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Hound Handbook
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Breed profile

Weimaraner

The silver-grey German gundog with pale eyes and serious stamina. Loyal to a fault and unhappy when left out of things.

Close-up of a silver-grey Weimaraner with pale amber eyes and soft drop ears
Weimaraner portraitPhoto: Andrea Varlaro / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
25–40 kg55–88 lb
Height
56–69 cm22–27 in
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Group
Sporting
Origin
Germany
Popularity
#54 US#44 UK · 2025

Known for: Running partnersWorking dogsLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Loyal, Energetic, Bold, Intelligent.

Health problems to know about

  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Distichiasis and other eyelid problems
  • Certain cancers

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

More than two hours of exercise a day, including off-lead running in a secure area, plus training to keep the brain busy. A weekly brush covers the short coat. Learn the signs of bloat and ask your vet about feeding routines that reduce risk.

A good fit for

Experienced, active owners with space, people who want a running or hiking partner, homes where someone is around most of the day.

Probably not ideal for

Flats, long days alone (they bark and chew when bored), homes with toddlers, owners wanting a low-key pet.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Weimaraner
  2. PDSA: Weimaraner breed information
  3. Wikipedia: Weimaraner

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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