WEIMARANER

(Breed Standard)

Partha Sekhar Chatterjee

International All Breeds Dog Show Judge

General Appearance

The weimaraners are medium sized, grey in colour, with light eyes. They present a picture of power, stamina and balance. 

Characteristics

The hunting ability is of paramount concern.   

Temperament

They are fearless, friendly, protective, obedient and alert.

Head and Skull

It is moderately long and aristocratic. It has a moderate stop with a slight medium line extending back over the forehead. A rather prominent occipetal stop to occipetal prominence is seen. Flews are moderately deep, enclosing powerful jaw; the foreface is straight and delicate at the nostrils. The skin is tightly drawn. The nose is grey in colour.

Eyes

They are medium sized and shaded amber or blue-grey. They are placed far enough apart to indicate good disposition, not too protruding or deeply set. Expression is keen, kind and intelligent. 

Ears

They are long, lobular, slightly folded and set high. When drawn alongside jaw, should end approximately 1 inch from point of nose. 

Mouth 

The jaw is strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips and gums are of pinkish, flesh colour. Complete dentition is highly desirable.  

Neck

It is clean cut and moderately long.  

Forequarters 

The forelegs are straight and strong. Measurement from elbow to ground equals distance from elbow to top of withers.  

Body

The length of body from highest point of withers to root of tail should equal the measurement from the highest point of withers to ground. The top line is level, with a slightly slopping croup. The chest is well developed and deep. The shoulders are well laid, ribs well sprung, ribcage extending well back. The abdomen is firmly held, with a moderately tucked up flank. The brisket should drop to elbow. 

Hindquarters

They are moderately angulated, with well turned stifle. The hocks are well let down, turned neither in nor out. Musculation is well developed. 

Feet 

They are firm and compact. The toes are well arched, pads close and thick. The nails are short, grey or amber in colour. Dew claws customarily removed.  

Tail

Customarily docked so that remaining tail covers scrotum in dogs and vulva in bitches. The thickness of tail in proportion to body, and should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. In long- haired types tip of tail may be removed. 

Gait/Movement

It is effortless, ground covering and indicating smooth co-ordination. Seen from the rear, hind feet parallel to front feet. Seen from side, topline remains strong and level.

 Coat 

It is short, smooth and sleek. In long-haired variety, coat from 1-2 ins, long on body, somewhat longer on neck, chest and belly. The tail and back of limbs are feathered.

Colour

Preferably silver grey, shades of mouse or roe grey permissible; blending to lighter shade on head and ears. Dark eel stripe frequently occurs along back. Whole coat gives an appearance of metallic sheen. Small white mark permissible on chest. White spots resulting from injuries not penalised.    

Size

Height at withers: Dogs: 61-69 cms; Bitches: 56-64 cms.

Faults:  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: The male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

The Weimaraner gets its name from the city Weimar in Germany. The origin of the breed remains the mystery. Many different breeds such as the German short haired pointer and the Red.Schweisshund have played a major role in defining the Weimaraner on account of its unique colouring, it is fondly known as the “The Grey Ghost”. Weimaraner are sturdy companions and excellent guard dogs. They posses a tremendous devotion and love for the family and is most happy when given a job to do.

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