Weimaraner: Temperament, Exercise and Care

A Weimaraner suits an active, experienced household that wants a bold, affectionate and tireless gundog. Plan for a lot of daily exercise and training, a strong prey drive, and a dog that wants company. Under-exercised Weimaraners can be noisy and destructive.

A silver-gray Weimaraner standing on point in a misty meadow — The gray ghost, rarely still for long.

Breed-standard figures; individual dogs vary.

Weimaraner at a glance
Height	Males about 24–27 inches (61–69 cm); females about 22–25 inches (56–64 cm)
Lifespan	Over 10 years
Coat	Short and sleek, or a rarer long-haired variety
Exercise	More than 2 hours a day
Good with	Active families; may chase cats and small pets
Bred for	Hunting and retrieving in Germany

Who a Weimaraner Suits

Weimaraners are confident, loving and full of energy. They suit people who run, hike or do dog sports, and who want a dog by their side.

They are a hard fit for long days alone, homes with small pets, and owners who want an easy first dog.

Exercise, Training and Prey Drive

The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Combine running with training and scent games. Prey drive is strong, so practice recall on a long line and supervise around cats and small animals.

Company and Settling

Weimaraners like to be with their people. Teach settling and short spells alone from puppyhood, and plan for a dog walker on long days; see separation anxiety basics.

Gear for a Weimaraner

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A long line and a sturdy harness help with recall and pulling, a puzzle feeder and tough toys keep the mind busy, and a winter coat helps the short-coated variety in cold weather.

Health: What to Ask the Breeder and Your Vet

In the UK, The Royal Kennel Club lists hip and elbow scoring and eye testing as best practice for Weimaraner breeders. In the US, ask for OFA hip results. As a deep-chested breed, learn the signs of bloat, an emergency; see our Great Dane page.

Book a check-up soon after your dog comes home, keep it lean, and ask your vet about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite prevention plan for where you live.

Worming, flea and tick products and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Silver dogs, golden questions.

Are Weimaraners good family dogs?

For active families, often yes. They are affectionate but boisterous, so supervise with small children.

Can Weimaraners live with cats?

Some do if raised together, but many have a strong chase drive.

Do Weimaraners shed?

A little. The short coat needs only a weekly brush.

Can a Weimaraner be left alone?

Not for long. Build up alone time gradually.