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Weimaraner
Sporting breed from Weimar, Germany
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a large, athletic sporting dog with a short, smooth coat and a distinctive silver-gray appearance. Its striking amber or blue-gray eyes and sleek build contribute to its nickname 'Gray Ghost,' referencing both its coat and stealthy movement. The breed is known for being energetic, intelligent, loyal, friendly, alert, courageous, and athletic. However, individual temperaments can vary, and not every dog will display all these traits equally. The Weimaraner belongs to the Sporting group, and its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult height ranges from 64 to 69 cm for both males and females, with estimated weight between 32 and 41 kg. Estimated lifespan is 10 to 13 years. The breed has a high energy level (score 5 out of 5) and is moderately trainable (score 4). Grooming needs are low (score 2), shedding is moderate (score 3). It is rated highly suitable for children (score 5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (score 4), but less suited to apartment living (score 2).
Quick facts
Weimaraner at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginWeimar, Germany
Lifespan10–13 years
Male weight32–41 kilogram
Female weight32–41 kilogram
Male height64–69 centimetre
Female height64–69 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Weimaraner was developed at the court of Weimar, Germany, in the early 19th century by German nobility who sought to create an all-around hunting dog for large game. The breed's parentage was a closely guarded secret for many years, and details of its exact origins remain uncertain. The breed's origins are tied to Weimar, Germany, and it was bred for hunting large game, though the specific working purpose is not fully documented in available sources. Over time, the Weimaraner became known for its speed, stamina, and intelligence, making it a versatile hunting companion. Its distinctive silver-gray coat and stealthy nature earned it the nickname 'Gray Ghost.' Today, the breed is recognized by various registries, but recognition status varies, and no single standard applies universally. The breed's history is based on available records, but some details, such as exact dates and early breeding practices, are not fully verified.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
32–41 kilogramAdult weight64–69 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShort, SmoothCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticintelligentloyalfriendlyalertcourageousathletic
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Weimaraner-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 5
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Weimaraner puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight32–41 kilogramAdult female weight32–41 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Weimaraner?
Weimaraners are large dogs. Estimated adult height is 64–69 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight is 32–41 kg. Estimated lifespan is 10–13 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the Weimaraner's temperament like?
The breed is described as energetic, intelligent, loyal, friendly, alert, courageous, and athletic. However, individual dogs may differ. They are rated highly suitable for children (score 5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (score 4).
How much exercise does a Weimaraner need?
Weimaraners have a very high energy level (score 5 out of 5). They require substantial daily exercise, such as running or vigorous play, to stay healthy and well-behaved.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are low (score 2). The short, smooth coat requires minimal brushing. Shedding is moderate (score 3).
Is a Weimaraner suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2). Due to their high energy and size, they are better suited to homes with ample space and a yard.
Where does the Weimaraner originate from?
The breed originates from Weimar, Germany, and was developed in the early 19th century by German nobility for hunting large game. The exact parentage is not publicly known.
Is the Weimaraner recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. Some registries recognize the breed, but there is no universal standard. Check with your local registry for specific recognition details.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.