Have you ever seen a Weimeraner? These dogs are aristocratic and striking, with a glossy grey coat and amber eyes.
Weimeraners are known for grace, speed, stamina, balance, and alertness. They were bred to be hunting dogs; experts believe that the bloodhound is one of the Weimeraner’s ancestors. Germany’s Weimar court sponsored the breeding efforts, and lent its name to the result. Court nobles favored the breed for hunting big game like wolves, wildcats, and deer. The dog has amazing speed, a strong nose, courage to face large prey, and intelligence.
Obedience trials helped generate American interest in the breed. The U.S. Weimeraner club was formed in 1929; the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. In fact, the breed has seen more competition in the United States than it ever has in its native Germany!
These dogs are considered medium sized, reaching between twenty-three and twenty-seven inches at the shoulder. Like boxers and some other breeds, Weimeraners have high, tucked-up hips. Weimeraners for show often have docked tails.
Did you know? Weimeraners have webbed toes.
This breed has a short, smooth coat that is typically just one color. Weimeraners are seen in colors ranging from mouse-gray to silver-grey and occasionally in blue or black. Breed standards allow a small white marking on the chest or white spots that appear after injury (like hair growing around scars).
When it comes to temperament, Weimeraners are family dogs. They are friendly, fearless, and obedient, and often aren’t happy when left in a kennel. A Weimeraner definitely considers himself a full fledged member of the family — not just a pet.
A Weimeraner even resided at the most famous address in the United States: the White House. Heidi the Weimeraner belonged to the Eisenhower family and lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with the President.