Introduction
Weimaraners are of the sporting group of German origin. They have been purebred for 135 years. They are by nature hunting dogs with natural instincts for hunting Wolf and Coyote, Mountain Lion, Wild Cat, Deer, Bear, and Wild Boar.
The same natural instinct causes them to hunt upland game and pause before stealthily following a scent or upon sighting their quarry.
Their natural instincts are readily developed into the type of hunter desired.
The breed is extremely intelligent – affectionate – dependable – loyal – and a courageous protector.
They are perfectly at home in the water and will retrieve Wild Fowl under any climatic conditions.
With these attributes, we look for the following standard points in conformation as basic. It is not the purpose of the Weimaraner Club of America to sacrifice the basic hunting instincts of the breed to bench performance. The objective in breeding is the maintenance of those qualities which have made the Weimaraner outstanding as a hunting dog.
Standard
General Appearance
Color Gray (Silver, Bright, Dark): the Dark Gray may be either ash or blue, often blending of a lighter shade on head and ears. A white star on the chest is allowable, but at no other place on the body. Any yellow tinge in such a star is a definite fault. Yellow or brown spots are a disqualification.
Look for individuality and class in carriage as an indication of character and breeding and indicated by the head, eye, and stance. There should be every indication of a good hunting nose well balanced over a business-like muzzle with reasonably deep flews. There should be a strong, clean neck gracefully joining muscular shoulders separated by a well-developed chest – all supported by staunch legs. The back should be moderate in length, strong, and straight over well-developed ribs. The hind quarters should slope gently over muscular legs with low stifles and firm feet. The whole should sum up to the maximum of power, speed, grace, and endurance, absolutely sound fore and aft.
Weight and Height
Dogs 65 to 85 pounds; Bitches 55 to 75 pounds. Height at Withers – Dogs 24 to 26 inches; Bitches 22 to 25 inches. Oversize should not be considered a too serious fault if conformation is correct and instinctive character is outstanding.
Head
Fine featured and aristocratic. Somewhat narrower than the pointer, or at least giving that effect because of the long muzzle and rather prominent occiptal bone and trumpets which set well back but beginning at the back of the eye socket. The flews should be quite deep, enclosing a powerful jaw. The foreface should be perfectly straight, delicate at the nostrils, and the hair slightly darker than the hair on the body, with the skin tightly drawn.
Ears
General characteristics of the hound, slightly folded and placed rather high – soft coat.
Eyes
Color – Blue-gray or amber; appearing amber to gray, dependent on light – quite prominent when alert – and if the pupils are dilated the eyes may appear almost black. Should be set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence.
Teeth
Well set, strong and even. Must be well developed and proportionate to jaw with powerful scissor bite. Teeth undershot or overshot is a serious fault.
Tail
Cropped to 1 1/2 inches when a puppy (within 3 days). Approximately 6 inches at maturity – tendency to be light rather than heavy and carried expressively.
Legs
FORE – Straight, muscular and well-boned. HIND – Muscular and evidence of driving power. Stifles well let down.
Feet
Firm, well arched and closed, giving evidence for ability to stand hard work and withstand bruises. Nails should be gray, black, or amber.
Gait
The walk is rather awkward, promptly to become a perfect rhythm at a trot and effortless ground covering grace on extended leaps.
Temperament
The breed is lively, fearless, kind, and obedient. They are extremely sensitive and exceptionally smart and anxious to please. Any sign of weak nerves, shyness, or viciousness should be heavily penalized.
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