Weimaraner

/vuy"meuh rah'neuhr, wuy"-, wuy"meuh ray'-/, n.

one of a German breed of hunting dogs having a smooth silver-gray to dark-gray coat, a cropped tail, and blue-gray or amber eyes.

[1940-45; < G, after WEIMAR; see -AN, -ER¹]

* * *

Dog breed developed in the early 19th century by German nobles of the court of Weimar.

First used to hunt big game, the breed was later used as a bird dog and retriever. A graceful dog, it has hanging ears; blue, gray, or amber eyes; and a short, sleek, mouse-or silver-gray coat. It stands 23–27 in. (58–69 cm) and weighs 70–85 lbs (32–39 kg). It is characterized by an alert, well-balanced stance and is valued as an aggressive hunter and a good companion and watchdog.

* * *

▪ breed of dog

 sporting dog breed developed in the early 19th century by German nobles of the court of Weimar. First used to hunt big game, the dog was later trained as a bird dog and retriever. The Weimaraner is a graceful dog with hanging ears, blue, gray, or amber eyes, and a distinctive short, sleek, mouse-gray or silver-gray coat. It stands 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68.5 cm) and weighs 70 to 85 pounds (32 to 39 kg). It is characterized by an alert, well-balanced stance and is valued as an aggressive hunter, good companion, and watchdog. The breed became well-known beginning in the 1970s through the whimsical photographs and videos of William Wegman.

       Selected breeds of sporting dogsSee the table (Selected breeds of sporting dogs) of selected breeds of sporting dogs for further information.

* * *