Whether your dog is a purebred Weimaraner or a Weimaraner mix, learning about the breed can explain a lot about your pet's personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a Weimaraner and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
If you’ve ever been around a Weimaraner, you’re probably familiar with their gorgeous gray coat and large, floppy ears. But did you know that they’re obedient, sensitive and loving, too?
Originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, Weimaraners' athleticism is often reflected today in endurance activities and agility sports. Activity is so important to these pets, that it should be considered as part of their care plan.
Weimaraners are thought to have originated from dogs such as Pointers, German Schweisshunds (also called Hanoverian Scenthounds) and other historical German breeds, Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains. They stand around 2-feet tall when fully grown and weigh about 70 to 88 pounds.
“These dogs are muscular and lean with short, smooth coats,” Dr. Singler explains. Their fur comes in varying shades of gray with small white patches on the chest. They have velvety, floppy ears and medium-length tails.
Weimaraners are an active breed that thrives in families who enjoy obedience training and a friend by their side. They’re most happy socializing, so this isn’t a breed that flourishes in kennels or when left alone for long periods.
“This is a high-energy breed that needs at least 1 hour of exercise per day and plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom,” Dr. Singler shares.
Because of their origin as hunters, this breed has a strong instinct to chase, so it’s best to enjoy long walks on a leash to avoid a quick escape.
Despite their large, muscular build, Weimaraners are exceptionally gentle, protective and affectionate — even with the smallest family members. They crave belonging in a family that can devote much time and energy to them.
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These pups can experience health issues because of their size and barrel-chested shape, putting them at an increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (also known as GDV or bloat).
According to Dr. Singler, other common health conditions for these pups include elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, urate bladder stones, hypothyroidism, urinary incontinence, eye and eyelid diseases, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and spinal cord diseases.
Are you interested in adopting a Weimaraner, Weimaraner mix, or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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