The 'Republic of Weimar'
The Weimaraner dates back to the early 19th century in Germany. Histories of the Weimaraner Vorstehhund (Weimaraner pointer) usually open with the Grand Duke Carl August (1757-1828) and the noblemen of his brilliant court at Weimar, capitol of Thüeringi, a principality in central Germany. There, many believed Carl August -"the hunter among kings and king among hunters"- and his noblemen, first developed the silver-gray breed for hunting in Thüeringia's great forests. According to one tradition, the German aristocrats deliberately concealed the secret of the breed's origin so that it would remain unique and exclusive to the court of Weimar.
The Grand Duke Carl August certainly played an important role in breeding and establishing Weimaraners as the special prerogative of the German aristocracy. His interest in the breed coincided with the introduction of firearms to bird hunting and several authorities mention that he crossed English Pointers with German dogs; thus, it is possible that Carl August played a role in the transition of the Weimaraner from a trailing hound to a pointer.
From Weimaraner Ways authored by Virginia Alexander and Jackie Isabel
The Weimaraner's written history begins around 1880, when this breed was first exhibited at a Berlin, Germany dog show, where they were referred to as "1'mongrels". The Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar (Germany) wanted to develop a multipurpose dog. It is speculated that he used a number of dog breeds to accomplish his end purpose, a dog with the ability to work with speed, efficiency, and with endurance. This dog also was to be a companion to the hunter in the field and at home. Its nickname is the "Gray Ghost"; this comes from not only the Weimaraner's colour, but also its ability to be quick, using an almost cat-like stealth while in the field, combined with a silent, almost shadow-like way of working.
