Most important facts
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–40 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short, sleek and close-lying
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 56–69 cm
- Colours
- Silver grey shades
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£49/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, long training line for recall work, orthopaedic bed for joint support
Typical dry food, adult
About the Weimaraner
The noble court of Weimar developed the Weimaraner in early nineteenth-century Germany, first for tracking boar and deer and later as an all-round bird dog. The breed club guarded ownership so jealously that dogs were rarely allowed abroad. The ghostly silver coat and amber eyes earned it the nickname of the grey ghost, and its shadowing devotion to its people keeps the name honest.
Weimaraners are intelligent and intensely people-oriented, often shadowing their owner from room to room, a trait that has earned them the nickname of the grey ghost. They're quick learners who respond well to consistent, reward-based training, but their independence and strong prey drive mean recall around wildlife needs dedicated work from puppyhood.
This is not a breed that settles easily into a sedentary household. Without enough exercise and company, Weimaraners can become anxious, vocal or destructive, and they're particularly prone to separation distress. They generally do well with children and other dogs when socialised, but their size and energy suit an active family committed to daily training.
Common health conditions
Things Weimaraner owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint forms badly, and arthritis often follows. Keep a Weimaraner lean through puppyhood and adulthood rather than overfeeding for rapid growth.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Weimaraners have one of the highest breed risks of bloat due to their deep chest. Small, frequent meals from a slow-feeder bowl suit them best, and rest around exercise.
Eye conditions (distichiasis and entropion)
Extra eyelashes or an inward-turning eyelid can cause irritation. Have them assessed by a vet, as they're usually managed surgically.
Certain cancers
Like many large, deep-chested breeds, Weimaraners have an above-average lifetime cancer risk. Keep up regular health checks to catch problems early.
Feeding a Weimaraner
Weimaraners are large, deep-chested dogs that sit among the breeds most at risk of bloat, so how they're fed matters as much as what they're fed. The usual advice is a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping, with the day's food split into two smaller meals and an hour of rest either side of exercise. Raised feeding stands are generally best avoided.
As a lean, muscular working breed, the Weimaraner needs good-quality protein to support an active lifestyle without tipping into excess weight, which strains hips already predisposed to dysplasia. Feed puppies a diet suited to large-breed growth to avoid developing too fast, and keep adults visibly lean and athletic, adjusting portions to actual weekly work.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Weimaraner needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
25–40 kg
Est. daily calories
940–2,000 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Weimaraners eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.60
- Per month
- ~£49
- Per year
- ~£585
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Weimaraner
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Weimaraner by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs9/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children6/10
- Shedding3/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Highly trainable and eager to work closely with a consistent, engaged owner
- Deeply loyal and affectionate, thriving on close companionship
- Athletic and versatile, well suited to running, hiking and field sports
Worth knowing
- Prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive if left alone too long
- Strong prey drive means recall can be unreliable off-lead near wildlife
- Needs a significant daily exercise and mental stimulation budget to stay settled
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much exercise does a Weimaraner need?
A good deal, typically upwards of two hours a day combining running, hiking or field work with mental stimulation such as scentwork or training. Under-exercised Weimaraners are prone to boredom-driven destructiveness.
How can I reduce the risk of bloat in my Weimaraner?
Two smaller meals make up the day's food, served from a slow-feeder bowl and not a raised feeding stand, and exercise waits at least an hour either side of a meal. If bloat is a particular worry, discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with your vet.
Do Weimaraners cope well when left alone?
Not naturally. They're known for forming very strong attachments and can develop genuine separation anxiety. Build alone time up gradually from puppyhood, as this isn't a breed suited to long working days without support.
How much should I feed my Weimaraner?
Feed to body condition, not to a fixed amount. A Weimaraner in good shape shows a waist, with ribs you can feel easily. Portion needs shift a lot with activity levels, so use our Food Finder to get a starting point for your dog's age, weight and lifestyle.