Category Archives: Coat Lengths
Did You Ever Wonder?
~ About the Longhair Geneotype
There are 3 possible genotypes:
· Clear FGF5:c284G>T -/-; (those having 2 copies of the normal allele)
· Carrier FGF5:c284G>T +/-; (those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of the long-hair mutation)
· Affected “Fluffy” FGF5:c284G>T +/+; (those having 2 copies of the long-hair mutation)
My understanding is there is typically two copies of the allele, and if both are normal, then the Weimaraner would have the traditional smooth coat. If there is one copy of the normal and one copy of the longhair mutation (as they call it), then that Weimaraner is a carrier. They look like a traditional smooth coat. Some of these carriers will have a bit of wave to their coat, and some will have a plusher coat. If both copies are the longhair mutation, then you have a longhair.
Okay – when we first learned about this we felt that if you mated a Longhair with a Carrier you would get 50% Carriers and 50% Longhairs. Whew—we soon learned that this must be an average,–because we mated a Carrier to a Longhair and we got 8 pups – 2 were Longhairs. The next year we repeated the same mating expecting only a couple of Longhairs to be born, and this time we got 8 pups—6 were Longhairs. So, we became acutely aware that it didn’t work exactly like we interpreted this chart.
Whenever we have a mixed litter, we take the DNA sample ASAP and send off the samples as quickly as possible. The other choice would be to be the home of the undocked tail. Haha Then, there would be no concern as to whether they were Longhairs or not. I do believe the world is moving toward a stand against docking, but the American Weimaraner Breed Standard is for the docked tail on the traditional Weimaraner. There is no American Standard for the Longhair per se—but worldwide the Longhair sports the full tail.
Some breeders feel that they can accurately guess which pups are Longhairs—we don’t feel all that confident. We have guessed nearly every time we had them born and then sent off for the DNA test. We are never 100% accurate. I cannot say why that is for sure. We have tried taking close up photos and looking at the hair on their ears and between their toes if the hair is smoother on the face and forehead that is an indication that you have a Longhair, too!
People are discovering the Longhair—I cannot say for sure why, but a lot of folks are equally addicted to them. Several of our clients have both, and some have converted to the Longhair. Click here to learn more about Coat Length (or the fluffy coat) test.
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. 
The Eleventh Hour Scenario
Happy May Day!
We are saying goodbye to the April Showers and the fickle weather, right? Most of us are hoping we have seen the last of the snow and some relief from the pounding rain. Who can guess? In reality, as we move through life we learn there are many unknowns. There is no way to plan for every unfortunate situation.
OwyheeStar received notice that Puppy #5’s family has such a situation and they cannot bring him home. It was an eleventh-hour notice. That is never a good thing for us or the pup. So we say May Day-May Day-May Day. Is there anyone who contacted us before about a Longhair or that has been secretly hoping for one that is ready? Cliff is meeting two families with their pups on this coming Friday in Burns, OR.
Of course, he is an awesome little pup. He has a very good nose–would do well for the shed hunter, etc. Here is his first swim!
We are sending out a little May Day distress signal to you all. It would be ideal (for the puppy and our situation) if he found a home where he could join his family at the same time the other pups are leaving. Thank you, for your consideration.
May Day–May Day–May Day
It derives from the French ‘venez m’aider’, meaning ‘come help me’.
It is repeated 3 times ‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.’
“A Mayday situation is one in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Examples of “grave and imminent danger” in which a Mayday call would be appropriate include fire, explosion or sinking.
Mayday calls can be made on any frequency, and when a Mayday call is made no other radio traffic is permitted except to assist in the emergency. A Mayday call may only be made when life or craft is in imminent danger of death or destruction.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayday_(dis…In aviation, in addition to fire, a ‘Mayday’ distress call could be used for engine failure, electrical failure, fuel starvation, disorientation, control failure, or any condition where the safety of the flight is in question.
Swimming Pups
The First Swim
I posted this video on Facebook yesterday. I never gave it much thought, but it deserves an explanation. There are six puppies; four are Longhairs. Of the six, five have the natural European-style tail–full length. This tail length is typical around the world for the Longhairs–and it is the Breed Standard. You may have noticed that the one Blue Ghost puppy has a full-length tail too. It was by request.
The traditional undocked puppy requires advance notice. We have a very specific protocol for this situation. I will forego the details here, other than to say we require a larger deposit for the obvious reasons. The number of inquiries regarding the undocked tail continues to increase each year.
Introducing Something New
The pups had never seen more than their water dish. Cliff set them in the water as gentle as possible. They all swam. The Weimaraner has webbed toes, and it should be noted that they are often excellent swimmers. When introducing them to water, it is important to be sure they don’t get spooked. Cliff uses lots of patience when he is working an older pup or an adult into the water. Obviously, you cannot carry them out into the water and then set them gently as Cliff did with the pups.
It is important not to spook them. The best technique is to engrain the love of the retrieve from and early age. This obsession with the retrieve works in your favor to get them into the water. A pond with sloping sides is ideal. First, get them retrieving along the water’s edge. Gradually you will ease them out where they must go beyond the bottom. This process could take a couple of days or weeks. With patience, any Weimaraner can learn to swim.
Here is Stackhouse
~ another Longhair
Keep In Mind
All Weimaraners have the potential to take to the water. It takes a bit of knack and patience. Our puppy imprinting does guarantee success–nor does it hurt the process. The retrieving and water-work sometimes get cast to the side during the flurry of early adjustment. There are so many things pulling at the process it is easy to forget a few. Socialization (a lot of touches in a safe way), exposure to noise, ingraining the love of the retrieve (not playing keep away) as well as engaging the pup with water are equally important. Balancing everything you are trying to accomplish–the basics we keep talking about and a lot more while doing it in the right manner is not a small task. It is important to spook them and create a fear of people, places, or situations. Some pups are more sensitive to stimuli, and others let it roll off their back. Approach the process with caution staying optimistic and upbeat. Small steps to success will get you results. Preconceived ideas should be shelved. See what you can become together.
Atticus Update, Part One
Hello, everyone!
A lot has happened since the last update. Atticus just celebrated his 4th birthday, and overall, things are great. (First and second update https://owyheestarweimaranersnews.com/2013/02/11/featured-weimaraner-atticus/)
If you’ve seen the other two updates, you know that Atticus is the baby of the fur family. In February 2012, he joined Squiggle and 3 cats. Atticus and Squiggle quickly became constant companions. In June 2015, Atticus and I said a tearful goodbye to Squiggle. She was just shy of her 15th birthday.
Squiggle and Atticus in Washington 2013
Squiggle and Atticus in Texas 2015
Squiggle in field of Texas wildflowers 2015
Breeder Comment
It was a happy event to hear from Marika as well as to catch up with her and to learn more about their adventures. We keep up with some of it on Facebook. That is the greatest part of the social media–being able to connect with other folks. We know more about the OwyheeStar pups and their adventures.
This is part one of five that will bring us up to date with the New Zealand experience. We truly appreciate that Marika included the previous link in for us.
And There Are Two
~When Adding the Second Goes Extraordinarily Well
Meet Virgil
(Dec 30, 2016)–This is Virgil our new pup. I’m crazy apparently. But hoping it will be a good thing for Skeeter in the long run.
(Dec 28, 2016) They made it home. Virgil is going to be a great addition. He seems very happy, is playing with Skeeter and dosn’t seem at all stressed. Skeeter seems to like him too, it will be nice for her to have a friend again. I will look into getting the titer in lieu of his 16 wks vaccine. If this boy brings us 1/2 the joy Skeeter has we will be pleased, and somehow I know he will. Thanks much and we’ll keep you posted on his progress
(Dec 29, 2016)–What a sweet boy! He is totally driven by pleasing me and not by food. That will be a first for me even . Skeeter likes her training snacks but it seems he could care less about that. He’s scoffing some when I crate him but it’s only day 1.
Breeder Comment
For those who are wondering–Virgil (formerly known as Bandit–is Bruno‘s brother.) Bruno has a new name and home as well. His call name is Zeus. I am sure before too long we will have an update on how he is doing with his multi-pet family.
Smoke Stack
Santa
Duties include the neverending list of things such as lap warming. My latest achievement is making sure I spread Christmas Cheer.
OwyheeStar Week Forty-Seven 2016
Greetings From Far Eastern Oregon
Thanksgiving is around the corner. Christmas decor is for sale nearly every place you shop. Winter weather has knocked on the door promising to come sooner than many of us desire. Farmers are busy getting the fall field work completed. We are sure most of them are looking forward to a winter break.
Hattee’s predominantly Longhair Litter has been the focus. There were nine pups; seven were Longhair. A lot goes on behind the scene with the pups we raise. Christina has been extremely busy–she not only socializes them but keeps a sharp eye on them for any little issue that might arise. We are truly blessed to have her helping us.
This Week on the Blog
Here are the week’s posts if you wish you may review or visit them today! Cliff spoke with Joyce at AKC Reunite yesterday; she had seen Wednesday’s blog and had him on her list to call. These folks are extremely helpful and on top of things. If your puppy has the AKC Reunite Microchip (which all we use at OwyheeStar) you can phone AKC Reunite and they will help you, problem solve. Did I say that they are very helpful?
Sunday— November 13 — A Certificate Earned
Monday — November 14 — All Muscle
Tuesday — November 15 — Self Talk
Wednesday — November 16 — AKC Reunite
Thursday — November 17 — Bath Time Woes
Friday — November 18 — Left Behind
On a very personal note
Cliff is always working on his outside projects. He got his water issues and electrical stuff working. Being the great guy he is he managed to get me a few solutions in my make-shift kitchen. I truly appreciate it too!
The lower cabinets are not completed, nor the countertops, backsplash, etc. We have been creative to get by. We had an extra good sized storage cabinet (no photo here) that is nearly floor to ceiling tall. It had two drawers–hurrah! I do love drawers and pullouts, who doesn’t? Now I have two drawers for the silverware and serving utensils. We were far more creative with finding other drawers. Cliff has plans for this when I no longer need it.
Our son built the cabinet boxes. They need fronts, doors, shelving, or in some cases drawers. We have installed some shelves and made better use of the space. We are slowly getting this kind of thing done. It was never our plan to be fancy. We wanted the practical, conservative and functional remodeled farm house. I appreciate these small changes more than you can imagine. It makes my life easier.
Thanks to You
There is no way we could ever thank you enough for your love and support. We are immensely grateful for those who continually provide us with the material for the blog. Unfortunately, sometimes this is only photos and no script. We can fill in a bit when necessary; however, we like to keep the integrity of your writing real. A couple of sentences can go a long way–sometimes it is enough. Those that have sent us updates know we are more than likely to post it word-for-word.
There is no end in sight of our farmhouse remodel. We are doing it ourselves, and it is the installment plan–we are not borrowing to do this. We buy something and install it. Therefore, having the updates is greatly appreciated than usual–it is always a blessing!
Hank
We Love This Sweet Boy
Here is an updated pic of Hank. He is such a sweet puppy and a good running partner. He still does not like his cage. He’s a good boy about asking to go outside, recalling, and not running off.
Breeder Comment
We appreciate the photo as well as the news that Hank is doing so well for you. Thanks ever so much!
Personality Plus
Moxie Blue
We wanted to reach out and send you an update on our Moxie Blue. She will be 4 years old in December. I cannot tell you how much love and joy she has brought us. We adore the Weimars and she has such an amazing personality. Moxie brings in the newspaper for me every morning. She goes where we go. A big thank you to both you and Cliff for introducing us to the long haired, blue beast that has taken over our lives in the best way ever.
Our California Blue Longhair Girl
She is a California dog that gets to frequent the beaches, lakes, vineyards, mountains and snow this state has to offer. Both my husband, Brian, and I follow your blog. It’s packed full of helpful information and we enjoy the updates from other Weimar families. Thank you for your passion.
Have a wonderful day. ~Chrissy & Brian
Breeder Comment
~ Champion Willow is Moxie Blue’s Littermate
Champion Willow and Jan Magnuson (click here to read more about Willow)
Longhair Availability
There have been quite a few folks in the last five years that have been offered a Longhair when they asked for the traditional smooth coat. No one has ever been sorry–or unhappy in the least that we mentioned the Longhair.
The More Technical Explanation
~ The Hattee X Stackhouse 2016 Litter
When we mate a Longhair (such our Stackhouse) to a traditional smooth coat (eyelash-length shorthair) Weimaraner there is potential to have some Longhair pups in the litter. We have learned over the years that statistically speaking the expectation might be to get 50% Longhair; however, you can see a wide variance. We have mated the same pair and gotten not a single Longhair and the next time we got a 50% result. In other cases, the percentage of Longhair pups in the litter was closer to 20% and the next year the same pair produced 75%. This unpredictable outcome makes guessing pretty darned difficult. Predictions are kept to a minimum–we expect some Longhairs. On occasion, like at present, we get mostly the Longhair. Hattee (Zula Blue X Blue) has produced her first litter. Her DNA test came back showing us she was a carrier–which was again hard to guess without testing. She was mated to Stackhouse, and seven of nine pups are the Longhair. All of them are gray of silver gray because neither parent was a Blue. Click Here to view the one-week litter update and click here for the two-week update.
We are accepting applications for the Longhair–there are more males than females. These pups will be ready to depart OwyheeStar (and to join their forever families) before Thanksgiving. They are the early winter litter for 2016. Once again, we will have immediate availability for the Longhair; however, a wait for the traditional Weimaraner.
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 