Weimaraner vs Doberman: 5 Key Differences

If you are looking for a large and athletic dog, there are a number of great things about the Weimaraner vs Doberman. Both of these dogs have short fur and muscular frames, making them ideal for a variety of work and family life styles. But what separates these two breeds from one another, and what is similar about them? 

In this article, we will address everything you need to know about both the Weimaraner and the Doberman. We will discuss their physical differences so that you can learn how to tell them apart upon first glance. We will also address their ancestries and behavioral differences in case you are considering adopting either these two breeds. Let’s get started now! 

Comparing Weimaraner vs Doberman

Key Differences Between Weimaraner vs Doberman

There are many key differences between the Weimaraner and the Doberman. The Doberman is taller than the Weimaraner, though the Weimaraner weighs more than the average Doberman. Additionally, the Weimaraner only comes in a blue or gray color coat, while the Doberman comes in a variety of colors. Finally, the Weimaraner lives a slightly longer lifespan compared to the average Doberman.

Let’s discuss all of these differences and more in detail now. 

Weimaraner vs Doberman: Size

While you may not notice it just by looking at them, there are some size differences between the Weimaraner and the Doberman. For example, the Doberman grows taller than the average Weimaraner, but this does not result in the Doberman weighing more. Let’s take a closer look at these figures now. 

For example, the Doberman reaches 25 to 28 inches tall, while the Weimaraner averages 23 to 27 inches tall. Additionally, the Weimaraner weighs an average of 55 to 90 pounds, while the Doberman only weighs 60 to 70 pounds, depending on gender. While all these figures do overlap, there are some differences between their average sizes and weights! 

Weimaraner vs Doberman: Appearance

You can easily tell a Doberman apart from a Weimaraner just by looking at them. For example, the Doberman has pointed, erect ears, while the Weimaraner has floppy ears. Additionally, the Weimaraner only comes in a silver or gray shade of coat, while the Doberman comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, black, brown, and white.

Both of these breeds are extremely muscular, with large barrel chests and powerful legs. They have a muzzle of similar length, though the Doberman has a much more severe expression compared to the average Weimaraner. Finally, both of these dogs have docked tails to help in their efficiency as working dog breeds.

Weimaraner vs Doberman: Ancestry and Breeding

There are some similarities as well as some significant differences between the breeding of the Weimaraner versus the breeding of the Doberman. For example, both of these breeds originated in Germany sometime during the 19th century. However, the Weimaraner was originally bred for hunting, while the Doberman was originally bred for protection.

As time progressed, the Weimaraner transitioned from hunting large game and only hunting small game nowadays, while the Doberman made its way from protecting royalty onto police forces and other working dog professions. Both of these breeds are highly intelligent and capable workers, whether it be for hunting or for protection work! 

Weimaraner vs Doberman: Behavior

There are some key differences in the behaviors of the Doberman and the behaviors of the Weimaraner. For example, the average Weimaraner is more open and friendly to strangers and other dogs compared to the average Doberman. This is not to say that the Doberman is inherently aggressive, but it has a much larger need to protect its family compared to the average Weimaraner.

Additionally, the Doberman is better suited to experienced dog owners, while the Weimaraner is a more approachable breed for many levels of dog owner. This is largely due to the fact that the Doberman can exhibit stubborn or pushy behavior, often bossing its owners around when it thinks it knows better than its owner! However, both of these dogs are highly trainable, so don’t let this fact stop you from adopting either a Doberman or a Weimaraner! 

Weimaraner vs Doberman: Lifespan

A final difference between the Weimaraner and the Doberman is their lifespans. The Weimaraner lives longer than the average Doberman, but only by a year or so. For example, the Doberman lives an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Weimaraner lives an average of 11 to 14 years. However, with a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise, both of these dog breeds can live long and happy lives!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © DragoNika/Shutterstock.com