Weimaraner

also known as Weim, Grey Ghost, Weimaraner Vorstehhund

Pros History


The Weimaraner is a sleek and elegant breed with a rich history dating back to the 19th century in Germany. The breed was created by the nobles of the court of Weimar, a city in Germany, as a versatile hunting dog for big game such as deer, bear and wild boar.

The breed was kept a closely guarded secret for many years, only available to the nobles and their friends, but eventually the secret got out and the breed was developed by German hunters, breeders and kennel clubs. The breed was first registered with the German Kennel Club (VDH) in 1887, and later with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1943.

The breed's name, Weimaraner, is a reference to the city of Weimar in Germany where the breed was first developed and where it got the recognition.

The Weimaraner is a large and athletic breed, weighing between 55-88 pounds and standing between 24-27 inches tall. They are known for their distinctive silver-gray coat, which earned them the nickname "Silver Ghost".

Breed Information


Type

Is Weimaraner a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Weimaraners originally used for?

Large Game Trailing

Lifespan

How Long Do Weimaraners Live? What is average life expectancy for a Weimaraner? How long can Weimaraners live?

10-12 years

The average Weimaraner lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Weimaraner Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Weimaraner?

What is the average height of a Weimaraner? How big is a Purebred Weimaraner height? Weimaraner dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm)
Female 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm)
What is the average weight of a Weimaraner? How much should Weimaraners weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 70-90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Female 50-75 pounds (23 - 34 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Weimaraners get fat easily?

The Weimaraner is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Weimaraners Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Weimaraner is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Weimaraner personality? What are Weimaraner dogs best known for?

Alert
Energetic
Intelligent
Steady
Social
Aloof
Fast
Powerful
Stubborn

Shedding Level

Are Weimaraners heavy shedders? How Much Does a Weimaraner Shed?

Weimaraner dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Weimaraner. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Weimaraner dog?

The Weimaraner dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Weimaraners come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Weimaraners descended from?

Gun Dog, Hunting Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Weimaraner breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Weimaraners first bred? How old is the Weimaraner breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Weimaraner?

Sporting (AKC:1943)
Gundogs (UKC)

Weimaraner Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Weimaraner eyes?

Hazel
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Weimaraner nose be naturally?

Blue
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Weimaraner coat be naturally?

Gray
Silver

Coat Length

How long is a Weimaraners coat?

The coat of a Weimaraner dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Weimaraner Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Weimaraner?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Weimaraner have in a litter? How many puppies can a Weimaraner have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Weimaraner can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Weimaraners are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Weimaraner Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Weimaraners have a lot of health problems?

The Weimaraner is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher incidence of health problems compared to some other breeds. These health issues may be frequent and can range from minor to serious. It is therefore essential that owners of DOG_NAMEs schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Weimaraner?

Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Weimaraners?

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Cherry Eye
Sebaceous Adenitis
Urolithiasis
Bloat
Hemophilia A
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Hypodysmyelinogenesis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Weimaraner breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood
Liver Ultrasound
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Skeletal
Skin Scraping
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Weimaraner Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Weimaraners have a lot of energy?

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Weimaraners need socialization? How social are Weimaraners?

Weimaraner have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Weimaraners get?

The Weimaraner needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Weimaraner have? Do Weimaraners sleep a lot?

Weimaraners are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Weimaraner drool a lot?

The Weimaraner is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Weimaraner is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Weimaraner is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Weimaraners exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Weimaraner dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Weimaraners mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Weimaraner running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Weimaraner dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Weimaraners enjoy doing? How do I keep my Weimaraner busy?

Walking, Puppy playtime, Running, Sniffing, Hiking, Playing fetch, Chase, Fetch, Walk, Run, Sniff, Catch treats, Digging, Searching, Casual walking, Cuddels, Belly sraching

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Weimaraner? How much energy does a Weimaraner have?

High

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Weimaraner walk each week? How many miles should a Weimaraner walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Weimaraner, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Weimaraner should exercise a day? How much activity does a Weimaraner need?

90 minutes

In general most Weimaraners usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Weimaraner?

The Weimaraner is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Weimaraner?

Weekly

Weimaraner should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Weimaraners?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Weimaraner eat?

3 cups

For an average 70-90 pound (32 - 41 kg) Weimaraner feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Weimaraner Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Weimaraner is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Weimaraner Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Weimaraner is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Weimaraner Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Weimaraner?

The Weimaraner breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Weimaraner dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Weimaraner dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Weimaraner do well in apartments? Are Weimaraners good indoor dogs?

The Weimaraner is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Weimaraners good with kids? Are Weimaraners good around children?

Weimaraners are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Weimaraners good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Weimaraners good with cats? How friendly Weimaraners are toward cats?

Weimaraners are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Weimaraner dogs get along with other dogs? Are Weimaraners OK with other dogs?

Weimaraners are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Weimaraner dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Weimaraners friendly with strangers?

Weimaraners are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Weimaraners like to play? Are Weimaraners playful?

Weimaraners are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Weimaraner for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Weimaraner easily trained?

Weimaraner dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Elegant and athletic appearance
    Weimaraners have an elegant and athletic appearance that is distinctive and attractive.
  • Cat Friendly
    Weimaraner dogs are comfortable around cats.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Weimaraners are intelligent and trainable, making them easy to train for various activities such as hunting, agility, and obedience competitions.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The likelihood of obesity in Weimaraners is generally low to average.
  • Good with children
    Weimaraners are good with children and make great family pets.
  • Good watchdogs
    Weimaraners are good watchdogs and will alert their owners to any strangers or potential dangers.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Weimaraner.
  • Barking
    Loudness is a common trait among this breed of dog.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    While beloved by many, Weimaraners may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions.
  • Shedding
    Weimaraners have a short coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to maintain.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Weimaraner breeds are not well suited for apartment living.
  • Training and socialization
    Training and socialization are important for Weimaraners to prevent them from becoming overly shy or aggressive.