Weimaraner
Gundogs

Group:

Gundog

Size:

medium - arge

Lifespan:

10-13 years

Exercise:

high

Grooming:

very low

Trainability:

high

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

average

Area of Origin:

Germany

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

Weimaraner Vorstehhund Grey Ghost

Original Function:

Big game in country of origin

History

Dogs similar to the Weimaraner have existed in Germany since the 17th Century but it was not until the early 1800's that the breed as we know it today was developed. At the court of the Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar, the breed was bred specifically as an all-purpose hunting dog for the nobility and, once perfected, was closely guarded until 1896. In that year, the breed was officially recognised in Germany due to the efforts of a small group of sportsmen. The following year, the same group formed the Weimaraner Club of Germany and only members of the club were allowed to breed the prestigious dog. Bred as a hard-working hunter, the Weimaraner enjoys plenty of outdoor activity.

Temperament

The Weimaraner is an alert and friendly dog breed. Energetic and intelligent, the Weimaraner needs an active and confident owner to train, socialise and exercise it. The Weimaraner makes an excellent watchdog.

Upkeep

The Weimaraner demonstrate the ability to work hard in the field, and appreciates lots of exercise and family fun and contact, preferring to sleep indoors if possible. Coat care is minimal: occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
In the case of the Weimaraner his hunting ability is the paramount concern and any fault of body or mind which detracts from this ability should be penalised. The dog should display a temperament that is fearless, friendly, protective and obedient.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A medium sized grey dog with light eyes, he should present a picture of great driving power, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dog should indicate ability to work hard in the field. Movement should be effortless and ground-covering and should indicate smooth co-ordination. When seen from the rear, the hind feet should parallel the front feet. When seen from the side, the top line should remain strong and level.

Head and Skull:
Moderately long and aristocratic, with moderate stop and slight median line extending back over the forehead. Rather prominent occipital bone and ears set well back. Measurement from the top of the nose to stop to equal that from the stop to the occipital prominence. The flews should be moderately deep, enclosing a powerful jaw. Foreface perfectly straight, delicate at the nostrils. Skin tightly drawn. Neck clean cut and moderately long. Expression keen, kind and intelligent.

Eyes:
Medium-sized in shades of amber or blue-grey, not protruding or too deeply set, placed far enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When dilated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black.

Ears:
Long and lobular, slightly folded and set high. The ear when drawn alongside the jaw should end approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) from the point of the nose.

Mouth:
Well-set, strong and even teeth, well developed and proportionate to jaw with correct scissor bite (the upper teeth protruding slightly over the lower teeth). Complete dentition is greatly desired. Grey nose, lips and gums of pinkish flesh shade.

Forequarters:
Forelegs straight and strong, with measurement from elbow to the ground equalling the distance from the elbow to the top of the withers.

Body:
The length of the body from the highest point of the withers to the root of the tail should equal the measurement from the highest point of the withers to the ground. The topline should be level with a slightly sloping croup. The chest should be well developed and deep, shoulders well laid and snug. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held, moderately tucked up flank. The brisket should drop to the elbow.

Hindquarters:
Moderately angulated with well turned stifle. The hock joint well let down and turned neither in nor out. Musculation well developed.

Feet:
Firm and compact. Toes well arched, pads closed and thick. Nails short and grey or amber in colour. Dew claws allowable only on imported dogs.

Tail:
Docked at a point such that the tail remaining shall just cover the scrotum in dogs and vulva in bitches. The thickness of the tail should be in proportion to the body and it should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. In the long-haired Weimaraner the tip of the tail should be removed.

Coat:
Short, smooth and sleek. In the long-haired Weimaraner the coat should be from 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long on the body and somewhat longer on the neck, chest and belly. The tail and the backs of the limbs should be feathered.

Colour:
Preferably silver grey, shades of mouse or roe grey are admissible. The colour usually blends to a lighter shade on head and ears. A dark eel stripe frequently occurs along the back. The whole coat gives an appearance of metallic sheen. Small white mark allowable on chest but not on any other part of the body. White spots that have resulted from injuries should not be penalised. Colour of the long-haired Weimaraner as the short-haired.

Size:
Height at the withers: Dogs: 61 - 69 cm (24 - 27 in) Bitches: 56 - 64 cm (22 - 25 in).

Faults:
Shyness or viciousness. Any colour or marking other than specified in this Standard.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.