Weimaraner

Updated January 7, 2025

Updated January 7, 2025

Weimaraner dogs are graceful goofballs who are best for experienced pup parents and active families who live in a house with a big backyard where the pups can burn off all their energy. Weimaraners are great for one-human families, too—as long as you can keep up with their exercise needs.

Temperament

Athletic, Happy Hunters, Intelligent

Weight

Male: 70-90 pounds

Female: 55-75 pounds

Height

Male: 25-27 inches

Female: 23-25 inches

Life Expectancy

10 to 13 years

Coat Color

Blue, Gray, Silver Gray

The Weimaraner will stick by your side no matter what. And we mean it when we say no matter what: They’ll stick to you like glue all day, every day. This dog breed craves attention and is happy to join in on any activity, from couch cuddles to park play dates, as long as they are with their human. And with such a high-energy breed, you’ll want to make sure those activities include more outdoor adventures than not. These devoted family dogs eagerly keep up with active children and are fast learners, so don’t be surprised when they discover how to open the treat cupboard with a nose nudge. Your Weim may be a permanent toddler, but that’s OK—you’d take a busy life with this fun-loving dog over lazy days anyway.

Weimaraner Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

    Weimaraner Appearance

    Weimaraners carry themselves with a royal, aristocratic air. But don’t let their characteristic gracefulness and smooth, shimmery coats in hues of gray, blue and silver-gray fool you. They are goofballs with long, floppy ears and protruding gray-tipped snouts that sniff out ways to sneak food from the kitchen countertop. And, their long legs can reach just about anything! It’s easy to know when a Weimaraner is happy; their tail will flutter quickly as their bright, attentive eyes shine.

    Photo of a Weimaraner
    1. Ears

      Weimaraner ears are high-set, long ovals with a velvet texture. The large floppy ears match the main coat color in a shade of blue, gray or silver gray.

    2. Eyes

      Their eyes are alert with a wide almond shape. You'll find them in amber, blue-gray or gray tones with black pupils.

    3. Nose

      Their noses extend out from the face with a gray (not pink) tip.

    4. Coat Length

      Weimaraner coats are short, smooth and sleek.

    5. Coat Color

      Weimaraner colors vary from light to dark gray, with a silvery sheen in the sunlight. Some types will have a small white marking on the chest. You may also hear of a blue Weimaraner with a dark gray-blue coat.

    6. Tail

      The AKC breed standard allows for the tail to be docked or undocked. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.

    Weimaraner Temperament

    Weimaraner dogs are friendly and fearless. Their inquisitive personality can mean intently listening to your guidance when learning a new trick or running straight into a swarm of bees to see what all the buzzing is about. So, stay alert!

    Spend one day with a Weimaraner, and you’ll quickly discover their love for human and animal connection. But thanks to their tall height, lanky stature and fast speed, they can be a bit clumsy around unstable toddlers, the elderly and small pets. So make sure you keep an eye on your Weim when grandma comes for a visit.

    Weimaraners will experience separation anxiety when you’re gone too long. Expect some judgy side-eye and a disheveled bed when greeting your Weimaraner at the door if you’ve been away for the day.

    A Weimaraner loves to use their mouth during playtime, whether engaging in a game of tug-of-war with their pet parent or nibbling a plush toy. If an unexpected bite happens, it’s most likely from misjudging where your hand will go next, and the dog will often pause to apologize for the mistake.

    This social breed loves to be out and about, from visits to friends’ homes to public outdoor spaces. And they adapt quickly and find joy in poking their noses in whatever activity you’re doing. Do you have a farm? Weimaraners love investigating other animals and might point at waterfowl, such as ducks and swans, thanks to their natural hunting capabilities. (So, make sure your birds are out of reach.)

    How to Care for a Weimaraner

    If you’ve got treats, you’ve got an obedient Weimaraner. This breed thrives on food and the thought of getting food; so when it comes to working on leash training (they like to pull!), teaching a puppy to sit still for brushing or asking the dog to leave yard bunnies alone, having a pocket of yummy treats, like these bite-sized ones from Blue Buffalo, will muster their full attention. Fortunately for you, your Weim doesn’t need a lot of grooming, so you can spend all that time training and playing with your pup.

    Grooming

    Training

    Diet

    Exercise

    Environment

    Weimaraner Health

    Weimaraners have a lifespan of 10-13 years, and, like any dog, they have a few health issues. It’s important to be aware of these health problems so you can help your pup live as healthy a life as possible. 

    • Foreign Object Ingestion: One of the most common reasons Weimaraners land in the vet’s office is for eating something that’s not food. The best way to manage this situation is prevention. Keep small children’s toys, dirty laundry and other curiosities off the floor where the dog can get to them. If the dog does eat a foreign object, please take them to your vet immediately. In some cases, the vet can induce vomiting to recover the object. In other cases, the vet may use X-rays and/or an ultrasound to help determine if surgery to remove the object is needed.   
    • Hip or Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia occurs when the joints do not form properly and therefore do not fit together well. This can cause pain, lameness and arthritis. Treatment options will often include pain medication, weight management, joint supplements and, in severe cases, surgery.  
    • Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): This acute emergency occurs when the dog’s stomach rotates and becomes twisted in the abdomen. Symptoms typically include retching or dry heaving, distended abdomen and restlessness, which may present as pacing. Time is critical. If you think you may have a pet experiencing bloat, they need to be seen at the emergency vet right away. Emergency surgery is typically needed to correct the situation and save the pet’s life. 
    • Entropion: This genetic eye condition occurs when the eyelids roll inward such that the eyelashes rub on the cornea of the eye itself. This can cause redness, pain and corneal ulcers. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.  
    • Hypothyroidism: This endocrine disease occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone resulting in weight gain, hair loss and lethargy. Diagnosis is typically via blood test and treatment is with daily medication.  

    Weimaraner History

    The origin of Weimaraners takes us to early 19th century Germany. The Grand Duke of Weimar (the breed’s namesake city) expressed the desire for a dog who was bold, fearless, intelligent and an excellent hunting companion with a strong prey drive. The sportsman had several breeds crossed (possibly Bloodhound with German and French hunting dogs) to create the Weimaraner breed.

    Historically, Weimaraners were bred for sport and to minimize predator problems. These dogs use their acute senses to detect and point at their prey, leading their human hunting companion in the right direction. In Europe, the hunting dogs were used to flush out wolves, bears and mountain lions that were harming livestock. Big game hunters also prized the breed for their skills.

    The dog started showing up in America in the 1920s, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Weimaraners in 1943. Weimeraner fans include President Eisenhower and Grace Kelly.

    Are you ready to add a Weimaraner puppy to your family? A list of reputable breeders is available on the AKC website. What’s the price for a Weimaraner puppy? Expect to spend between $500-$3,000 for a puppy who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can also check out Weimaraner rescues or your local animal shelter. You can also search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

    FAQs

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    Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club‘s chief veterinary officer; and certified dog trainer and puppy development expert Ali Smith, owner of Rebarkable.

    Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.

    The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.