Weimaraner Dog Breed Characteristics

Knowing Weimaraner dog breed characteristics is important for breeders who want to maintain the pure blood lines, for people who want to pick a healthy pet, and for those who want to show their Weimaraners.

The Weimaraner breed description used today, was published by the AKC in 1971, after much debate about disqualifying a “distinctly blue or black coat” on Weimaraners. We know these dark colored beauties as Blue Weimaraners.

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Here is the quick and dirty version of the Weimaraner breed description, for those who are just looking for a Weimaraner puppy that will be a family pet:

Weimaraner Dog Breed Characteristics, Simplified

• Country of origin:  Germany
• Size:  Medium large
• Weight:  Males typically range between 60 to 85 lbs. Females between 50-70 lbs
• Color:  Gray, Silver, and Blue. Blue is a disqualifying factor for show dogs and this is surrounded by much debate.
• Coat:  Short (smooth) and Long Haired. They do shed but the short hair is not as noticeable as the long haired Weimaraners’ hair.
• Tails:  Short hair Weims should have docked tails. Long tails are preferred with Long Haired Weimaraners.

A keen sense of smell should also be included in the Weimaraner breed description. Although that probably goes without saying since they are a sporting or a hunting dog. Weimaraners are also known for pointing and guarding, and they sometimes serve as police dogs or search and rescue dogs.

If you plan to get a Weimaraner puppy or rescue dog that will be a pet, then you can look at the more relaxed Weimaraner breed description above.

A dog having some of these Weimaraner dog breed characteristics will still be a fine pet. However, if you are planning to breed or show your dog, you will need to adhere strictly to the AKC breed standards when choosing your Weimaraner puppy.

You will also want to research carefully the Weimaraner breeders in your area, before you make a final decision.

This video from the Arizona Fish and Game Department gives you a brief history of Weimaraners and a look at some beautiful show dogs.

Show Dog Breed Characteristics

These are the Weimaraner dog breed characteristics used by dog breeders and owners who show their dogs.  You will want to look for these Weimaraner dog breed characteristics if you plan to show your dog.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies Weimaraner dogs in the Sporting Group, as hunting dogs.

Here are the AKC Weimaraner dog breed characteristics:

General appearance

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.

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.

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, and 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″ 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.  Color of the eyes is important because this is one of the characteristics that distinguishes Weimaraners from other dogs.

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.

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 part of the body.

Forelegs

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

Hindquarters

Well angulated stifles and straight hocks.  Muscles 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″, with a tendency to be light, rather than heavy.  It should be carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament.

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.

Temperament

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

If you are buying or adopting a Weimaraner dog and expect to show her, you will need to pay close attention to the AKC Weimaraner dog breed characteristics.

Otherwise, it’s more important to find a cute puppy that is healthy and seems compatible with your family.