Behavior

This enthusiastic dog with a remarkable nose was originally a hound but became a pointer in the nineteenth century. He is a diligent, systematic tracker, though a bit slow, and a confident pointer and water dog. He can track wounded game and retrieve all sorts of quarry. He has a strong predisposition toward guarding and defending. He is a very pleasant companion and needs firm training.

Weimaraners are fast and powerful dogs, but are also suitable home animals given appropriate training and exercise. These dogs are not as sociable towards strangers as other hunting dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Weimaraners are very protective of their family and can be very territorial. They can be aloof to strangers, and must be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent aggression. They are also highly intelligent, sensitive and problem-solving animals, which earned them an epithet "dog with a human brain". From adolescence, a Weimaraner requires extensive exercise in keeping with an energetic hunting dog breed and prized for their physical endurance and stamina. No walk is too far, and they will appreciate games and play in addition. An active owner is more likely to provide the vigorous exercising, games, or running that this breed absolutely requires. Weimaraners are high-strung, requiring appropriate training to learn how to calm them and to help them learn to control their behavior. Owners need patience and consistent, firm (yet kind) training, as this breed is particularly rambunctious during the first year and a half of its life. Like many breeds, untrained and unconfined young dogs often create their own fun when left alone, such as chewing house quarters and furniture. Thus, many that are abandoned have behavioural issues as a result of isolation and inferior exercise. It should never be forgotten that the Weimaraner is a hunting dog and therefore has a strong, instinctive prey drive. Weimaraners will sometimes tolerate cats, as long as they are introduced to the cats as puppies, but many will chase and frequently kill almost any small animal that enters their garden or backyard. In rural areas, most Weimaraners will not hesitate to chase deer or sheep. However, with good training, these instincts can be curtailed to some degree. A properly trained Weimaraner is a wonderful companion that will never leave its master's side.

Behavior

Active, athletic, merry, very alert, and intelligent, the friendly Poodle delights in life. His loyalty is legendary, but he can be possessive. Highly adaptable, outgoing, and good-natured, he makes a wonderful pet. Still a hunter like his ancestors, he is quite a good swimmer with a very keen nose. If he does not receive firm training, he can become difficult.

He is just as happy in the country as in the city. He hates being left alone. He is very clean and needs daily brushing and combing, as well as one or two baths per month. His ears must be checked regularly, and he requires grooming every two months. There are several different clips: the Continental (or Lion) clip, the Kennel clip (in which the hair is trimmed to the same length on the entire body), the English Saddle clip (with leg bracelets), and the Puppy clip (Continental clip with trousers). Poodles do not shed.