The Weimaraner made its first appearance about 125 years ago in the German court of Weimar, the capital of the province of Thuringia. The breed was partly developed from the old red Schweisshunde, a breed that was responsible for so many German hunting dogs. It is probable that crosses were made to the German Short-haired Pointer and several indigenous German hunting breeds. The Weimaraner was bred to stalk deer and to trail and hunt bear and wild boar.

In 1897 the Weimaraner Club of Germany was formed at Erfort, Thuringia. As time passed, less big game was hunted in Germany. At this point, the Weimaraner was developed into the "perfect all-around gun dog" as it showed a marvelous aptitude for birds in the field in part because of its excellent nose. The German Weimaraner Club was started by a few amateur sportsmen, who bred the dog for sport rather than profit. No one was allowed to buy a Weimaraner without first becoming a member of the club. he breed was nurtured very carefully by these sportsmen.

In 1929 an American sportsman, Howard Knight, of Providence, Rhode Island, was made a member of this exclusive organization. Knight hunted with Weimaraner owners in Germany. He joined the German club, was permitted to bring back two specimens, and he ultimately founded the Weimaraner Club of America. The American Club has tried to follow the lead of its German counterpart in guiding the career of the Weimaraner in the United States. The "Gray Ghost" as it is kindly called has proved itself to be a grand all-around hunting companion rather than a field trial competitor. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943

The longhaired Weimaraner, an interesting variation, is not recognized by the AKC but is shown in other countries. It has a longer, silky coat with longer hair on the ears, back of the legs and under the body.

The Weimaraner is demanding and it needs obedience training and steady exercise. It also needs human companionship and insists on being a member of the family. Breeding stock should be X-rayed for hip dysplasia. Gastric torsion (bloat) is known in the breed. Some mast cell tumors are found and the breed is subject to bleeding disorders. Always buy from a reputable breeder.

The Weimaraner's sleek coat is easy to care for. However, its nutrition must be good quality, because its energy level is quite high, and to maintain its sleek coat. The Weimaraner does not do well as a kennel dog. It does better in a country setting where it has the freedom to range and exercise.

The Weimaraner, a tall, aristocratic, intelligent looking hunting dog has as its trademark, its distinctive coloring - a gray color ranging from mouse gray to silver. Dark blue and black coats are not allowed. males weigh up to 85 pounds/38 kg and may be as tall as 27 inches/68 cm. Females are about 70 pounds/32 kg and measure up to 25 inches/63 cm high. The breed has a long head, long high-set hanging ears, a strong neck and a hard topline. The tail is docked to about 6 inches/15 cm and carried level at the back. The gait of the Weimaraner should be light and floating. Its eyes are very expressive and are light amber. gray or blue gray.

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