Weimaraner Breed History
The Weimaraner was developed by the Noblemen from the Court of Weimar earlier than the 1800’s. Originally know as the “Weimar Pointer”, this breed was prized for their excellent hunting skills and remarkable character. The Nobles of Weimar were avid sportsmen and hunted a slew of big game that included , but not limited to, big boar, bear and deer. These hunters required a dog with incredible tracking ability, speed, endurance, courage and durability. Through specific breeding programs these traits were developed. Most likely by accident, they produced a dog with the distinctive gray coat color that is most sought after today.
Howard Knight, a rhode Island businessman, was the first American to achieve membership into the highly regulated German breed club in 1928. Although he promised to protect and maintain the purity of the breed, the German club sent Mr. Knight two Sterilized dogs. He battled back and forth to aquire foundation breeding stock. Finally in 1938, three females and a puppy were sent to him: litter sisters, Adda & Dorle v. Schwarzen kamp; year old female, Aura v. Gaiberg; puppy dog, Mars aus der Wulfsreide.
Fellow sportsman joined Mr. Knight’s efforts and formed the Weimaraner Club of America in 1942. At the end of that year, American Kennel Club (AKC) granted recognition and the Weimaraner made it’s debut at the Westminister dog show in 1943.
In the late fifties owning a Weimaraner was a status symbol and the more these dogs cost the more status was obtained. Because of this boom, many of the dogs produced were ill bred, ill tempered and not very good looking. The once rare and beautiful Gray Ghost ended up in shelters and “free to good home”. The breed quality and purity survived thanks to concerned and very dedicated breeders who maintained the original standards of excellence.
By the mid-sixties, the Weimaraner began flourishing from the devastating growth period of the fifities and breeders began correcting past abuses. Today the Weimaraner is enjoying renewed popularity amongst dog purist and lovers from across the globe. It ranks 41 in popularity in the United States. While the popularity is not as extreme as the 1950’s, Weimaraners are still warming the hearts and souls of the people who have chosen these beautiful dogs as friends and companions.
