Weimaraners are notoriously affectionate dogs. Like Vizslas, they are known as “Velcro Dogs” because they are extremely loyal and love being by your side. Well-socialized, they get along well with children and dogs in the family. They can be wary of strange dogs and people outside of the family, but do tend to warm up once introduced if they are properly socialized.

Weimaraners are energetic hunting dogs, which means they have a strong prey drive. This can be a challenge and can mean that they may not do well with prey-type animals in the household. They can do well with animals they have been raised and socialized with, but this is something to keep in mind. They can also be prone to barking a lot if you do not socialize and train your dog to stop barking early on.

Despite their high energy, Weimaraners are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to be better suited to larger homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.

They tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Their thin coat also means they may need some winter dog products to help keep them warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop.

Because they bond so closely with their families and prefer to be near them, these dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not socialize and work with them on it early on.

They also get bored easily, so you will want to make sure they have been exercised well before you leave them at home. Also, make sure you leave them some sort of mental stimulation, like food puzzles, toys, and calming noises, to keep them occupied if you do leave them alone for a bit.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Weimaraners can include hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, and pituitary dwarfism. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Weimaraner puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. The Weimaraner Club of America recommends a cardiac exam, DNA tests for Hypomyelination (HYM), Hyperuricosuria (HUU), and Spinal Dysraphism (SD), a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a thyroid evaluation.

As a barrel-chested dog breed, the Weimaraner is also at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and quickly become fatal if the stomach flips (i.e. gastric torsion). It’s important to know how to reduce the risk and what symptoms mean that you need to get to the emergency vet ASAP.

Weimaraners are highly intelligent dogs and highly trainable dogs. They can pick up on things easily, but they may also choose not to respond if they don’t see the point or if they don’t think the reward is worthwhile.

Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended for first-time owners. There are plenty of benefits of puppy training classes outside of just training, including socialization. So, they can be a good idea for building a bond and socializing your dog even if you don’t necessarily need the help with training.

The Weimaraner has a silver-gray coat and short, smooth fur that requires minimal grooming. You should brush your dog weekly and bathe when necessary. After intense hikes, or swimming sessions, you will want to wash them off to avoid any mud or dirt being brought into your house.

Because of their dangling ears, they can be prone to ear infections. You should check their ears weekly. You can carefully clean your dog’s ears if needed to help prevent ear infections. Make sure you take them to your vet if there is any odor or discoloration in them.

Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily, along with careful cleanings at the vet as needed, will help prevent cavities and gum disease later in life. Weimaraners also need to have their nails trimmed once or twice a month, or more often if their nails are not wearing down as much.

They also need to have their paw pads moisturized frequently to keep them healthy and comfortable. You can make your own paw balm at home or buy some to help keep their paw pads healthy.

These dogs are high-energy and are always eager to play with their family. Because of their intense energy levels, they need a lot of daily activity. Daily walks plus time to run and playtime are usually enough, but these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are.

It’s important to keep things low impact until puppies finish growing and developing, which makes swimming a great activity. Weimaraners are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water, so swimming is worth a try.

Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try training for dog sports, going on more intense hikes, running with them, and more. These dogs are considered one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. Individual dogs will vary, but overall they tend to do well at short or long distances and enjoy roads, trails, and more.

Fully-grown Weimaraners usually stand 23-27 inches tall and weigh 55-90 pounds. On average, females range 23-25 inches tall and weigh 55-75 pounds while males range 25-27 inches tall and weigh 70-90 pounds.

The Weimaraner generally lives for 10-13 years on average.

The Weimaraner has been a favorite of Presidents and artists alike. President Eisenhower brought his presidential pups, including a Weimaraner named Heidi, with him to the White House. This dog breed was also a favorite of artist William Wegman. They’ve even appeared on Sesame Street!