Weimaraner

Weimaraners are enthusiastic eaters, so much so that one will finish dinner and then try to eat the bowl. Feed a highly rated food with a moderately high protein content, appropriate for the dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. A diet formulated for large-breed dogs is worth considering. If you feed kibble, some owners add water to the dry food; if you enhance it with canned food or table scraps, go easy, since rich food can upset their digestion.

Because this breed loves to eat, watch for obesity. Monitor portions and cut back if your dog starts to gain. Account for treats in the daily calorie count, keeping them to no more than 10% of total calories. Weimaraners don't always limit themselves to food, either; some treat rocks as a favorite snack, which is harmful and sometimes deadly, so remove any non-food items they try to eat right away.

Weimaraners are more prone than many breeds to bloat, also known as GDV or twisted stomach. A few mealtime habits can help reduce the risk:

• Avoid strenuous exercise one to two hours before or after eating.
• Use slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders to slow food intake.
• Offer several smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
• Avoid raised food bowls, which may increase the risk.

Ask your veterinarian about other measures, including surgical options. As a general guideline, feed puppies three to four times a day and adult dogs twice a day; the amount depends on the specific food, so follow the package instructions, ask your vet, or contact the manufacturer for the right portion.

Dogs fed a complete, well-balanced diet don't need vitamin and mineral supplements. That said, joint and gut supplements may help some Weimaraners. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) support the joints, and MSM and omega-3 fatty acids from quality fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties that help manage discomfort from osteoarthritis. Probiotics support gut health, and some include added ingredients to ease anxiety or add fiber. Never give your dog a supplement without speaking to your vet first.

The coat is soft, short, sleek, and flat, and needs little grooming. Brush once a week, with a rubber curry comb if you like, to remove loose or dead hair, cut down on the moderate shedding, and keep the coat shiny. Bathe about once a month to keep the coat and skin healthy, and more often if your Weimaraner plays in mud or rolls in dirt. A soap-free, aloe-, or oatmeal-based shampoo works well for routine bathing.

The biggest grooming job is keeping the nails short, which matters for the dog's comfort and movement. Trim the nails when they begin touching the floor, before they become difficult to shorten. Keep them short to prevent discomfort and trouble walking.

Floppy ears trap moisture and debris in the ear canal, which can cause irritation, so Weimaraners may be more prone to ear issues than some breeds. Check and clean the ears routinely with a vet-approved cleanser, about once a month. Avoid water and household items such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or essential oils, which won't clean the canal well and may cause harm.

Dogs need dental care too, both professional and at home, including daily teeth brushing, which is essential for long-term health. If tear staining leaves brown marks on the fur around the eyes, a vet-recommended tear stain remover can help.

Weimaraners need at least two hours of physical and mental activity each day. Running provides more vigorous exercise than walking. After exercise, the breed can settle indoors.

Long runs, vigorous backyard play, swimming, hiking, and retrieving games all help them burn energy. The breed also enjoys dog sports such as flyball, hunt and field trials, agility, tracking, and both rally and competitive obedience.

These dogs are smart and know how to use their intelligence to get what they want; they have been known to open doors, unlatch gates, and turn on faucets. Friendly by nature, they can develop separation anxiety, and a bored or lonely Weimaraner may bark excessively or try to escape. Owners need to supervise their dog and provide plenty of mental stimulation to keep it out of trouble.

Weimaraners love being outside and may not suit an apartment. A big, fenced yard, plus regular exercise with their owner, helps them work off energy.

As one longtime breeder puts it, the good news is that Weimaraners are smart, and the bad news is that Weimaraners are smart. They learn quickly, and that includes both good and bad behaviors, so get to a training class early and stay consistent. Weimaraners operate on the principle of what's in it for me, so be creative and make what you want into what they want.

Begin socialization and puppy training early. They are quick learners that want to please, though sometimes they want to satisfy themselves too. Curb any tendency toward dominant behavior with firm but gentle, positive methods such as praise, petting, and treats, starting at an early age.

Highly intelligent, they need to stay occupied to prevent destructive habits such as chewing and digging. Some are avid chewers and need to learn early what is acceptable to chew on, so provide safe chewing options to save your shoes and reduce the chance of swallowing foreign objects.

The Weimaraner's temperament, loyal, obedient, and inquisitive, makes a good family dog. Well socialized, it does well with people of all ages and gets along with other dogs, but supervise it around babies and toddlers, since this large dog can accidentally knock a child down while playing. Its prey drive, shaped by its hunting history, can make it hard to share a home with smaller animals such as cats or pocket pets.