The Weimaraner dog, or "Silver Ghost", is a centuries old and athletic breed originating from Germany in Europe.
Weimaraners are pointers and retrievers that have been used in various capacities such as hunting, tracking, police work and search and rescue.
The Weimaraner is a versatile breed that is friendly, alert, and loving. The Weimaraner is quite a large, muscular dog yet very graceful and elegant. It fits very well into a family environment and is a wonderful companion which prefers to live inside with the owner. They love attention and to be spoilt at every opportunity.
A Weimaraner requires an owner who has a firm, no-nonsense approach and you will need to take some time to train and socialize him. A Weimaraner has endless energy and when well trained he is a confident and assertive dog.
The Weimaraner has a coat which is a silvery gray color and ranges from mousey gray, to silver and silvery blue and some Weimaraners may have a white spot on their chest.
The Weimaraner breed gets along well with other dogs but typically not as well with cats. Due to their physical size and strength care should be taken if they live with very young children or the elderly as they could knock them down; however a Weimanarer is an affectionate dog who enjoys company and will be a valued member of a family with children. They're loving, fiercely devoted companions - quick to learn and eager to please!
According to the official breed standard, the Weimaraner is "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. The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient."
Short Haired Weimaraner
The typical Weimaraner has a short, dense, mouse-to-silver gray color coat.
A Weimaraners eyes are light amber in color but can also be blue.
Female Weimaraners are usually between 23 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
Males are larger at 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and 65 to 85 pounds.
Although the Weimaraner has a very short coat, it does shed although it is much less visible than the long haired breed.
Long Haired Weimaraner
The Longhair Weimaraner has a straight or slightly wavy coast which is soft and silky to the touch. It also has wavy hair on it's ears and soft feathering on the back of it's legs with a long hairy tail.
The long coat is a double coat which has a coarse water repellant top layer and a soft layer underneath which insulates the dog from the cold. As with all dogs with long coats it becomes heavier in cold weather.
Blue Haired Weimaraner
Breeders who like the blue-gray coloring possible with a Weimaraner have been intentionally breeding it in an effort to achieve a legitimate gray variation, although the breed may not compete in shows, field trials, agility and other performance events.
Choosing a Weimaraner
A well trained Weimaraner is a perfect member of the family who adores children, is responsive to praise and very well-behaved.
However, a badly trainer Weimaraner can be difficult to manage and cause disruption to a household.
Of course this can be said of any dog, not just a Weimaraner, so make sure you think hard before buying your Weimaraner.