Weimaraner Breed Magazine - Showsight

varied widely. In general the height- length proportions should convey the impression of pleasing balance that is confirmed by smooth coordination of the front and rear strides.” (Weimaraner Ways) He is slightly longer than tall, The New Illustrated Standard of the WEIMARANER

ther study reveals many aspects not imme- diately apparent. The standard begins: “A medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. He should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dogs’ conformation must indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance in the field.”

with a moderately long neck going into well laid back shoul-

“This opening description of the Weimaraner’s gen- eral appearance with its emphasis on functional quali- ties is the key to understanding the standard. Because the Germans emphasized functional ability rather than physical uniformity, there is considerable diversity within the breed” (Weimaraner Ways). Of utmost importance in discussing Weimaraner anatomy is the principle of never losing sight of the whole dog and the idea that no one part is ever more important than the sum of the dog’s parts. “Body” is described as follows: “The back should be moderate in length, set in a straight line, strong, and should slope slightly from the with- ers. The chest should be well developed and deep with shoulders well laid back. Ribs well sprung and long. Abdomen firmly held; moderately tucked-up flank. The brisket should extend to the elbow.” The Weimaraner standard clearly addresses depth of body, “the brisket should extend to the elbow,” and proportion of leg length, “forelegs…from the elbow to the ground approximately equaling the distance from

ders, straight, slightly sloping backline, confident tail carriage and well-angulated rear. His chest should be well developed and deep giving him plenty of lung room. His depth of chest carries well back with a firmly held abdomen and moderately tucked-up flank. The backline should be firm while standing or moving. The Weimaraner’s functional ability afield is rooted in movement. The standard addresses movement as fol- lows: “The gait should be effortless and should indi- cate smooth coordination. When seen from the rear, the hind feet should be parallel to the front feet. When viewed from the side, the topline should remain strong and level”. To ensure that the Weimaraner can endure a day in the field, his gait must be smooth, coordinated and effortless. If his front angulation shaped by well laid back shoulders is correct and the rear angulation with well bent stifles is equal to the front, there should be no wasted motion. If front and rear angulation is not in balance, one end compensates for the other, resulting in inefficient movement. A Weimaraner should easily cover ground with good reach in front and good drive in the rear.

the elbows to the top of the withers.” However, the Standard is vague with

regard to body LENGTH which states only that the “…back is

Restricted movement in any form is incorrect. When viewed on the down and back, the Weimaraner’s legs con- verge toward a center line beneath his body in order to achieve balance; the greater the speed, the closer the legs come to tracking on a

moderate in length.” Again, referring to the German’s emphasis on functionality, rather than physical uniformity, the height-length proportions of the breed, as well as substance, have always

The WCA will make the Illustrated Standard available free of charge to all provisional judges and to all those attending a Judges’ Education seminar. Copies are available for purchase at the WCA National Office, Ellen Dodge, executive Secretary, P.O. box 489, Wakefield, R.I. 02880-0489; wcadodge@cox.net. The content of the Illustrated Standard was researched, compiled and written by the Illustrated Standard Committee; a part- nership of the Judges’ Education and Breeders’ Education Committee Chairpersons: Kelly Photopoulos, Amy Anderson and Bonnie Lane, along with Virginia Alexander. Illustrations by Linda J. Shaw and Lorna Godsill.

S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE • A PRIL 2010 • 93

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