Gundog group · Germany
Weimaraner
Also called Weim, Grey Ghost, Silver Ghost.
What makes them remarkable
Its silver-grey coat earned the nickname “Grey Ghost”; its original work included hunting boar and deer.
- Friendly
- Fearless
- Obedient
- Alert
- Powerful
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25 to 41 kg55 to 90 lb
- Lives
- 10 to 13 years
- Energy
- Very High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Weimaraner
Gundog breeds. Quick to learn and quick to get over-excited. The work is calm around distractions, not obedience.
Separation Anxiety
Start here
Weimaraners bond intensely and often develop separation anxiety. Train independence from puppyhood.
Mental Stimulation Essential
Highly intelligent dogs that become destructive without mental challenges. Puzzle toys and training games are musts.
Consistent Rules
Strong-willed breed needs a calm, consistent handler. Set clear routines early and reward what you want.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Weimaraner and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to find, flush and retrieve game alongside a person. Biddable, busy, and happiest with a job.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersModerate
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 2+ hours daily. Intense exercise including running, swimming, and field work essential. Not for casual owners.
- Grooming
- Low. Weekly brushing, occasional bathing. Easy-care short coat.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Smooth, SleekGrey, Silver Grey
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep-chested breed at high risk for life-threatening stomach torsion
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition requiring screening in breeding dogs
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Moderate
Bone disease affecting growing puppies
Where they come from
History
Developed in the early 1800s at the court of Weimar, Germany as an all-purpose hunting dog for nobles. Originally used for big game like boar and deer, later adapted for smaller game and birds. The distinctive silver-grey coat gave them the nickname "Grey Ghost."
- William Wegman's Weimaraners · Man Ray, Fay Ray, and their descendants became famous through photographer William Wegman's artwork
Similar breeds
All breeds
English Springer Spaniel
Springers and Cockers once came from the same litters, with size deciding which job each puppy would do.
Medium · Gundog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Bred as an all-rounder, this dog points, tracks and retrieves on both land and water.
Large · Gundog
Gordon Setter
The Scottish setter was shaped for stamina on rough ground, rather than just a flashy turn of speed.
Large · Gundog
English Setter
“Setter” describes its old job: crouching low, or “setting”, to show hunters where birds were hiding.
Large · Gundog