People usually start looking up Weimaraners when they’re weighing up a big, athletic dog with a sleek grey coat—and trying to work out whether the “high-energy hunting dog” reputation will fit real life at home. The stakes are simple: if their needs are met, Weimaraners can be steady, devoted companions; if they’re under-exercised or left without company, they often invent their own projects.
Below is a practical snapshot of what a Weimaraner is like to live with: where the breed comes from, what they typically look like, the kind of daily exercise that keeps them settled, and the health issues owners should recognise early—especially bloat (GDV), which needs urgent veterinary care.
Size: Medium to large1, 2
Weight: Male: about 30–40 kg, Female: about 25–35 kg1
Height: Male: 59–70 cm, Female: 57–65 cm (at the withers)1
Coat: Short, smooth and sleek (long-haired variety also exists)1
Colour: Silver, roe or mouse grey, including shades (small white marking on chest/toes may be permitted in standards)1
Temperament: Friendly, protective, obedient and alert (working gundog type)2
Life expectancy: Commonly around 10–13 years (individuals vary)6
Health concerns (not exhaustive): Hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV); eye and skin issues can occur in some lines3, 4
Exercise needs: High—plan for substantial daily activity and mental work7
Grooming needs: Low to moderate; regular brushing helps manage shedding7
History and origin
The Weimaraner is a German gundog. In the early 1800s, dogs of this type were kept at the Weimar court, and the breed was developed and refined in central Germany for hunting work before formalised “pure breeding” and stud book registration took hold later in the 19th century.1
Modern breed standards still frame the Weimaraner as a functional hunting dog first: built for stamina, speed, and long days moving through country that doesn’t offer many soft edges.1, 2
Physical characteristics and appearance
Weimaraners are medium-to-large, athletic dogs with a clean, muscular outline and a deep chest. Their coat is typically short, close-fitting, and sleek; there is also a recognised long-haired variety in some standards.1
Colour is always some shade of grey—often described as silver, roe, or mouse grey. Eyes are commonly amber to blue-grey, set in an alert, steady expression. Ears are long and carried close to the head.1, 2
Personality and temperament
In temperament, the breed is commonly described as fearless, friendly, protective, obedient and alert. They tend to bond closely with their people and do best when they’re included in the day, rather than treated as a backyard accessory.2, 7
Because they were bred to hunt, many Weimaraners have strong chase instincts. That doesn’t make them “bad with other pets”, but it does mean early training and thoughtful management matter—especially around small animals and in unfenced areas.7
Training and exercise needs
Weimaraners are built to move. A slow lap around the block rarely touches the sides; they generally need a mix of aerobic exercise (running, hiking, retrieving, structured play) and mental work (training, scent games, problem-solving) to stay settled at home.7
Training works best when it’s consistent and calm. Keep sessions short, practise in real-life places with distractions, and treat recall as a long-term project rather than a single lesson—especially if you plan to do any off-lead work.7
Health concerns and common medical issues
Bloat (GDV): the emergency to know
Large, deep-chested breeds—including Weimaraners—are at higher risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), often called “bloat”. It can progress quickly and needs immediate veterinary attention.3, 4
Common warning signs can include a swollen abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, breathing difficulty, weakness, or collapse. If you see these signs, treat it as urgent—don’t wait to “see if it passes”.3
Joint issues
Hip dysplasia can occur in Weimaraners, as it can in many medium-to-large breeds. The practical takeaway is to choose breeders who screen breeding dogs, keep growing pups lean, and talk to your vet early if you notice stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump or climb.7
Genetic conditions: keep claims specific
Some breed profiles list von Willebrand disease (a hereditary bleeding disorder) for Weimaraners. It exists in dogs overall, but it is strongly breed-patterned and is more commonly highlighted in other breeds than Weimaraners in major veterinary references. If you’re concerned, ask your vet and breeder what testing is relevant in your country and in that specific line.5
Grooming and maintenance
The classic Weimaraner coat is easy-care: a weekly brush and occasional bath usually covers it, with extra attention during shedding periods. Regular nail trims, ear checks, and a quick look over the skin after bush runs help catch problems early.7
Dental care is often the part people forget until there’s tartar and sore gums. The Australian Veterinary Association describes daily tooth brushing as the gold standard for at-home dental care, using pet-safe toothpaste (not human toothpaste).8
Choosing the right Weimaraner (puppy or adult) for your home
A Weimaraner suits households that can offer three things most days: time, movement, and company. Before committing, be honest about your typical week—not your best week.
- Space and containment: secure fencing matters, especially for adolescents with a strong chase instinct.7
- Daily routine: plan for substantial exercise plus training and enrichment, not just “a walk”.7
- Health checks: ask what screening the breeder does (hips, eyes, and other conditions relevant to their lines), and request paperwork rather than verbal reassurance.7
Adults can be a calmer fit for some homes, and you may get a clearer picture of temperament. If you’re adopting, ask what the dog is like around visitors, other dogs, and being left alone—then plan your management around the answer, not the hope.
Rescue and adoption
Rescue Weimaraners are often there for predictable reasons: the dog grew into its energy, the household got busier, the fence wasn’t enough, or separation issues became unmanageable. None of these are moral failings; they’re mismatches.
If you’re adopting, look for rescue groups that desex, vaccinate, microchip, and assess temperament and behaviour support needs, and that will tell you plainly what they don’t know yet. A good rescue will also talk you out of the wrong dog.
Final thoughts
A Weimaraner is a sleek, driven gundog in a silver coat: bright, physical, and intensely present. In the right home, they become close companions with real steadiness. In the wrong one, their unused energy leaks out through noise, destruction, and escape attempts.
If you’re seriously considering the breed, talk to reputable breeders and rescue groups, meet adult dogs, and discuss bloat (GDV) risk with your vet—so the choice is made with clear eyes and a realistic daily plan.3, 4
References
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) – Weimaraner breed standard
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Weimaraner breed standard (updated 1 August 2025)
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus) in dogs
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or “bloat”
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Von Willebrand disease
- Dogz Online – Weimaraner breed information (Australia)
- American Kennel Club – 60-Second Seminar: Weimaraners
- Australian Veterinary Association (Vet Voice) – Daily tooth brushing and dental checks
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom