Weimaraner Colors

Weimaraner ColorsWeimaraners are often called the “gray ghost” dog breed due to their signature grey shade. It is true that the breed tends to have greyish coats, but Weimaraner colors actually contain quite a lot of variety. They come in many shades and hues, and some Weimaraners may even have markings and patterns. All of these different colors can lead to some confusion, since certain shades may not be eligible for certain shows.

 

The Most Common Weimaraner Colors

Weimaraners are traditionally a grey color, so this is typically considered to be the most desirable shade for show dogs. The most popular shade for a Weimaraner is called grey, but it is technically the result of a very diluted brown coat that is thin enough to show some of the underlying color of the dog’s skin. This leads to quite a few variances, so there are three main shades of grey for Weimaraners.

 

Deer Grey

Deer grey is the lightest version of grey that you can see in a Weimaraner. This color is somewhat like a pale greyish beige, so some deer grey weimaraners may have an almost golden appearance.

 

Silver Grey

Silver grey is typically the most common Weimaraner color. It is a medium shade of warm grey that gives the dog a classic appearance. In many cases, a silver grey Weimaraner coat will catch the light in a way that gives the dog a slightly metallic appearance.

 

Mouse Grey

Mouse grey is a very deep shade of taupe that can veer more towards brown than grey in color. These weimaraners are sometimes mistakenly called black or blue, but they are still technically a type of grey.

 

Unusual Colors for Weimaraners

Though Weimaraners are typically grey, other shades are not unheard of. Many Weimaraners are Blues, which is a weimaraner with a diluted black coat instead of a diluted brown coat. Just like a grey Weimaraner, blue Weimaraner colors come in a variety of dark and light shades. They can be a pale blue, or a deep blue color. However, their fur will have a much cooler tone than a grey Weimaraner, so they will appear to be a muted blue grey instead of a soft grey taupe.

The status of blue Weimaraners is somewhat contested. They can be registered as purebred Weimaraners by both the AKC and the UKC. However, keep in mind that the American Kennel Club does not allow owners to show their blue Weimaraners. A blue can compete in field events, or United Kingdom shows, but they cannot compete in the show ring.

 

Colors for Weimaraner Markings

Depending on the size and shade of a mark, a Weimaraner may be disqualified from showing or have points taken off their score. However, markings are very common among the breed, so they can still be registered as purebreds, and most litters will have one or two puppies without a solid coat.

 

White

White markings commonly occur on the chest or feet. A small white mark on the chest or pasterns is still considered standard. Some Weimaraners have larger markings though, such as a thick white stripe along the chest, that may disqualify them from showing.

 

Tan

Many Weimaraners have a coat with tan points. This is called “the mark of the hound.” Light tan patches typically occur along the muzzle, chest, ears, and feet. The tan markings are often so light that they blend into the coat of grey Weimaraners. However, they stand out more on darker blues and mouse grey shades. In some Weimaraners, these patches may be bold enough that the dog is confused with a Doberman.

 

Age Lightening

As the dog ages, it is common for areas of its coat to become lighter. Weimaraners get lighter muzzles like most other breeds, but they are also known for getting a lighter patch on the back of their head between their ears. This is called a “Grafmar’s Cap,” and it may lighten until it appears almost white.

 

Piebalds

Random genetic mutations can affect Weimaraner colors, so it is possible for a purebred Weimaraner to be born with piebald markings. These are thick white patches or speckles that will disqualify the dog from being shown.