Sporting breed Large size 25-40 kg

Weimaraner Short Haired

A striking, high-drive gundog that needs serious daily exercise and company - prone to separation anxiety if under-stimulated.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
25-40 kg, 57-70 cm at the shoulder
Very high
Exercise needs
Very high; needs vigorous daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds intensely; dislikes long alone time
Easy
Training
Smart and trainable with consistency
Low
Coat care
Short coat, easy upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Affectionate but boisterous with kids
Moderate
Other pets
Strong prey drive around small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Bloat (GDV), Hip Dysplasia

The Weimaraner Short Haired typically weighs 25-40 kg, stands 57-70 cm, and lives 10-13 years.

Consider this breed if…

you are active daily and want a running, hiking, or hunting partner,
someone is home most of the day or the dog goes with you,
you want a devoted, people-focused dog that stays close,
you will train consistently and give real mental work.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would be alone 8+ hours on a regular basis,
you want a calm, low-energy companion or an outdoor-only dog,
you cannot commit to vigorous daily exercise year-round,
you keep small pets it might chase with its strong prey drive.

A typical day with a Weimaraner Short Haired

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    60 min run, hike, or off-leash field time
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest near its people, a chew or puzzle toy
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Walk plus scent work or retrieving games
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training session, 15-20 minutes
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    A second long walk or a shared activity
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles indoors, ideally close to the family

Temperament and training

Energy Very high
Attachment to people Very high
Prey drive High
Trainability High
Sensitivity High
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Leaving it alone too long, then blaming it for separation anxiety · Under-exercising a working gundog and getting destructive behavior · Harsh corrections that overwhelm a sensitive, handler-focused dog

Family and environment

Kids Good
Affectionate with family kids, but big and boisterous; supervise with toddlers.
Dogs Conditional
Usually fine with dogs it knows; can be pushy or same-sex reactive.
Cats Cautious
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets unless raised together.
Apartment Conditional
Possible only with heavy daily exercise and company.
House with a yard Suitable
A fenced yard helps, but it wants to be indoors with you.
City Conditional
Manages with committed exercise and training.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and a field to work suit it best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested risk; feed smaller meals
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; watch for limping
Elbow Dysplasia Front-limb joint problem in larger dogs
Allergies & Skin Issues Itching and recurrent skin flare-ups

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The long-coated version of the same breed
Weimaraner Long Haired
A striking, high-drive gundog that needs serious daily exercise and company - prone to separation anxiety if under-stimulated.
View profile →
Similar high-drive versatile gundog
German Short Haired Pointer
A versatile, athletic gundog that shines with a very active owner, but it needs serious daily exercise and company or it grows restless and destructive.
View profile →
Comparable people-focused pointer
Hungarian Short Haired Pointer
A high-energy, deeply affectionate Vizsla that must be with its people - superb for an active owner, prone to anxiety if left alone or under-exercised.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Are Weimaraners good family dogs?
They can be excellent with the right family. Weimaraners are affectionate and devoted, and they bond closely with their people, including children they are raised with. But they are big, energetic, and demanding: they need an active home, real daily exercise, and company. They are a poor fit for a household that is away all day.
Can a Weimaraner be left alone all day?
No, not comfortably. This breed is well known for separation anxiety and forms intense attachments. Left alone 8+ hours regularly, many Weimaraners bark, pace, and become destructive. It suits a home where someone is usually around or where the dog can come along.
How much exercise does a Weimaraner need?
A lot: plan for at least two hours of real activity a day, such as running, hiking, or field work, plus training and mental games. This is a working gundog with serious stamina. An under-exercised Weimaraner is restless and often destructive.
How much does a Weimaraner cost?
In the US, Weimaraner puppies from a reputable breeder typically run about $1,000-$2,500. The bigger cost is the lifetime: food for a large dog plus routine vet care and the occasional serious issue such as bloat surgery or joint treatment can add up to roughly $18,000-$30,000 over its life, so plan for the long-term expense, not just the purchase price.