its unique coat coloration. The breed originates in Germany where hunters favor the energy and dedication shown by the dogs. The breed was developed in the early 1800 in the town of Weimar. The canines were created under the guiding hand of the Grand Duke Karl August who aimed to create the ultimate hunting dog. It is said that he combined Bloodhounds with various German and French hunting dogs.
The Weimaraner (also known as Weimar Pointer) was initially used in hunting boars, deer, mountain lions, and wolves. As the population of the large game decreased the Weimaraner transitioned into the role of an all-purpose hunter who points and retrieves birds. The existence of the Weimaraner was a secret among the German nobility but specimens were transported to the US in the 1920s and by the 1950s it became a favorite among hunters.
Physical Appearance and Lifespan
The appearance of the Weimaraner is striking because of the silvery-gray short coat, and focused eyes that come in amber and blue colors which are framed by big velvety ears. The specimens are praised for exuding elegance and sophistication. These dogs are known for their well-developed muscles and overall balanced physique, combining both speed and strength.
The Weimaraner is a medium to large-sized breed which has a comparatively long lifespan of 10-13 years. The male specimens can reach 25-27 inches (63-68 cm) while the females can reach 23-25 inches (58-63 cm) at the shoulders. In terms of weight, the males can reach 70-90 pounds (32-41 kg) while the females are typically a bit smaller and they can reach 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg).
The short silvery-gray coat is very easy to wash and maintain in prim condition. The standard breed representatives do not feature any markings on their coats. The Weimaraners are moderate shedders and they do not drool unless they have been engaged in a long run. As long as you are not allergic to dog fur or dandruff and you have experience living with a dog in the house you are likely to enjoy living with a Weimaraner.
This is a good opportunity to note that there are Long Haired Weimaraners that you can find for sale online. The Long Haired Weimar Pointer is rather rare and most kennel clubs recognize them as part of the breed standard. Sadly, only clubs in North America appear unwilling to add the specimens to their list of recognized breeds.
Temperament and Personality
The Weimaraner requires a medium to large home, lots of physical exercises, and lots of mental stimulation. Long walks, swimming, and letting them run for long periods are useful in making them happy, tired, and obedient.
The Weimaraner canines are very high-energy, playful, and manipulative. They have to be socialized with other dogs from an early age as often as possible since some adults are prone to showing same-sex aggression to other dogs. Additionally, these dogs are exceptionally loyal, loving, and attached to their families. The Standard and Long-Haired Weimaraners love to be a part of any activity that their human family is engaged in.
These dogs should be crate trained for at least two years as they are prone to developing separation anxiety. You should allow them at least 2 hours of playtime outside and not leave them unsupervised. The breed representatives are known to seek physical contact with their family a lot and they will want to sleep in your bed as often as possible.
The Weimar Pointer has a strong work drive and if you leave them bored at home they can signal that to you by chewing your furniture, clothing, and shoes. Positive reinforcement and using a firm “no” when your Weimaraner misbehaves consistently is very important for shaping their character.
We recommend reading our blog posts "Puppy Socialization Checklist" and "New Puppy Must-have Checklist".
Social Aspects
Weimaraner owners have reported their pets pulling their doggy beds closer to their own in an effort to remain as close as possible. This is considered one of their most charming features. The Weimar Pointer specimens are very faithful and protective which is why you need to invest a lot of time in training them to be comfortable staying alone for hours and socializing them with other animals and people.
The Weimaraner canines are not suited to homes with cats or other small pets because of their hunting drive. However, they can be amazing family dogs and if you have small children at home they will enjoy playing with them though the entire day. Please, take into consideration that you will have to educate your children on how to interact with a dog. Building manners for dog interactions is very important for your child’s growth and safety.
The Weimaraner as a Service Animal
As mentioned above, the Weimaraner (also known as Weimar Pointer) is a breed of dog suited to people who are physically active and like to spend time outside. The specimens do not do well in apartments and they require an owner who is willing to put in a lot of work. This does not mean that a Weimaraner is unsuitable for disabled people who are in need of a service dog but you need to know what to expect.
Psychiatric Service Dog Tasks
Since the Weimaraner is known for its loyalty, playfulness, and affection we recommend training a puppy for psychiatric service dog tasks. If you love to cuddle with a dog and your mental health benefits from a faithful companion we would happily suggest you train a Weimaraner for yourself. The Weimaraners can work as outstanding emotional support, they can be trained to retrieve medication for you, serve as a buffer between you and a crowd as well as use tactile stimulation. Deep Pressure Therapy is a great tool that can help you overcome emotional overload and aid you in preventing self-harm behavior. Our Psychiatric Service Dog Training Course may be a good fit for your Weimaraner, you are welcome to check it out!
Mobility and Balance Tasks
The Weimaraner is unsuitable to work as a Balance Aid Service Dog. They do not have the necessary bone structure and muscle to support an adult but they can still work as a balance aid to a child. If you have a child who has mobility problems they may benefit from a loving Weimaraner service dog who likes to stay close by. These canines can be trained to carry a bag with medication, retrieve objects on command, and open doors and drawers for you. If you have a Weimaraner at home that you want to train to assist you with small items please check our Intensive General-purpose Service Dog Training Course.
Alert Tasks
The Weimaraner specimens thrive on positive reinforcement and they can be trained to alert of low and high blood sugar levels. Also, these dogs can work as cardiac alert service dogs and be trained to alert the owner of high and low blood pressure levels. Although these canines primarily rely on their eyes they still boast a very good sense of smell that can be useful to you. As mentioned earlier, the Weimaraner enjoys high-energy activities and if your health does not permit you an active life you may want to go for another type of dog for training.
You are welcome to review the learning plans for our Diabetic Alert Service Dog Training Course and the Cardiac Alert Service Dog Training Course if you are in need of alert task training for your Weimaraner.
Hybrid Options
If you are looking for a more even-tempered dog that has the elegant body and dedication characteristic of the Weimaraner then we recommend the Labmaraner (a hybrid between the Weimaraner and Labrador Retriever). These dogs are amazing with families and come in a few colors like brown, yellow, black, and gray.
To those of you who would like to own a Weimaraner with a more powerful body, we would suggest the Pitbull Weimaraner Mix. These dogs are loved for their gentle temperament and silly personality. Make sure to investigate the Pitbull parent’s temperament so you know what to expect. The hybrids come in fawn, brown, black, brindle, red, white, and silvery-gray coats.
Conclusion
Weimaraners are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health issues that can affect Weimaraners include hip dysplasia, certain cancers, bloat, and hypothyroidism. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings to minimize the risk of genetic disorders, so it is advisable to obtain a puppy from a reputable source.
You can easily capitalize on the affection, intelligence, and high-energy levels demonstrated by the Weimaraner if you are looking for a faithful Psychiatric Service Dog. We do not recommend the Weimaraner to people who are leading a laid-back lifestyle in a small apartment.
