weimaraner

Weimaraner (vī`mərä'nər, wī`mərā'–), breed of large, muscular sporting dog developed in Germany in the early 19th cent. It stands between 23 and 27 in. (58.4–68.6 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 55 and 85 lb (25–38.6 kg). Its short, smooth coat ranges in color from mouse-gray to silver-gray. The tail is docked to approximately 6 in. (15.2 cm). Although originally they hunted game such as wildcats, wolves, deer, mountain lions, and bears, the dwindling population of these animals in Germany led the Weimaraner to be bred increasingly for upland bird hunting. Today it is used as both bird dog and water retriever. See dog.

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weimaraner

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.