PM Weimaraners of Montana
1. Why incorporate Longhairs into our breeding programs?
Answer: There are two main reasons for incorporating the Longhair Weimaraner into any breeding program: 1. To reap the health benefits that Longhairs carry (click here to read more about health benefits) 2. For hunting in colder climates. In addition, there are people who love the look of the Longer coat. 3. The third reason for raising American Longhairs is that people in American want them.
2. Can you explain the difference in coat lengths?
Answer: The Weimaraner Longhairs coat as a mature adult is one and a half to two inches long, with extra feathering around the tail and legs. The tail coverage is excellent --expect full plumage. The tail does not need docked for protection in the field. The coat is easy to manage and free flowing and does not mat or shed to the same extent as most coated dogs.
The long coat is actually a double coat... a coarse topcoat that repels water, with a soft undercoat that provides insulation from the cold. Like all long coats, the Longhair Weim coat becomes heavier in cold weather. German sportsman consider the long coat an asset since it provides waterproof protection from the cold and improves ability to perform in field.
In addition to the long coat there is what some breeder's refer to as a Stockhaar Coat which is shorter but still not the normal shorthaired smooth coat identified with most American Weimaraners.
3. Can you explain colors?
Note: Keep in mind colors are subject to interpretation. What one breeder refers to as a silver may actually be a light taupe color (fawn)--if you held up a color chart. Taupe or fawn is a light shade of tan.
Color names have also changed over the years. When you research pedigrees you will see: Fawn, Silver Blue, Gray Blue, and a myriad of other names that were once accepted. Remember most of the time the breeder is marking the box for the color and they may have a bias.
Answer: Both Blue and Grays are dilutes. Blue is Black dilute and Gray is Brown dilute. Blue is dominant to Gray.
The genes are:
bbdd (lower case being recessive) = Gray
Bbdd or BBdd = Blue
Locus B pair determines black or brown coat, with black being dominant
Locus D pair determines dilution, with the dilution being recessive
Blue is not accepted by the German standard, unless you think Blue is a shade of Gray. A Blue Weimaraner can be registered as a "Blue" with the American Kennel Club (AKC), however the Weimaraner Club of American (WCA) does not accept Blues. Another words you can register your Blue with AKC. You can title your blue in the field, in agility, and everywhere except in the Show Ring.
Blues were accepted by WCA until the 1970's. There has always been a controversy over whether the first Blue (imported from Germany) was a cross bred dog. The German records has a handwritten note in it that he is likely a Doberman Cross. That said the German Weimaraner Club President signed his pedigree. With the strict Weimaraner guidelines at the time we feel the club president would not have signed the registration if he thought it was not purebred. Later it was reported that he told the WCA that he thought Casar was cross bred. The AKC did an investigation and authenticated his pedigree and determined that he was pure and issued his papers. Therefore, from that point forward any Weim bred to him became eligible for registration. In our opinion, that should have been the end of the story.
Many people believe the color came from a mutation (something that happens in nature all the time). Documentation has often supported the that the Germans frequently used the terms "mouse gray" (an acceptable color) and "blue" interchangeably. This has added to the confusion. In the end colors remains a hot issue. In a nutshell there are 3 current AKC choices. A breeder must select:
* Silver Gray
* Gray
* Blue
4. When you mate a Longhair with a Smooth Coat Weimaraner will all the puppies be Longhairs?
Answer: No, first your short hair Weimaraner must be a recessive carrier of the Longhair Gene to get any Longhair puppies. Normally, you would get 25 -50% Longhair puppies.
5. Will two Longhair produce all Longhair Puppies?
Answer: Yes and the coat should be thicker with a Longhair to Longhair mating.
6. How much work is it to take care of a Longhair Weimaraner?
Answer: Personally we are surprized at how little work the longer coat requires. It does require moderate brushing, but like the short hair Weimaraners they shed twice a year.
7. Can you register a Longhair Weimaraner?
Answer: Yes, you register a Longhair Weimaraner with AKC just like you do the short coated Weimaraners.
8. Does the Weimaraner Club of American recognize the Longhair variety?
Answer: No, nor do they recognize Blue Weimarnaers.
9. Can you title your Longhair?
Answer: Yes, there are many possibilities for titling your Longhair Weimaraner. Click here to learn more about Titling your Longhair including International Titles that can be earned in America.
Questions and Answers
Concerning Longhair Weimaraners
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