If you've ever seen the gorgeous photography of William Wegman, you've probably thought once or twice about getting your own Weimaraner to dress up in people clothes. While they were selected by the photographer due to their beautiful coats and human-like expressions, there is much more to the Weimaraner than meets the eye. From their unique personality to their rich history, Weimaraners are a fascinating dog breed.

To learn all about Weimaraners, check out our detailed profile below!

Characteristics of the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner breed is an incredibly athletic dog, and its appearance reflects its nature. The eyes on this breed are often grey, blue, or light amber and the short coat works to give this breed it's elegant feel. Grooming-wise, the Weimaraner dog breed is relatively low maintenance. Traditionally, these dogs have a thin, grey coat and no undercoat, which means they need special care in cold environments.

In terms of temperament, these dogs are high energy and have a strong prey-drive, as most hunting dogs do. The Weimaraner breed loves and requires regular exercise to keep them out of trouble, and they absolutely adore a good game to keep their mind in shape.

A Brief History

It's believed that the Weimaraner breed dates back to the early 19th century where they were used as big-game hunting dogs in Germany. Hunters were looking for a dog that would be able to be a loving companion as well as a superior hunting dog, combining traits of intelligence, courage, stamina, and a good nose. After years as a loyal hunting dog, a group was finally formed in 1897 in the hopes to maintain these aptly named "Gray Ghosts." Eventually, the dogs would be brought over to the US in 1929 by a man named Howard Knight, who fought for the better part of a decade to be able to bring over dogs that he would be able to breed, which he would eventually get in 1938. In 1942 the Weimaraner Club of American was founded and the American Kennel Club would recognize the breed later that same year.

Thinking of Adopting?

Now that we've been over the history and lovable characteristics of this great breed, some may have started perusing local dog breeders. For those who are thinking about adopting one of these gorgeous dogs, there are a few things to consider before you start your search.

It's important to know that Weimaraner can sometimes be high-strung dogs, which occasionally results in acute separation anxiety. For those who work long hours or plan on leaving their dogs home alone for long periods of time, the Weimaraner breed may not be a good fit.

While this is an undoubtedly intelligent breed, that also means it's important to keep them occupied throughout the day. Their energy needs to be controlled; when left to their own devices, they can learn some escape tricks that may cause you some trouble later on. 

Weimaraners have a tendency to be suspicious and possibly aggressive towards strangers if not socialized properly. Training as a puppy -- and consistent training throughout their life -- will be required to keep them safe around strangers.
If you see a blue or black Weimaraner being advertised as "rare" or "unique," this is often the sign of a less than reputable breeder. Remember that blue and black Weimaraners don't actually qualify in the breed standard.


While owning a Weimaraner can be tough work, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. While the world might appreciate them for their gorgeous coats and vibrant eyes, there's so much more to love about this breed. If you're an active, attentive owner, you may be the perfect fit for a Weimaraner!