Blue Weimaraner: Facts, Genetics, Health, Traits & Pictures

Unique, rare, and controversial are the terms often associated with the blue Weimaraner. Even today, there is still a lot of bias and controversy about it. But how did this regal breed get tangled in a web of scandal and mystery?

By their looks alone, you will be captivated by their distinct color, muscular build, and heavenly eyes. For such a fascinating breed like this, it’s not a surprise that it’s the talk of the town in the canine world.

Whether you’re looking for a pet to own or just simply intrigued by this breed, hang tight as we are about to spill everything you need to know about the blue Weimaraner!

What Is a Blue Weimaraner?

The blue Weimaraner is a medium to large-sized dog. It has the same temperament and behavior as other Weimaraners but with a different color. The coat of a blue Weimaraner appears as a diluted shade of black, sometimes described as charcoal gray, and ranges from a faded blue to a darker blue.

Blue Weimaraner dogs are usually regarded as highly-intelligent, social, and vigorous. According to other owners, they are also loving, affectionate, and obedient.

So if you have an active lifestyle and a warm personality, you’re cut out to be a blue Weimaraner owner.

The blue Weimaraner is often called the “black sheep” of the Weimaraner breed, while the silver or grey Weimaraner is coined as the ‘grey ghost.’

Are Blue Weimaraners Rare?

Contrary to popular belief, blue Weimaraners are quite common, and their popularity makes them costly.

Initially, blue Weimaraner dogs were considered rare. Now, they are quite common and known in the United States and have also been bred across the globe. 

The recent ease of dog importation enables blue Weimaraner dogs to be bred outside the kennel clubs, making them quite common.

Blue Weimaraner vs. Silver or Grey Weimaraner: Are They the Same?

Generally, blue and silver or gray Weimaraners are the same when it comes to their temperament and traits. They just differ in coat colors.

The blue Weimaraner’s coat is a diluted black which appears as charcoal gray or a lighter to darker blue. Meanwhile, a silver or gray Weimaraner’s coat is a diluted brown or chocolate.

It’s important to know that the Weimaraner breed may vary in tones and hues, but their primary coat colors are always blue, silver, or grey. These are the colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Blue Weimaraner Origin and History

The blue Weimaraner’s history has been controversial and unresolved for more than half a century.

In 1949, the first Weimaraners were imported from Germany to the United States. This legendary pooch named Cäsar von Gaiberg, better known as Tell, is believed to be the primary ancestor of the blue Weimaraners we have today.

Tell was described as an oddly dark Weimaraner, a lovely and intelligent dog that produced fine puppies.

In 1950, Tell’s papers were issued by the German Weimaraner Club (GWC), which recognized him as a purebred Weimaraner. His papers were then accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, after several months, the GWC president wrote to the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA), stating that Tell was a crossbreed. This sparked the whole controversy.

An investigation for the blue Weimaraner was then conducted by the WCA. Its disqualification was attempted in 1951 and 1965, but both were unsuccessful.

Then, in the 1970s, the WCA further pushed for its disqualification. Two years later, the blue Weimaraner was officially disqualified.

However, in 2007, a small group of fanciers created the Blue Weimaraner Club of America (BWCA). They petitioned to remove the disqualification in 2008. Sadly, their attempts also failed.

Up until this day, there is no clear evidence that Tell was a mixed breed.

Many people still believe that this blue color was an outcome of either a genetic mutation or crossbreeding. But all these assumptions are still up for verification.

Blue Weimaraner Appearance

A full-grown blue Weimaraner typically weighs around 55 to 90 pounds and stands 23 to 27 inches tall, making it a large-sized dog with a strong and muscular physique.

A fully grown male blue Weimaraner typically stands at a height of 25 to 27 inches and weighs around 70 to 90 pounds. On the other hand, a female blue Weimaraner reaches a height of 23 to 25 inches and weighs between 55 to 75 pounds.

Blue Weimaraner dogs have brawny heads, amber or blue-grey colored eyes, and hound-like, velvety ears. The colors of their eye rims and noses also appear as very dark gray or black.

The eye color of blue Weimaraner puppies is usually a lighter tone and changes as they reach six months of age.

Generally, it takes them 1 to 2 years to fully mature, but they reach their full size at around 6 to 8 months.

It’s not hard to miss this breed when you see its sleek-colored coat. You will notice a slightly tinted coat gleaming with either white-washed blues or a very faded black.

Blue Weimaraner Coat Color Genetics

Genetics plays a primary role in determining the color of a Weimaraner. There are only two important loci to look at regarding the Weimaraner’s coat color genetics. These include the locus B pair and locus D pair.

The Weimaraner’s coat color comprises many loci and alleles, but locus B produces the black coat color, and locus D pair controls dilution. The dilution gene causes some dogs to have lighter coat shades.

A study made by German scientists shows that grey and blue Weimaraners are genetically similar. The only consistent difference between the two was identified in gene B (B-locus).

Their analysis showed that gene B creates a so-called haplotype that enables dark pigment production, resulting in a blue coat color phenotype.

The blue coat color is more dominant than grey; hence the grey coat color is passed down as a recessive trait.

Since the blue coat color is inherited as a dominant trait in the offspring, having only one blue Weimaraner parent can produce blue Weimaraner puppies.

Meanwhile, you can’t expect a blue Weimaraner puppy if you have two grey Weimaraners. On the contrary, it’s possible that two blue Weimaraners yield all-grey offspring.

Do Blue Weimaraner Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

Since the Weimaraner breed carries the dilution gene, it is not uncommon to observe changes in coat color as blue Weimaraner puppies grow. Sometimes, the full adult coat takes up to two years to develop.

Some blue Weimaraners may have speckles that may or may not turn into a solid color. It will also depend on their genetic formation.

If both parents are blue Weimaraners, the puppies will develop into blue Weimaraners as they reach maturity.

Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Blue Weimaraners?

Several global canine events exclude the blue Weimaraner because it is disqualified by the Weimaraner Club of America.

Nonetheless, there are still kennel clubs that recognize blue Weimaraners. However, they can’t participate in dog shows and other events.

For instance, blue Weimaraner dogs can be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can participate in performance events but not in the show ring.

On the bright side, the offspring of two purebred AKC-registered Weimaraners are considered purebred regardless of color.

Blue Weimaraner Temperament and Personality

Blue Weimaraners are highly intelligent dogs. They are hailed as the 25th smartest dog breed due to their working intelligence, which aids in their hunting and tracking abilities.

They also tend to be independent-minded and stubborn at times. But proper training and socialization can curb their strong will to become well-behaved furry friends.

As people-oriented dogs, they love to have fun and get along with children. They are also loyal, obedient, and affectionate dogs that thrive on human interaction. However, they can be a bit too clingy to respect personal space.

Blue Weimaraners need a family where their athleticism can be given attention. As hunting dogs, they are highly energetic, agile, and full of stamina.

Hence, they require regular exercise, which can be quite a problem for a busy owner or household.

It is also important to know that the temperament of the blue Weimaraner also varies depending on its gender. But more than this, it will also depend on your treatment and form of training.

Blue Weimaraner Lifespan and Health Issues

The average life expectancy of a blue Weimaraner is about 10 to 13 years. While blue Weimaraners are generally healthy dogs, they may also encounter health problems in their lifetime.

Whether it’s a mild disease or a serious condition, it’s best to be prepared for these unwanted scenarios.

Below are some of the common health issues of a blue Weimaraner:

• Hip Dysplasia: Often seen in large dogs like the blue Weimaraner, hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket of a dog’s hip don’t develop and function properly. This leads to a loose joint, pain, lameness, and arthritis. Some mild cases can be treated with prescribed medication and physical therapy, but severe cases may require surgery.
• Entropion: Entropion occurs when a pup’s eyelid rolls in, and its eyelashes rub against the cornea, causing irritation. This can lead to scarring, impaired vision, and even blindness.
• Hypothyroidism: Blue Weimaraners are also prone to developing hypothyroidism. It happens when a dog’s thyroid gland is underactive, which slows down its metabolism, affecting major organs of the body.

Genetic factors contribute to the development of some of the blue Weimaraner’s health problems, such as hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

Early genetic testing will help lower the probability of passing down hereditary diseases.

How Much Does a Blue Weimaraner Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Blue Weimaraner puppies cost around $1,000 to $1,800, slightly higher than the price of other Weimaraner puppies. This is because blue Weimaraners are usually deemed more desirable because of their coat color.

If you want a pooch from a top breed lineage or superior pedigree, expect to shell out around $1,500 and above.

Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you can look at the route of adoption. The average adoption fee from rescues or shelters is usually around $100 to $600.

Before welcoming your new furry friend home, you have to be equipped with several items. Here’s a checklist of your initial expenses for your blue Weimaraner:

Some of these items, such as the dog license and microchip, are optional but recommended. These two items can keep your dog secured, along with other perks that come with them.

Meanwhile, all the other health-related expenses are essential for your pooch.

There are multiple ways to minimize spending as long as you know how to prioritize and choose the right products. But always remember to invest in good quality items that your dog deserves.

Places to Find Blue Weimaraner Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Thankfully, due to the efforts of the blue Weimaraner breed lovers, there are easier ways to look for blue Weimaraner puppies for sale.

It still pays to be cautious of breeders that might try to rip you off. Better yet, head over to reputable breeders for a worry-free transaction.

Here is a list of reputable breeders that offer blue Weimaraner puppies:

• Blue River Weimaraners – Located in Western Montana, Blue River breeds high-quality blue and grey Weimaraners. Their blue Weimaraner puppies are BWCA-registered and screened for health issues. The parents of their blue Weimaraner puppies are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Touchstone Weimaraners – Based in Southern California, Touchstone breeds blue Weimaraners that are trainable, versatile workers and healthy companions. Their Weimaraners are bred to be natural bird hunters with excellent temperaments and hunting abilities.
• PM Weimaraners – All puppies from PM Weimaraners are certified by the OFA and Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). They are also registered with the AKC, while some can be dual registered with the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). PM Weimaraners are hand-raised in a family environment and are sociable towards children.

Here are some places where you can find blue Weimaraners for adoption:

• Florida Weimaraners Rescue – This rescue started when its founder picked up a Weimaraner that needed rescuing. This program is part of Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDDR), dedicated to rescuing dogs of all breeds, providing them with the necessary medical care, and finding their perfect homes. Founded in 2008, BDDR has saved the lives of more than 48,500 dogs.
• Blue Angel Weimaraner Rescue of Texas – As a non-profit organization, Blue Angel Weimaraner Rescue of Texas helps shelter dogs, owner surrenders, and strays find their forever homes. It is operated by a group of volunteers that also serve as foster parents during the evaluation phase of potential adopters.
• Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue – The dogs from Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue (GLWR) are usually taken to foster homes until their forever homes are found. GLWR is a volunteer-run and non-profit group without a traditional physical kennel facility. Their ultimate mission is to rescue and rehome Weimaraners in the Great Lakes region.

Whether you buy or adopt a blue Weimaraner, you should always make sure that you are getting a healthy puppy. Check their facility or read some online testimonies beforehand.

Best Dog Names for Your Blue Weimaraner Puppy

The blue Weimaraner is a unique dog deserving of a unique name. If up until now you still don’t know what name you’ll give your dog, check out some of the best blue Weimaraner names listed below!

• Navy
• Cyan
• Denim
• Azure
• Copper
• Luna
• Apollo
• Gus
• Bolt
• Neptune

If none of the names listed above appeals to your taste, you can always get creative and choose a name that is personal. Just always remember to choose one that is distinct and easy to remember for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Blue Weimaraners Shed?

Just like silver or grey Weimaraners, blue Weimaraners shed their coats. Their shedding becomes more apparent during the spring or autumn season.

Short-haired blue Weimaraners tend not to shed as much. Generally, the amount of shedding varies depending on their environment, gender, age, and even food.

Are Blue Weimaraners Smart?

Yes, they are highly intelligent and independent thinkers. In fact, the Weimaraner breed is sometimes referred to as ‘the dog with the human brain.’

However, a dog’s intellect will always depend upon how it is raised and trained by its owner. While being smart makes blue Weimaraners highly receptive to training, they can also outsmart their owners.

If left unchecked, they can develop clever but mischievous behaviors such as stealing treats, unlocking fences, and the like.

Do Blue Weimaraners Have Blue Eyes?

True to its name, blue Weimaraners have a bright blue eye color when they are born. But their eyes don’t stay this way as they mature due to heightened melanin production.

After 3 to 6 months, their eye colors shift to either amber, grayish-blue, or greenish-blue.

Final Thoughts

The controversy surrounding blue Weimaraners may still persist today, but it will never erase the fact that this breed is unique and special. To have one as a pet is both a privilege and a blessing.

Just like the struggles that this breed has gone through throughout history, owning one has its own challenges, especially if you’re not prepared for it.

Blue Weimaraners can be quite high-maintenance, but if you are ready for the responsibility, there is more than one way to have one in your life.

So, what are your thoughts about the unique blue Weimaraner? Share them in the comment section below!