From our OwyheeStar Mailbox

Nicole writes:

“We have noticed that weims are so much “cleaner” than other dogs.”  “We LOVE that!”

Are Weims Clean?

Our Mailbox is often filled with questions about coat length, cleanness, and shedding. While the Weimar is possibly one of the cleanest dogs on the face of the earth they still shed and make messes.

Albeit the shedding is minimal and with little to no grooming they can stay a comfortable clean. The smooth-coated variety which is by far the most common has an eyelash length hair. We recently did a blog on shedding that contained some interesting facts. (Click Here to read that blog!)

For years we lived with Labradors (BTW the most popular dog in America for more than a decade). The Labradors were fewer in number but nevertheless our co-existence was graced daily with more than tail wagging. Signs of  their residence were everywhere–on our clothing, floors, and even the walls. For the Labrador, walking down the hallway meant rubbing the wall every inch of their trip. It also meant they were leaving their daily deposit of hair along the baseboard and an oily discharge on the walls. Despite the hair and oil, for many people the Labrador is a better choice. For us, however, though we also love the Labrador we do not nor ever will miss the piles of hair. We will not miss the oily residue either. The Labrador by no means is the worst doggie housekeeping nightmare. For the vast majority who like medium to large breeds it is the number one choice. For this reason the Labrador makes a good comparison. Most people are acquainted with the Labrador or have lived with one!

Living with one or two Weimaraners normally means little to no sign of hair on your clothing, furniture, or the floor.  The vast majority of those who live with Weims, allow their Weims on their furniture and many allow them in their beds. The Weimar can go swimming and during the summer and dry very quickly. Most of the time you will find they are ready to load shortly for the trip home.

It is a a safe bet that at least 50% of the new Weimlovers are first attracted by their looks and the smooth coat. The idea of less hair, less dirt, and their clean-look is a magnet. Do not, however, be deceived. They can make a mess of the residence in other ways. Other ways such as raiding your trashcans. This could end badly on so many levels. Chewing the walls, furniture, or getting into things on your counter. We normally recommend that you start off with crate training. In this way you can teach your Weimaraner how to embrace the crate as their own and avoid a lot of behavior issues.

JoJo has holes in her mouth??

Weims can be messy with their water and food. Some more than others will slosh water and food everywhere. This issue could be avoided by giving feed and water outside on the deck or patio. For some who live in cold regions this idea will not work. Non-tip bowls can help prevent food pans that get turned over. The one pictured to the right also has pegs to prevent gulping their food which could lead to bloat. Weimar Lips with holes like JoJos (pictured above) have no cure. If you have a Weimaraner you need a sense of humor. A clean car, house, and clothing may be dear to your heart but expect a certain amount of mess and inconvenience. It goes with the territory!