Weimaraner

Breed Type: Sporting
Common nicknames: The Grey Ghost
Coat: Smooth
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Gentle, alert, intelligent, affectionate
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Color & patterns:
Hero image
Weimaraner - brown
Weimaraner - gray
Weimaraner - gray
Weimaraner - silver
The Weimaraner is a spirited and charismatic breed with a sleek and elegant build and striking silver-gray coat that requires minimal grooming. These athletic companions will infuse your life with endless happiness and adventure; their boundless energy makes them perfect pups for outdoor adventures, and they are always up for a game of frisbee or a long hike in the wilderness. Their intelligence and quick learning abilities also make them excellent candidates for various activities and sports. Weimaraners are also known for their playful and mischievous natures, and their affectionate and loyal personalities ensure that these pups are cherished family members.

Weimaraner characteristics

Learn about about Weimaraner basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Weimaraner facts.

Average height

22-27 inches (55.9-68.6cm)

Average weight

54-97 pounds (24.5-44.0 kg)

Average lifespan

10-13 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
Do Weimaraners’ eyes stay blue?

No, your Weimaraner will not typically have blue eyes that stay blue into adulthood. When Weimaraners are born, they have blue or blue-gray eyes, which can be quite striking against their silver-gray coats. However, usually within a few months, their eyes will change color to light or medium amber or gray. Blue eyes in an adult Weimaraner is not standard for the breed. 

Do Weimaraners have webbed feet?

Yes, Weimaraners often have webbed feet. This is common among many dog breeds historically bred for water retrieval or hunting waterfowl. The webbing between their toes helps them swim more efficiently by providing greater surface area and propulsion in the water.

Do Weimaraners drool?

Yes, Weimaraners can drool, but they do not have excessive drooling tendencies. However, like all dogs, individual Weimaraners may vary in their drooling habits. Excitement, hunger, or certain health conditions can occasionally cause drooling in a Weimaraner, but it’s not typically a prominent breed characteristic.

Do Weimaraners shed?

Yes, Weimaraners shed, but they are typically minimal shedders. They have short, dense coats that are relatively easy to maintain, but they do shed year-round. Regular grooming, such as brushing once or twice a week, can help minimize loose hair around the house and keep their coat in good condition. During shedding seasons, they may shed more heavily.

What color is a Weimaraner?

Weimaraners are always varying shades of gray, hence their nickname “the Gray Ghost.” They can come in several shades of gray, including plain gray, silver gray, blue, piebald, and gray with tan markings.

How big do Weimaraners get?

Weimaraners are medium-large dogs, most weighing 50 to 80 pounds and standing around 22 to 27 inches tall.

How long do Weimaraners live?

A healthy Weimaraner will live to be between 10 and 13 years old. With proper care, nutrition, and regular check-ups, some Weimaraners can live even longer. Like all breeds, individual longevity can vary based on lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

How many types of Weimaraners are there?

There are two types of Weimaraners: short-haired Weimaraners and long-haired Weimaraners (which are much less common).

When do Weimaraners stop growing?

Weimaraners typically reach their full height by around 12 to 18 months of age, although they may continue to fill out and mature in terms of muscle mass and body weight up until they are about two years old.

How do you pronounce Weimaraner?

“Weimaraner” is pronounced “Wai-mer-ah-nr” with a soft “ah” sound in the second half of the word.

Are Weimaraners hounds?

No, Weimaraners are not classified as hounds. They are part of the “gundog” or “sporting dog” group. Gundogs were originally developed to assist hunters in finding and retrieving small game. Weimaraners specifically belong to the Pointer and Setter category within the gundog group. They are known for their keen sense of smell, stamina, and ability to work closely with hunters to hunt.

Weimaraner history

Learn about where this Weimaraner came from!

What are Weimaraners bred for?

Weimaraners were originally bred as versatile hunting dogs, especially for large game like deer, boar, and bear. Their characteristics were honed for intelligence, strength, speed, and keen sense of smell, making them excellent hunting companions. Today, they are also used as show dogs and family pets due to their friendliness, loyalty, and distinctive silver-gray coats.

Where are Weimaraners from?

Weimaraners hail from the moneyed, aristocratic region of Weimar in Germany in the late 1800s. They were bred to be trackers and retrievers.

Weimaraner temperament

Learn about about the Weimaraner temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Do Weimaraners bark a lot?

No, Weimaraners are not considered excessive barkers, but their tendency to bark can vary depending on each dog’s temperament. Weimaraners make excellent watchdogs, so they may bark to alert their parents of approaching people. They also may bark when excited or lonely. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Are Weimaraners good family dogs?

Yes, Weimaraners can make good family dogs under the right circumstances. Weimaraners are people-loving dogs who were bred to be companions and live inside the home. Because of this, they can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. Weimaraners are loving, affectionate, playful, and extremely energetic dogs who need a family that can provide a ton of exercise. Families with a fenced yard to give them room to play are ideal for this breed.

Are Weimaraners good with cats?

Yes, Weimaraners are generally good with cats, but it depends on each dog’s temperament, socialization, and household dynamics. 

Weimaraners have an extremely high prey drive since they were bred for tracking and hunting and, as such, do not have the best track record with cats or other small animals in the home. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Weimaraner, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, could get along well.

Are Weimaraners difficult to train?

Yes, Weimaraners can be difficult to train because they are intelligent and known for their independence streak. This can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or reluctance to follow commands. Their high energy levels can make it difficult for them to focus, and they may become bored with repetitive training. 

However, Weimaraners are also highly trainable with the right approach, which should include positive reinforcement, consistency, early socialization, plenty of exercise, and a patient, firm hand.

Are Weimaraners good with other dogs?

Yes, Weimaraners typically get along with other dogs. As with any breed, individual temperament and socialization play a role in how your dog will react to other dogs. Weimaraners have high energy levels, so they may be too excited for laid-back or shy dogs. Matching them with dogs that have similar energy levels is a good idea. Weimaraners also have a strong prey drive, which can affect their relationship with small dogs. Weimaraners can be good with other dogs if well-socialized, trained, and matched with dogs who complement their temperament.

Are Weimaraners smart?

Yes, Weimaraners are quite intelligent. They are quick learners and can pick up commands and training relatively easily when motivated. Their intelligence is often attributed to their breeding as hunting dogs. Weimaraners are particularly good at problem-solving, especially if there is a reward involved. They can adapt to different environments and are quick to learn new commands. They are curious dogs, too, and love to explore their surroundings. Weimaraners are great companions for people who are willing to provide them with mental stimulation and structured training.

Are Weimaraners protective?

Yes, Weimaraners are protective of their families, but their level of protectiveness can vary between individuals. They will likely alert to the presence of strangers or unusual sounds and may show guarding behaviors if they sense a threat to their family or territory. Weimaraners are known for their loyalty to their families, which can also translate as protective behaviors.

Are Weimaraners affectionate?

Yes, Weimaraners are affectionate toward their families. They form strong bonds with human companions and enjoy being involved in family activities and cuddling. They seek out companionship and can be playful and attention-seeking, but they can also be sensitive to their parents’ emotions and provide comfort during times of stress or sadness. Weimaraners can be affectionate and loving companions when provided with proper care.

Do Weimaraners like water?

Yes, many Weimaraners enjoy water activities. Historically, Weimaraners were bred as versatile hunting dogs, and part of their training included retrieving game from water. They tend to have a natural love of water and enjoy swimming to fetch objects and also to cool off. Swimming is also a great form of exercise for Weimaraners to burn off excess energy. Introducing your Weimaraner to water gradually and positively from a young age can help foster a love for swimming and ensure they engage in water activities safely and happily.

How fast can a Weimaraner run?

On average, a healthy Weimaraner can run at speeds of 25 to 35 miles per hour. This makes them quite fast compared to many other dog breeds. Their athleticism, endurance, and stamina allow Weimaraners to cover ground quickly, whether it’s during hunting pursuits, outdoor activities, or playtime. They can sustain running over varying terrain, reflecting their heritage as versatile and agile working dogs.

When do Weimaraners calm down?

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs and can take several years to calm down and mature both physically and mentally. They start to calm down and settle when they are two or three years old. This can vary slightly for each dog, but by this age, many Weimaraners have passed their most exuberant and active stages. Proper training, socialization, and exercise play a significant role in shaping a Weimaraner’s behavior.

Do Weimaraners do better in pairs?

Whether your Weimaraner will do better paired with another Weimaraner or other breed depends on the individual dog’s personality, your lifestyle, and the specific dynamics of your household. Weimaraners are social dogs, so having a companion dog can provide them with social interaction, playmates, and companionship, which can help prevent loneliness and boredom. It can help with socialization and exercise, too, as playing with another dog provides an outlet. 

However, introducing a second dog requires careful consideration of training and management time. Your Weimaraner may also prefer to be the sole dog in your household, so adding a second dog definitely requires careful consideration.

Are Weimaraners good with kids?

Yes, Weimaraners are gentle, easygoing, yet playful dogs who are notoriously great with children. Like all dogs, however, Weimaraners need to be trained to behave gently with children and vice-versa. Untrained Weimaraners tend to “not know their own strength.” Make sure to give your Weimaraner plenty of exercise, as a well-exercised dog is more likely to be calm and well-behaved around children. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Weimaraner to keep both the child and dog safe.

Weimaraner health

Learn about about the Weimaraner health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Weimaraners healthy?

Weimaraners are a very healthy breed of dog but can be prone to certain diseases, including:

  • Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Weimaraner, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia, so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

  • Eye problems: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness; entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; and distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye, are issues in this breed.

  • Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD): HOD is a disease that affects the front limbs of large-breed puppies. It causes inflammation in the legs, pain, stiffness, lethargy, and occasional fever. Though it is a painful condition, most puppies eventually outgrow the symptoms. Avoiding certain combinations of vaccines could prevent HOD. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s risk before scheduling routine vaccinations.

  • Bleeding disorders: Weimaraners are susceptible to a variety of disorders that cause excessive bleeding, including von Willebrand’s Disease, an inherited condition that prevents the blood from clotting properly and could cause hemorrhages; factor XI deficiency (hemophilia C), a blood clotting disorder that is generally mild, but can cause delayed and spontaneous bleeding after injuries and surgery; and factor VIII deficiency (hemophilia A), the most common blood clotting disorder in dogs, it causes spontaneous bleeding and affected dogs may bleed into their joints or muscles.

  • Others: Gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen; hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat; skin allergies; and dwarfism are quite common issues in this breed. To identify some of these potential problems, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and imaging tests.

Are Weimaraners hypoallergenic?

No, Weimaraners are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have short coats that shed moderately throughout the year and more often during shedding seasons. If someone in your household has allergies, it’s important to spend time with a Weimaraner before bringing one home to see if they provoke an allergic reaction. Regular grooming and cleaning can also help reduce allergens in your home.

Are Weimaraners high maintenance?

Yes, Weimaraners are considered moderately high maintenance because of their exercise requirements and mental stimulation needs. Your Weimaraner should have 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day and plenty of challenges to prevent boredom. Weimaraners are intelligent but can also be independent-minded, which may require consistent and patient training. 

Overall, Weimaraners are active, intelligent dogs that require commitment from their families in terms of exercise, training, socialization, and attention. They can be wonderful companions for active people or families who can give them the time and resources they need to thrive.

Popular Weimaraner mixes

Characteristics of a Weimaraner mix can vary widely depending on the specific breeds involved, the individual dog’s genetics, and its upbringing. A few common Weimaraner mixes include:

  • Boweimar (Weimaraner + Boxer)

  • Great Weimar (Weimaraner + Great Dane)

  • Pointeraner (Weimaraner + German Shorthaired Pointer)

  • Weimapeake (Weimaraner + Chesapeake Bay Retriever)

  • Weimardoodle (Weimaraner + Poodle)

Weimaraner Mixes picture

Find Weimaraner puppies near you

Adopting a Weimaraner

Learn about acquiring a Weimaraner - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.

Photo of Georgia & Maddie (Bonded Pair)

Georgia & Maddie (Bonded Pair)

Weimaraner

Female, adult

Los Angeles, CA

Color
Gray/Blue/Silver/Salt & Pepper
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
About Me Meet Maddie & Georgia – The Yin and Yang of dogdom that will brighten and balance your home! Maddie is a ~ 10 yr old Golden Retriever (mostly) and some other mix. Georgia is 4 yrs old and is also a mix…she has a beautiful silky Weimaraner like coat that is almost as smooth as her personality! Due to the sudden and unexpected passing of their previous owner, these two sweethearts have found their lives turned upside down, as they were initially placed in a shelter until they could be placed with SCGRR. Meet Georgia – The Extroverted Velcro Cuddlebug Age: 4 years. Georgia is the living definition of ‘Velcro Dog’!! She attaches to her family quickly and will happily go anywhere and everywhere with you! Georgia is well behaved in the house and listens well. She eats her food politely and never counter surfs. Georgia is an excellent watch dog and will alert you quickly if she thinks anything is amiss. One of Georgia’s favorite activities is going for walks – she is a great walker! She also loves lazing in a sunny backyard; lounging on the front porch and watching the world go by…but Georgia is happiest when snuggling with her family or sitting on your lap while you watch your favorite show. Meet Maddie – The Introverted Sweet & Gentle Snoozer Age: 10 years. At home, Maddie also enjoys lounging on the front porch with Georgia, but in truth she loves nothing more than to curl up in her dog bed near you and snooze the day away. Maddie is a great eater and sleeper, so much so that sometimes it is easy to forget she is there! But say the word “Walk!” and she comes to life instantly! Maddie loves to walk, and she can be happily vocal about her upcoming walk! Out on her walks, Maddie does not pull, but she would much prefer quiet gentle walks over the noise and bustle of a main street. Both Maddie and Georgia have some separation anxiety and will whine and stress a bit at first if you leave them at home and go out. But that having been said, they quickly settle down and eagerly await your return. My Ideal Home Their ideal home has a yard that they can access and a loving family that enjoys cuddles and companionship—these two want to be part of your daily life and will happily find their place in your heart. Daily walks will bring out the best in each of them, and they can walk together or separately….casual (both) or vigorous (Georgia). A calm, stable environment for Maddie where she can feel safe and loved without too much commotion or expectations on her right away. She needs a home that will allow her to settle in at her own pace as she does take a while to decompress and become less anxious. With time, trust, and reassurance, Maddie will let you in and love you, she will show you that she has a Golden heart! Maddie and Georgia are an adorable, affectionate, and well-behaved pair looking for a home that will love them as much as they love their humans. If you’re ready for double the love, these two are waiting for you! Want to Adopt me? If you believe your home is the perfect match for me, please make sure you have first submitted an adoption application (https://scgrrescue.org/adoption-app/) and completed your home interview with a SCGRRescue Volunteer. Then, tell Maddy and Georgia’s personal representative (aka Rep) more about why you are a great match via email at Goldenrescue9@gmail.com In your email, if you have been waiting an extended period of time to adopt one of our dogs, please let us know how long and which dogs you’ve applied for. Our goal is to find the best fit for each dog, while also helping our adopters find the best fit for their home. Adoption fee for the bonded pair: $900.00 April 2, 2025, 10:39 pm
Photo of SOTTO

SOTTO

Weimaraner

Female, senior

Woodland Hills, CA

Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Story
Sotto was found as a stray dog and taken to Baldwin Animal Shelter. He is Weimaraner mix, about 8 yrs old, weighs about 68 lbs. He is friendly with people, other dogs, he is very gentle. He is a sweet dog. He is vaccinated, microchipped and neutered. November 4, 2024, 8:54 pm
Photo of Baloo

Baloo

Weimaraner Labrador Retriever

Male, young

Los Angeles, CA

Color
Brown/Chocolate
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Story
Baloo's Bio Meet Baloo, a charming male Weimaraner Chocolate Lab mix born on July 8th, 2024. With his stunning coat and affectionate demeanor, Baloo is a perfect mix of playfulness and cuddliness, making him an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. His sociable nature ensures that he brings joy and warmth to every home he enters. Personality Traits Baloo is a social butterfly, known for his love of play and interaction with other dogs. Whether it's wrestling with his pals at daycare or playing chase at the park, Baloo thrives on companionship and adventure. His favorite activities include exploring trails and going on hikes, followed by quality cuddle time with his beloved humans. While he has a daily need for exercise, Baloo is content with a trip to the park or a long walk, after which he happily follows his humans around the house, eager to be part of their daily activities. His affectionate nature makes him a delightful and loyal companion, always ready to shower his family with love and attention. Breed Information: Weimaraner Chocolate Lab Mix The Weimaraner Chocolate Lab mix brings together the best traits of two highly regarded breeds. Weimaraner ’ s are known for their intelligence and elegance, with a sleek, athletic build and a keen sense of adventure. Chocolate Labs, on the other hand, are celebrated for their friendly and outgoing nature, as well as their strong retrieving instincts. This mix typically results in a medium to large-sized dog, with Baloo expected to weigh between 55 to 85 pounds, showcasing a muscular build and a beautiful coat. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets, well-suited for active households. What to Expect When Adopting a Puppy Adopting a puppy like Baloo means welcoming a lively and loving new member into your family. Puppies require patience, training, and socialization to help them grow into well-adjusted adults. Expect to invest time in house training, teaching basic commands, and providing ample mental and physical stimulation to keep Baloo healthy and content. Enjoy the endless playful moments and heartwarming companionship as Baloo becomes an integral part of your family life. Owner's Responsibilities Regular Veterinary Care Schedule routine check-ups and vaccinations to ensure Baloo's health and well-being. Balanced Diet Provide a nutritious diet tailored to Baloo’s age, size, and activity level to keep him fit and energetic. Daily Exercise Ensure Baloo gets plenty of physical activity through walks, playtime, and engaging exercises to maintain his energy levels and health. Training and Socialization Engage in consistent training sessions to teach good behavior and basic commands. Socialize Baloo with other pets and people to help him become a well-adjusted adult. Safe and Loving Environment Create a secure and affectionate home where Baloo can thrive, providing love and attention to help him grow into a cherished family member. Baloo's advanced obedience training and lovable personality make him a wonderful addition to any home, ready to bring joy, laughter, and affection to your life. If you are interested in adopting this amazing dog, please go to our website https://www.ozzieandfriendsrescue.org/ and fill out an application. Thank you for choosing Ozzie and Friends Rescue. We can’t wait to connect you with your new fur-ever friend. Ozzie and Friends Rescue makes arrangements for all dogs adopted to be transported all across the Western United States, Canada and the Midwest. April 4, 2025, 9:17 am
Photo of Baloo

Baloo

Weimaraner

Male, young

Woodland Hills, CA

Color
Brown/Chocolate
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
House-trained
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Baloo is a beautiful 9 month old Weimaraner mix looking for a new, loving home. He is a very sociable boy who loves other dogs, especially to play with, and a total cuddle bug. His favorite activities are wresting with other dogs at day care and playing chase with his friends at the park, hikes, trails and exploring, and spending time cuddled up with his humans. Baloo does have a daily need for some level of exercise. But he is content with a trip to the park or a longer walk and then spending the rest of the time just following his human around the house and seeing what they are up to. He does love his humans and wants to spend as much of his time being sociable with them as he can. I have worked with Baloo on obedience training and he is now in the advanced level of his training class. He knows commands like sit, stay, heel, here, place, spin, touch and many more. He is potty trained and learning to communicate when he needs to go and trained to sleep in his crate at night as well.
Photo of Billie Holliday

Billie Holliday

Weimaraner Doberman Pinscher

Female, puppy

Carson, CA

Color
Black
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Billie Holliday is from a litter of 11 puppies. She was born 6/20/24. She has a beautiful silky solid dobie black coat. Personality wise she is very sweet and affectionate. She is a true VELCRO puppy. *** 3 puppy pictures listed in order are puppies: Billie Holliday (pic#1)... Lena Horne (pic #2) .... Ella Fitzgerald (pic #3)
Photo of Nina Simone

Nina Simone

Weimaraner

Female, puppy

Carson, CA

Color
Black
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Shots are up-to-date
Story
Nina Simone is from a litter of 11 puppies. She was born on 6/20/24 and has a grey ghost coat. She has a sweet personality, enjoys playing with her siblings and getting wet in the doggie pool. She is a true velcro puppy with personality to match. She enjoys staying close by your side. When its time to rest she lives cuddling up close to you to sleep.