WEIMARANER Official U.K.C. Breed Standard Revised January 1992 History The Weimaraner originated in the early 19th century in Germany, where it was conscientiously developed and bred to maintain its physical and mental characteristics, and jealously guarded. The ideal dog was one that possessed courage, speed, intelligence and a well-developed scenting ability. The breed was originally used for big game, but was later adapted to and trained as a bird dog; and were found to be good pointers and retrievers. The Weimaraner was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1955. General Appearance and Characteristics The Weimaraner is a medium-sized gray dog with fine, aristocratic features. The breed presents an overall picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. The dog's conformation, structure and musculature must always indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance. The breed has a friendly, fearless, alert and obedient temperament. Serious faults: Doggy bitches. Bitchy dogs. Improper muscular condition. Head The moderately long, aristocratic head has a slight median line extending back over the forehead. The stop is moderate. The occiput is rather prominent. The trumpets (temples) are well set back; beginning behind the eye sockets. The flews are straight; delicate at the nostrils. The skin is drawn tightly. Pigment on the lips and gums is in pinkish flesh shades. Expression is kind, keen and intelligent. Very serious fault: Black-mottled mouth. Serious fault: Snipey muzzle. TEETH -- A full complement of well set, strong, even, white teeth meet in a scissors bite; proportionate to the jaw, the upper teeth protruding slightly over the lower teeth but not more than 1/16 of an inch. Serious faults: Badly affected teeth. More than four missing teeth. Overshot or undershot bite. EYES -- Acceptable eye colors include shades of light amber, gray or blue-gray. They may appear almost black when dilated under excitement. The eyes are set well enough apart to indicate intelligence and a good disposition. Very serious fault: Any eye color other than those indicated as acceptable. NOSE -- The nose is gray. Minor fault: Pink nose. EARS -- The long, lobular, slightly folded ears am set high. When drawn snugly alongside the jaw, the ear ends approximately 2 inches from the point of the nose. Serious fault: Short ears. Neck The moderately long neck is clean. Serious faults: Neck too short, thick or throaty. Forequarters FORELEGS -- The forelegs are straight and strong. The distance from the elbow to the ground is approximately equal to the distance from the top of the withers to the elbow. Dewclaws should be removed. Serious faults: Elbows in or out. Body The moderately long backline is straight and strong, sloping slightly from the withers. The shoulders are well laid back. The deep chest is well-developed; the brisket extending to the elbow. The long ribs are well-sprung. The abdomen is firmly held. The tuck-up is moderate. Serious faults: Back too long or too short. Roached or sway back. Hindquarters Musculature is well-developed. HIND LEGS -- The stifles are well-angulated. The rear pasterns are straight. Dewclaws should be removed. Serious fault: Cow hocks. Feet The webbed feet are firm and compact. The toes are well arched. The pads are closed and thick. The short nails are gray or amber in color. Serious faults: Feet east and west. Poor feet. Tail At maturity, the docked tail measures approximately 6 inches. It has a tendency to be light rather than heavy. It is carried in a manner expressing confidence and sound temperament. Very serious fault: Non-docked tail. Serious fault: Low set tail. Minor fault: Tail too short. Coat The coat is short, smooth and sleek. Serious fault: Faulty coat. Color Acceptable colors include solid colors in shades ranging mouse-gray to silver-gray; usually blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. A small white marking on the chest is acceptable; to be penalized if appearing on any other part of the body. As the Weimaraner is a working dog, any white spots denoting scars or as a result of injury are not to be penalized. Very serious fault: Any white other than a spot on the chest. Height Height, measured at the withers: dogs, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. A one inch deviation either under or over the specified heights is allowed but is to be penalized. Gait An effortless gait indicates smooth coordination. When viewed from the rear, the hind feet are parallel to the front feet. When viewed from the side, the topline remains strong and level. Serious fault: Poor gait. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Dogs measuring less than 24 inches or more than 28 inches. Bitches measuring less than 22 inches or more than 26 inches. Distinctly long coat. Distinctly blue or black colored coats.

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