Weimaraner [key], breed of large, muscular sporting dog developed in Germany in the early 19th cent. It stands between 23 and 27 in. (58.4–68.6 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 55 and 85 lb (25–38.6 kg). Its short, smooth coat ranges in color from mouse-gray to silver-gray. The tail is docked to approximately 6 in. (15.2 cm). Although originally they hunted game such as wildcats, wolves, deer, mountain lions, and bears, the dwindling population of these animals in Germany led the Weimaraner to be bred increasingly for upland bird hunting. Today it is used as both bird dog and water retriever. See dog.
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