Weimaraner Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

31-40 kg

Height

63.5-68.5 cm

Lifespan

10-14 years

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About the Weimaraner

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Weimaraner is a large sporting dog that originated in Germany. These purebred dogs are recognised by their silver-grey coat and large floppy ears.

The Weimaraner – also known as grey ghosts or the Weir – was bred to hunt big game, but has since been welcomed into many homes across Australia as companions.

Read on for more Weimaraner dog breed information.

What is the history & origin of the Weimaraner?

The Weimaraner has a more recent history than other hunting dog breeds, which sometimes date back hundreds of years.

Weimaraners originated in Germany in the 1800s and were originally bred as the ultimate sporting dog. Weimaraners were bred using French and German sporting dogs. An adult dog was used by hunters to track and take down large animals, like wolves and bears.

Through the years, the Weimaraner became popular as a gun dog. They were widely used to point and retrieve fowl and other game birds. The breed was recognised in 1897, which led to the formation of the German Weimaraner Club. Only people that were a part of this National Breed Club were allowed to breed Weimaraners.

Weimaraners were imported to the United States in 1938 and were officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1943. Today, there is a great demand for Weimaraner puppies, as they are included in the 40 most popular breeds of the AKC. This popularity has led to the development of the Weimaraner Club of America.

What is a Weimaraner breed?

The Weimaraner is a large sporting dog. They have strong bodies that require vigorous exercise, as they were bred for endurance. The head resembles that of a hound, with large drooping ears and a strong head.

They have a silky coat that is short and can vary from silver-grey to dull-grey, giving them the nickname “Gray Ghost”. Their short coat makes them one of the easiest breeds to groom, as they just need a quick brush.

Weimaraners are highly intelligent and can use their brains to get their way. They can open doors, reach onto the counters, and even open faucets. With enough exercise, Weimaraners are great additions to any family.

Who is a Weimaraner best for?

Weimaraners are perfect for people who want a large dog that enjoys being active, or people that want to participate in dog sports. Weimaraners need a lot of stimulation and exercise to prevent bad habits and naughty behaviours.

Weimaraners are pack animals and love to be around their humans. If you socialise your Weimaraner puppy well, it will tolerate other dogs. Because of their hunting nature, it is best to keep Weimaraners away from other smaller pets that are not dogs, as they might tend to hunt and kill other pets.

These dogs are good watchdogs, and they have a deep bark, but they do not enjoy being left alone for a long time.

Although a great family dog, you should teach children how to behave around the dog to prevent any accidental injuries (an excited Weir can easily knock over a small child!).

Weimaraner Grooming & Shedding

Weimaraners are incredibly easy to groom. Their short coat means that you can just occasionally run a rubber brush over the fur the get rid of excess hair. You can wash your dog when it starts to smell or feel dirty, but no more often than once every three weeks.

They are prone to ear infections, so you will have to clean the ears and brush their teeth to maintain dental hygiene. If required, you will also have to occasionally trim their nails.

Your Weimaraner will shed moderately throughout the year, but twice a year they will experience a heavy shed (similar to other hunting dog breeds) and you will find dog hairs all over your home.

Do Weimaraners bark a lot?

When compared to other dogs, the Weir is a dog that barks a lot.

Weimaraners have a lot of energy and require a lot of stimulation. Although they have a lovely nature, they also have the bad habit of barking frequently.

Barking is a tool used during hunting, so it is not too surprising that this hunting dog is a big barker. It is how the breed communicates.

Here are some reasons why your Weimaraner may be barking:

It is bored, alone or lacking stimulation.
It perceives something as an imminent threat.
It is defending its owner or territory.
It is trying to establish dominance.
It is barking for attention – it could be indicating that it is hungry or thirsty, or want to play.

What is the average weight & height of a Weimaraner dog?

Weight:

Male Weimaraner: 31 – 40 kgs
Female Weimaraner: 25 – 34 kgs

Height:

Male Weimaraner: 63.5 – 68.5 cm
Female Weimaraner: 58 – 63.5 cm

Are Weimaraners easy to train?

Weimaraners are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Training must be consistent, as this dog breed can become stubborn.

Weimaraners enjoy chewing on objects, so you must establish your authority from a young age and teach your dog what it is allowed to chew.

How do Weimaraners behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Weimaraners are incredibly active and can become destructive without physical and mental stimulation. They are loyal and dedicated companions, preferring the company of their owners to being alone. Their high intelligence means they need plenty of activities to stimulate their minds.

Their temperament can be described as alert, energetic, slightly stubborn, powerful and steady. With proper socialisation and training, these active dogs are lovely and kind pets who simply seek to please their owners.

Does the Weimaraner have any common health issues?

Weimaraners from reputable breeders will not present a lot of health issues. Your breeder should provide proof of health screening tests for the eyes, thyroid and hips of the parent dogs.

Other health issues that might arise in your Weimaraner include:

Hypothyroidism: This is a completely manageable condition that can be tested for. This condition prevents a dog from producing enough or any thyroid hormones. Medication can provide the required hormones so the dog can live a long, healthy life.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common problem in larger purebred dogs, and affects the stability of the hip joint. The ball and socket of the joint can become disconnected. This condition is treatable, but the surgery is very expensive.
Elbow Dysplasia: This occurs if there are growth abnormalities in the dog’s elbows. Like the previously mentioned condition, it’s treatable but at a high cost.
Von Willebrand Disease: This condition prevents blood from clotting, which can cause wounds to continuously bleed.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus: Also called bloat, this condition causes the dog’s stomach to expand and rotate. It is a life-threatening health issue and requires immediate medical attention.

What is the lifespan of a Weimaraner?

The average life expectancy of a Weimaraner is 10 to 14 years.

How much does a Weimaraner need to be fed?

Like other sporting dogs, the Weimaraner should be given a high-protein diet. Because of the potential for bloat in this breed, the food should be given in small meals spread throughout the day. You can also reduce the risk of bloat by using an elevated food bowl or slow-feeders.

The intelligence of the Weimaraner means he can use their wit to outsmart you. Your Weimaraner is guaranteed to try to convince you that they need more food or deserve a treat. Treats should be given in moderation, and avoid feeding your dog food from your plate, as this could lead to obesity (and bad begging behaviour).

How much can you expect to pay for a Weimaraner in Australia?

A Weimaraner can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $2,100.

Dogs that meet the breed standard and descend from show champions can cost more than $4,000.

Weimaraner FAQs

Is a Weimaraner ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Weimaraners are not generally recommended for first-time owners, as they demand a lot of attention, training and exercise. That being said, committed first-time dog owners that are willing to put in the time and energy can successfully own and train a Weimaraner.

Do Weimaraners suffer from separation anxiety?

Weimaraners are fiercely loyal, which unfortunately means they also get very lonely when they are away from their owners. This loneliness is expressed as separation anxiety.

These dogs start to feel anxious when they are alone, which frequently leads to destructive behaviours such as destructive chewing, barking and attempting to escape.

Weimaraners prefer to be around their humans almost all the time.

Are Weimaraners hypoallergenic dogs?

Weimaraners are not hypoallergenic and shed moderately throughout the year, with two big shedding seasons each year.

Short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired Weimaraners will shed fur and dander, making them unsuitable for people suffering from allergies.

Will a Weimaraner need professional grooming?

Weimaraners have short coats, meaning you can easily groom them at home without the need for professional grooming. If you have a long-haired variety, you might have to take it to the groomer on occasion, although it is completely manageable to groom your Weimaraner at home.

You can simply brush your dog with a rubber brush once a week, and give them a bath every few months or when they become dirty and smelly.