Color is a very controversial topic! Keep in mind that puppies are several shades lighter when young. They darken ever so slightly as they age. By the time they have reached the 1 year mark, they normally have reached their adult color. To answer the most asked color question, the traditional Gray Weimaraner color does have a slight tan or beige cast. I think of Weimaraner gray as more of a taupe color. We get many phone calls saying the Weims that people are finding are brown. I suspect they are the traditional gray color. Look at some of Wegman’s pictures and you will see this color. Weimaraner Gray is highly sought after by traditional Weim fans.
Even though our pallet is not perfect we thought it would give you some kind of idea of color. Really the pallet doesn’t due justice to Weim coats but it may help you understand the differences in color. Even beyond the pallet you have to consider that the color on any given Weimaraner has many variances. Some parts of the very same hair are darker or lighter. Different areas on the body are darker. When shedding, a darker stripe may appear down the back of your Weimaraner. Yes, Weims do shed their coats twice a year. The first time a Weim owner sees this stripe they often get concerned but it is normal. This stripe is referred to as an Eel stripe. Think of a Weimaraners coat is ever changing in color and tone. Young Weimaraners are lighter colored as a puppy than they will be as an adult. Later in life, areas become lighter in color sometimes.
Surroundings also play a part in the color you visualize when you see the Weim. So, in addition to the variances in coats colors you have to consider reflection, time of day, and setting. A Weimaraner seems to pick up the tones around them -- especially in photographs. The time of day and lighting are also a factors. Early morning is the best time to capture the "truest" color of your Weim. Late afternoon sun seems to make them look more "golden" or brown in a photograph.
I guess it is very important to keep in mind that both the Gray and Blue colors are simply a dilution of Brown and Black. Colors and shades can vary ever so slightly and appear to change at different stages and times of a Weims life. With different backgrounds the same color can take on a different hue. In the end, it often comes down to the breeder's interpretation of whether a Weimaraner is a Silver Gray or a Gray. Some Gray Weims are nearly slate in color increasing the confusion.
Coat and Color (Click Here to visit the WCA Weimaraner Standard)
Short, smooth and sleek, solid color, in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually blending to lighter shades on the head and ears. A small white marking on the chest is permitted, but should be penalized on any other portion of the body. White spots resulting from injury should not be penalized. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification. A distinctly blue or black coat is a disqualification.
