Greyghost Reg'd Weimaraners

Longhaired Weimaraners

Frequently Asked Questions:

By Denise McLean, Greyghost Weimaraners

Where do they come from?

The longhaired trait in Weims results from a simple recessive gene.  Shorthair is dominant and shorthairs can carry the longhair gene without the owner knowing it, therefore, longhairs can appear in a litter with 2 shorthaired parents if they both carry the gene.

How much hair do they have?

The amount of hair that a longhair has can vary.  Some have a coat similar to an Irish setter (without all the long feathers) or a field-bred English Setter.  Some have a coarser and more abundant coat making it look more similar to a Flat-coated Retriever.  The coat is not supposed to be as abundant as that of a Golden Retriever or a husky.  Take a look at the many pictures posted on the internet to see the variation in coats.

How much grooming do they need?

During shedding season (twice a year, just like shorthairs), they need brushing everyday.  Otherwise, once a week is adequate.

Is their temperament different from a shorthaired Weim?

No.  Longhairs have the same range of temperaments as shorthairs.  The only big difference is that they tend to not like to sleep under the covers like the shorthairs do - they get too hot. They also enjoy playing outside in the snow.

Why is their tail left long (not docked)?

The shorthaired Weim’s tails are docked as part of their hunting heritage.  Shorthairs have only a thin covering of hair on their tails that doesn’t adequately protect the tail from the thorns and brambles that they would encounter.  Injuries to tails are notorious for not healing well and many hunting dogs have had to have their tails docked as adults when injuries would not heal.  Docking at 3 days of age avoids this problem later in life. 

Since longhairs have lots of hair cover on their tails, there was no need to dock them.  This became part of the breed standard.

Are they registered?

Yes, longhaired weims are registerable with kennel clubs all around the world.  They are not registered separately from shorthaired weims.

Can you show them?

Canadian Kennel Club:

Obedience, agility, tracking and field events: Yes. 

Conformation: , YES, Starting July 1st, 2007!!!!!

American Kennel Club:

Obedience, agility, tracking, field events: Yes

Conformation: No, longhair is a disqualification

Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – throughout the world:

Conformation: Yes

Country of Origin – Germany

Conformation: Yes

Working events: Yes

Why don’t you see very many in North America?

Since longhair is a disqualification in USA, many breeders have attempted to eliminate the trait through culling, spaying/neutering or selling to other countries. They are common in Europe.

Why would I want a longhair?

If you like the temperament, intelligence and energy level of a Weim but live in a cold climate a longhair may be more suited to your home than a shorthaired Weim.  Longhair’s also have a “look” that is unique and appreciated by many.

Note: just because they have a long coat does not mean that they should live outside.  All Weims want to be a part of the family and they are not a dog that will tolerate a life living in an outdoor kennel separated from their family for long periods.

Note: the Weimaraner Association of Canada is investigating the issue of longhair recognition.  For more information on the WAC please go to their website at www.weimaranercanada.org.

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