Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Size: 25-27-inches (male); 23-25 inches (female)
Coat: Short, smooth, sleek
Temperament: Active, alert, stubborn, intelligent, powerful
Exercise needs: At least two hours daily
Origin/native country: Germany
Nicknamed “gray ghosts” because of their pale eyes and silver-gray coat, the Weimaraner was bred to hunt big game in Weimar, Germany, in the early 19th century, hence their name. As such, they were developed to be fast, strong and intelligent and they became highly-prized for their amazing scenting ability.
Over the years, they’ve also come to be adopted as pets, although their immense drive, enthusiasm and energy levels can be challenging since they require plenty of enrichment and exercise. They are also known to be one of the highest jumping dogs.
That said, they’re highly affectionate and loving which means they can add so much to your life. Does that mean you should get one? Let’s take a look with the aid of expert vet Dr Hannah Godfrey.
Does a Weimaraner need a lot of exercise?
Weimaraners are a high-energy breed and they need at least two hours of exercise each day to prevent them from becoming stressed and destructive.
“Weimaraners have lots of energy, and they’re one of the bounciest breeds that I see in my consult room,” says expert vet Dr Hannah Godfrey.
At the very least, you’d mix a long walk with some off-leash running in a safe and secure area – the larger the space, the better because this is one of those dog breeds that were made for running.
You should also take a Weimaraner with you on a run or hike, being aware they have a strong prey drive, and get them to go swimming if you can. As you’ll notice, this breed has webbed feet – these water dogs love diving into ponds, rivers and lakes.
It’s also important to keep a Weimaraner’s mind ticking over by engaging in some fun games to play with dogs and investing in the best dog puzzle toys. Indeed, anything you can do to challenge and stimulate a Weimaraner mentally and physically is going to be in the best interests of both you and your dog.
Are Weimaraners easy to train?
You shouldn’t have too many problems training a Weimaraner.
“The good news is, although they’re energetic and need lots of exercise, they’re pretty easy to train,” says Dr Godfrey. “They’re intelligent, curious, and eager to please, which always makes training that bit easier!”
That said, you need to be aware that this breed requires socialization from a very early age so that they become less wary about new people and other animals. It’s also important that you’re consistent, able to clearly set and enforce boundaries and are prepared to tackle any bad behavior such as chewing and digging as soon as it emerges.
Many Weimaraner owners say they’ve benefitted from taking their dog to training classes and it’s a good idea to learn how to crate train a dog too because this can help tackle separation anxiety, which is likely given how much of a bond this breed forms with their family. Ideally, however, you’d have someone to keep them company throughout the day.
Do Weimaraners make good family pets?
The answer to this question depends on the type of family you have since they tend to suit the more active types. If family members are relatively inactive, then a Weimaraner wouldn’t fit in all that well. Given how Weimaraners can develop bad habits, you could end up with a troublesome pet in your home.
In general, though, you shouldn’t have any issues.
“Although they’re pretty big dogs, Weimaraners are usually good with children and make good family pets,” says Dr Godfrey. They may be less suited to families with small children mainly because there’s a chance kids would be accidentally knocked over.
“However, they might not be a great choice if you don’t have lots of space,” Dr Godfrey adds. “When you have children and dogs it’s important to have a method to keep them separate and always supervise them when they’re together, just in case.”
Do Weimaraners need a lot of grooming?
While Weimaraners are a high-maintenance dog breed in the sense that they need so much attention and exercise, the main things to keep on top of in terms of grooming are their nails and ears.
“Most Weimaraners have short, sleek coats so they only need a quick brush down when any dirt is dry, or a bath if they roll in something horrible,” says Dr Godfrey.
“Unlike many other breeds, I’ve never seen a Weimaraner with matted fur. However, some Weimaraners have long hair, although they are rare. Those with long hair need grooming more frequently to avoid mats and tangles.”
Common health problems in Weimaraners
Although generally healthy, Weimaraners do have some common health problems.
“The two most serious conditions that I’ve treated Weimaraners for in practice have been a clotting problem called Von Willebrand’s Disease, and a twisted stomach, known as Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV).
“However, Weimaraners are also prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and some eye health problems.”
Should I get a Weimaraner?
Weimaraners are loyal and loving. Their vigilance means they are one of the best guard dogs and their energetic nature means they’ll be perfect for highly active families – they’re not one of the best dogs for runners for nothing, that’s for sure.
But they do require a lot of time and attention – looking after a Weimaraner can feel like a full-time occupation and it’s vital that you understand their needs from a very early age, ensuring they’re well-trained and socialized.
You should also take into account their stubborn nature, which means they’re going to be better suited for more experienced dog owners.
Interested in other German breeds? Here’s all you need to know about the German Shepherd
Dr Hannah Godfrey is a small animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on April 8, 2025.
