Dog Breed

Weimaraner

SpeedsterAdventure Driven
Primary image of Weimaraner dog breed
Full Name
Weimaraner
Alternate Names
Gray Ghost
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
55 - 90 pounds
Description

The silver and gray Weimaraner is not only beautiful, but also a particularly smart dog. This energetic breed is known for its love of physical activity, alertness and intelligence. And of course, the Weimaraner probably has the coolest nickname in the dog world - the gray ghost. This nickname is not only from their color, but because they constantly follow their owners wherever they go. It's important to keep in mind that these dogs do not like to be alone if considering adopting a puppy. If they feel lonely, it can cause quite a bit of stress, and we all know that nervous dogs are prone to destroying furniture, so the Weimaraner is not the best option for someone who is away from home most days.

The Weimaraner is a total athlete and would do well in a very active home. It can keep up with long distance runners, and even bikers. This athleticism and athletic drive comes with responsibility though- they have great wanderlust, and should always be kept on a leash.

Origin
Germany
Bred For
Large game trailing and versatile gundog
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Weimaraner good with children?

    The Weimaraner is about average in how friendly they are with children. They can be friendly and loving with children, but we recommend that they get early socialization, and are not left alone with children for extended periods.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Weimaraner friendly with strangers?

    The Weimaraner is not automatically friendly with strangers and we would not recommend for a living situation with frequent guests.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Weimaraner friendly with other dogs?

    The Weimaraner is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Weimaraner like to cuddle?

    The Weimaraner is not a cuddle bug, but it can still appreciate affection. It just has different boundaries with physical affection.
    Playfulness

    Does the Weimaraner like to play?

    The Weimaraner is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Weimaraner make a good service dog?

    The Weimaraner is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Weimaraner good for first-time owners?

    The Weimaraner would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Weimaraner be trained?

    The Weimaraner is about average when it comes to training potential. The Weimaraner can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Weimaraner shed a lot?

    No! The Weimaraner does not shed very much, and can be an excellent fit for someone who suffers from dog allergies.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Weimaraner easy to groom?

    The Weimaraner requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Weimaraner need a lot of exercise?

    The Weimaraner needs a daily exercise partner! The Weimaraner is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Weimaraner?

    The Weimaraner is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Weimaraner bark? Does the Weimaraner bark too much?

    The Weimaraner barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Weimaraner will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Weimaraner a good guard dog?

    The Weimaraner is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Weimaraner is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Weimaraner good at staying alone? Is the Weimaraner independent?

    The Weimaraner is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Weimaraner a good apartment dog?

    The Weimaraner is a very bad fit for apartment living and we would not recommend it.
    Size

    How big is the Weimaraner?

    The Weimaraner is a large dog breed. A dog's size is important to consider when it comes to travel arrangements, budgeting for food, and how big of a living space you have.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Weimaraner tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Weimaraner?

    The Weimaraner can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the Weimaraner can do well in hot climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Weimaraner tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Weimaraner?

    The Weimaraner can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Weimaraner try to run away?

    The Weimaraner has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Weimaraner is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Weimaraner a healthy dog? The health of a Weimaraner should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Weimaraner is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Weimaraner?

    It seems like the Weimaraner never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Weimaraner is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Weimaraner for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Weimaraner drool?

    The Weimaraner drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Weimaraner have a large prey drive? Does the Weimaraner like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Weimaraner has a very high prey drive and will naturally chase after any small animals it sees. They can co-exist with cats or other animals at the home, but we would not recommend it without supervision.
    Athleticism

    Is the Weimaraner atheltic?

    The Weimaraner is a true athlete. The Weimaraner is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
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  • Secondary image of Weimaraner dog breed

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  1. Sporting
  2. Pointer
  3. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a purebred dog that belongs to the Pointer sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Pointer sub-group: The Pointer is graceful, and serious while it is "working." For centuries, the pointer has been "pointing" to ducks and other hunting game for hunters. They have excellent instincts, high energy and speed, and can be trained very well. This makes them the perfect hunting dog, but in today's age more commonly an excellent family dog to an active family- the perfect runner’s companion. The pointer is friendly, and can be trained well, but still is not ideal for a first time owner due to their high energy and demanding nature. They need a firm owner who they can respect, and who can keep them busy.

Weimaraners for adoption

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