Weimaraner

Weimaraners were developed to work closely with one hunter rather than range independently, so staying near its person is deeply built in. Weims are often called velcro dogs for this reason. It is normal and usually a sign of attachment. Problems begin only if your dog panics when separated, which is why gradual practice at being alone should start in puppyhood.

Blue-gray Weimaraners do occur and come from a recessive gene, but the major kennel clubs treat blue as a disqualifying color in the show ring. The dogs are still Weimaraners in ancestry and behavior. If a breeder markets blue puppies as rare and charges more for them, treat that as a warning sign rather than a selling point.

Some can, especially when raised alongside a calm cat from puppyhood. The hunting instinct is strong, though, and a dog that ignores the family cat may still chase the neighbor's. Introduce them slowly, give the cat escape routes and high perches, and never leave them unsupervised until you are sure. Rabbits and guinea pigs are a much bigger risk.

It has the same silver-gray color and athletic build as the shorthaired type, with a soft coat of roughly 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) on the body and longer feathering on the ears, tail and backs of the legs. It is recognized by the FCI in Europe but not by the AKC. Temperament and exercise needs are identical.

Adult Weimaraners typically have amber, light gray or blue-gray eyes, a trait linked to the same dilute genetics that gives the coat its silver tone. Puppies start with vivid blue eyes that shift gradually during the first months. That pale, steady stare gives the breed much of its haunting look and helped earn it the Grey Ghost nickname.