THE VERSATILE WEIMARANER
Just how much is Versatility valued by the Weimaraner Club of America and its members? It is so important that it is featured as a spe- cial event at the National Specialty where a “Most Versatile Weimara- ner” award is given. Entrants get to compete at the National in up to eight possible venues; Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Track- ing, Shooting Ratings, Retrieving Ratings, and Hunting Tests. To be eligible for the Versatility Award, a dog must successfully compete in at least three of the activities. (Think of it as the Weimaraner tri- athlon.) A schedule of points is applied to each dog’s performance and the dog with the highest score is awarded the coveted “Most Versatile Weimaraner” award. While Weimaraners excel in competitive activities, their innate ver- satility goes even deeper into our lives. Above all, Weimaraners are our companions. They can take on many roles, like being the guardian of
your property, visiting hospitals as Therapy Dogs, being trained for search and rescue, and constantly amusing you with their antics. Need an over-the-top greeting every time you come home? Yes, that’s in their repertoire too. Their personality and intelligence guarantee that Weimaraners are happiest when you include them in your daily activities and they can be your constant partner. Without a doubt, the Weimaraner is a versatile breed. Owners have given so many roles to Weimaraners, and they constantly rise to the occasion. They are loyal hunting part- ners, athletic Agility competitors, dazzling show dogs, gen- tle Therapy Dogs, and loyal companions. The versatility of the Weimaraner and their need for activity to expend their physical and mental energy is a hallmark of the breed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carole Lee Richards got her first Weimaraner in 1978. Although she “…just wanted a pet,” her interest in the breed has mushroomed, handling dogs in the show, field, agility, and obedience arenas. For years, she handled in conformation, pointing or finishing the championships on over 100 dogs and campaigning several dogs to Top Ten for their breed in the United States. Carole co-authored the award winning book, Raising A Champion, A Beginner’s Guide to Showing Dogs. She has also contributed to a book that was published in England titled, The Weimaraner Today, and she’s contributed articles in a number of national dog magazines. Carole’s dogs appear in numerous books and TV commercials. She is also the AKC Gazette breed columnist for the Weimaraner Club of America, an AKC Delegate, and an AKC Judge.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021 | 333
Powered by FlippingBook