This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the early 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game in the dense forests of Germany’s Weimar region. Exceptional tracking ability, incredible athleticism, and brains were essential for their work. These traits have persisted to this day, making the Weimaraner (WY-mah-rah-ner) a breed perfect for a select group of people. Couch potatoes need not apply.
1. Weimaraners were made for action
The Weimaraner Club of America puts it this way: “Weimaraners need exercise! These three little words cannot be overstressed.” It is not unusual to see these four-footed athletes trotting merrily alongside the sinewy legs of marathon runners. They can maintain a nice pace for long distances and enjoy participating in activities such as Agility.
2. Weimaraners definitely have an “off” switch
This may have something to do with their history as a gentleman’s gun dog. They were designed to hunt all day long and come and live inside with their people in the evenings, relaxing by the fire.
3. Weimaraner puppies are born with stripes
But these fade entirely after just a few days. Their eyes also change color—from blue at birth to light amber, gray, or blue-gray—as they mature.
4. Their scenting ability gives them an edge in activities where noses rule
Owners joke that it’s “cheating” to enter a tracking event with a Weimaraner because they are such naturals at it. The first dog to earn a championship—RATCH—in the terrier-tailored sport of barn hunt was a Weimaraner named Lexi.
5. Their nickname is The Gray Ghost
Their nickname—The Gray Ghost—comes in part from their color and, more importantly, from their hunting style, which has been described as stealthy and catlike. They also have an annoying tendency to try to disguise their scent, which means that they’ll roll in any stinky thing they can find.
6. Weimaraners are deeply devoted to their people
And they can get depressed and act out if they are ignored. This can lead to separation anxiety problems, notes the WCA, so it’s important to teach puppies that there will be times when they will have to be on their own.
7. Grace Kelly owned Weimaraners
Hollywood’s icon of elegance, Grace Kelly, owned a Weimaraner. She received the dog as a wedding gift before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956.
© Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
8. Weimaraners are the star of William Wegman’s Artwork
In fact, his Weimaraners, Flo and Topper, are featured in 11 mosaic murals in the 23rd Street F/M Subway station in New York City. Wegman and his dogs live and work in this Chelsea neighborhood.
Purchasing and Registering your Weimaraner
Think the active, friendly, and fearless Weimaraner is the breed for you? Check out Weimaraner puppies on the AKC Marketplace.
After becoming the owner of a Weimaraner, it is important to register your dog. Why? The AKC is the only purebred dog registry in the United States that maintains an investigation and inspection effort. The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of dogs and the environments in which they live.
You can register your dog here, and you will receive your official AKC certificate in the mail. There are many other benefits, including a complimentary first vet visit, 30 days of pet insurance, and eligibility to compete in AKC events and sports.