Weimaraner
VY-muh-rah-nur
Fearless, Friendly, Alert, Obedient. Originally bred for hunting large game (boar, bear, deer) for german nobility.
An adult Weimaraner weighs 70-90 lbs (male) or 55-75 lbs (female), needs 1,250-2,830 calories daily, and lives 10-13 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Weimaraner needs 1,250 to 2,830 calories per day. An average male (80 lbs / 36.3 kg) needs around 2,120 kcal; a female (65 lbs / 29.5 kg) roughly 1,820 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Weimaraner. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Weimaraner typically lives 10-13 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
90+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Weimaraners were bred to hunt all day. Without extensive exercise, they become anxious, destructive, and difficult. Not suitable for sedentary owners. As a sporting breed, the Weimaraner was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Weimaraner is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Weimaraners have a short, sleek, mouse-gray to silver-gray coat. Origin: Germany (Weimar court).
William Wegman's photography made the breed iconic. Their distinctive gray coat and amber eyes are striking. Like Vizslas, they suffer from severe separation anxiety. 'Gray Ghost' is their nickname for both their color and their tendency to follow you everywhere, including the bathroom.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Weimaraners. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Weimaraner owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Weimaraner range from 1250 to 2830 kcal. A 80-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 70-90 lbs (31.8–40.8 kg). Females run lighter at 55-75 lbs (24.9–34.0 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
Veterinarians most commonly identify hip dysplasia in Weimaraners. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include bloat, hypothyroidism, hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Count on 30 to 60 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Weimaraner balanced. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Weimaraner will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026