Weimaraner Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

The Weimaraner is an elegant, distinctive breed easily recognizable thanks to its striking silver/grey coat. If you’ve adopted one of these puppies, you need to familiarize yourself with Weimaraner progression, including milestones and training.

Germans originally bred them for hunting large game, like deer and boar. They’re still used occasionally for this purpose, though they are much more commonly utilized as companion animals.

Due to their history, they still have a very strong prey drive and boundless energy. They’re also very intelligent, though they aren’t necessarily the easiest dog to train.

Today, Weimaraners are known for being very adaptable and loyal. They make great companion dogs for active families.

Below, we’ll look at how these dogs should be raised and what to expect from a growing Weimaraner puppy.

Weimaraner Growth and Weight Chart by Age

(Note: These weights are approximate averages and can vary among individual dogs.)

When Will My Weimaraner Stop Growing?

A Weimaraner’s growth rate usually slows down around 8 to 12 months. By this time, these dogs have reached almost their full height, but they will continue to put on weight throughout the next year. Males tend to keep growing for longer than females as they tend to get bigger.

Of course, every dog is an individual. Therefore, each canine may grow for longer or shorter. Typically, you want to keep these dogs on puppy food until they are around 2.

How Big Will My Weimaraner Be When It’s Fully Grown?

Weimaraners are considered a large breed, with adult males typically ranging from 70 to 90 pounds and measuring around 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder. Adult females are slightly smaller, ranging from 65 to 85 pounds and measuring approximately 23 to 25 inches in height at the shoulder.

Keep in mind that genetics, diet, and exercise can influence the final size of your Weimaraner. Ask your breeder how big the puppy’s parents are for a better idea of how big they will get.

When Should My Weimaraner Be Spayed or Neutered?

Typically, you should spay or neuter your Weimaraner between 6 to 9 months. At this point, the dog will have reached a decent size, making surgery easier. The puppy will also have less risk of complications because they are bigger.

However, this is also before the dog reaches sexual maturity. You want to spay or neuter the dog before this occurs to prevent health problems and eliminate the chance of accidental puppies.

When Should My Weimaraner Be House Broken?

You should start house training your Weimaraner when you bring them home. Dogs should not be told that peeing inside is okay, as this creates habits that are harder to break later. Many breeders start this process before their puppies are even sent to their forever home – sometimes as early as five weeks.

Eight weeks is plenty old enough to start taking your dog outside to use the bathroom.

Start taking your puppy outside regularly. Smaller puppies need to be taken outside more, as their bladders are smaller. Praise and reward your puppy whenever they use the bathroom outside.

Crate-training your puppy can make potty training even easier.

When Should My Weimaraner Stop Eating Puppy Food?

You should keep your dog on puppy food until they quit growing, which is usually around two years of age. Typically, playing it safer and keeping them on puppy food for longer rather than taking them off too early is better.

Switch them over slowly, adding more and more adult food to their puppy food as they tolerate it. Switching too fast can cause stomach issues, which aren’t fun for anyone.

When Will My Weimaraner Start Losing Teeth?

Weimaraner puppies typically start losing their puppy teeth and growing adult teeth between three to six months of age. This teething phase can be uncomfortable for them, so provide appropriate chew toys to help soothe their gums and discourage destructive chewing.

All dogs need to chew, so it’s important to provide them proper things to chew. If you don’t, you can’t get mad about them chewing up your shoes.

When Should I Start Training My Weimaraner?

Start training your Weimaraner as soon as you bring them home, even if they are as young as eight weeks. Socialization and basic training are best accomplished early. You should introduce your dog to a range of different people, places, and pets as soon as they have their first vaccinations out of the way.

Puppy classes are very good for both training and socialization. Even if you’ve trained a dog before, we recommend taking your pooch to puppy classes so that they can interact with other dogs and people.

Luckily, Weimaraners are pretty easy to train, even as puppies. Weimaraners tend to progress quickly through commands.

When Will My Weimaraner Calm Down?

As your Weimaraner progresses, you’ll notice them start to calm down. However, these dogs are extremely active. Their exuberance tends to follow them into adulthood, so we only recommend them for active families. They just aren’t a good choice for more laid-back individuals.

Usually, these dogs will mature around 2 to 3 years of age. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training can help manage their energy. Teaching them how to stay calm is an important part of Weimaraner’s progression. Luckily, they’re easy to train and eager to please.

Common Health Issues Your Weimaraner Might Experience

Weimaraners are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health issues. Common health concerns for Weimaraners include hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and certain types of cancer.

There are many ways you can keep your Weimaraner healthy, but all of these could easily apply to any other dog breed, too. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and preventive measures can help minimize the risk of these health problems.

Not all health problems are preventable, but an obese dog is much more likely to develop issues than one at a healthy weight.

Pictures of Weimaraners as Puppies

Pictures of Weimaraners at 6 Months

Pictures of Fully Grown Weimaraners

Other Dog Breeds Similar to Weimaraners

If you’re drawn to the Weimaraner’s characteristics but are considering other options, here are a few similar breeds worth exploring:

1. Vizsla

Like the Weimaraner, Vizslas are energetic and affectionate dogs. They are often described as “velcro dogs” because they stick close to their owners. Vizslas also have a striking rust-colored coat and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

They’re a lot of work, but they can make great companion dogs when properly cared for. Be sure you can properly care for this breed before adopting a puppy.

2. German Shorthaired Pointer

These dogs share the Weimaraner’s athleticism and versatility. They are excellent hunting companions and excel in various dog sports. German Shorthaired Pointers have a short coat that requires minimal grooming.

They’re the low-maintenance alternative to the Weimaraner. However, keep in mind that they do require some maintenance and tend to need a bit of exercise.

3. Rhodesian Ridgeback

While larger than the Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgebacks share a similar sleek and athletic appearance. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them great family dogs.

However, they do need a bit of extra socialization and training. They tend to be more protective than other breeds.