Weimaraner Breed
AKC Breed Standards

AKC breed standards are used by Weimaraner breeders and Weimaraner owners who show their dogs. You would use these dog breed characteristics in choosing a dog to show...

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies Weimaraner dogs in the Sporting Group, as hunting dogs. Here are the AKC dog breed characteristics:

General Appearance – Weimaraner Breed

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.

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Height

Dogs (males) ranging from 25-27 inches at the withers (highest part of the back at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades). Bitches (females) ranging from 23-35 inches at the withers.One inch over or under the specified height of each sex is allowable but should be penalized.

Disqualifying AKC breed standards: Dogs measuring less than 24 inches or more than 28 inches, and bitches measuring less than 22 inches or more than 26 inches.

Head

Moderately long and aristocratic, with moderate stop and slight median line extending back over the forehead. Rather prominent occipital bone (back and base of the skull) and trumpets well set back, beginning at the back of the eye sockets. Measurement from tip of nose to stop equals that from stop to occipital bone. The flews (fleshy hanging upper lip) should be straight, delicate at the nostrils. Skin drawn tightly. Neck clean-cut and moderately long. Expression kind, keen and intelligent.

Ears

Long and lobular, slightly folded and set high. The ear when drawn snugly alongside the jaw should end approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose.

Eyes

In shades of light amber, gray or blue-gray, set well enough apart to indicate good disposition and intelligence. When dilated under excitement the eyes may appear almost black. Eyes other than gray, blue-gray or light amber constitute a serious fault.

Teeth

Well set, strong and even; well-developed and proportionate to jaw with correct scissors bite, the upper teeth protruding slightly over the lower teeth but not more than 1/16 of an inch. Complete dentition is greatly to be desired.

Nose

Gray. A pink nose is a minor fault.

Lips and Gums

Pinkish flesh shades. A black mottled mouth is a very serious fault.

Coat and Color

Short, smooth and sleek, solid color, in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. A small white marking on the chest is permitted, but should be penalized on any other portion of the body.

White spots resulting from injury should not be penalized. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification. A distinctly blue or black coat is a disqualification by AKC breed standards.

Forelegs

Straight and strong, with the measurement from the elbow to the ground approximately equaling the distance from the elbow to the top of the withers.

Hindquarters

Well-angulated stifles and straight hocks. Musculation well developed.

Feet

Firm and compact, webbed, toes well arched, pads closed and thick, nails short and gray or amber in color. Dewclaws--Should be removed.

Tail

Docked. At maturity it should measure approximately 6 inches with a tendency to be light rather than heavy and should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. A non-docked tail shall be penalized. A tail too short or too long is a minor fault.

Gait

The gait should be effortless and should indicate smooth coordination. When seen from the rear, the hind feet should be parallel to the front feet. When viewed from the side, the topline should remain strong and level.

Temperament

The temperament should be friendly, fearless, alert and obedient. Very serious faults include Weims exhibiting strong fear, shyness or extreme nervousness.

So, if you are planning to buy a Weimaraner dog and expect to show her, you will want to pay attention to the AKC breed standards for Weimaraners. If you are just getting a family pet, make sure you look at the more relaxed standards and dog breed characteristics.

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