Weimaraner
The Weimaraner, affectionately known as the "Grey Ghost," is a striking large gundog with a distinctive silvery-grey coat and pale eyes that capture immediate attention.
Originally developed in Germany during the 19th century as a versatile hunting companion, this breed was refined to track, point, and retrieve game across varied terrain with exceptional skill and stamina.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Weimaraner
Standing 51–61 cm tall and weighing 25–34 kg, Weimaraners are elegant yet powerfully built athletes. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, though they do shed regularly. These intelligent dogs form intensely devoted bonds with their families, often following owners from room to room and displaying remarkable affection and playfulness. They excel with children and make reliable watchdogs, combining protective instincts with a fun-loving nature. However, Weimaraners are not for everyone. They demand more than two hours of vigorous daily exercise and substantial mental stimulation to thrive. Under-exercised individuals can become destructive or anxious, highlighting their high-energy requirements. Best suited to active, experienced owners who can provide consistent training, outdoor engagement, and unwavering commitment, these dogs reward dedication with loyalty and deep companionship. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, a Weimaraner represents a long-term partnership for those prepared for their considerable needs.
Weimaraner at a Glance
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £600–£1300
Weimaraner Temperament
The Weimaraner is an intensely devoted, energetic, and affectionate breed that forms an exceptionally close bond with its owner and family. They thrive on attention and human company, often following their owners from room to room and preferring to be in physical contact when their family is at rest. Wonderful with children, fun-loving, and easy to train, they can also be quite the clown in the home. Their protective instincts make them reliable watchdogs. However, their high energy demands significant daily exercise and mental stimulation, and under-exercised Weimaraners can become destructive or anxious. Best suited to active owners who can commit fully to this loyal, demanding, and deeply rewarding breed.
Weimaraner Lifestyle
The Weimaraner is a breed that needs a bigger home to thrive and is happiest with plenty of outdoor space at home. Whether in the city or the countryside, they tend to settle well.
Dog Food for Weimaraner
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Weimaraner
Weimaraner Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Weimaraner weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Weimaraner Characteristics
The Weimaraner demands serious exercise and won't be happy with a quick stroll around the block and responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement. They are incredibly tolerant of the rough-and-tumble nature of family life, but are okay left alone for a few hours at a time. The coat requires moderate grooming effort, nothing excessive and sheds moderately. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Weimaraner Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly intelligent and extremely loyal, forming close bonds with the people they love
- A fantastic companion for those who enjoy regular outdoor activities and long walks
- In the right hands, they pick up new skills quickly and are a pleasure to train
- Thrives in homes with outdoor space, doing best with country living or large secure gardens
Cons
- Not the best fit for first-time dog owners given their strong will and high energy
- Can be dominant and wilful if training is not firm and consistent from the start
- Hates being left alone and can become very anxious without regular company and interaction
- Needs serious amounts of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled and well-behaved
