Weimaraner

A breed with athleticism, elegance, and show-stopping appearance. Named after the sport-loving Grand Duke of Weimar, the origins of this muscular breed are not known in detail. Breeders set its present looks and conformation in the late 1800s, and it was only in the 20th century that its popularity spread outside central Europe to northern Europe and North America. The Weimaraner Vorstehhund, as it is officially called in Germany, can be opinionated; males in particular, because of their strength of body and personality, are best raised by experienced dog people. While it was developed as a dual-purpose tracker and retriever, and still occasionally participates in field trials and obedience work, the Weimaraner has become primarily a family companion, and is an excellent watchdog. The less common Long-haired Weimaraner differs strikingly in looks from its glossy, sleek brother, with endearingly long hair on its ears.

This handsome breed’s looks have made it a popular subject for photography and film. It has been used to advertise products from cars to hair dye, and has appeared on the children’s TV programme Sesame Street. Since the 1970s, photographer William Wegman has made a speciality out of photographs and videos of his Weimaraners – first Man Ray, later Fay Ray and her offspring – often wearing clothes or put in human situations.