Why the Weimaraner?

[Irena]

What is it that you like about hunting with Weims?
What do you not like quite so much?
What are their strong and weak points, as a breed?
In what ways are they different from GSPs, Vizslas etc?

I get asked this question sometimes and don't really know much about all this (except what I've heard here and there).

Opinions please?

[marjolein]

What I like about them is their intelligence, their will to please, the fact that they do everything for you when you're a good handler. I also like the fact that they're so versatile, but that's a weak point as well. They are able to point, retrieve, track etc. but they're not as good as the specialist. The dogs that only point for example or only retrieve.
But despite the fact that they're not specialists and only versatile, hehehe, I fell in lurrve big time and the Longhair it will be, forever!!!!

[anne]

Great topic... I assume the answers will differ depending on where we are all located (terrain) and how our dogs are hunted. Keep in mind that we are in the US, and I am making generalizations....

What is it that you like about hunting with Weims?
Other breeds like to hunt because birds are the best thing in the world and what they love most. Weimaraners hunt because doing so with their master is the best thing in the world.

What do you not like quite so much?
I feel that the Weimaraner is lacking in many areas here in the US compared to some of the other breeds. For one thing the split between show and field is atrocious. From a hunting standpoint, breeders need to work on drive and independence, male-male aggression, marking. Weims are not generally all-breed competitive at field trials except for the rare handful.

What are their strong and weak points, as a breed?
Strong points are their retrieving and tracking, most here, even those not from field lines are naturals. They tend to be weak in point. (By this I am not saying they don't point, I am saying there is a tendency to want to grab rather than to point if the situation presents iteslf.) Their softness can be good and also bad. Some are far too soft for the rigors of field training IMO. On the other hand, with the right trainer, their sensitivity can be a good thing, and also the reason why many do well with novice trainers/handlers.

In what ways are they different from GSPs, Vizslas etc?
Here is the US, I'd say they are much more similar to Vs that GSPs. GSPs tend to be a much more hard hitting, driven field dog, their range is a lot bigger than Weims or V's. I also think GSPs are much harder in personality than Weims and V's.

I am very critical.... I love Weims but I feel there's a lot of work to be done. Outside of hunting, I love that they are versatile, versatile in hunting too, but also good at SAR, agility, etc.

[addicted2weims]

We don't have any experience with Visulas. We have hunted with GSPs and they are great in the field. They range further and hunt more independently, however, the thing we love the most about hunting with Weims is that is more team-like. They love to please. They love to communicate in the field. Then when you get home, IMO they are much nicer to live with than a GSP. GSPs tend to be higher strung whereas the Weimy will lay at our feet or preferably in our lap if allowed. Ha!

I think it is a matter of preference. We simply love our Weims. As we know, however, Weims are not for everyone. You have to be willing to put some effort into training. You have to be the type to be in control or the Weim will take over. At this very moment Dusty is rearranging the doggie mats to his liking. He drug the one from the living room and stacked it on the mat near my desk and made himself a nice pillow. It is too funny.

I think the biggest factor in the field IMO is they are often too dependent on their owners. Oh, and like Ann said they are not necessarily natural pointers. Nevertheless, they can catch on quite easily when given a chance. Also, I feel some Weims may be ruined in the field by over zealous training methods. A GSP seems to train in the field a little more quickly. I think Weims come into their own if give a firm hand, good training, and a good measure of both patience and encouragement.

[Irena]

Thank you very very much for the replies. Now I know what to tell people that are interested, as I myself don't have ANY experience with that yet. (Except that Audry started retrieving without me showing her what I want the first time I threw a stick for her, a couple of days after her arrival.)

[weimaranermama]

Why the weimaraner? You can trust them always, they never let you down, they have a big will to please, they protect you when it's nessecery, they are allrounders in hunting, and they are lovely homedogs, etc. etc. etc.