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Discover everything about Weimaraner (Long-haired)
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Weimaraner (Long-haired)?
At a glance
Weimaraner (Long-haired) overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The long-haired Weimaraner is considered a robust hunting breed, though it is not immune to the typical health risks associated with large dogs. Breeding programs must actively focus on screening for hip dysplasia (HD) and the acute, life-threatening risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Furthermore, to ensure the long-term health of the breed, dogs should be tested for rare hereditary conditions such as spinal dysraphism, a malformation of the spinal cord. Prospective buyers should always ask breeders for documentation of these mandatory health tests.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
57–70 cm
Weight
20–40 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Degree
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Weimaraner (Long-haired), choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Weimaraner (Long-haired) right for you?
The long-haired Weimaraner is an aristocratic, highly intelligent Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred for endurance hunting and the uncompromising defense of its territory. It possesses the same hunting sharpness as its short-haired counterpart, wrapped in a slightly softer, but by no means less demanding, exterior.
Perfect for you if:
- You already have sound experience with hunting-motivated dogs and provide confident leadership.
- You incorporate challenging scent work or Apportierarbeit (retrieving work) into your daily routine — this pointing dog will wither away with simple walks alone.
- You live in a rural area and can offer a clear, secure environment without constant sensory overload.
- You are looking for an absolute one-person or one-family dog that maintains a natural distance from strangers.
Less ideal if:
- You expect it to play with everyone at the dog park — its genetic programming is geared toward seriousness, hunting, and guarding, not partying.
- You live in a busy city center where its pronounced protective instinct will lead to stressful situations every day.
- You are looking for a dog that forgives training mistakes — a Weimaraner will immediately take control if you hesitate.
The real vibes check
A long-haired Weimaraner is not a silver fashion accessory, but a highly specialized working partner in a tailored suit. If you keep it as a mere companion dog, it will find its own job — and that usually means it will guard you and your property according to its own very strict rules. However, if you give it a real task and clear guidance, you will get a loyal shadow who would walk through fire for you.
Breed Profile
The Weimaraner (long-haired) is an elegant and versatile hunting dog breed that originally comes from Germany. It belongs to the group of pointing dogs and was specifically bred for hunting small game. Its striking, silver-gray coat is long and silky, giving it a noble appearance. The Weimaraner has a slender, muscular build that combines strength and endurance. Characteristic are its expressive amber-colored eyes and long, hanging ears. Within the breed, there are no distinct lines like in the Labrador or German Shepherd, but individual dogs vary in their hunting passion and temperament. The Weimaraner is an intelligent, eager-to-learn, and affectionate companion that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Height
- 57 - 65 cm (Female), 59 - 70 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 35 kg (Female), 25 - 40 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Degree
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The history of the Weimaraner (long-haired) begins in the early 19th century in Germany, more precisely in the region around Weimar. Originally, these dogs were bred by nobles and hunters to serve as versatile hunting dogs that could perform excellently both on the trail and in the water. The Weimaraner was characterized by its endurance, speed, and pronounced sense of smell. Over time, the breed was further refined to meet the demands of hunting. The Weimaraner was especially popular for big game hunting. Official recognition as an independent breed took place at the beginning of the 20th century, and since then the Weimaraner has established itself worldwide as a loyal companion and versatile hunting dog.
Original Use
The long-haired Weimaraner was bred for hunting and is particularly suitable for working in the forest.
Origin
Germany
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Weimaraner (long-haired) is an elegant and versatile hunting dog with a strong work drive and a close bond to its family. It is characterized by its high intelligence and willingness to learn, making it an excellent partner for demanding tasks such as hunting, tracking, or search services. At the same time, it is very people-oriented and enjoys being close to its caregivers. Its temperament is lively and energetic, which is why it needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without sufficient activity, the Weimaraner can become restless or destructive. It loves to play retrieving games and shows a strong prey drive, which can be well controlled through consistent training. The Weimaraner is alert and shows natural protective behavior without being aggressive. It is suitable both as an active family dog and as a reliable working partner but requires consistent training and a close bond with its owner to reach its full potential.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Careful around unfamiliar people — thaws slowly. | Cautious |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Weimaraner (Long-haired): The long-haired Weimaraner impresses not only with its elegant, silky coat but also with its exceptional endurance and pronounced hunting instinct. Originally bred as a versatile hunting dog, it is now a loyal companion that delights with its intelligence and friendly nature.
What Awaits You
The Weimaraner longhair is an elegant, intelligent hunting dog with a strong urge to move. He is affectionate and eager to learn but requires consistent training and plenty of exercise. These dogs are versatile, especially in hunting and dog sports, and are well suited for active families. The long-haired coat requires regular grooming.
Housing & Care
Weimaraner (Long-haired): Weimaraners are lively and intelligent dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are especially suitable for active people or families who spend a lot of time outdoors. Due to their strong hunting drive and endurance, they are ideal for sporting activities such as jogging, hiking, or retrieving games. Weimaraners are very affectionate and people-oriented, which is why they seek close contact with their family and do not like to be left alone for long periods. They are usually friendly and patient with children but should be well supervised because of their energy and size. Early socialization is important so that they can live harmoniously with other dogs and pets. Overall, Weimaraners are loyal and sensitive companions who need a lot of attention and activity.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Weimaraner (Long-haired): Weimaraners are extremely intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that require consistent and varied training. Similar to Labradors and German Shepherds, it is important to meet their natural urge for movement and work. Weimaraners were originally bred as hunting dogs, which is why retrieving and search games are ideal to challenge their nose and mind. Training should always be positive and reward-based to strengthen the close bond between you and your dog. Weimaraners are sensitive to harsh methods, so patience and consistency are crucial. They need clear rules and structured leadership to develop frustration tolerance and control impulses. Due to their high energy level, it is important to avoid overburdening them, as bored Weimaraners can tend to unwanted behavior. Besides hunting and retrieving work, they are also well suited for dog sports such as obedience, agility, or mantrailing. Overall, the Weimaraner requires time, commitment, and varied activities to be a balanced and happy companion. Those willing to make this investment will be rewarded with a loyal, intelligent, and versatile partner.
Nutrition & Care
Weimaraner (Long-haired): The Weimaraner requires a balanced diet that is rich in high-quality proteins to support its active and muscular build. Make sure the food contains all essential nutrients and adjust the amount of food according to your dog's activity level to avoid overweight. Due to their energy, it is important to ensure regular exercise and mental stimulation. The long-haired coat of the Weimaraner is soft and silky but still requires regular care. Brushing once or twice a week is sufficient to keep the coat free of dirt and remove dead hair. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased shedding may occur, and more intensive brushing is recommended. The coat provides good protection against cold, but appropriate measures should be taken in extreme weather conditions. Weimaraners are well adapted to the Central European climate but need sufficient shade and water in extreme heat to avoid overheating. Regular exercise in the fresh air is essential for the well-being of this lively dog.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The long-haired Weimaraner is considered a robust hunting breed, though it is not immune to the typical health risks associated with large dogs. Breeding programs must actively focus on screening for hip dysplasia (HD) and the acute, life-threatening risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Furthermore, to ensure the long-term health of the breed, dogs should be tested for rare hereditary conditions such as spinal dysraphism, a malformation of the spinal cord. Prospective buyers should always ask breeders for documentation of these mandatory health tests.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
Ensure the dog is raised in a way that is gentle on the joints, check its eyes regularly, and maintain strict rest periods after meals to minimize the risk of gastric torsion.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes checked, test for genetic diseases, and pay attention to a moderate chest depth.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Weimaraner (Long-haired)
Hermann B., Jäger aus der Eifel (Rüde, seit 2018)
Mein langhaariger Weimaraner-Rüde ist für mich im Jagdbetrieb ein unersetzlicher Partner geworden. Besonders bei der Nachsuche auf der Wundfährte zeigt er eine beeindruckende Ruhe und Ausgeglichenheit, die manch anderem Gebrauchshund fehlt. Er arbeitet hochkonzentriert und extrem zuverlässig, was für diese Rasse auf Schweißfährten absolut typisch ist.
Allerdings muss man auch ehrlich sein: Bei der schnellen Feldsuche fehlt ihm im Vergleich zu anderen Vorstehhunden manchmal der nötige 'Dampf'. Er geht die Suche eher gründlich und etwas langsamer an. Wer einen reinen High-Speed-Flitzer für die offene Fläche sucht, wird hier vielleicht enttäuscht, aber für meine Zwecke im Waldrevier ist seine besonnene Arbeitsweise perfekt.
Sabine M., Hundetrainerin aus Oberbayern (Rüde, 4 Jahre)
Ich führe meinen Langhaar-Weimaraner nicht jagdlich, was im Vorfeld bei vielen Züchtern für große Skepsis gesorgt hat. Um ihn körperlich und geistig auszulasten, machen wir intensiv Agility und Dummyarbeit im Hundesportverein. Er ist im Alltag ein unglaublich lieber, ausgeglichener und wunderschöner Rüde, der sehr eng an mich gebunden ist.
Man darf den Beschäftigungsaufwand aber keineswegs unterschätzen – ohne diese anspruchsvolle Ersatzarbeit würde er schnell unruhig und unterfordert sein. Ein kleines gesundheitliches Manko, das wir leider immer wieder haben, sind seine empfindlichen Augen. Er neigt sehr leicht zu hartnäckigen Augenentzündungen, weshalb wir das im Alltag gut im Blick behalten müssen.
Dieter K., Jäger aus Niedersachsen (Hündin, seit 2015)
Wer sich für einen Langhaar-Weimaraner entscheidet, muss wissen, worauf er sich einlässt. Unsere Hündin hat die klassischen Verbandsprüfungen absolviert und ist im Revier eine extrem passionierte Arbeiterin. Im Haus ist sie ein treues Familienmitglied, aber sie hat auch einen ausgeprägten eigenen Kopf und ist ein echtes Schlitzohr, das jede Schwäche austestet.
Die Ausbildung erfordert unendlich viel Konsequenz, Geduld und Einfühlungsvermögen. Ein Weimaraner verzeiht keine Inkonsequenz und neigt durch seinen Schutztrieb und die rassetypische Schärfe dazu, die Dinge selbst zu regeln, wenn der Halter keine klare Führung zeigt. Als reiner 'Nebenbei-Familienhund' ist diese Rasse definitiv nicht geeignet.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Weimaraner (Long-haired)
Is a Weimaraner (Long-haired) the right dog for me?
The Weimaraner (Long-haired) is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Weimaraner (Long-haired) live?
The average life expectancy of a Weimaraner (Long-haired) is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Weimaraner (Long-haired) need?
Weimaraner (Long-haired) grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Weimaraner (Long-haired) good for families with children?
The Weimaraner (Long-haired) can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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