We believe this is the most compelling theory of the origin of our breed.

The original breed in Germany was used to hunt big game such as bear & boar. These dogs were twice the size of modern Weims. Hunters selected the dogs for breeding that tended to stay close to the hunters protecting them thereby creating a breed that bonded intensely with humans. After the big game disappeared, Weims were bred to German Shorthaired Pointers to reduce their size & add birdiness. Just as a Berliner is someone from Berlin, a Weimaraner is someone from the Weimar Rebublic. The Duke of Weimar and other nobility protected this regal breed as national treasures, finally permiting import to the US in the 1940’s.

They are decidedly not for every home. Learn more below to decide if this is a journey you wish to embark upon…

TAKE THE WEIM QUIZ

​Is a Weimaraner the Right Dog for Me?

​Weimaraners require obedience training. Without it, they will take over your household. They are usually easy to train but can be difficult to handle and stubborn.

A fenced yard is necessary. Weims have a strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves.

Weims do not do well living outside or in the kennel. They have an intense need to live with their humans.

Weims are not protection dogs but are territorial. They are enthusiastic barkers when strangers come near. Weims need to be socialized while still pups or Intelligence can be a Weim’s biggest problem. They can be destructive when bored and smart dogs get bored easily.

Weims are affectionate, loving and loyal companions. They are dogs for people who want a close relationship with their dog instead of a dog to look pretty lying around. They cannot be ignored.

Weims can be real chowhounds. When standing still, you should see the outline of the last three ribs, but no more than that. Being overweight can promote spinal problems in old age.

Weims require, above all else, to be with their humans. They are intelligent, lively, affectionate, loyal and stubborn – a picture of grace, speed, stamina and balance. Capable of working a long day in the field, they are also happy taking a nap in your lap. They have a strong need to please and need exercise every day.

The Weim is not a breed for everybody. They are a very intelligent and demanding dogs. They will not be ignored and are not suitable for people who don’t have the time and energy to devote to their needs.

Weims are good with children and can usually be trained (if started young) to get along with cats.

Weims are people-oriented dogs. Their most notable trait is their need to be with their humans all the time. They will do anything you ask. About the only thing you can’t do with this breed is “nothing”.

​Ethical and Reputable Weimaraner Breeders

NCWR does occasionally recommend ethical breeders of Weimaraners to potential candidates that have the experience and capabilities necessary to raise a Weimaraner puppy.

These breeders are members in good standing with the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) and follow a strict code of ethics on breeding. Here are a few bullet points to help you identify a good and ethical breeder:

• They personally screen and select homes, will mentor and advise new owners, and will sell only to approved homes. They value their reputation within the breed community.

• They evaluate the health of the dam and sire before breeding including health tests such as OFA (hip x-ray certification), Penn-Hipp (hip joint laxity), CERF, etc. They evaluate the temperament and structure of sire, dam, and offspring. Evaluating the temperament of each puppy allows the breeder to match them with their appropriate family.

• They are involved in show and performance events to help ensure that their dogs display the desired physical and behavioral traits for the breed.
• They raise their litters with much planning, quality care and socialization.

• They are willing to take back a dog of their breeding at any time in the dog's life regardless of the reason.

There are several Northern California "breeders" that do not meet this criteria. NCWR keeps a list of breeders that fall into this category. Most of the dogs that Weimaraner rescues take in fall into these categories, most often referred to as backyard breeders or puppy mills.  Backyard breeders will often have a compelling website with cute photos. In many cases, correct seeming terminology has been scraped from the websites of ethical breeders to bring legitimacy to their websites,

When NCWR is faced with an owner surrender, we identify the breeder where possible. If the breeder is a member of the WCA, we contact that breeder. We do not notify backyard breeders. 

Ethical breeders will typically have a waiting list for their well bred and well raised puppies, and it is well worth the wait as you will have life long support for your new family member. Also, by choosing an ethical breeder, you will not be contributing to a puppy mill or condoning the less than desirable practices of a backyard breeder. 

To locate a Breeder in good standing with the WCA, contact https://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/breederreferral.php