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The Weimarner is a relatively young breed, dating only to the early 19th century. The Bloodhound is beleived to be among its ancestors, in a collateral if not a direct line of decent. Breed historians can trace the Weimaraner back to the Red Schweisshund, but the several varieties of Schweisshund probably trace back to the Bloodhound, which was well established in Europe at the time of the Crusades. Indeed, the red-tan Schweisshund found in the vicinity of Hanover is described as having many of the characteristics of the Bloodhound. However, it measured approximately 21 inches to the shoulder, compared with the Bloodhound's average height of 26 inches and the Weimaraner's top height of 27 inches.
The Weimaraner we know today is the product of selective breedng, judicious crosses followed by generations of line breeding to fix type and quality. It came from the same general stock that produced many of Germany's hunting breeds and it closely related to the German Shorthaired Pointer. In fact, in its early days the Weimaraner was known simply as the Weimar Pointer. Since the its height and weight have increased, but the distinctive coat color, described as silver grizzle or mouse gray, has remained essentially the same.
Throughout its early career the Weimaraner was sponsored by the sporting nobles in the court of Weimar. Accustomed to many types of hunting, these men were determined to combine in one dog all the qualities they found worthwhile in dogs that joined their forays against Germany's abundant game. In short, the ideal hunting dog had to have good scenting ability, speed, courage and intelligence.
The Weimaraner was once a big-game dog used on wolves, wildcat, deer, mountain lion and bear. As big-game in Germany became rare, however, new uses were found for the Weimaraner. It was trained as a bird dog for use in upland shooting and as a water retriever notable for its soft mouth.
The breed was supported by a club originally started by a few of the men who had drawn up the dogs specifications. They were amateur sportsman who bred for sport rather than for profit. Accordingly, it was not easy to purchase a Weimaraner in Germany, and it was practically impossible to buy one in any other country. Individuals had to join the club before making a purchase, and to gain admittance they had to demonstrate that their previous record of sportsmanship guaranteed proper maintenance of the club's breeding rules. One of those rules demanded that the litters from matings deemed unsuitable by a breed survey were excluded from the stud book; another that specimens, even those from approved litters, would be destroyed if they did not measure up physically and temperamentally. Hence; there was no chance in a boom in the breed.
A medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. He should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dog's conformation must indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance in the field.
Height at the withers: dogs, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. One inch over or under the specified height of each sex is allowable but should be penalized. Dogs measuring less than 24 inches or more than 28 inches and bitches measuring less than 22 inches or more than 26 inches shall be disqualified.
Moderately long and aristocratic, with moderate stop and slight median line extending back over the forehead. Rather prominent occipital bone and trumpets well set back, beginning at the back of the eye sockets. The flews should be straight, delicate at the nostrils. Skin drawn tightly. Neck clean-cut and moderately long. Expression kind, keen and intelligent. Ears-Long and lobular, slightly folded and set high. The ear when drawn snugly along side the jaw should end approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose. Eyes - In shades of amber, gray or blue-gray, set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When dialated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black. Teeth - Well set, strong and even; well-developed and proportionate to the jaw with correct scissor bite, the upper teeth protruding slightly over the lower teeth but not more than 1/16 of an inch. Complete dentition is greatly to be desired. Nose - Gray. Lips and Gums - Pinkish flesh shades.
The back should be moderate in length, set in a single line, strong, and should slope slightly from the withers. The chest should be well developed and deep with shoulders laid back. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held; moderately tucked-up flank.The brisket should extend to the elbow.
Short, smooth and sleek, solid color, in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. A small white marking on the chest is permitted, but should be penalized on any other portion of the body. White spots resulting from injury should not be penalized. A distincly long coat is a diqualification. A distinctly blue or black coat is a disqualification.
Straight and strong, with the measurement from the elbow to the ground approximately equaling the distance from the elbow to the top of the withers.
Well - angulated stifles and straight hocks. Musculation well developed.
Firm and compact, webbed, toes well arched, pads closed and thick, nails short and gray or amber in color. Dewclaws - Should be removed.
Docked. At maturity it should measure approximately 6 inches with a tendency to be light rather than heavy and should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. A non-docked tail shall be penalized.
The gait should be effortless and should indicate smooth coordination. When seen from the rear, the hind feet should be parallel to the front feet. When viewed from the side, the topline should remain strong and level.
The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient.
Tail too short or too long. Pink nose.
Doggy bitches. Bitchy dogs. Improper muscular condition. Badly affected teeth. More than 4 teeth missing. Back too large or too short. Faulty coat. Neck too short, thick or throaty. Low-set tail. Elbows in or out. Feet east and west. Poor gait. Poor feet. Cowhocks. Faulty backs, either roached or sway. Badly overshot, or undershot bite. Snipy muzzle. Short ears.
White, other than a spot on the chest. Eyes other than gray, light amber or blue-gray. Black mottled mouth. Non-docked tail. Dogs exhibiting strong fear, shyness or extreme nervousness.
Deviation of height of more than one inch from standard either way. A distinctive long coat. A distinctive blue or black coat.
Many consider the Weimaraner's role as a family companion the breed's most important one, for dependence on human companionship is exceptionally strong in this sporting breed. Weimaraners give unconditional love and affection. They give children the feeling that somebody cares without imposing demands. Their expressions and mannerizms bring laughter, even when none seems possible, but the amiable clowns become staunch protectors when the need arises.
Weimaraners are a breed for those who enjoy a dog that is intensely devoted and responsive to attention. They demand lying down with body contact when owners sit down. People who are distressed when their dog shoves open the door to stay near will not enjoy life with Weimaraners. This is a good breed for those with a sense of humor, and the willingness to invest the time and effort needed to teach their active, imaginative puppies, the good manners needed by every family companion. This breed has unlimited learning potential, be it bad or good. Anyone who expects their dog to live in a dog run or the back yard will regret buying a Weimaraner, as neither dog nor owner will be happy!
Weimaraners get along with cats and other pets if introduced to them at an early age. Although the Germans enhanced the instinct to pursue furred animals through selective breeding, puppies learn to accept most family pets. In general, Weimaraners can be trained to accept cats very easily, rabbits with a little more difficulty!
The best measurement of canine intelligence is problem-solving apptitude, and on the continium of canine intelligence, Weimaraners range from average to genius. The following are some situations to which a Weimaraner applies this apptitude: How does the gate/door open? Do I have to obey the first command, or can I wait till the third one? How can I disobey without getting into trouble? For the last one, many Weimaraners figure out that limping invaribly envokes sympathy, treats, and a vacation. Some are so adept at playing lame, that owners who recognize malingering, suffer humiliating criticizm at training classes until everyone sees the Weimaraner forgot to limp on the same foot!
MY WEIMARANER
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT
MENOPAUSE HORROR
LIL'S CLOSET