The Weimaraner Stood Guard While Ducklings Met the Pond

The silver-gray Weimaraner fills the left side of the frame, her smooth coat shimmering and her pale amber eyes turned toward the water. Along the edge of a small pond beside her, a line of six yellow ducklings stands in a row, each reflected in the shallow, shiny water. Behind them is a wooden fence, a bit of garden and a patch of dappled sun. The dog looks calm and attentive, as if she has been asked to keep an eye on the little ones during their first view of the pond.

Weimaraners are athletic, intelligent dogs that were bred for hunting, and they are known for their sleek silver coats and light eyes. They have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and training. Many also have a strong instinct to chase and retrieve birds, so ducklings should always be protected and supervised around a Weimaraner. If you let ducklings near water, keep the outing short, the water shallow and the weather warm, and make sure they can easily get out and dry off. Ask a vet about duckling care, and about training a hunting breed to stay gentle.

The Weimaraner's quiet gaze says that she takes the job seriously. Every little duckling is lined up beside her, and the pond is calm, so for now the day is easy.