Long Haired Weimaraner: The Complete Breed Profile & Care Guide

If you've ever seen a Weimaraner gliding through a field with a flowing, silky coat trailing behind it, you've likely witnessed a long haired Weimaraner — a striking variant of the classic "Gray Ghost." While the short-coated Weimaraner dominates the show ring and hunting fields, the long haired Weimaraner carries the same athletic drive, keen intelligence, and velcro-dog devotion wrapped in an elegant, feathered coat that sets it apart.

This breed profile covers everything prospective owners need to know about the long haired Weimaraner in practical, real-world terms — from the genetic quirk that produces the long coat to the daily exercise demands, health screenings, and honest cost breakdowns that will help you decide whether this dog belongs in your home.

Quick Reference: Long Haired Weimaraner at a Glance

Breed-info-table: Long Haired Weimaraner core specifications

Attribute	Specification
Size Class	Large
Weight (Male)	70–90 lb / 32–41 kg
Weight (Female)	55–75 lb / 25–34 kg
Height (Male)	25–27 in / 63–69 cm at the withers
Height (Female)	23–25 in / 58–64 cm at the withers
Lifespan	10–13 years
Coat Type	Long, silky, slightly wavy; feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail
Color	Silver-gray, mouse-gray, blue-gray (long hair in all accepted Weimaraner colors)
Energy Level	Very high — 90–120+ minutes of structured activity daily
Grooming	Brushing 3–4 times per week; full groom every 6–8 weeks
Trainability	High — responds best to positive reinforcement and task-based training
Family Fit	Active families with older children; not ideal for apartment living

Origin and History: How the Long Coat Emerged

The Weimaraner breed traces its roots to early 19th-century Germany, specifically the court of Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar, who commissioned the development of an elite pointing and retrieving dog for nobility. The breed was refined from Bloodhound, English Pointer, and German Shorthaired Pointer stock to produce a versatile gun dog with exceptional scenting ability and a distinctive silver-gray coat.

The long haired variant is not a modern designer creation — it has existed since the breed's formative years. The long coat is produced by a recessive allele at the FGF5 gene locus. When two short-coated Weimaraners each carry one copy of this recessive gene, approximately 25% of their offspring will express the long coat. The long haired Weimaraner was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1935, though the American Kennel Club (AKC) registers long haired Weimaraners but disqualifies them from conformation shows under the current breed standard.

This registration-but-not-showable status means long haired Weimaraners remain relatively uncommon in the United States, where most breeders focus on the show-ring short coat. In Europe, particularly Germany and the Czech Republic, long haired Weimaraners are more prevalent and compete in field trials and working events without restriction. If you're searching for a long haired Weimaraner puppy in the US, expect longer waitlists and fewer available litters compared to the short-coated variety.

Physical Characteristics: Beyond the Coat

A long haired Weimaraner is, structurally, identical to its short-coated counterpart. The differences are entirely in coat length and texture. Males stand 25–27 inches (63–69 cm) at the withers and weigh 70–90 lb (32–41 kg). Females are slightly smaller at 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) and 55–75 lb (25–34 kg). These are lean, athletic dogs — a healthy Weimaraner should show a visible waist tuck and you should be able to feel (but not prominently see) the last two ribs.

The long coat typically measures 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) along the body, with longer feathering on the ears (up to 3 inches / 7.5 cm), the chest, the back of the forelegs, the rear of the hindquarters, and the tail. The tail feathering is one of the most distinctive features, creating a flowing plume when the dog is in motion. The coat may be straight or carry a slight wave, but tight curls are considered a fault.

Eye color in long haired Weimaraners follows the same breed standard as short-coated dogs: light amber, gray, or blue-gray in adults. Puppies are born with striking blue eyes that transition to the adult color by 6–8 months of age.

Temperament and Personality: What Living With One Actually Feels Like

The long haired Weimaraner shares the exact temperament profile of the standard Weimaraner — the coat gene does not influence behavior. Here are the core traits you'll encounter daily:

1. Extreme handler attachment ("Velcro dog"). Weimaraners form intense bonds with their primary people and will follow you from room to room, lean against your legs, and attempt to occupy your lap despite weighing 80 pounds. This attachment drives their working ability but also means they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Expect distress behaviors — vocalization, destructive chewing, door scratching — if a Weimaraner is routinely isolated for 6+ hours without preparation and conditioning.

2. High prey drive with selective recall. A Weimaraner that spots a squirrel, rabbit, or deer will engage its chase instinct before processing your recall command. This isn't disobedience — it's hardwired pointing and retrieving genetics. Off-leash reliability requires months of structured recall training in progressively distracting environments, and even then, many owners keep their Weimaraners on long lines (15–30 ft / 4.5–9 m) in unfenced areas.

3. Intelligent problem-solving. Weimaraners learn commands quickly — often within 5–10 repetitions for basic cues — but they also learn unwanted behaviors just as fast. A Weimaraner that discovers it can nose open a lever-style door handle will generalize that skill to every door in the house within days. Child-proof locks on cabinets and doors are not optional in a Weimaraner household.

4. Alertness without excessive barking. Unlike many sporting breeds, Weimaraners tend to be relatively quiet indoors. They will alert you to visitors or unusual sounds with one or two low barks, but they are not nuisance barkers by nature. Excessive vocalization usually signals under-stimulation or anxiety rather than breed temperament.

5. Sensitivity to tone and environment. Weimaraners are emotionally attuned to their owners. Harsh corrections, yelling, or tense household dynamics visibly affect them — they may shut down, avoid eye contact, or develop stress-related behaviors like excessive licking. This sensitivity makes them excellent candidates for positive reinforcement training but poor candidates for aversive methods.

Exercise and Activity Needs: The Daily Commitment

A long haired Weimaraner needs a minimum of 90–120 minutes of structured, vigorous activity every single day. "Structured" is the key word — a Weimaraner wandering a backyard does not self-exercise adequately. This breed requires directed physical and mental engagement.

Care-schedule-table: Recommended daily exercise breakdown for an adult long haired Weimaraner

Activity Type	Duration	Frequency	Notes
Brisk leash walk or jog	30–45 minutes	Twice daily	Maintain 3.5–4.5 mph pace; allow sniffing intervals
Off-leash running (fenced area)	20–30 minutes	Daily	Minimum 5 ft / 1.5 m secure fence; check for gaps
Retrieving / fetch sessions	15–20 minutes	Daily	Use bumpers or tennis balls; limit to 20–25 throws to prevent overexertion
Mental enrichment (scent work, puzzle toys)	15–30 minutes	Daily	Snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, hide-and-seek games
Structured sport (agility, obedience, dock diving)	45–60 minutes	2–3 times/week	Excellent outlet for drive and intelligence

Puppies under 18 months: Limit forced exercise (running alongside you on a leash, repetitive jumping) to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. A 4-month-old puppy gets roughly 20-minute sessions. Free play on soft ground is fine for longer periods. Growth plates in large breeds remain open until 14–18 months, and repetitive high-impact activity increases the risk of developmental orthopedic disease.

Senior dogs (8+ years): Reduce intensity but maintain duration. Swimming is ideal for aging Weimaraners because it eliminates joint impact while preserving cardiovascular fitness. Watch for signs of exercise intolerance — lagging behind, excessive panting, reluctance to rise after rest — and consult your veterinarian about adjusting activity levels.

Common Health Issues: Breed-Specific Risks and Screening

The long haired Weimaraner is subject to the same genetic health risks as the short-coated variety. The coat gene itself does not introduce additional health conditions. However, several conditions carry elevated prevalence in the breed, and responsible ownership requires proactive screening and management.

Health-risks-table: Conditions with elevated prevalence in Weimaraners

Condition	Prevalence / Risk	Screening Method	Management
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat)	Weimaraners rank among the top 10 breeds for GDV risk; estimated lifetime risk 5–10%	No genetic test; risk reduction via feeding protocol and prophylactic gastropexy	Emergency surgery required; prophylactic gastropexy during spay/neuter reduces recurrence risk by >95%
Hip Dysplasia	Approximately 7–10% of Weimaraners evaluated by OFA show dysplastic hips	OFA or PennHIP radiographic evaluation at 24 months	Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin), surgical intervention in severe cases
Autoimmune Thyroiditis	Elevated prevalence compared to general dog population; estimated 5–8%	OFA thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, T4 autoantibodies) annually from age 2	Lifelong levothyroxine supplementation; inexpensive and effective
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)	Weimaraners are overrepresented in IMHA case studies	CBC, reticulocyte count, Coombs test when symptomatic	Immunosuppressive therapy (corticosteroids, cyclosporine); prognosis varies with severity
Spinal Dysraphism	Rare but breed-associated congenital neural tube defect	MRI; clinical signs include abnormal gait and weakness in hindquarters	No cure; mild cases managed with physical therapy and mobility support

GDV prevention protocol: Feed two smaller meals rather than one large meal per day. Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent rapid ingestion. Avoid exercise for 60 minutes before and 90 minutes after meals. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy (surgically tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) with your veterinarian at the time of spay or neuter — this procedure does not prevent bloat but prevents the fatal volvulus (twisting) component. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, GDV carries a mortality rate of 10–60% even with surgical treatment, making prevention critical.

Breeder health clearances to request: Ask any breeder for OFA hip scores (Excellent, Good, or Fair are acceptable), OFA thyroid panels, and CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye clearances for both parents. Reputable breeders will provide these documents voluntarily and will discuss the health history of their breeding lines openly.

Veterinary disclaimer: This article provides educational information about breed health risks. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment plans, and personalized health management for your dog. Never delay professional veterinary care based on information found online.

Grooming the Long Coat: Tools, Frequency, and Technique

The long haired Weimaraner's coat is a significant departure from the wash-and-wear short coat. Plan for 15–20 minutes of brushing 3–4 times per week, plus a professional grooming session every 6–8 weeks.

Essential grooming toolkit:

• Slicker brush (medium-large, curved pin): Primary tool for the body coat. Brands like Chris Christensen Big G or Artero Pro Slicker work well on Weimaraner coat texture. Budget: $35–$65.
• Undercoat rake (long-tooth): Necessary during seasonal shedding periods (spring and fall). The Weimaraner does have an undercoat, and the long version traps more loose hair. Budget: $15–$30.
• Steel comb (medium and fine teeth): For checking behind the ears, the feathering on the rear legs, and the tail plume for tangles after brushing. Budget: $8–$15.
• Detangling spray: A light silicone-free detangler applied before brushing reduces breakage on the longer feathering. Budget: $10–$20 per bottle (lasts 2–3 months).
• Ear cleaning solution: Weimaraners have pendant ears that trap moisture. Clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner to prevent otitis externa. Budget: $8–$15 per bottle.

Problem areas unique to the long coat: The feathering behind the ears and on the rear of the hind legs tangles most readily, especially after the dog has been running through brush or swimming. After any outing in tall grass, wooded areas, or water, run a steel comb through these zones to remove debris and prevent matting. Burrs and foxtails lodge more easily in the long coat and must be checked for after every outdoor session.

Bathing frequency: Every 6–8 weeks unless the dog has rolled in something objectionable. Use a canine-formulated shampoo with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 — human shampoo is too acidic for canine skin. Thoroughly rinse the long coat; residual shampoo trapped against the skin causes irritation and hot spots.

Training and Intelligence: Methods That Work

Weimaraners score among the highest breeds for trainability. In Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, the Weimaraner places in the "Brightest Dogs" tier, capable of learning a new command in fewer than 5 repetitions and obeying a known command on the first attempt 95% of the time or better. However, intelligence does not equal biddability — a Weimaraner that understands what you want may still choose to evaluate whether complying is worth its effort.

Training methods that succeed:

• Positive reinforcement with high-value rewards: Weimaraners are food-motivated and play-motivated. Use real meat treats (freeze-dried liver, chicken) for new behaviors and reserve lower-value kibble for maintenance of known commands.
• Short, varied sessions: 10–15 minute sessions, 2–3 times per day, prevent boredom. A Weimaraner that has figured out the drill will disengage and find its own entertainment — usually something you don't approve of.
• Task-based engagement: Give this breed a job. Scent work, retrieving drills, agility sequences, and structured obedience trials satisfy their need for purpose. A Weimaraner without a job will invent one — counter-surfing, trash raiding, and door-dashing are common self-assigned roles.
• Force-free methods only: Shock collars, prong collars, and alpha rolls are counterproductive with this breed. Weimaraners are physically powerful enough to fight through pain-based corrections, and their emotional sensitivity means aversive methods damage the handler-dog bond and increase fear-based reactivity.

Early socialization window: The critical socialization period closes around 14–16 weeks of age. Before that window closes, expose your Weimaraner puppy to a minimum of 100 novel stimuli — different surfaces, sounds, people of varying ages and appearances, other vaccinated dogs, car rides, grooming handling, and environmental textures. The AVMA recommends structured socialization beginning as early as 7–8 weeks, in coordination with your puppy's vaccination schedule.

Family Suitability: Children, Other Pets, and Living Arrangements

With children: Long haired Weimaraners generally do well with children aged 8 and older who understand how to interact respectfully with a large, energetic dog. A young Weimaraner (under 2 years) is exuberant and may bowl over a small child during play — this is not aggression, but a 75-pound dog launching itself at full speed is a genuine safety concern for toddlers. Supervise all interactions between Weimaraners and children under 10, and teach children not to approach the dog while it is eating or sleeping.

With other dogs: Weimaraners typically integrate well into multi-dog households, particularly when raised alongside other dogs from puppyhood. Same-sex aggression can occur, particularly between intact males — spaying and neutering reduces this risk. Introduce new dogs on neutral territory and monitor initial interactions for resource guarding.

With cats and small animals: This is where the Weimaraner's prey drive creates genuine risk. A Weimaraner raised with a household cat from puppyhood may coexist peacefully, but many Weimaraners will chase and potentially injure cats, rabbits, and other small pets. Introducing an adult Weimaraner with no cat exposure history into a household with cats is not recommended without professional behaviorist guidance.

Apartment living: A long haired Weimaraner can technically live in an apartment if the owner commits to 2+ hours of outdoor activity daily and provides substantial mental enrichment. Realistically, this breed thrives in a home with a securely fenced yard (minimum 5 ft / 1.5 m fence height — Weimaraners are capable jumpers). Underground electric fences are not reliable containment for this breed; a Weimaraner chasing prey will run through the shock boundary without hesitation.

Cost of Ownership: Purchase Price and Annual Expenses

Puppy purchase price: Long haired Weimaraner puppies from health-tested, reputable breeders typically cost $1,500–$3,000 in the United States. Because long haired litters are less common, waitlists of 6–12 months are standard. Puppies priced below $1,200 from breeders who cannot provide OFA health clearances for both parents should be viewed with caution — low pricing often signals backyard breeding or puppy mill sourcing.

First-year cost breakdown:

• Puppy purchase: $1,500–$3,000
• Initial veterinary visits (3 puppy wellness exams, DHPP and rabies vaccinations, fecal testing, deworming): $400–$700
• Spay/neuter with prophylactic gastropexy: $800–$1,500
• Crate (48-inch wire or heavy-duty plastic), bed, leash, harness, bowls: $250–$450
• Grooming toolkit: $80–$150
• High-quality kibble or balanced raw diet (annual): $600–$1,200
• Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention (annual): $200–$400
• Training classes (puppy kindergarten + basic obedience): $200–$500
• Pet insurance (annual premium): $500–$900
• Estimated first-year total: $5,030–$8,800

Annual ongoing costs (years 2+):

• Food: $600–$1,200
• Veterinary wellness (annual exam, vaccines, bloodwork): $300–$600
• Preventive medications: $200–$400
• Grooming supplies and occasional professional grooming: $150–$400
• Pet insurance: $500–$900
• Replacement gear, toys, enrichment: $150–$300
• Estimated annual ongoing total: $1,900–$3,800

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for Weimaraners. A single GDV emergency surgery can cost $3,000–$7,000, and IMHA treatment involving hospitalization and blood transfusions can exceed $5,000–$10,000. Enrolling in a comprehensive policy during puppyhood, before any conditions are documented, ensures pre-existing condition exclusions don't limit your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The long haired Weimaraner is a remarkable dog for the right household — one that values athleticism, intelligence, and deep companionship and is prepared to invest the time, money, and energy this breed demands. If you can offer 90+ minutes of daily activity, structured training, and a home where your dog is a genuine family member rather than an outdoor resident, a long haired Weimaraner will reward you with one of the most devoted partnerships available in the canine world.