Page 250 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | GUNDOGS

Weimaraner

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
22–27in 55–90lb 12–13 years
(56–69cm) (25–41kg)

This elegant, unusually colored, and intelligent dog has
PHOTOGRAPHIC BEAUTY
boundless energy so needs plenty of space to explore
Since the 1970s American artist William Wegman
(pictured below) has used his Weimaraners for
Created as an all-purpose hunting, style of working, together with the striking
inspiration in his photographs and video work, pointing, and retrieving gundog (HPR silver-gray coat and pale eyes, has given
starting with his dog Man Ray (named after the
breed, see p.245), this 19th-century breed rise to the breed’s nickname, the “Gray
Surrealist artist and photographer). Wegman
highlights the beauty of the Weimaraner’s body is descended from various German hunting Ghost.” Elegant lines, silver-gray color, and
shape and the texture of the fur. He also draws dogs. The Weimaraner takes its name from grace in movement have made this breed
on the breed’s otherworldly appearance by the German Court of Weimar, where it was popular as a show dog and pet as well as a
showing his dogs posing in odd settings,
developed, and for a long time it was mainly working animal. While the Weimaraner
peculiar costumes, or mysterious films.
kept by the nobility. At first it was used for may be reserved with strangers, it is a
bringing down big game such as wolves and bouncy family companion and can be too
deer, but later it was used for retrieving boisterous for small children. The breed
birds from land or water. needs lots of exercise, including running
The Weimaraner has a smooth, powerful and exploring, as an outlet for its energy.
gait and great stamina. It is also known as a There are two coat types: short-haired, and
careful, almost stealthy dog in the field. This the much less common long-haired type.

Striking, pale
blue-gray eyes

Large, high-set ears Nose matches
have slight fold coat color

Body as long as
height at withers

Silky coat

Tail reaches hocks
Silver-
gray

Moderately
tucked-up belly
Feathering
on legs

Firm, compact feet SHORT-HAIRED

LONG-HAIRED

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