The Weimaraner can be traced back to the early 1800s, and is believed to have ancestral relation to the Bloodhound. The breed was developed in Germany and likely related to German hounds and hunting dogs – specifically the German Shorthaired Pointer. Originally called the Weimar Pointer, the breed was a much sought-after dog of nobles. Though originally used to hunt larger game, the Weim evolved into a bird dog.Weimaraners were brought to the US in the 1920s and have continued to use their excellent sporting skills in competition. Additionally, they have become a wonderful companion dog adored by many.
Size:
Females: 55-70 pounds
Males: 65-85 pounds
Males: 65-85 pounds
Color and Coat:
Color: Gray to Silver-Gray
Coat: Standards usually demand short, smooth coat, but some Weims are seen with long, soft hair.
Coat: Standards usually demand short, smooth coat, but some Weims are seen with long, soft hair.
Health Problems:
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to develop hereditary conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly called “bloat”
- Caudal Servical Spondylomyelopathy, also called Wobbler Syndrome and Cervical Vertebral Instability
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the “Westie,” hails from Poltalloch, Scotland and dates back well over a century. Once known as the Poltalloch Terrier or Roseneath Terrier, Westies were used to hunt vermin as well as provide companionship. The breed has been in the US since the early 1900s.
Yorkshire Terriers can be traced back to the Waterside Terrier and developed as a result of breeding with various other terriers throughout England. Originally known as Scotch Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers were brought to Yorkshire by weavers in the mid 19th century. During the Victorian Era they became quite fashionable. The trendiness of this breed is still notable today, as Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
The Least Grebe is the smallest of the Grebes.
The smallest of the Grebes found in the state, the Pied-billed Grebe is rarely seen in flight. When disturbed or threatened, it prefers to slowly sink and swim away underwater, or move away with just it’s head above water. A mature bird in breeding plumage is pictured at the right. Only mature adults in breeding plumage show the dark ring on their bill. Photos of juveniles and winter-plumaged adults can be seen by clicking on the photo links at the bottom of the page.
breeding range. It remains an extremely rare visitor to South Dakota, however. While they often feed in wetland environments, they also often will forage on manicured lawns in the Southeast, searching for large insects.
The Glossy Ibis is virtually identical to its close relative, the White-faced Ibis, and extreme care should be taken when trying to differentiate between the two. However, while the White-faced Ibis can be common in parts of the state (primarily the Northeast), the Glossy Ibis is normally only found near the Gulf Coast and southern Atlantic Coast. “The Birds of South Dakota” (SDOU 2002) lists only a single sighting of this species within the state.
The White-faced Ibis is the Ibis most commonly found in South Dakota. It is very similar to the Glossy Ibis, but the two species ranges are generally distinctive. Where they do overlap, intermediates (possibly hybrids) can make positive identification nearly impossible. They currently appear to be expanding in both range and in number.
to a winter plumage adult. They lead a unique life, nesting on freshwater marshes in the interior of North America, while wintering at sea around South America. They gracefully pluck food items in flight from the surface of the water. They will also chase flying insects, including those stirred up by farm equipment.
The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is a species that generally falls into the kingfisher family of birds, although there is disagreement about the taxonomical classification about kingfishers in general