Weimaraner

Known as the "grey ghost" because of its metallic, shimmering silver coat, this Hunt. Point and Retrieve (HPR) Gundog from Germany is different from other such dogs as it was developed to hunt big animals, including deer. bear, boar and wolf.

The origins of the Weimaraner are unknown: its ancestors may have been Bloodhounds. French Hounds and German Pointers. It came to the fore in 1810 with the Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar. Germany. The Weimaraner club was formed in 1897 with the breed kept exclusively for aristocrats. It was strictly monitored, and only puppies of the highest standard were permitted to live. Matings were carefully controlled.

It took an American, Howard Knight, nine years before he managed to acquire two bitches and a dog just before World War II. He. too. tried to control the breed but it became popular and was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1943. Weimaraners reached Britain in 1950.

These friendly and obedient dogs need adequate socialization and firm but kind training while they are young because they can be very boisterous and self willed. They generally like children, although they are not particularly interested in them, so children must not disrespect them. They have an extraordinary sense of smell, excellent hearing and are good family guard dogs.

must know

There is hip dysplasia in the breed, so check the breeder scores. There are other genetic disorders, none of which are considered to be very serious, Consult a responsible breeder.

A large muscular athlete with a short coat, the Weimaraner's unusual grey colouring gives the close-fitting coat a metallic sheen, which looks spectacular when it is moving in sunlight. Dogs are 61-69cm (24-27in) in height while bitches are slightly smaller - 56-64cm (22-25in).

Strangers 4/5

Natural guard dog

Temperament 4/5

Laid back, affectionate

Exercise 5/5

Needs a vast amount, especially free running

Grooming 1/5

Minimal: once a week

Other dogs 3/5

OK if not threatened

Summary

Good pet and exceptional gundog; needs strong, fair handling. Tends to be a one-person dog

Without nourishing food, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, this dog can become moody and destructive. It can be a town dog with plenty of walks or a country dog kept under strict control and not allowed to wander alone. It needs mental stimulation from training, play or the work for which it was developed. It's easy to groom, needing only a twice-weekly polish with a hound glove -daily during moulting. Pay attention to the ears.