Weimaraner Guide: Temperament, Size, Shedding, Lifespan and Rescue
Weimaraner overview
AKC places the Weimaraner in the Sporting Group and lists Germany as its origin. AKC puts the breed in its large size category and describes the coat as short and smooth.
Where does the Weimaraner come from?
The breed was developed in Germany in the early 19th century and prized for courage, speed, intelligence and scenting ability. It was first used on big game and later adapted as a bird dog that points and retrieves. AKC recognized the Weimaraner in 1943, while UKC did so in 1955.
Weimaraner size and weight
AKC publishes a weight of 70-90 pounds for males and 55-75 pounds for females. On height, AKC gives 25-27 inches for males and 23-25 inches for females, while UKC gives a range of 23 to 27 inches for males and 22 to 25 inches for females.
Weimaraner temperament and personality
AKC's temperament words for the breed are friendly, fearless and obedient. VCA describes an energetic and protective family member that is only moderately outgoing toward strangers. Weimaraners are often gentle and playful with children, though they may be too boisterous for small children. They may be aggressive toward strange dogs and other pets.
Exercise needs
The breed needs daily exercise such as a long walk or, preferably, a long jog, and VCA says it is not a breed for an inactive owner. A Weimaraner that gets enough exercise tends to be a fairly calm and alert housedog, but one that does not can become overactive and destructive. Hunting, swimming and retrieving are favorite activities.
Do Weimaraners shed? Coat and grooming
AKC rates Weimaraner shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 2 of 5. VCA advises brushing once a week to remove dead hair.
Training
VCA says the breed does best with a firm owner who combines reward-based training with good control and leadership. Obedience training is essential for control and for the mental exercise it provides.
How long do Weimaraners live? Lifespan and health screening
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 10-13 years for the Weimaraner. AKC lists these screenings for the breed: hip evaluation, cardiac exam, ophthalmologist evaluation, thyroid evaluation, and DNA tests for spinal dysraphism, hypomyelination and hyperuricosuria. VCA notes that Weimaraners tend to stay in good weight, and calories should be restricted if an adult starts to gain too much. Ask a veterinarian what screening and care suit an individual dog.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Weimaraner as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Sporting Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1943
- Height (AKC published)
- 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 10-13 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 5 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 5 of 5
- Trainability: 5 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 5 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Spinal Dysraphism (SD) - DNA Test
- Hypomyelination (HYM) - DNA Test
- Hyperuricosuria (HUU) - DNA Test
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Weimaraner | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Weimaraner | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Weimaraner - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
