The Weimaraner: is it the right breed for you?

Weimaraner Summary: 

• Active dogs with a history of hunting
• Coat is short  
• Colours include blue & grey
• Average size = 58 - 67 cm
• Average weight = 40 - 50 kg
• Weimaraner Life expectancy = 10 - 14 years
• Estimated monthly cost = High
• Exercise needs = High
• Attention needs = Medium
• Sociability = Medium

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Weimaraner need?

Strong and energetic, the Weimaraner needs a lot of exercise. They can become bored if they don’t get enough physical & mental stimulation. They’ll require two long walks every day to ensure that their exercise needs are met.

If you and your family are keen on outdoor adventures and are looking for a four-legged friend to come along, a Weimaraner could be the perfect companion for you. They’ll happily join you on hikes and jogs, although they will require a bit of training before they get the hang of running with you. Weimaraners are great swimmers and love to paddle and jump in rivers, lakes or ponds – so be prepared to get wet!

To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. As with all breeds, be careful not to over-exercise them whilst they are still growing, as this can have long term effects on their joints. 

Weimaraner dietary requirements

Your Weimaraner will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s best to feed them complete dog food specially formulated for large breeds to ensure that they are getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. 

Growing pups may prefer 3-4 smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older.

The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. You’ll need to take into account their activity level, age and metabolism. To avoid weight gain, make sure your Weimaraner has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise.

Training: how to train a Weimaraner

Weimaraners are intelligent dogs, but they can be strong willed. They respond best when they are given clear boundaries, as these cheeky pooches won’t think twice before trying their luck! 

Because of their size and strength, it’s important they are trained from an early age with plenty of positive reinforcement to stop them pulling on the lead or jumping up. 

As is the case with all breeds, Weimaraners will start to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old. Therefore, it’s really important for their development that they experience as many different situations as possible. 

Grooming: do Weimaraners shed?

Weimaraners are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Thanks to their short coat, a quick brush once a week will suffice. You should only need to bathe your Weimaraner when they get muddy.

Complete your Weimaraners grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Cost of owning a Weimaraner

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Weimaraner, remember to take into account the following costs:

• Breed-specific food
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

Are Weimaraners prone to any health problems?

Weimaraners are prone to certain health problems, just like all breeds. This doesn’t mean your dog is guaranteed to contract any particular disease – it’s just something to bear in mind.

To keep your Weimaraner as healthy as possible, monitor them closely and attend routine 6-month health checks with your vet. This will allow the vet to give your dog a thorough check-up and to pick up on minor (often symptomless) conditions before they have a chance to escalate into something worse.

Possible health complications for Weimaraners Include:

• Dental disease
• Infections
• Canine obesity
• Allergies
• Hip dysplasia 
• Distichiasis – a condition where small eyelashes grow on the inner surface or the eye, which can rub and cause irritation.

Before welcoming a new dog into your household, make sure you’re able to cover the costs of any routine or emergency medical treatment they may need. Pet insurance will help massively with this. Why not ask your vet about their recommended pet insurance policy?

Weimaraner temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Weimaraners are loyal, active dogs who need plenty of space to roam. Because of their size, they might not make the best pet if you have young children, because of the risk of knocking them over. They are better suited to households with adults and older children. As with all breeds, it’s recommended that children are supervised when playing with dogs.

They aren't ideally suited to apartment living and require a spacious environment because of their high energy levels. Houses with large gardens or immediate access to large green spaces are ideal living environments for Weimaraners. 

Weimaraners have a reputation for being a bit nervous, and it can take time for them to warm up to new people and dogs. Whilst they are still so young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your Weimaraners to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic.

Affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their owners, Weimaraners can be prone to developing separation anxiety. It’s good practice to leave them on their own for small periods during training so that they can get used to being by themselves. 

Are Weimaraners suitable for first time owners? 

Weimaraners may not be the easiest companion, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. They’re intelligent and large dogs that can quickly become a handful if they’re not properly stimulated and socialised.

They have a stubborn streak and can be wary of new dogs and people if they aren’t properly socialised from a young age. 

That said, if you lead an active outdoor lifestyle and are prepared to put in the hours when it comes to training, there’s no reason for a Weimaraner not to be your ideal pet. If you have done your research beforehand, owning a Weimaraner can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet. Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page.