Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a big, bold dog. His name is pronounced WY-mah-rah-ner or VY-mah-rah-ner, a word that comes from the German republic of Weimar, where this fairly recent breed was born in the early 1800s. They were hunting dogs bred strictly by and for aristocrats, and are believed to be descended from Bloodhounds and Red Schweisshunds, though the Weimaraner is larger than those breeds. They were first used to hunt game such as wolves, mountain lions, and bears, though now birds are their main prey.

Weimaraners are smart, and their busy minds thrive on activity. They are strong and determined, needing time, space, and attention. If you want the challenges of keeping ahead of the fearless "gray ghost," and your daily activities can include your dog, you may be suited to the Weimaraner. He loves kids and is used to being a member of a family.

His silvery coat, sometimes called "mouse grey," should be solid colored; a small white spot on the chest is allowed. Eyes range from light amber to gray to blue-gray and should express his intelligence and good humor. The nose is gray, and the tail is docked to six inches.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: A picture of grace, nobility, speed, stamina, and alertness.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 25 to 27 inches; females, 23 to 25 inches at the withers.

Fun Facts

While the artist William Wegman was trying to take photographs in his studio, his Weimaraner puppy kept getting underfoot. So Wegman put the puppy, Man Ray, to work as a model. Throughout the 1970s, Man Ray's striking beauty, hammy poses, and air of self-confidence made for powerful pictures. Fay Ray began working in the mid-1980s. Now her daughter, Battina, has joined the fun.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.