Category Archives: OwyheeStar Gray Ghost
Former Dog Atheist
Gibson Changed Me
Gibson is my first dog. I grew up afraid of them and never thought I’d want one in a million years. Gibson has completely changed me.
I’m a Pile of Goo!
There’s a part of my heart I wasn’t using until we got him and I often say that I feel sorry for myself for the life before Gibson and what I was missing. I saw this written by someone else a while ago, and it’s definitely true for me!: “I used to be a dog atheist and now I’m just a pile of goo!”.
Weims are definitely special. They are so intuitive and I’m pretty sure he can read my mind.
Breeder Comment
We are thrilled to hear how Gibson changed your life. There is nothing we could add to what you have shared. Thank you, for loving him and sharing with us.
One Year
With Our Leo
Good morning! We have now had Leo a whole year! He is a wild boy, loving and thinks he’s one of our kids! I thought you’d enjoy this silly photo of him I took yesterday, he was loving rolling around in these morning glory vines in the heat. We sure love this goofy baby!
Breeder Comment
You may or may not remember Leo’s previous posts. Here is a couple if you wish to look back.
Willow
In The News Again
~ Jan Willow Set the Standard at Perfect!
UKC Best-In-Show and High-In-Trial Champion Sunstar Willow of OwyheeStar, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Novice Trick Dog, UKC Rally Obedience I, UKC Agility I, Therapy Dog International certified!
Breeder Comment
What can we say? Congratulations hardly seem to be enough. For all the natural ability as well as Willow’s excellent temperament none of this would have been possible without Jan. It takes dedication and a lot of hard work to garner a prize, ribbon, or title. When the list of titles continues to grow, it is beyond impressive–the stellar performance makes us so proud too!
PS–what a fantastic photo!
Maizie Knows
Anticipation
~ Watch Maize by clicking on this adorable video!
Perfect weather as you can see by the sky. She usually knows exactly where we are going and starts whining with anticipated excitement. Today, however, we were driving in an unfamiliar location–and you can almost see her trying to assess and figure it out!Linda❤️
Breeder Comment
- Maizie Loves Blankets
- Maizie Shops Like a Good Woman
- Five Years
- At Cannon Beach
- Time Change Woes
- At One Year
Watch for her five-year update–coming next week. I know you cannot wait to read more about her life.
Not Expected
Longhair’s Tail Fluff
~ Weim Tales
Skeeter Valentine and her Longhair brother Virgil
Virgil got a sticky fly trap thingy stuck on the last 1/5th of his beautiful, gorgeous, lovely tail!!!! What the Whaaaat. He was wagging the thing so much that it swung around where it had no business being and bam! Fly strip on the tail. First I have to say it’s not easy trying to get a weim to stay put.
First I have to say it’s not easy trying to get a Weim to stay put when something like that happens, however, I did and was able to remove said fly strip. Washed tail to no avail. Had to trim some. The question is will it fill back in? I feel like I should know this but I do not.
Breeder Comment
Yes, Kaliece, the tail will grow back entirely. It might take months but the Weimaraner sheds hair (even the smooth coat), and new hair comes in from the follicle. During the first couple of years, the feathering fills in and for those that love the look–the tail becomes a beautiful flag.
We knew a person who used to shave their Longhair Weimaraners during the summer. Their coat came back full and lush, but they were cooler during the heat of the summer. We often clip the tail a bit (on the underside) before they whelp. This trimming process saves a lot of mess because there is a considerable amount of blood and ewe during the whelp. You don’t want this flipped all over the walls etc. It always grows back. So, for all you who are concerned about losing a little fluff–now you know. It will grow back. Some folks also groom the toe hair during the muddy season. They just have a groomer remove it. The toe tassels always come back. If you ever are worried, just clip a spot that is not noticeable and document it with a photo. Look at it over time.
As difficult as it might be to accomplish, rubbing peanut butter in something sticky like gum will dissolve it. This tip that might save needing to cut chunks of hair.
~ Swimming is Exhausting
We love him so much. Such a sweet boy. He is now LOVING to go swimming and he loves running with me. He is training up very well for that, he runs by my side nicely. He is fearless and very protective of me so I’ve really had to work on him relaxing on that aspect. I love knowing he’s watching out for me and he’s learning to watch my cues for leave it and quiet and learning to trust me and where I put him as much as I’m learning to trust his judgment as well. I don know if you know but he is my first male dog ever. So, Thank you for sending me such a nice boy. Just he needs to hush when asked and that is progressing very well. Thanks again for another great OwhyheeStar companion.
Breeder Comment
This breed is different from other breeds in many ways. Many people who decide to get their first Weimaraner end up with a male. They might have wanted a female, but possibly there were none available. It is then they discover the truth–the boys are very sweet. Oh, they can be headstrong. The females can be tough to manage too! Regardless, they have a quality that catches a lot of folks off guard. It is not something you can put into words; however, in many cases, the way they bond to you wins you over. After being forced to get a first-time male dog, many end up having the male Weimaraner preference.
We have talked a lot about the difference between the male and female. Of course, there are exceptions. Regardless, in many cases, the female Weimaraner tends to be less engaged in their owner’s agenda and to value less the desire to please. (They can be such a prima donna). While all Weims can be manipulative, the female takes it to a new level. This trait can manifest in many different ways, and much of what happens depends upon their human and the relationship. Yes, it depends on the type of leadership role and your ability to evoke the desire to please you. How this expresses itself can vary. Each time it is a bit unique, and at the same time, it always sports a lot of the similar expression.
Just for Reference
Some Weimaraner tails are fuller than others. Here is a photo of Max (at five) showing his beautiful plumage. 
Willow and Jan
Winning Again
~ Jan writes
Willow is amazing!!! She won TWO Altered Best-In-Show awards yesterday (Saturday June 3rd) at the UKC shows in Chehalis, we are all so excited! Big Thanks to judges Judy and Jim Jones for the wins and the nice comments, to Julie Lechuga for putting on the wonderful shows, and to Hillary Tregillus for the fabulous pro photos!
Willow is such a gorgeous, sound girl, and is so sweet- she enjoys visiting with everyone at ringside, getting petting and giving kisses to little kids!
Breeder Comments
Congratulations to Jan and Willow. They continue to net ribbons and titles as well as to make friends wherever they journey. This is most certainly not the last of their adventure. They have competitions slated for this summer.
George NAVHDA
Natural Ability
Hi guys, just wanted to touch base. George had his NA (NAVHDA Natural Ability) test last weekend. He pointed 3 chukars during the field search (even grabbed one on the wing) and, taking after Stackhouse it sounds like, has turned into an enthusiastic and strong swimmer, but blew the tracking phase.
He’s tracked dozens, maybe hundreds of birds this year so that was disappointing. I have my theories but it is what it is. only took home a Prize III and we were hoping for more but it’s just a trial and he’s already a proven field dog. I thought I’d send over some photos we got. I hope everything’s going well.
Richard and George
Breeder Comment
Congratulations Richard!
Earning any Prize is noteworthy. We always have to remind ourselves even though the Weimaraner has a steady skill set that on a given day any number of things can go awry. Everyone covets the Prize I and some folks travel from NAVHDA test to NAVHDA test to snag one. We don’t have that luxury.
The most important thing is the field performance. He is a young Weim with a solid set of skills. We are positive that competing in the NAVHDA event even though it didn’t net you the top prize helped cement the skill set even more. Thank you, for doing that and reporting back to us. Also, we love the photos you shared. Keep up the good work with George, and we wish you many years of success in the field.
Agility
Waiting Patiently
~ Time for Agility!
Jan and Willow (UKC Best-In-Show and High-in-Trial Champion Sunstar Willow of OwyheeStar, AKC Canine Good Citizen, UKC Rally Obedience I, Therapy Dog International certified ) are well-known. They have earned a basket of titles. The achievements together are many. They spend a lot of time doing public service events.
Champion Willow- Dressed in Purple
- Willow and Jan
- Back to School
- Champion Willow
- TDI (Therapy Dog Certificate)
Breeder Comment
We thank Jan and Willow. We sincerely hope her career finds longevity. What these two have earned speaks to Jan’s ability as well as Willow’s skills set. Very few OwyheeStar’s earn titles. We are not (per say) raising show dogs. Some do win hunt titles as well as various event titles. Most are companion dogs who share in their families activities.
Tazmanian Devil
Beloved Companion
One Year Old
Hard to believe that Maverick turned 1-year old last week. He is a little tazmanian devil, always on the go, full of energy! Right when you think he is tuckered out, he is up and ready to go again! 🙂
Natural Ability
Maverick has been on at least 4 pheasant trips this past season. Each time he did better and better. Bill has high hopes for him in the coming years. He has such a hunt drive that he likes to stalk insects, butterflies, squirrels, etc. If it moves, game on!
Fun to Watch
He is so much fun to watch prance around the yard with his toys, tossing them up in the air and then bolting around at lightning speed. He cracks us up! He also still loves to knead his favorite pillow and cuddle up with me when he does.Sawyer and Maverick
Our old timer Weimaraner, Sawyer, now 12, tolerates him. Luckily our next door neighbor recently adopted a puppy and he and Maverick get along so well together. They can both go multiple rounds and wear one another out.The Basics and Still Learning
He has been crate trained from the get go and knows several commands, both verbal and hand. It is lots of fun watching him learn new things.Thank you for another wonderful dog from Owyheestar!
Jennifer, Bill, Ethan, Owen, Sayer & Maverick
Breeder Comment
Discovery and Placement Findings
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Henry
At One Year
Question From a Weimar Mom
Okay, so Henry is 1. And I’ve learned that 18 months is when you can start running with your dog. I’m kind of confused by this because “run” is so vague with this breed. When Henry is playing catch, and darts across the yard with the speed of wind, I consider this running. It’s strenuous, fast, he breathes heavier, etc. I’ve taken him on a few short runs with me, less than 2 miles, and my observation, even though I run at a 9 minutes/mile pace, he appears to just be walking fast. Obviously I don’t want to cause health issues for him in the future, so I am wondering if you could give me more information. Are short runs with me, less than 5 miles, going to cause joint issues for him if I don’t wait another 6 months? And do you think a 9 minute mile pace is really considered a running pace for a weimeraner? ~Kiley
Breeder Comment
Joint development is affected by various things–their DNA, how fast they grow and the amount of high-pact exercise they see before the growth plates close. Typically, we expect the growth plates to close sometime between a year and a year and a half. During this time of development, recommendations are to keep the runs shorter–about 3 miles a day. With the very high-energy Weimaraner, this seems like too little. It is easy to forget the caution when you are trying to achieve a tired Weim pup. In light of this dilemma, we always suggest swimming. The water retrieve is the best and the safest way to burn a lot of energy without causing harm to the developing joints.
Speaking of high impact exercise–things like playing the frisbee is equally hard on the young Weimaraner. Jumping and beating their feet on the pavement should be avoided. The dirt or grass path is much easier, but still, we feel it is wise to hold off on the pounding regime of a long distance runner until they for sure have those growth plates closed. Only an X-ray can determine if the growth plates are closed. So, for the longevity you want, please take to exercising the young Weimaraner with care. Also, we mentioned it earlier–make sure they grow slow. Feeding the large breed (rather than the regular puppy) food is vital to the hips and joints. That puppy chow stuff will fill them out like a butterball and cause them to grow even faster. Slow growth is preferred. Regardless, they grow to adult-looking before the six month birthday. It is shocking!
More From Kiley
Ps. I wanted to pass along too how Henry excels at being an active and lazy dog. He loves his walks, loves being outside, but he doesn’t mind being lazy either. Last night I worked and Kevin was out of town, so Henry was in his kennel. I got home this morning, let him out, fed him, and then took him to bed with me this morning. He contently slept with me until 1:30. Exercising him is ideal, but on the days it doesn’t happen, he doesn’t get restless or destructive, he just goes with the flow.
Other than the above questions, Henry has done well with our few runs. He stays to the left, remains mostly focused on me and what is ahead, and doesn’t pull. Henry will be a fabulous running partner for me!!
More Comments from Shela and Cliff
We like to say the Weimaraner has two speeds–on and off. Wiggle your toe while watching TV and they might assume you are getting ready to do something and in turn fly off the sofa.
More than anything the Weimaraner is all about the relationship. If they want to please you and they respect you and you them, it is a beautiful thing. You are off to an awesome beginning. We wish you all the best on your journey.
