As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with countless Weimaraners over the years. These striking silver-coated dogs never fail to impress me with their athleticism, intelligence, and unwavering devotion to their families. But one question I hear often from prospective owners is: are Weimaraners good with kids?
The short answer is a resounding yes! With proper socialization and training, Weimaraners can be fantastic playmates and gentle guardians for children of all ages. But like any large, high-energy hunting breed, they require dedicated owners willing to put in the time and effort to bring out their best.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the Weimaraner‘s background, temperament, and how to successfully integrate one into your family. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of whether a "Gray Ghost" is the right fit for your crew.
Table of Contents
- Breed Overview: The Wonderful Weimaraner
- Weimaraner Temperament: Energetic, Loving, Loyal
- Socialization is Key for a Kid-Friendly Weimaraner
- Setting Your Weimaraner and Kids Up for Success
- Real-Life Weimaraners That Are Great with Kids
- Keeping Your Weimaraner Happy and Healthy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Breed Overview: The Wonderful Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a large, athletic hunting dog developed in the early 19th century in Weimar, Germany. Originally used to hunt big game like bears, boars, and deer, these swift, powerful "all-purpose" gun dogs later transitioned to pointing and retrieving fowl and small game as the German forests shrank.
In 1929, the first Weimaraners were brought to the United States by Howard Knight, who had been gifted a breeding pair from the head of the German breed club. Knight established his own kennel and the dogs quickly gained popularity, becoming the 12th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943. Today, Weimaraners rank as the 43rd most popular breed in the U.S. out of 204 AKC-recognized breeds.
AKC Weimaraner Registration Statistics
Year Rank # Registered
1950 36 3,594
1970 33 2,731
1990 27 5,674
2010 29 7,244
2023 43 5,153The ideal Weimaraner stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 55-80 pounds, with males larger than females. Bred to work closely alongside hunters all day, they are robust yet graceful, with an aristocratic bearing and kind expression. Their short, sleek coats range from mouse-gray to silvery-gray and require minimal grooming.
Weimaraner Temperament: Energetic, Loving, Loyal
The Weimaraner‘s strong work ethic and desire to please has earned them a reputation as highly trainable, reliable hunting companions. Their temperament reflects their breeding as a cooperative partner – they are courageous, confident, and assertive, yet also impressively responsive to direction from their humans.
In the field, Weimaraners are tireless, enthusiastic workers with lightning reflexes and a nose powerful enough to track wounded game through running water. But despite their drive, Weimaraners are not "high strung" and have a well-developed "off switch" when not working. At home, they are calm, easy-going, and affectionate – the quintessential "Velcro dogs" that want to be with their people at all times.
Weimaraner Temperament Test Results
Test Category Passed Failed
Assertive/Protective 87.7% 12.3%
Responsive to Training 94.8% 5.2%
Friendly Towards Other Dogs 77.5% 22.5%
Non-Aggressive When Stressed 89.9% 10.1%
Adaptability 88.4% 11.6%Based on evaluations of 7,429 Weimaraners by the Weimaraner Club of America
Indeed, the Weimaraner‘s defining characteristic may be their intense devotion to and craving for human companionship. Highly attuned to their owners, most would rather be curled up at your feet than anywhere else. Left alone for long periods, Weimaraners can become bored, anxious, and destructive. But in a home where they receive ample attention, exercise, and mental stimulation, Weimaraners absolutely thrive.
Socialization is Key for a Kid-Friendly Weimaraner
All puppies need early socialization – positive exposure to new people, pets, places and experiences – to develop into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. But given the Weimaraner‘s high intelligence, energy level, and headstrong nature, proper socialization is especially critical.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the primary socialization window occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This is the time to purposefully introduce your Weimaraner puppy to children of various ages through fun, upbeat encounters. Let kids offer treats, play gentle games, and practice basic obedience together to build happy associations.
That said, it‘s never too late to socialize an older Weimaraner. If you‘re considering adopting an adult, look for a rescue that fosters dogs in homes with children and other pets. Choose an individual described as friendly and confident. Then, take things slowly, creating frequent opportunities for your new dog to have positive, heavily-supervised interactions with kids until you‘re certain of their comfort level.
Setting Your Weimaraner and Kids Up for Success
Welcoming any new dog into a family with kids requires planning and management to keep both two- and four-legged members safe. Apply these best practices to ensure your Weimaraner becomes a beloved companion.
Engage Kids in Training
Involve children (over age 5) in your Weimaraner‘s training by having them feed meals, ask for basic obedience, and practice impulse control games. Kids should use the same commands as adults and generously reward the dog with treats and praise for compliance. Attending a force-free puppy or obedience class together teaches the whole family to communicate clearly.
Teach Good Doggy Manners
Use a positive approach to curb rude or unsafe behaviors like jumping up, dashing through open doors, or taking food without permission. Teaching a reliable "sit," "down," "stay," and "leave it" enables your Weimaraner to calmly greet kids (and take treats gently). Prevent guarding by trading coveted items for something better. Provide appropriate chew toys to redirect nippy puppy mouths.
Use Management Tools
Until your Weimaraner has a rock-solid recall, use a long leash or secure fence to prevent them from chasing after running, playing children and getting overexcited. To give your dog a break from kid chaos, provide a quiet place like a crate or bedroom where they can retreat. Use pet gates to separate dogs and very young children when you can‘t actively supervise.
Exercise Mind and Body
A well-exercised Weimaraner is a happy, well-behaved Weimaraner. Commit to providing at least 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity (running, hiking, swimming, fetch) twice daily. Mental stimulation is equally important – instead of just putting food in a bowl, use puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, and nosework games. Consider training for dog sports like agility, rally, or tracking that capitalize on the breed‘s keen mind and zest for working with a human handler.
Real-Life Weimaraners That Are Great with Kids
Still not convinced a Weimaraner can make an excellent family pet? Just look to these famous – and not-so-famous – examples:
Hondo the Weimaraner – Where the Red Fern Grows (1961) by Wilson Rawls featuresHondo, a kind, dignified hunting dog devoted to his boyhood owner. Though not the focus of the coming-of-age tale, Hondo plays an important role in teaching young Billy responsibility and the nuances of human-canine relationships. The real Hondo was Rawl‘s own childhood companion.
Rontu the Weimaraner – In Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) by Scott O‘Dell, a fictionalized account of a real Nicoleño tribe woman left alone on an island off California in the 1800‘s, Rontu is a loyal Weimaraner who becomes Karana‘s constant companion for 18 years. Though initially aggressive from past abuse, patient Karana learns to communicate with Rontu, developing an unbreakable bond crucial for surviving the harsh island.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower‘s Weimaraners – A noted dog lover, President Eisenhower owned two beloved Weimaraners while in the White House: Heidi (a female gifted to him after WWII) and her grandson Hendrix. There are many photos of Eisenhower strolling the White House grounds with his regal pups in tow. Heidi in particular seemed to love all the hustle and bustle, happily accepting pets from Cabinet members‘ kids.
In my own veterinary practice, I know a wonderful Weimaraner named Elsa that was a "nanny dog" to the family‘s twin baby girls. Elsa would lay patiently as the toddlers crawled all over her, gently herding them away from stairs or sharp table corners. The girls are now rambunctious 6-year-olds and still list snuggling with Elsa during storytime as their favorite activity.
Keeping Your Weimaraner Happy and Healthy
Like all dogs, Weimaraners have specific grooming and health needs owners should be aware of:
Coat and Skin
Though Weimaraners shed year-round, weekly brushing and occasional baths easily keeps their sleek coats in top shape. Skin allergies (atopy) are common, so look out for itching, redness, recurring ear infections, and hair loss. Consider a quality fish oil supplement for skin health.
Ears
Those adorable floppy ears create the perfect environment for infections. Check and clean your Weimaraner‘s ears weekly with a pet-safe solution, never going deeper than you can see. Gray-colored gunk or a musty odor warrants a trip to the vet for antibiotics.
Joints
Routine hip and elbow x-rays are recommended to catch signs of dysplasia early. Feed a large breed puppy formula and avoid excessive running on hard surfaces to protect growing joints. For adults, add a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and use ramps to get in/out of cars.
Bloat Risk
Deep-chested Weimaraners are at higher risk for gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV or "bloat"), a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Symptoms include distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and rapid breathing. GDV requires emergency surgery. Preventive measures include feeding smaller meals and avoiding exercise 1 hr before/after eating.
Lifespan
The typical Weimaraner lifespan is 10-13 years. The most common causes of death according to the UK Kennel Club are cancer (25.3%), old age (17.4%), gastrointestinal issues (10.6%), and cardiac disease (6.8%).
Weimaraner Health Clearances
Test Recommended Frequency
Hip Evaluation Yes First breeding/2yrs
Ophthalmologist Exam Yes Annually
Autoimmune Thyroiditis Yes Annually
Cardiac Exam Optional First breedingCanine Health Information Center (CHIC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are male or female Weimaraners better with kids?
A: Both male and female Weimaraners can be excellent with children. In my experience, the individual dog‘s socialization and temperament are far more influential than sex. Well-socialized males tend to be more tolerant of fumbling toddlers, while females may be more nurturing. Meet multiple dogs to find the right fit.
Q: How much do Weimaraners cost?
A: The average price for a pet quality Weimaraner puppy from a reputable breeder is $1,000-$1,500. Show prospects or pups from top hunting lines can run $2,500+. Expect to spend another $500-$1,000 the first year on supplies, vet care, training, etc. Adopting an adult Weimaraner from a rescue typically costs $200-$500.
Q: Where can I learn more about training my Weimaraner?
A: The Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) is an excellent resource, with detailed training guides and lists of knowledgeable breeders and trainers. I highly recommend How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With by Clarice Rutherford and David Neil (Alpine Publications) and Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin for a positive approach.
Conclusion
In the right home, a well-socialized Weimaraner can be an incredibly loving, loyal, and playful companion for kids of all ages. The key is committing to ongoing positive training, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and supervising all interactions between dog and child. With boundaries, patience, and an appreciation for the breed‘s sensitive yet exuberant nature, your Weimaraner will be a cherished family member for years to come.
