| The Weimaraner, or Silver Ghost, bears a striking
resemblance to a painting by Van Dyck (circa 1631).
However, it is said to have been purpose-bred as a
gundog in the 1800s by the Grand Duke Karl August
of the German city-state of Weimar, after which the
breed is named. Breeds that are likely to have played
a part in its make-up include the Saint Hubert or
other French hounds, Short-haired Pointers, Spanish
Pointers, Bloodhounds, and German Schweisshunds.
The result is a fine gundog that was originally used
against big game, and more recently as a police dog.
The Weimaraner is good natured and distinctive
looking, with a metallic silver-gray coat and amber or
blue-gray eyes. It excels in obedience and agility, and
makes a fine pet provided that it has an outlet for its
keen intelligence. It is best housed indoors rather than
in a kennel and requires little grooming. |
