Weimaraner
"The Gray Ghost"

The exact origin of the Weimaraner, originally known as the Weimar Pointer, is not known. Paintings depict the gray hunting dog as early as the 1600’s and some believe that the Weimaraner is the descendent of ancient French hunting dogs. Others believe they are the creation of the Grand Duke Carl August of Weimar, Germany.

We do know that they were admired for the remarkable character and versatile hunting skills. The most vital characteristics of the Weimaraner for the Nobles of Germany, who were passionate sportsman, were their tracking ability, speed, courage and endurance.

The Nobles of Germany kept the Weimaraner breed very guarded. They formed the German Weimaraner Club and insisted only members were allowed to breed and own the dogs. They strictly controlled the number of available dogs and thereby made them an elusive dog to the general public. This behavior of the German Weimaraner Club contributed to the mystique of the Gray Ghost.

Howard Knight in 1928, applied for membership to the German Weimaraner Club and was sent two sterilized dogs. Thanks to his relentless efforts, Howard, was finally sent breeding stock consisting of three bitches and a puppy dog in 1938. As others in the states joined Howard to bring the Weimaraner and its beautiful grace to the United States, they were able to form the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) in 1942. Soon after their formation the WCA created a breed standard.

The next step for the WCA was AKC recognition. They began exhibiting dogs in obedience and at the end of 1942, AKC recognition was granted. The Weimaraner’s had their coming out at the Westminster in 1943. The Weimaraner has grown over the years and has become a popular Sporting Group dog.

Weimaraner Characteristics

• Very energetic animals as they are bred to hunt all day with their master.
• Weims are not soft mouthed like a Golden Retriever or an Irish Setter. They are still the game hunter and some Weims have a low tolerance for small furry animals like cats or small dogs.
• Weims can bark and are a people dog. If they are left alone, they may bark and also develop other bad behaviors such as escaping their current surroundings and becoming destructive.
• Weims are Velcro dogs and are your shadow. They love nothing more than to be under the owner’s feet wanting constant attention. They are loyal and loving dogs.
• In spite of the folklore and myth surrounding the breed, the Weimaraner is not a wonder dog. They can steal the pot roast off the counter with the best of them.

General Appearance

A medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. The dog should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dog’s confirmation must indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance in the field.
www.weimclubamerica.org

Breed At A Glance

Place of Origin
Weimar, Germany

Date of Origin
19th Century (1800’s)

Breed Purpose
Continental hunting dog—hunting and retrieving large game, small game and feathered game on land and in water in the forests of central Germany.

Large game
bear, boar, deer & fox.

Small game
rabbit, upland birds & water fowl.

Average Height
Males 25-27 inches; Females 23-25 inches

Average Weight
Males 65-85 lbs; Females 55-70 lbs

Coat Color
Varying shades of medium gray

Coat Length/Texture
Short and fine (also a rare long-haired variety)

Shedding Propensity
Consistent year-round