You Can Find Dog 1

Country of Origin: The Weimaraner (also known as the ‘Weimaraner Vorstehund’, ‘Weim’, ‘Silver Ghost’, or ‘Gray Ghost’) originated in Germany in the 1800’s. It was bred from Continental pointing breeds, Bloodhounds, and mastiffs in an intentional effort to produce a noble looking, all-purpose gundog which could hunt prey of all sizes. The origins of the Weimaraner’s distinctive grey color are unknown, but it has been present for centuries. The Weimaraner is named for the Grand Duke of Weimer, whose court sponsored its breeding. Ownership of the Weimaraner was carefully restricted for decades; only members of the upper class German Weimaraner Club were allowed to own the breed. For this reason, most dogs were kept indoors and pampered, leading to a strong attachment to the family which continues to this day. A pair of Weimaraners was finally released to America in 1929, and the Weimaraner quickly became a popular hunter and show dog, achieving American Kennel Club recognition in 1943. Famous Weimaraners include Dwight D. Eisenhower’s dog Heidi, and Man Ray and Fay Ray, photographer William Wegman’s pets and photography subjects.

Size: The Weimaraner has a shoulder height of 58-69 cm (23-27 in) and weighs 25-41 kg (55-90 lbs). The Weimaraner has a grey nose, grey or amber eyes, and long, highly-set ears. Weimaraners have a sloped back and webbed feet. Most have a tail docked to a third of its natural length. The Weimaraner has an athletic and regal appearance.

Coat: The Weimaraner has a short, hard coat which is smooth to the touch. There is a long, silky haired variety with an undocked tail which is recognized by some standards, but not in North America. The Weimaraner is a distinctive gray color which can range from silver to mouse-colored (beige or tan toned). The skin is flesh-toned rather than white or black.

Character: The Weimaraner is loyal, playful, friendly, eager to work, intelligent, and energetic. It is sometimes called the ‘dog with a human brain’ because of its high problem solving abilities. Weimaraners are rambunctious and driven, particularly when young, and require a firm and patient owner. They have a very high requirement for socialization and can be fairly described as ‘emotionally needy’. If unexercised or ignored, Weimaraners will attempt to chew everything in sight.

Temperament: Provided proper socialization has taken place as a puppy, the Weimaraner gets along fine with other dogs and household pets. The Weimaraner is friendly toward children, but due to its high energy level it is generally not recommended for homes with young children. The Weimaraner is not friendly towards strangers; it is highly territorial and will protect its family in times of danger.

Care: The short-haired Weimaraner has few grooming needs. Periodically use a rubber brush to remove dead hairs. The long-haired variety needs to be brushed and combed regularly. Its ears must be checked for cleanliness to prevent infection.

Training: Behavioral training is strongly recommended for the Weimaraner; some suffer from separation anxiety or aggressive behavior (as a natural hunter, all Weimaraners will maintain some degree of aggression). The Weimaraner is eager to please its handler and learns quickly. A confident approach is required as this breed sometimes tries to dominate. Weimaraners excel in a variety of dog sports such as agility competitions.

Activity: The Weimaraner needs daily strenuous exercise such as a long jog or play in a yard; it has a seemingly endless supply of stamina. This is definitely not a breed for those who are unprepared to exercise it regularly. The Weimaraner is unsuited for apartment life, preferring life in the country where it can run freely.

You Can Find Dog 2

   
Country of Origin: The Pomeranian (also known as the ‘Pom’, ‘Toy German Spitz’, ‘Deutscher Zwergspitz’, or ‘Zwers’) descends from sled dogs of Greenland. ‘Pomerania’ is a district directly south of the Baltic Sea spanning modern day Germany and Poland, where the majority of the Pomeranian’s development was done in the 8th century. It was bred for a thick coat and small size, but still weighed 9-14 kg (20-30 lbs) when imported to England. In England, the Pomeranian’s size was successfully reduced further and a variety of colors was developed. Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria helped popularize the Pomeranian in England in the 1700’s and 1800’s, particularly Queen Victoria with her Pomeranian ‘Marco’ which she brought back from Florence, Italy. The Pomeranian was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1900 and since then has continued to shrink in size and develop a more 'powder-puff' appearance. Today it is a popular pet and show dog and the smallest breed of Northern origin. Famous Pomeranian owners are a diverse group including Michelangelo (his Pomeranian watched him paint the Sistine Chapel), Sir Isaac Newton (his Pomeranian once knocked over a candle on one of his important scientific works as he labored upon it), Paris Hilton (her Pomeranian is frequently dressed in matching outfits), and Nicole Richie (her Pomeranian was named after a character in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’—Foxxy Cleopatra).

Size: The Pomeranian has a shoulder height of 18-28 cm (7-11 in) and weighs 1.5-3 kg (3-7 lbs). It has a wedge-shaped head, small, highly-set, erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes. Pomeranians have a short neck, small feet, and breed characteristic highly-set tail carried over the back, which may take a few months to grow out and flatten. Under its coat, the Pomeranian is somewhat similar in appearance to the Chihuahua. Its head and legs should be in proper proportion to the body.

Coat: The Pomeranian has a soft, fluffy outer coat and long, coarse undercoat. Pomeranians can be black, blue, or chocolate, all with and without tan, and cream, orange, or red, all solid or sable. Other possible colors are regular sable, chocolate sable, wolf sable, ‘Parti-color’ (usually white with another color), white, beaver, or brindle. In other words, just about anything but pink with blue stripes. The male Pomeranian sheds once a year and the female sheds when in heat or after giving birth.

Character: The Pomeranian is an energetic, intelligent dog which is eager to learn and very loyal to its family. It is active and confident. Pomeranians bark at suspicious activity and can be trained to make excellent watchdogs. They enjoy cuddling up for a nap or running around like crazy, sometimes both in the same minute.

Temperament: The Pomeranian gets along well with other dogs and household pets, especially if socialized at a young age. However, it does not tolerate mistreatment and will not enjoy too much attention from young children, as rough play may cause it to grow frustrated and bite. Pomeranians are suspicious of strangers, but will grow used to them when they understand that no danger is presented.

Care: The Pomeranian should be brushed several times a week and bathed only as necessary. Proper dental hygiene is also important; a weekly tooth brushing is required at a minimum, but daily brushing is optimal. The Pomeranian has a lifespan of 12-16 years, though some live as long as 20 years. Common health problems are luxating patella (dislocated knee), patent ductus arteriosus (a heart defect), and collapsed trachea. The Pomeranian may ‘reverse sneeze’, which is a fit of gasping and snorting to remove fluid caught under the palate. This is not dangerous, but may frighten the Pomeranian and its owner; it should be handled by talking to the Pomeranian calmly and gently rubbing its throat.

Training: The intelligence of the Pomeranian makes training fairly easy. Pomeranians must be trained when young not to bark excessively. Pomeranians should also be trained not to linger at their owner’s feet, for risk of being stepped on and injured.

Activity: Indoor games, short walks, and playtime in the yard are sufficient activity to keep a Pomeranian happy. It is well suited to apartment life. (Puppy find.com)