Weimaraner: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Weimaraner temperament and personality

The AKC says Weimaraners are devoted to their owners and can become depressed and act out when ignored, and that they are calm indoors in the evenings despite their energy. VCA calls the breed energetic and protective with family, only moderately outgoing toward strangers and demanding of attention.

Known as the Gray Ghost for its color and stealthy hunting style, the Weimaraner was developed in Germany in the early 1800s to hunt large game, the AKC says. It is a capable, intense dog that bonds hard and wants to be included in everything.

How big do Weimaraners get?

The AKC's breed weight chart lists Weimaraners at 55 to 90 pounds, without separate ranges for males and females. They are large, lean, muscular dogs built for speed and endurance.

A fit Weimaraner shows a defined waist and the outline of its last ribs. Food needs vary with activity, so ask your vet to help set portions and to check body condition at each visit.

Weigh your dog every couple of months.

Weimaraner lifespan and common health issues

Neither the AKC article nor VCA's page gives a complete lifespan figure for the breed. The AKC's lifespan guide puts large breeds at an average of roughly 10 to 12 years. Like other large, deep-chested dogs, Weimaraners should be watched for bloat.

Ask a breeder for hip evaluations on both parents and which other health screenings the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet about bloat risk and preventive options. A swollen belly with unproductive retching, restlessness or drooling is an emergency.

Exercise needs

VCA says the Weimaraner needs daily exercise such as a long walk or, better, a long jog, and a well-fenced yard, and that hunting, swimming and retrieving are favorites. It rates the breed 5 out of 5 as a jogging partner and says it is not for inactive owners.

The AKC says Weims can keep a steady pace over long distances and enjoy dog sports such as agility. Plan for at least an hour or two of hard exercise a day once the dog is grown.

Weimaraner grooming and shedding

VCA says the short, sleek coat needs brushing once a week, rates grooming requirements at 1 out of 5 and shedding at 3 out of 5. The AKC says the breed comes in blue, gray or silver gray.

A rubber curry brush or hound glove takes a few minutes. Trim nails regularly, since a heavy, active dog with long nails moves awkwardly, check the ears and brush the teeth several times a week.

Training a Weimaraner

VCA says Weimaraners learn quickly and do best with a firm owner who combines reward-based training with good control and leadership, rates ease of training at 4 out of 5 and recommends obedience training for control and mental exercise.

The AKC notes ignoring a Weimaraner can lead to separation anxiety, and says the breed club advises teaching puppies early that they will sometimes need to be alone. Practice short, calm absences from the start.

Are Weimaraners good with kids and other pets?

VCA says Weimaraners are gentle and playful with children but may be too boisterous for small ones, and rates them 3 out of 5 with children. Supervise toddlers around a large, excitable dog.

VCA warns the breed may be aggressive toward strange dogs and other pets. Early socialization helps, and small pets such as cats, rabbits and birds need careful management with a strong-hunting gundog.

Give the dog a quiet place to rest.

What a Weimaraner needs at home

A high, secure fence, a large crate, a padded bed and a coat for cold weather are the basics. Fetch toys, a long training line, puzzle feeders and durable chews help with energy and time alone.

For care, keep a rubber curry brush, nail grinder, ear cleaner and dog toothbrush. A well-fitted harness and leash cover walks. Ask your vet about bloat risk and a feeding routine for a deep-chested dog.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.