Weimaraner
About the Weimaraner
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-27" |
| Weight | 55-90 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $700-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Weimaraners may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Weimaraner
The story behind the Weimaraner
The breed was developed in the early nineteenth century in the German state of Weimar, where the court and its huntsmen wanted an all-purpose hunting dog capable of working large game such as deer, boar and even wolf, and later of pointing and retrieving birds as large game declined. Foundation stock is generally understood to include German hunting hounds and pointer types, and the resulting dog was closely controlled by a club that restricted ownership to approved members, which kept numbers low and the breed largely unknown abroad. An American sportsman brought dogs to the United States in the late 1920s and 1930s, and the breed became fashionable there after the Second World War, gaining American Kennel Club recognition and considerable popularity. A longhaired variety is recognised by continental registries but not by all. Weimaraners are still worked as versatile gundogs in Germany and kept widely as companions elsewhere.
Originally bred for: Big-game hunting dog, pointer and retriever, versatile gundog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Weimaraner
A large, deep-chested athlete needs a quality complete diet supporting muscle, with energy adjusted to workload. Feed at least two meals, avoid one large daily feed, keep the dog calm around eating and allow rest before and after exercise. Controlled growth suits puppies.
Watch for: No breed-defining food intolerance is recognised. Deep-chested breeds generally warrant careful feeding practices as a precaution, and any repeated vomiting, unproductive retching or abdominal swelling is an urgent veterinary matter rather than a dietary adjustment to make at home.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Weimaraner
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.