WEIMARANER A Breeders’ Perspective 5. Which kennel, domestic or foreign, has given the most to the breed, and how? I think it would be impossible to name just one kennel. Many of our long-time breeders have given their lives to Weimaraners. The mental soundness, the elegance and grace, the health, the dual qualities and the evo- lution of breed type have been an effort that has “taken our village” several lifetimes to achieve. 6. What advancements in structure, health and/or temperament have you seen over the years? Structure: The ‘drag’ of the breed has been hound characteristics. These characteristics have given way to the more elegant, aristocratic look we now hope to see. Our current day Weimaraner should be a beautiful breed. Health: As a breed, yes, I have seen improvement. The health certifications are helping. The CERF, Hips/Elbows, Cardiac, and thyroid clearances have moved us forward. Now if we can find genetic markers for some of the other health problems, we can start to breathe a sigh of relief. Temperament: What a difference we see now than in 1950. I can remember my father taking the Weims to the vet for vac- cinations. The vets didn’t want to have them in the clinic so they’d come out to the truck! My first Weim wouldn’t share air with anyone outside of the immediate family—thankfully, that is a rarity now. Today’s Weimaraners are solid citizens (of course there are the outliers) – therapy dog, service dog, triple champion, Westminster Group winner – we have arrived! 7. What changes would you like to see in your breed? I think I’ll keep that to myself ;-) 8. Who is the foremost authority in your breed? No
DR. DANA MASSEY WIN’WEIM WEIMARANERS 1. Why did you choose your breed and how long have you been involved with your breed? I have had a Weimaraner since 1950 when my father bought me one, so I had a playmate on the ranch instead of the Brahman show cattle. They’d found me in the feed troughs a couple of times playing with the cattle...not the place for a youngster! I have always loved the breed. It is funny how many people will call and say, “I had a Weim when I was a child; and, I want another one.” 2. Where did your breed originate, and what was its main purpose? The Pictorial History of the Weimaraner says that “the original Weimar Pointers appeared in the 19th Century (Germany). They were prized for their versatile hunt- ing skills and remarkable character. In the early part of the century, the Nobles of Weimar were avid sportsmen and hunt- ed a variety of big game. They required of the Weimaraner an exceptional tracking ability, speed, courage and durability. Their breeding programs developed these specific traits and qualities. More likely by accident, they produced the distinc- tive gray coat color that is the hallmark of the breed. During the First Century, the Nobles rigidly controlled the availability of the dogs. To insure the future of the breed, the German Weimaraner Club was formed. Membership was restricted and members only were permitted to own and breed the dogs. Few outsiders really knew much about the breed. Legends developed about the great gray hunting dog. Type and tem- perament were refined and eventually, during the latter half of the 19th Century, the Weimaraner was converted from a bear
doubt about it … our expert and most knowledgeable Weimaraner lover is Viriginia Alexander, Reiteralm Weimaraners. She and Jackie Isabel literally wrote the book –
Weimaraner Ways — everyone who is inter- ested in the breed needs this book. It will soon be out in an updated version – 2010! 9. Who do you feel are excellent judges of your breed? I think the best judges are those who know TYPE. So often the best dog in the ring is the one that looks different from all of the others – but in the RIGHT way. Those judges who find correct physical/men- tal type and soundness with correct bal- ance/proportion are the ones I feel are excel- lent judges. I know we have capable judges out there– but you asked for excellent – these are the ones who continue to study the Weimaraner, who ask questions, who you see ringside with exceptional mentors--even though they’ve judged Weims for years. 10. What is the most common judging mistake in your breed? Besides missing type, I think fault judging and paying too much attention to trivial things like white on the pasterns, tail too short or too long, and
and deer hunter to a ‘fur and feathers’ dog. However, much of the original hunting instincts remain today.” 3. Do you believe the dogs of today could fulfill the purpose for which the breed was developed? Why or why not? Even though the original purpose was a bear/boar/stag hunter, the skill was to find and track game. Weimaraners are excellent tracking dogs with a keen sense of smell and determination when on a scent. I believe a Weimaraner can do just about anything you give it a chance to learn to do. 4. What is the most distinctive physi- cal and mental characteristic of your breed? I love the “almost human” mental characteristic of the breed. The versatility, loyalty, and protectiveness of the Weimaraner are part of that mental bearing. I would say that the most distinctive physical characteristics are the eyes, the coat color, and athleticism.
Am/Can CH. Nani's Win'k of an Eye, VCD1, JH, NRD, VX, BROM, CGC, HOF
96 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE • A PRIL 2010
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