Judy Balog, who owns and runs Silvershot Weimaraners in Michigan with Jerry Gertiser, has owned Weimaraners for more than 20 years. Her male, Magnum Gunnar Silvershot, was the first Weimaraner to earn the NAVHDA title of Versatile Champion. Balog describes the Weimaraner temperament as “extremely loyal” and says they love being with their families.

“Some Weimaraners have a tendency to be protective. They are an incredibly smart breed, too smart at times, which means you have to be very consistent with your training. As a breed, they are real thinkers and can be a little stubborn and a little soft at the same time,” Balog says.

Describing the optimal Weimaraner hunting style as one in which the dog can easily switch gears, Balog says, “I want a cooperative teammate that holds productive points in our grouse and woodcock coverts, one that can wisely adapt to the cover and terrain. The hunting Weimaraner should also be a versatile gundog that can sit patiently in the duck blind, isn’t intimidated by the tangles in a marsh, and has the drive to search independently for cripples on land and in water, if need be.”

Balog’s favorite Weim story starts with Gunnar on point in ruffed grouse cover. “As I approached, two ruffed grouse exploded and both flew through an opening. I thought I might score my first double but only connected with one. I sent Gunnar for the retrieve, and on his way back with the grouse in his mouth, he went on point again. As I walked up, another grouse exploded. I fired and missed. That picture of Gunnar pointing a ruff with one already in his mouth will be forever in my mind.” –Nancy Anisfield

Full article published in the October-November Issue.