| About Weimaraners |
Weimaraner History
As history is reckoned, the Weimaraner is a young dog, dating back only to the early 19th
century. The Bloodhound is believed to be among its ancestors, if not in direct line of
descent, then certainly in a collateral way. The Weimaraner that we know today is the
product of selective German breeding, and it came from the same general stock which has
produced a number of Germany's hunting breeds, including the GSP. In fact, in its early
days, the Weimaraner was known simply as the Weimer Pointer, its name deriving from the
court by whom the breed was sponsored.
Throughout its early career, the distinctively gray Weim was propogated by nobles in the
court of Weimar who sought to meld into one breed all the qualities they had found
worthwhile in their forays against the then abundant game of Germany. In short, they sought
speed, good scenting ability, courage, and intelligence. Formerly, the Weimaraner was a
big-game dog used on wolves, wildcats, deer, etc. By the time these became rarities in
Germany, the breed was supported by a club originally started by a few fanciers. It was
extremely hard to obtain a Weimaraner at this point, since one had to be become a member
of the club prior to purchase of the dog in a strict attempt to keep breeding and lines pure.
However, when the American Howard Knight became a member and imported two specimens
to the US, he helped found the club in this country and served as its first president in 1929.
Meanwhile, the Weim grew to become a bird-dog rather than a big-game dog due to shifting
priorities and rarity of big game, leading to its use as a personal hunting dog. The AKC
granted recognition to the breed in 1943, and curiously enough, the Weim has seen more
actual competition of various kinds in America than it ever saw in Germany.
As history is reckoned, the Weimaraner is a young dog, dating back only to the early 19th
century. The Bloodhound is believed to be among its ancestors, if not in direct line of
descent, then certainly in a collateral way. The Weimaraner that we know today is the
product of selective German breeding, and it came from the same general stock which has
produced a number of Germany's hunting breeds, including the GSP. In fact, in its early
days, the Weimaraner was known simply as the Weimer Pointer, its name deriving from the
court by whom the breed was sponsored.
Throughout its early career, the distinctively gray Weim was propogated by nobles in the
court of Weimar who sought to meld into one breed all the qualities they had found
worthwhile in their forays against the then abundant game of Germany. In short, they sought
speed, good scenting ability, courage, and intelligence. Formerly, the Weimaraner was a
big-game dog used on wolves, wildcats, deer, etc. By the time these became rarities in
Germany, the breed was supported by a club originally started by a few fanciers. It was
extremely hard to obtain a Weimaraner at this point, since one had to be become a member
of the club prior to purchase of the dog in a strict attempt to keep breeding and lines pure.
However, when the American Howard Knight became a member and imported two specimens
to the US, he helped found the club in this country and served as its first president in 1929.
Meanwhile, the Weim grew to become a bird-dog rather than a big-game dog due to shifting
priorities and rarity of big game, leading to its use as a personal hunting dog. The AKC
granted recognition to the breed in 1943, and curiously enough, the Weim has seen more
actual competition of various kinds in America than it ever saw in Germany.
Weimaraner Breed Standard
Sporting Group
General Appearance
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
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.
Head
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. Measurement from tip of nose to stop equals that from stop to
occipital bone. 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 alongside the jaw should
end approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose. Eyes--In shades of light amber, gray
or blue-gray, set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When
dilated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black. Teeth--Well set, strong and
even; well-developed and proportionate to jaw with correct scissors 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.
Body
The back should be moderate in length, set in a straight line, strong, and should slope
slightly from the withers. The chest should be well developed and deep with shoulders well
laid back. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held; moderately tucked-up flank. The
brisket should extend to the elbow.
Coat and Color
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 distinctly long coat is a disqualification. A distinctly
blue or black coat is a disqualification.
Forelegs
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.
Hindquarters
Well-angulated stifles and straight hocks. Musculation well developed.
Feet
Firm and compact, webbed, toes well arched, pads closed and thick, nails short and gray or
amber in color. Dewclaws--Should be removed.
Tail
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.
Gait
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.
Temperament
The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient.
Faults
Minor Faults--Tail too short or too long. Pink nose.
Major Faults--Doggy bitches. Bitchy dogs. Improper muscular condition. Badly affected
teeth. More than four teeth missing. Back too long 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.
Very Serious Faults--White, other than a spot on the chest. Eyes other than gray, blue-gray
or light amber. Black mottled mouth. Non-docked tail. Dogs exhibiting strong fear, shyness
or extreme nervousness.
Disqualifications
Deviation in height of more than one inch from standard either way.
A distinctly long coat. A distinctly blue or black coat.
Approved December 14, 1971
Sporting Group
General Appearance
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
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.
Head
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. Measurement from tip of nose to stop equals that from stop to
occipital bone. 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 alongside the jaw should
end approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose. Eyes--In shades of light amber, gray
or blue-gray, set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When
dilated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black. Teeth--Well set, strong and
even; well-developed and proportionate to jaw with correct scissors 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.
Body
The back should be moderate in length, set in a straight line, strong, and should slope
slightly from the withers. The chest should be well developed and deep with shoulders well
laid back. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held; moderately tucked-up flank. The
brisket should extend to the elbow.
Coat and Color
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 distinctly long coat is a disqualification. A distinctly
blue or black coat is a disqualification.
Forelegs
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.
Hindquarters
Well-angulated stifles and straight hocks. Musculation well developed.
Feet
Firm and compact, webbed, toes well arched, pads closed and thick, nails short and gray or
amber in color. Dewclaws--Should be removed.
Tail
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.
Gait
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.
Temperament
The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient.
Faults
Minor Faults--Tail too short or too long. Pink nose.
Major Faults--Doggy bitches. Bitchy dogs. Improper muscular condition. Badly affected
teeth. More than four teeth missing. Back too long 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.
Very Serious Faults--White, other than a spot on the chest. Eyes other than gray, blue-gray
or light amber. Black mottled mouth. Non-docked tail. Dogs exhibiting strong fear, shyness
or extreme nervousness.
Disqualifications
Deviation in height of more than one inch from standard either way.
A distinctly long coat. A distinctly blue or black coat.
Approved December 14, 1971
Weimaraner Did You Know?
The Weimaraner is a fairly young breed, dating back to the early 19th century in Germany.
Obedience trials incited the first interest in the Weimaraner in the United States. This was
even before the AKC recognized the breed in 1943.
The Weimaraner has seen more actual competition of various types in the United States
than it did in all its decades in Germany.
The Weimeraner is not happy when relegated to a kennel. He is accustomed to being a
member of the family and accepts the responsibilities which that entails.
The Weimeraner has made its mark on the White House; Heidi, the Eisenhowers'
Weimeraner, lived in the White House with the First Family.
The distinctive gray coat of the Weimeraner is the product of selective breeding in Germany.
The Weimaraner is a fairly young breed, dating back to the early 19th century in Germany.
Obedience trials incited the first interest in the Weimaraner in the United States. This was
even before the AKC recognized the breed in 1943.
The Weimaraner has seen more actual competition of various types in the United States
than it did in all its decades in Germany.
The Weimeraner is not happy when relegated to a kennel. He is accustomed to being a
member of the family and accepts the responsibilities which that entails.
The Weimeraner has made its mark on the White House; Heidi, the Eisenhowers'
Weimeraner, lived in the White House with the First Family.
The distinctive gray coat of the Weimeraner is the product of selective breeding in Germany.
| Sand Valley Weims 256-538-9834 256-504-9743 shawnstevens@sandvalleyweims.com |
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| Sand Valley Weims 256-538-9834 256-504-9743 shawnstevens@sandvalleyweims.com Attalla, Alabama |