The Weimaraner's written history begins around 1880, when this breed was first exhibited at a Berlin, Germany dog show, where they were referred to as "l'mongrels". The Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar (Germany), wanted to develop a multipurpose dog.  It is speculated that he used a number of dog breeds to accomplish his end purpose, a dog with  the ability to work with speed, efficiency, and with endurance.  This dog also was to be a companion to the hunter in the field and at home. It's nickname is the "Gray Ghost"; this comes from not only the Weimaraner's color, but also its ability to be quick, using an almost cat-like stealth while in the field, combined with a silent, almost shadow-like way of working.
     These dogs were developed to be hunting and home companions, please pay particular attention to the word, "and".  These dogs are a sporting breed, and possess a very strong instinct for hunting down prey.  Weimaraners are also companions in every sense of the word.  These dogs will not tolerate being chained outside, kept on the back porch with occasional visits from its human, or being alone.  This breed is not like the hound that can, or need to be kenneled, Weimaraners do not flourish in a kennel environment, they need to be with their master and family, involved in all that they do.
     If a Weimaraner is not happy in its surroundings, this dog has the ability and intelligence to change its environment.  There is not a latch, door,or gate that it cannot open. Fences can be climbed, siding can be dug through.  A screen door, even when locked, is a mere annoyance as the dog goes through the screen. The invisible fence does not work with this breed, it will find a way past, even if it means enduring the pain of passing through the electric field. This dog will not be happy being alone often, or long.  Sometimes if it is bored it will do what is called "recreational barking".  Weimaraners enjoy hearing themselves, and can practise to the point of being an annoyance, which is what it wanted to be in the first place, after all, you left them alone. So you are probably asking yourself, "Why would anyone want a dog like this?".
     What I described in the last paragraph is a dog that is not being trained, not being socialized, not being a part of the family.  My question would be, 'Why do people have dogs, that they only ignore?'  Weimaraners are hard working, intelligent, rascally dogs.  They need a benevolent dictator for a master.  They need to have fun with their family, to be a part of daily activity.  They  need to have a job, even if it is as a watchdog.  They have energy enough to go out hunting for a full day, so exercise, lots of exercise daily is needed.  These dogs are rambunctious.  They do not understand that they are rather large and bumping into a small child or elderly person, can be hurtful.  Obedience training is a must with this breed.  Housebreaking a Weimaraner is a challenge, and destructive chewing needs to be channeled.  Consistence, patience, and firmness is the only way to train the Weimaraner.
     The Weimaraner is friendly, yet assertive.  It is fearless and bold.  Obedient, yet headstrong.  It takes a human person that has a strong personality to be the Weimaraner's master; if the human does not have the will to lead, the Weimaraner will take control. Adolescence for a Weimaraner can last between two and three years.  Weimaraners can be seen taking part in the Conformation ring, Obedience Trials, Agility, Field Trials, Tracking Trials and Therapy dogs. They have been used as bird dogs, water retrievers, hunting wolves, wild cats, deer, mountain lions and bear.  They have done excellent work for the police using their tracking abilities.
     A word of caution to people interested in owning a Weimaraner.  The Weimaraner possesses a very strong prey drive.  What this means is that once this dog is no longer a puppy and has grown out of it's adolescent state, it will have the instinct to hunt, something that it does very well.  If you own a small dog, cat, rabbit, pet bird, guinea pig, etc., these animals may not be safe around the Weimaraner.  Even a small child running can cause the chase instinct to take over, the child looks small, it may be crying or sounding like a wounded animal. A person jogging, or someone on bicycle could possibly cause the chase instinct to acitivate  The Weimaraner is not a vicious dog, it is simply doing what we humans bred it to do - hunt.  This is another reason for obedience training the dog, and keeping it behind a secure fence.
      Neatness is not a priority with this breed.  It is not polite about its eating and drinking habits.  Water will dribble from its lips as it walks away from the water bowl.  Food flies everywhere when enthusiastic eaters hit the bowl.  And after it has chased its prey through the dirtiest, smelliest, slimiest places possible, it will come home and ask you if you are very proud of him, and do you still love him.
     The average size of a Weimaraner male is 25 to 27 inches to withers.  The male can weigh between 65 and 85 pounds.  The female is only a little smaller.  The female averages 23 to 25 inches to the withers, and can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.
     Only the silver gray color is acceptable for showing in the A.K.C.  A blue/black, or brown Weimaraner is not accepted by standards. There is such a thing as long coated Weimaraners.  These dogs can be found in many litters.  A.K.C. standards do not allow these dogs to be shown in conformation.  However, under F.C.I. rules they are accepted.
     These dogs have fur that is less than one inch long, and they shed everywhere.  These dogs also have dander, which many people have allergies to.  With this in mind, regular daily (ten minutes) grooming will keep all this under control.  A bath, as necessary, will keep the coat in shiny, excellent condition.

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