 Weimaraner
Description:
Dogs similar to the Weimaraner have existed in
Germany since the 17th Century but it was not
until the early 1800s 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 recognized 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. A similar club was created
in America in 1941 by one of the German Club members,
and breeding practices and regulations similar
to those in Germany were enforced. The popularity
of the breed has grown in both the States and
Canada since the late 1940s and there are now
many kennels across the continent. Bred as a hard-working
hunter, the Weimaraner enjoys plenty of outdoor
activity.
Height:
25 - 27" (63.5 - 63.5cm) for dogs,
23 - 25" (58.4 - 58.4cm) for bitches
Weight: 70 -
86 lbs (31.2 - 38.4 kg)
Coat Type: The
coat of the Weimaraner is short, smooth, dense
and shiny. Allowable colors for the coat include
only those shades between mouse-grey and silver-grey.
A small white spot is allowed on the chest but
nowhere else. Minimal brushing is required to
keep the coat groomed.
Temperament:
The Weimaraner is alert and courageous, is intelligent
and easily trained, and is friendly yet protective.
He makes an excellent and loyal family pet.
Health Problems:
The Weimaraner, because of its deep chest, is
one of the breeds most at risk for gastric torsion
(bloat).
Special Interest:
This breed takes well to obedience training and
field trials. While his original quarry when hunting
consisted of larger animals, he is mostly used
now to track smaller furred or feathered prey.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
KC: Sporting - Gundog Group
FCI: Group 7
ANKC: Group 3 - Gundogs
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