Weimaraner Rehome and Rescue South Africa is a volunteer-based organisation, the main focus of which is to rescue and responsibly rehome weimaraners in distress. Although we mainly rescue and rehome Weimaraners, we will also work with other rescue organisations to rehome all manner of Weimaraner cross breeds as well as Viszlas and other hunting/pointing dogs. We will also assist with networking lost dogs, as well as keeping strays safe from harm where possible.
We rely on a large network of friends in other breed specific rescues organisations such as GSP Rescue, Labrador Rescue and Great Dane Rescue.
We do not restrict ourselves to specific rescue groups and have worked very well with various rescue groups. Our volunteer base is extensive and much support is often obtained from the most unusual places.
Weimaraner Rescue has an adoption fee of R1750. This adoption fee is used to provide each and every one of our rescues with either a steri/neuter, vaccinations and a chip.  All surplus funds are used for the care and rescue of our weims in need.
However what little money remains if any of the adoption fee is not enough to cover some larger expenses for some of our rescues. Some rescues incurring thousands in vet bills for injuries and sickness. That is why we have set up a “shop” where anyone can donate in many forms. Whether you want to pay for a night at a kennel, a vaccination or something else. If you can help us in any little way we appreciate it.
If you can’t assist monetarily there are plenty of other options for assistance that we would gladly appreciate. Please take a look at out Volunteer page for more information.
Any help will be most welcome!

Why we exist

Originally bred as a gundog to handle larger, the “Silver Ghost” was a highly sought-after dog breed in its native Germany. Today, these graceful but demanding are still purpose bred for hunting, but can also make a fine family friend if their breed specific needs are met.
Read more at The weimaraner breed
Not too long ago, weimaraners were owned mostly by a select few people who used them mainly for hunting. Not many of these dogs became family dogs and thus there were much fewer of them in homes. However, as was expected of the velcro weimaraner they quickly became popular as a family dog and it really isn’t that hard to fall in love with these graceful, picture-perfect dogs. As the demand for pups increased, unscrupulous breeding increased and pups often end up in the wrong homes, soon to be rehomed when the beautiful blue-eyed puppy makes way for an uncontrolled teenager. Of course there are many reasons why families ultimately rehome their weimaraner and as a rescue organisation we are always willing to assist without reserve.

In many instances, weimaraner owners will attempt to rehome their dogs themselves. This is not recommended as the new home would often not have done any research on the breed and soon thereafter the poor pup would find themselves homeless again. Weimaraners are very sensitive and multiple, poorly handled rehomings often lead to severe behavioural issues.

History

Weimaraners date back to the early 19th century where they were bred in the court of Weimar, now Germany. The Weimaraner was bred for it’s courage, intelligence, hunting abilities, speed and stamina. It is believed that the Weimaraner was bred from a mix of bloodhound, English pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer and the blue Great Dane. Ownership of weimaraners was restricted until the early 1940’s.

Although many Weimaraner owners believe their weim-children are perfect in every way an untrained Weimaraner can be a nightmare. They will chew, bark, chase cats and steal food from the kitchen counter!

We recommend that all our rescue weimaraners are provided with exercise, behaviour training and lots of mental stimulation.

Weimaraners are house dogs, they are not suited to living in a kennel and neither should they be left to their own devices for many hours of the day excluded from family life. A bored Weimaraner is a destructive Weimaraner and you will quickly that they prefer to be with the family, at your side, at all times. Weims are prone to separation anxiety which can be most distressing for them as well as us.There are ways to reduce this but it takes a lot of patience and even support from a good behaviourist.

Weims are best suited to families that are active and where the dogs form part of family life. Younger weimaraners may not be suited to young families with toddlers as they are very boisterous and little ones may easily be knocked over by accident. Weimaraners are not baby sitters and any interaction with smaller children must be supervised at all times. Children often lack the emotional maturity to understand that certain behaviours can be confusing to a Weimaraner and may lead to accidental or intended injury.

Weimaraners are not always best suited to homes with other smaller, especially toy breeds, cats and other furry animals.
In most instances the prey instinct is far too strong and these smaller pets will most definitely be in danger.