Male vs Female Weimaraners: 4 Key Differences

Considering expanding your family by four gray paws? Weimaraners are fast, intelligent, and popular pets and make great family dogs. But when considering bringing home a Weimaraner, would a male or female dog be a better fit for your household? The annoyingly simple answer to that question is: it depends! Keep reading to learn about the four key differences between male and female Weimaraners.

The AKC considers Weimaraners loving family pets that live well with both young children and other dogs. These “gray ghosts,” affectionately called, have an average lifespan of 11-14 years. While they are most commonly seen with shimmering gray fur, Weimaraners come in five stunning coat colors, although not all are AKC-recognized.

Originally bred in the 1800s as big-game hunters, Weimaraners have evolved into versatile working pooches and devoted furry family members. These striking sporting dogs are highly skilled all-around gun dogs and demonstrate excellence in pointing and retrieving. For families that do not intend to take their Weimaraners hunting, these pups benefit greatly from consistent training and require regular activity, such as dog sports and hiking.

Comparing Male and Female Weimaraners – A Basic Overview

Standing Tall: The Differences Between Male and Female Weimaraner Sizes

Firstly, there is a clear difference between male and female Weimaraner sizes. Female Weimaraners grow up to 23-25 inches at the shoulders, whereas males are typically 25-27 inches tall. However, due to their sturdy builds, the more noticeable difference between male and female Weimaraners is their weights. Females are traditionally 55-75 pounds, unlike their heavier male counterparts, which can reach up to 90 pounds. When considering the dog’s strength at the end of your leash, as well as planning for emergencies or old age, this 15–20-pound variation can make a huge difference. Trying to get an injured 90-pound Weim out of the woods or carrying a senior pooch up the stairs for bed every night can be more difficult than a 55-pound female.

Living Long, Happy Lives: Weimaraner Health

Secondly, when considering getting a Weimaraner, it’s important to consider the possible health issues your new furry friend may encounter. Both male and female Weimaraners are equally likely to develop certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia, mast cell tumors, bloat, dental disease, and cardiac issues. However, certain concerns affect one sex more than the other.

Female Weimaraner Health Concerns

Female Weimaraners are more likely to develop patent ductus arteriosus or PDA. PDA is a hereditary disease and is present at birth. This common congenital heart defect should be treated quickly because it can worsen as dogs mature. In some cases, PDA is fatal.

Males Weimaraner Health Concerns

Although less likely to be born with PDA, male Weimaraners are more predisposed to developing the heart condition Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is when the heart’s lower pumping chambers weaken, making it more difficult to pump blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. In most cases, DCM is a fatal disease, even with treatment. Additionally, male Weimaraners are more likely to contract steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), an auto-immune condition affecting the blood vessels that line the nervous system. Unlike DCM, SRMA can usually be treated with drugs. However, early neutering can help prevent SRMA.

Stubborn or Eager to Please? Weimaraner Temperament

Next, there is a dramatic difference between female and male Weimaraners regarding temperaments.

Female Weimaraners Are Typically:

• More Independent and Self-Sufficient
• More Protective of Their Family and Vocal towards Strangers
• More Likely to Be Owner Possessive
• Likely to Mature at a Younger Age than Males
• More Likely to Assert Their Dominance Over Other Dogs in the Household

Male Weimaraners Are Usually:

• More Affectionate and Playful
• Great at Communicating Their Needs to Their Owners
• Commonly More Vocal During Meal Time, While Exercising, and When You Return Home
• Likely to Mature More Slowly than Females
• Stubborn but Still Eager to Please

Topics to Consider When Training Weimaraners

Lastly, due to their varied temperaments, female and male Weimaraners can have different demands when it comes to training. While both males and females require regular exercise and mental stimulation, you may need to take a different approach or focus on different behavioral issues depending on the sex of your dog.

Females Weimaraners Are:

• Extremely Stubborn and Often Reluctant to Cooperate, Making Training Sometimes More Difficult
• More Likely to Become Territorial Around Other Dogs, Requiring Closer Supervision and Possible Behavioral Coaching
• Usually, More Difficult to Housetrain
• Considered More Destructive than Males, but Sneaky about It, Making Corrections and Training More Difficult

Male Weimaraners Are:

• More Easily Distractable and Require a Lot of Patience
• Likely to Retain Their Puppy-Like Attitudes Longer
• More Likely to Become Destructive as a Way to Communicate that They’re Unhappy About Something
• Fairly Easy to Housetrain
• More Likely to Develop Aggression Around 2 Years of Age if Not Neutered

Ensuring a Tail-Wagging Good Life for Your Weimaraner

Whether welcoming a male or female Weimaraner into your home and heart, these stunning working dogs can be a great addition to your family. With proper veterinary care, dog training, mental stimulation, and exercise, you and your new furry family member will be starting on the right paw towards a long and happy life together.