There have been numerous theories cited over the origins of the Weimaraner. One fact remains certain, that the Weimaraner had much Leithund blood in it. These dogs were kept during the first third of the 19th century at the Court of Weimar. Towards the middle of the century the dogs were found almost exclusively in the hands of professional hunters and forest officials in central Germany, especially in the regions of Weimar and Thuringia.

These dogs were usually bred for performance and when the days of the Leithund ended, these breeders crossed their dogs with Huhnerhund (refers to Pointers and Setters) and continued these matings further. The Weimaraner is the oldest German pointing breed, and has been pure bred for about 100 years.

The versatile Weimaraner (nicknamed the "Grey Ghost" due to its unique colour) is a dedicated companion dog. From the early years of the breed to the present day, they have lived with people as dedicated companions and hunting dogs. In Australia both the Weimaraner (shorthaired) and the Weimaraner (longhaired) varieties are available.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Weimaraners live to about 12 years. The oldest known in Victoria was 18.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

Weimaraners are a breed for those people who enjoy a dog that is intensely devoted and responsive to attention - they demand attention - and will follow owners from room to room, usually lying down with body contact when owners sit down. They are wonderful with children, protective, fun loving, easy to train, and can be quite the clown.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

They usually get along with other pets especially if introduced at a young age, however, rabbits, ducks or game are not recommended.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Daily running in a park or large area and some training to exercise their brain prevents them from becoming bored and destructive. Regular brushing with a rubber grooming mitt is best. It needs grooming more often when losing hair. This usually occurs twice a year. Regular bathing, cleaning of ears, trimming of toe-nails and dental care are essential too.

Please take note:
The decision to own a Weimaraner should be considered carefully as they require an active person who is prepared to give it the exercise, love and attention it demands. They do not like to be relegated to the back yard and forgotten. Once you decide upon the breed you will become one of the many who firmly believe that this is the most wonderful breed in the world and could never live without one.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Weimaraner is the dog for you and you realise that it is going to be "your shadow" as you go about your routine in your house, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Maureen Wilkinson	Stolzjager	WA	Contact
Sue Shrigley	Ghostwind	TAS	Contact
Lois and Claire Richter	WALDWIESE	SA	Contact
C and A Townley and Trinka,	Aceweis	SA	Contact
Norma Lacey	Greywei	NSW	Contact
Norma Lacey	Greywei	NSW	Contact
Jill Mallard	Yland	NSW	Contact
Simon Mills	Clayco	ACT	Contact
James Delaney	Somerford	NSW	Contact
Suzanne Mayhew	Bromhund	VIC	Contact
Gail and Nicki Smith	Weisnjac	VIC	Contact
Arron Graham	Weinvy	VIC	Contact
Val Peters	Greydove Kennels	NSW	Contact
CARON HILL	SINAWAY	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)