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Weimshepherd |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Weimshepherd |
| Playful, intelligent and an excellent hunter, the Weimshepherd is a cross between the ever-diligent Weimaraner and the ever-popular German Shepherd. Weimshepherds tend to resemble their parent, the Weimaraner, more than their German Shepherd ancestors in general appearance, but these hybrids retain the high energy and large stature for which both parents are known. The German Shepherd is a large, athletic dog that can irritate any ill-prepared master. But they are very family-oriented creatures that can make excellent pets if raised by an experienced and loving owner. |
History of the Weimshepherd |
| Very little is known about the history of the Weimshepherd, as this hybrid is not as abundant as its two parents. The result of the mating of a Weimaraner and a traditional German Shepherd, also from Germany, the Weimshepherd owes its name and physical characteristics to the combination of those of its parents. Although the Weimshepherd is not as versatile as its German Shepherd parent, the hybrid retains the high intelligence and energy innate in all German Shepherds. This double dose of intelligence and energy means that the Weimshepherd is somewhat known as a troublemaker and a bit of a deviant in the dog-owning world; the Weimshepherd can prove to be a destructive, cantankerous creature when left to its own devices, a trait shared by both parents, and it has the innate wit to learn to uproot various objects you might not expect. Indeed, the Weimshepherd's pedigree is such as to make it a very active and energetic hybrid. The key is to learn to channel the Weimshepherd's energy into a more constructive outlet, as is the common solution with both its parents. Although still a relatively mysterious hunting dog, it is possible to glean a great deal of information about the Weimshepherd by examining its ancestors. |
A little of the Weimaraner |
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| The Weimaraner is an incredibly attractive dog that is probably best known for its unusual silver-gray coat and regal demeanor. Most experts agree that they are descended from the now extinct French Chien-Gris dog, which was used for hunting in medieval times. The breed first took off in the mid-1800s in the German city of Weimar, hence its name. These long-limbed dogs were highly respected hunters, pursuing pursuits such as deer and wild boar. Not usually kept by ordinary people, they generally belonged to royalty and the upper classes, and have always been a prestigious breed. A major distinction between Weimaraners and other hunting dogs of the time was that they were never kept outdoors, but rather considered family dogs and always treated well. This certainly contributed to their development, creating a well-adjusted pet that got along well with others. | ||
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| Standard of the Weimaraner |
A little of the German Shepherd |
| In 1899, Captain Max von Stephanitz began developing a distinct breed using the various sheepdogs native to Germany. The captain studied a number of dogs at dog shows and became familiar with various breeding techniques. When Stephanitz came across a wolf-like dog, he knew it was the perfect dog for his purposes. He crossed this dog with Germany's various sheepdogs in the hope of creating a new type of sheepdog. Although sheep breeding was no longer fashionable in Germany, Stephanitz found a way to promote his new breed. He introduced his dog to the military and the police. The German government saw the dog's potential and put him to work with the military. During the Second World War, many Allied soldiers observed the dog's positive work ethic and purchased puppies to take back to America. Even today, the German Shepherd participates in police work. They are also used as service dogs. Many Americans own a German Shepherd simply for its companionship and ability as a watchdog. |
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| Standard of the German Shepherd |
Appearance of the Weimshepherd |
| Like the Weimaraner, the Weimshepherd's head is flanked by two large, floppy ears that fold back compactly when not on alert. The short, smooth, glossy cobalt-black coat of the Weimshepherd combines the physique of the equally short coat of the Weimaraner with the darker coloring of the German Shepherd. The Weimshepherd also combines the robustness of both parents in a dextrous, vigorous frame that's perfectly suited to high-energy tasks and activities. The Weimshepherd's long, narrow muzzle will help it sniff out any seemingly hidden prey, and its strong, agile front legs give it great maneuverability, giving this hybrid a noble, graceful profile. |
Temperament of the Weimshepherd |
| The Weimshepherd combines the highly energetic temperament of its parent, the Weimaraner, with the more easy-going and trainable nature of its predecessor, the German Shepherd. Like both its parents, the Weimshepherd needs stimulation and will start to become anxious and unstable if left alone and not given something to do too often. The Weimshepherd is also a highly intelligent creature and can create a certain amount of chaos if left unsupervised. But these hybrids are loyal and affectionate creatures above all else, and Weimshepherds can learn to be just as obedient, friendly and great with children as both their parents if raised properly and socialized from an early age. Weimshepherds can be overly boisterous with young children and can kill smaller animals. So it's essential to keep a watchful eye on your furry friend to ensure its development and safety. The Weimshepherd is not a companion for new dog owners, far from it, but if entrusted to a competent, equally energetic and loving owner, this pedigree dog can truly become an asset to your family. |
Needs and activities of the Weimshepherd |
| If you need an exercise partner for your high-intensity cardio sessions, the Weimshepherd will literally give you a run for your money. Having inherited great eagerness and stamina from both parents, the Weimshepherd needs plenty of time - around 90 minutes a day - and space to properly burn off all its excess energy. If you live in a small, enclosed space, don't have reliable and regular access to wide open spaces, or don't have the time to provide the Weimshepherd with adequate and regular training, this may not be the companion for you; inadequate physical activity can pose a serious threat to the Weimshepherd's health, so it's best not to bite off more than you can chew if you're considering owning a Weimshepherd. But if you have the time and energy to keep up with this animal, you're in for an intense workout. |
Maintenance of the Weimshepherd |
| Like its parents, the German Shepherd and Weimaraner, the Weimshepherd is not a hypoallergenic companion. People suffering from severe allergic reactions should therefore make sure they are compatible with these hybrids. With a coat that more closely resembles that of its Weimaraner parents than that of the German Shepherds who helped create it, the Weimshepherd is an easier creature to care for. It requires weekly brushing with a bristle brush and additional baths after periods of intense physical exertion, but the Weimshepherd does not shed excessively like German Shepherds. Brush his teeth regularly to avoid bad breath and bacterial infections, and you'll have a pet that's easier to groom than most. |
English (United Kingdom)