If we had to find two words to describe the Weimaraner breed, those words would have to be beautiful and sleek. Weimaraners turn heads everywhere they go – from the streets to all kinds of canine competitions. Weimaraners are beautiful, but Weimaraner colors are even prettier!
The most common Weimaraner coat color is so iconic it even has a unique nickname – The Gray Ghost. But, don’t think these pups only come in grey. There are many color variations in Weimaraner coats.
We’re about to show you that every Weimaraner is beautiful. All you gotta do is find the one you like the most, take it home, name it, and love it forever!
About The Weimaraner Breed
You’ve probably seen them on William Wegman’s photos, calendars, and books wearing wigs, costumes, and other funny props. They’ve impersonated all kinds of celebrities, from Louis XIV to Little Red Riding Hood. Yes, those are today’s Weimaraners!
But, these dogs weren’t that fancy once upon a time. Weimaraners used to work as gun dogs who handled big game like bears, deer, and wolves. As Germany’s big game became scarce, the Weimaraners became retriever hounds hunting small prey, birds, rabbits, and foxes.
As you can assume, Weims come from Germany, the Court of Weimar, precisely. These pups were founded in the early 19th century when noblemen wanted a dog with courage and intelligence, along with speed, stamina, and incredible agility. You can say they wanted a super dog for their hunting trips.
First known as the Weimar Pointer, it is believed that this dog was a cross between the English Pointer, the Great Dane, and the silver-gray Huehnerhund or chicken dog.
Today’s Weimaraners are known by many names. Weims, Silver Ghosts, or Gray Ghosts are just some of them. Their sleek, mouse-gray coat to silver-gray coat with light amber, blue-gray, or gray eyes is what makes Weims so attractive. They’re elegant, aristocratic dogs with charm like no other.
Weims love to be around people so much they’re even nicknamed shadows. They will lie at your feet and follow you anywhere you go (yes, including the bathroom!). If you leave them alone for too long, they can develop separation anxiety, which is something you will want to avoid.
Although they’re so sweet, Weimaraners aren’t the dog breed for everyone, especially not first-time owners. They’re quite energetic and have a high energy drive, which means their daily exercise needs must be fulfilled. Besides, Weims are smart pups with a constant thirst for mental stimulation.
If you don’t satisfy these needs, Weims might become nervous and restless at night.
Weimaraners can be quite a handful. Males are generally less dominant than females.
Since they’re originally hunting dogs, Weims have a strong prey drive. If you don’t train them or keep them under control, they will chase and kill small animals, like cats, dogs, mice, frogs, birds, etc. Also, joggers and cyclists are in danger of being chased.
Despite their hunting instincts, Weims are house dogs unsuited to living in kennels or being kept in the backyard. They need human interaction all the time.
Being so smart means Weims will test your boundaries. All the time! If this is your first Weim, you should consider taking it to an obedience class or puppy kindergarten. Training should be gentle but firm. However, harsh treatment is undesirable.
Once trained, Weimaraners become versatile dogs. From companion pups to hunting dogs and show pooches – they’ve got everything covered!
What Colors Are Weimaraners?
The Weimaraner Club of America was founded in 1943. The American Kennel Club recognized them the same year the breed club was founded. According to the AKC, Weimaraners have three standard colors.
Those colors are:
• blue
• grey
• silver grey.
However, only variations of grey are accepted for show competition in the USA. But, all three color variations are recognized by the AKC, which means they can be registered.
While some of the colorations are accepted in the US, some countries don’t recognize them all.
Weimaraners have the dilute gene, which gives them their distinctive washed-out look. This is the main reason why you’ll never see a solid black Weimaraner or even a chocolate one.
Weimaraner Colors: Mouse-Grey, Light Grey, And Silver-Grey
Grey is the most common color for a Weimaraner. In fact, grey is the breed standard. Here’s something interesting about grey Weimaraners: they’re not grey at all! The grey color is actually a diluted chocolate. That’s why it appears to be almost white-washed, which gives them the unique nickname the Grey Ghost.
If you take a closer look, you’ll see that the grey Weimaraner color has an almost brown appearance. It makes them look taupe more than true grey. Still, we call them the gray Weimaraner, and sometimes, silver Weims. But this dog is definitely not brown.
If your Weimaraner looks 100% brown, then it has to be a mix with another breed, like the Doberman Pinscher.
Shades of Grey
There are always shade variations, even among gray dogs. Even though they’re all considered to be grey, there are actually three different shades of grey you can find in Weimaraners.
Light Grey
The lightest of grey Weimaraners are light grey or deer grey, as the Germans call it. They look very pale compared to other Weimaraner colors, but it’s more of a washed-out tan shade.
Silver Grey
The medium shade is named silver grey. This color appears closer to taupe, especially if not in direct sunlight.
Mouse Grey
Mouse grey is the darkest Weimaraner grey. It appears to be washed out tan in color. If your Weimaraner is darker than this, it’s actually a blue Weimaraner.
Blue Weimaraner Colors
Photo from: @dexter_the_blue_weimaraner
Even though this color variation is considered to be blue, it really isn’t. Just like grey Weimaraners are actually a diluted chocolate, blue ones are a diluted black. It results in a blue appearance, but there is no actual blue color in the coat.
The blue Weimaraner is recognized by the AKC and can be registered in competitions and sports. But, they’re not eligible for dog shows. Blue Weimaraners are only recognized in the United States. Outside the US, they’re not official Weimaraners.
Just like grey Weimaraners, blue Weims come in various shades.
Light Blue
The most white-washed-looking blues are considered to be light blue. These dogs look like a very faded black, but they’re much darker than the grey pups.
Dark Blue
Dark blue Weimaraners look like they carry a faded black coat. Well, that’s actually the truth. They’re not grey at all, but they’re much darker, even though they have such a washed-out appearance.
Different Weimaraner Colors
Most Weimaraners appear to be solid-colored, but they aren’t all. Some color variations have unique markings, and some of those markings are even acceptable for showing.
But, there are some other disqualifying traits, which doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong with the dog. They’re just not a part of the breed standard set by the AKC.
Weim Colored Points
Some Weimaraners have tan points. These markings are quite similar to the ones a Doberman Pinscher has. They’re visible on the face, chest, and paws. It’s these markings that make things difficult when trying to tell a Weimaraner apart from a Doberman.
Grey Weimaraners have points so lightly colored they’re difficult to distinguish from the rest of the dog’s coat.
In a blue Weimaraner, the markings are much darker and more visible.
Rare Weimaraner Colors And Patches: White Blazes
The AKC accepts a small white mark on the chest. These marks are pretty common for Weimaraners. But, they must be small to be acceptable. And, they can only be located on the chest, nowhere else.
The only other white markings that are acceptable are small white markings on the lower legs.
If the white blaze is too large, then it’s outside the breed’s standard and won’t qualify for dog shows. White markings on other body areas also mean disqualification, even though many bloodlines carry them.
Rare Weimaraner Colors: Piebald
A Weimaraner with lots of white, even on most of its body, is called a piebald. This can be the result of patterns and colorations, but all are a mix of the dog’s natural color and white piebald patches.
Sometimes this results in a spotted or speckled appearance, which makes that Weimaraner truly incredible and unique.
A piebald Weimaraner is not a cross with another dog breed. It’s a natural variation within the breed but quite rare indeed.
Weimaraner Coats
If you thought Weimaraner colors are tricky, wait ’til you hear about their coat types. Traditionally, Weimaraners have short, sleek coats that seem to shine in direct sunlight. This is the most common coat type, but it’s not the only one.
In fact, there are three coat types you’ll find in Weimaraners. All coat types are recognized by the AKC, but only short-haired varieties are acceptable for dog conformation in the US.
Short Haired Weimaraner
The most common type of Weimaraner is the short-haired one. It’s the dog all of us think of when someone says Weimaraner.
This short-haired pup has incredibly short hair that doesn’t need trimming and requires very little grooming. But, don’t think that short coats make them hypoallergenic. These Weimaraners still shed, and they’re not hypoallergenic dogs.
Longhaired Weimaraner
A longhaired Weimaraner is quite uncommon in the United States. It’s because this coat variation is recognized, but it’s not showable. Still, the longhaired Weimaraner is fully recognized in other countries where it is accepted for all kinds of shows and competitions.
As you can expect, longhaired Weimaraners have much longer coats that require frequent grooming. The reason behind their longer coat lies in the fact that the longhair gene is recessive. Two short-haired Weimaraners can give birth to a longhaired puppy.
Short-haired Weimaraners only have a single coat, while longhaired pups have an undercoat beneath their topcoat. The hair is usually longer on their legs and belly, but it shouldn’t be too long or too soft elsewhere.
Stockhaar Weimaraner
When a longhaired Weimaraner is bred with a short-haired one, the result may sometimes be a pretty rare puppy with a coat called the Stockhaar. What’s interesting is that you can’t breed dogs to achieve this look.
This is not a longhaired dog, but it also has longer hairs than short-haired Weimaraners.
Dogs with this coat type have a single coat with no undercoat, but the guard hairs are much longer, especially on the shoulder, ears, neck, and tail. The coat is usually longer and thicker than a short-haired one, but it’s also less scraggly than a longhaired one.
Why AKC Accepted Weimaraner Colors Are Recognized But Not Shown
Photo from: @_malnatheweimaraner_
Now that you’re aware of all the different Weimaraner colors, it’s time to learn how to make a quick distinction between them.
Weimaraners are purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and thus, they’re admitted into all kinds of dog shows, events, and competitions.
However, some of the coat colors and coat types are recognized by the AKC, but they’re not show-quality material.
There are other types of competitions open for such Weimaraners like field events, canine sports like agility, hunting tests like the NAVHDA, etc.
But, just because those pups are not showable doesn’t mean they’re illegitimate or that something’s wrong with them. They’re absolutely purebred dogs with some traits dog show judges find undesirable. But, hey, it’s not that big of a deal, is it?
Can Weimaraners Be Brown? Is There Such A Thing As Red Weimaraner Colors?
Brown Weimaraner dogs and red Weimaraner dogs are not actually possible. In fact, if you see one of them, you should know they’re not purebred Weimaraners.
Even though these Weimaraner colors may look very appealing to some, you should stick with the grey color if you want a purebred Weimaraner. Of course, sometimes, a mouse grey Weimaraner can have a brown tint to its coat. This is completely natural, and they’re still considered grey.
A brown or red Weimaraner is most likely a cross with another dog breed, for example, the German Shorthaired Pointer.
When considering a crossbreed, you should know that numerous traits will be left up to chance, such as the dog’s health, temperament, and physical traits.
Which Weimaraner Coat Colors Should I Choose?
If you have your heart set on a Weimaraner and you’re wondering which color to choose, here’s some help.
The choice may be a simple one, but you should know about several important factors, especially possible health issues.
Always keep in mind that the standard Weimaraner color is grey. This includes shades of grey like mouse grey, silver-grey, and silver.
What To Know When Picking A Weimaraner Puppy
When picking out the perfect Weimaraner puppy, we always suggest avoiding puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, especially if you want show-quality puppies.
First, you’ll need to do lots of research to ensure your Weimaraner breeder is a reputable one and understands how important responsible breeding is.
On average, Weimaraner puppies can cost a pretty penny, so make sure you have your budget set from $700 to $5,000. Of course, if the parents were from a quality lineage, the puppy’s price will be even higher.
Also, local shelters and rescue centers are a good way of finding a Weimaraner, especially if they’re specialized in rescuing the Weimaraner breed.
If finding Weims in your neighborhood is a bit difficult, you might want to reconsider your decision. What about Weimaraner mixes? I’ve heard good things about the Weimaraner Pitbull mix.
How To Groom A Weimaraner Dog
Whether you own a puppy or a senior Weimaraner, you should know that grooming is a must. Proper grooming prevents skin disorders and helps prevent parasite infestations. Your dog’s hair will be clean and odorless, their mouth healthy, gums fresh, and their heart will be in good shape.
When you groom your dog regularly, you’ll see any ticks or fleas. Also, you’ll be able to notice any abnormal growths, cuts, scrapes, or signs of infection.
Brushing your Weim’s teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth is very important for the dog’s general health. Just like with people, your dog will build up cholesterol in his veins and arteries if he has tartar buildup or periodontal disease of the gums. Did you know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of heart disease in dogs?
Brushing the teeth only takes a minute or two a day, but it does so much for your dog’s health. Brushing will prevent numerous diseases that can strike your Weimaraner dog.
Do you know what normal dog gums look like? Most of us have never really looked inside a dog’s mouth before.
Anyhow, it’s not that difficult to peek inside and see if everything looks okay.
If the gums are pale and look bloodless, then they’re probably affected by some gum disease. You need freshly pink gums that sit perfectly around the teeth.
Besides brushing your dog’s teeth, you can get a dental gel that prevents tartar buildup and give them dental treats.
Dental treats and dental dog toys help your dog’s teeth to be free from plaque buildup. Most dogs love using them! Remember, that’s dog treats, no human treats like pretzels, Doritos, or Cheez-Its or foods like hummus, peppers, spam, bagels, or Vienna sausages that can be dangerous.
Photo from: @theweimaranerfarm
Cleaning your Weimaraner’s ears
I bet you’ve never wondered what a dog’s external ear canal looks like. Well, it’s long and bending. Because of this, we need to clean our dog’s ears frequently to prevent ear mites, wax buildup, and ear infections.
If your dog has hair growing in his ears, the hair will prevent proper airflow, catch dirt and wax, and cause problems. Consider trimming it!
Weimaraners have droopy ears, and they already have circulation issues. So, we need to be extra careful to keep their ears clean and open.
Hunting dogs or bloodhounds usually get dirt or seeds in their ears. If you’re using your Weim for hunting purposes, always check its ears for foreign matter and ticks as soon as you get home.
Trimming your Weim’s nails
A dog’s nails are more important than you might think. Trimming them is not only for good looks. If a dog has long nails, he can slip around on hardwood floors, slide up and down the stairs, and get hurt even when walking. Also, your dog might become a bit lame if the nails are too long.
Nails should be trimmed regularly. It’s so much easier to clip them on a schedule because longer nails are more difficult to trim. But, be careful. If you trim too much, you can end up hurting the dog and causing the nails to bleed.
Brushing your Weimaraner dog
Weims are pretty easy-maintenance dogs. The only thing you need to do routinely is brush them.
Most dogs love to be brushed, but some don’t really like it. That’s why it’s important to introduce your Weimaraner to brushing in early puppyhood. The dog will be less likely to be afraid of brushing when he grows older.
Cleaning eyes
Taking care of your Weim’s eyes is one of the easiest tasks.
Once in a while, take a minute or two to inspect your dog’s eyes. It would be best to inspect them every time the dog goes for a run or even hunting. They might have dust or seeds in them, and that’s not good.
Dog baths
Your Weimaraner needs baths, especially if it’s a very active dog.
If you organize it well, bath time may be an enjoyable adventure for both you and your dog.
Weimaraner dogs are prone to canine skin allergies, and they often have dry and rough skin. The reason behind their sensitive skin is still unknown. It may be the hunting and running through the woods, but it may be a genetic predisposition.
Either way, your Weim must use sensitive shampoo, gentle and soothing, one of the natural ones that don’t cause allergies.
How Long Do Weimaraners’ Eyes Stay Blue?
Unfortunately, Weimaraners don’t keep their blue eyes forever. The color of their eyes changes from blue to gray, light amber, or blue-gray as they grow older.
The change in eye color is near complete by the pup’s half-birthday. As they mature, the melanin production increases in their eyes, leading to the eyes becoming darker.
See Also: 21 Dogs With Green Eyes You’ll Fall In Love With
Final Words
As you can tell, Weimaraners are pretty awesome. Well, Weimaraner colors are even more awesome. Not all dogs can sport such a lovely gray color. Good thing they only come in shades of gray.
Otherwise, it would be such a hassle to choose the right Weimaraner for you.
If you’re seeking your dog soulmate, a Weimaraner is the one you’re looking for.
Read Next: The Vizsla Weimaraner Mix: A Peek Into The Vizmaraner Breed
