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I've been asked if I'll take a Weim rescue dog.
She was found on the side of the road, sitting beside a cardboard box containing her ten puppies. The rescuer said when they pulled over, she stood up and started wagging her tail and came over to them as if to say "Well, thank goodness! I'be been waiting for someone to stop. Now help me with these puppies."
She appears to be full blooded, her tail has been docked. At some point someone must have wanted her, but they haven't cared for her in a while. She's pretty underweight. It's a wonder the pups are all healthy, but so far they are. I'd say they look to be about 6 weeks old, just now weaning. Of course, I'm going only on pictures, I haven't seen them in person yet.
Any suggestions? Any problems to be on the lookout for? My aunt used to own a weimaraner, so I've at least passing familiarity with the breed. I'm thinking of going to see her on Saturday.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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A friend of mine has a Weimer that I've spent a lot of time with. They're very intelligent and clean dogs with a short coat and a lot of personality. The flip side to this, as with our Boxer, is that they get bored and lonely easily. The one I know is a member of the family, and really only goes outside to go on walks and do her business. She sleeps from 8am to 5pm, but If you leave her alone too long after that, she'll start chewing apart everything in the house (she doesn't get crated).
I'm sure an adult Weimer with a good disposition would be a joy to have around, I'd just make sure that it was given lots of love and attention, and it would probably do best as an inside/outside dog with lots of access to the family.
The Weimer I know is the first dog that I ever actually liked, and for years I wanted one just like her. Good luck with your decision!
Posts: 1681 | Registered: Jun 2004
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Hmmm, the pups *definitely* need worming, as does she. Sometimes pups start to wean as young as 4 weeks, but sounds like 5-6 is probably a good approximation. She's probably starved herself to feed them, though even a well-fed mother will lose weight while nursing.
Weimaraners are high energy, like any true hunting breed. They excel in obedience and agility but need a job to do. If your herding mix was too much for you, my gut reaction is that this dog will probably also be. I think you need a much more laid back dog for your family, like a large breed with lower energy demands. (Bernees Mt. Dog, Mastiffs, Great Pyraneese etc.) or a small breed specifically bred for human companionship (King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) or even a small mutt. If you really look at what ends up in the pounds and rescues its the medium-large breeds with high energy requirements.
This is the national Weim rescue organization. There is a quiz on here written by people who have Weimaraners that describes their requirements better than I can. http://www.weimrescue.org/# This site also has a list of Weim Rescues across the country... http://www.weim.org/ You may want to contact them if you are viewing this as a temporary foster.
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Oh, and if you do go check her out this weekend, definitely test out her temperment. Since her background is questionable, I'd try to see if she shows any signs of abuse.... is she nervous around males or females in particular? Shy away from hands? Does she let you mess around food bowl while she's eating, or take a toy away from her without getting aggressive?
I bet there are lots of good sites out there on how to evaluate an rescue dog's personality. I'd also be interested to know if the dog has been tattooed or microchipped (the rescuer's vet should have been able to tell), because you do occasionally hear stories of someone who abandons their dog, then changes their mind... :\
Posts: 1681 | Registered: Jun 2004
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Also, I just want to say that I'm going on limited anecdotal experience here, and know little about Belle's situation, so if what I ramble on about contradicts AJ, ignore it. Posts: 1681 | Registered: Jun 2004
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I raise English pointers, and they are a similar breed to Weims in terms of activity level. They do need a lot of exercise, and they are highly intelligent, so providing them with a lot of things to do is a must, or they will find things to do on their own (i.e. chew your furniture, destroy your home, etc) They really do need room to run, as well as firm training. If you don't think you're up for it, I would recommend, as AJ said, contacting a Weimaraner rescue group. If you think you're to the challenge, you'll be getting a great breed, as well as (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful.
Posts: 1225 | Registered: Feb 2002
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I second Banna's comment on the high energy nature of these dogs. My dad has two and they require lots of room and attention. He takes them out hunting very frequently on weekends. They are also very affectionate and loving dogs. They always want to be sitting with you and curled up with you. Since my dad's dogs are very young still, only 2 years old, I'm not sure how much they mellow as they age.
Posts: 872 | Registered: Mar 2002
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