A silver-grey Weimaraner in a field
Borelandn · CC0
A Weimaraner standing outdoors
Rufus46 · CC BY-SA 3.0
A Weimaraner on alert
Holger Müller · CC BY-SA 3.0
Gundog/Sporting

Weimaraner

Also known as: Weimaraner Vorstehhund, Grey Ghost

LargeGermanyEarly 19th century (Weimar court)AKC: SportingFCI #99

The striking silver-grey "Grey Ghost" - a powerful, athletic German pointing breed that bonds intensely to its family. Weimaraners are highly intelligent, loyal and responsive, combining a sleek, distinctive appearance with the drive and trainability that make them outstanding partners for experienced, active owners.

Origin and purpose

The Weimaraner was developed in early 19th-century Germany, associated with the court of Weimar, as an all-round hunting dog for big game and later birds. Bred for stamina, courage and a close working partnership with the hunter, it became known for its distinctive silver-grey coat and pale eyes.

Temperament

Breed authorities describe the Weimaraner as fearless, friendly, obedient and intensely devoted to its people — courageous in the field and bonded closely at home, to the point of struggling with isolation. It needs firm, kind training and abundant activity. As for any breed, the individual dog matters more than the label (Morrill et al., Science 2022).

Health and longevity

The Weimaraner carries several heritable conditions. Buy from breeders who screen hips and eyes.

Common health conditions

As a deep-chested breed the Weimaraner is at meaningful risk of GDV. Feed two or three smaller meals per day using a slow-feeder bowl and restrict vigorous exercise for 90 minutes around mealtimes. Know the warning signs: a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, drooling and restlessness.

Living with a Weimaraner in Singapore

This section is specific to Singapore (AVS/NParks). The rest of this guide applies to the breed anywhere.

Not on the HDB-approved list

This breed is not on the HDB-approved small-breed list. You must live in private housing (condo or landed) to own this breed.

Project ADORE: Not eligible

This breed is not eligible for Project ADORE.

Licensing

AVS dog licence required: S$15/yr (sterilised) or S$90/yr (unsterilised).

Climate & exercise in Singapore

Singapore is tropical, with year-round heat and humidity. walk before 8am or after 6-7pm; pavement in direct sun can exceed 60°C. Singapore humidity raises the risk of skin-fold dermatitis, hot spots and ear infections; heatstroke is a year-round danger, especially for flat-faced, double-coated, senior and overweight dogs.

Parasite prevention

Plan for year-round heartworm and tick prevention (Singapore has no winter, so there is no seasonal gap).

Cost of ownership in Singapore

Local Weimaraner cost figures for Singapore are being verified. Budget for purchase or adoption, initial setup, food, grooming, routine veterinary care, parasite prevention and pet insurance. Figures are quoted in S$.

Health & longevity

Responsible breeders health-test their breeding dogs. Ask to see current certificates before committing.

Nutrition note: Lean athletic build; deep-chested — split meals and avoid exercise around feeding to lower bloat risk.

Known breed conditions

ConditionPrevalenceInheritanceScreening test
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)deep-chested riskowner awareness; prophylactic gastropexy discussed
Hip dysplasiaoccasionalpolygenicOFA hips
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) & vaccine sensitivitybreed-associated in young dogsvet guidance on vaccination protocol
Entropion & other eye conditionsoccasionaleye exam

DNA & screening panel

TestWhen advisedBody
Hip evaluationbefore breedingOFA / BVA-KC
Ophthalmologist eye exambefore breedingOFA / ECVO
Thyroid panelbefore breedingOFA

Cost of ownership

Setup
S$S$2,500–4,500
Monthly
S$S$300–520
Lifetime est.
S$S$45,000–68,000

FLAG: indicative Singapore estimate only — large active breed; daycare/enrichment and any bloat surgery add cost.

Registries

FCI#99Group 7AKCSportingKC (UK)GundogANKCGroup 3 (Gundogs)

Sources & references

  1. AKC — Weimaraner breed standard & traits[Breed standard / registry]
  2. The Kennel Club (UK) — Weimaraner[Breed standard / registry]
  3. Merck Veterinary Manual — hereditary and breed-associated disease[Veterinary reference]
  4. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — breed health screening / CHIC testing[Peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA]
  5. NParks/AVS — Pets in HDB flats (approved small breeds; ≤55 cm shoulder height)[Breed standard / registry] · checked June 2026
  6. Morrill et al., "Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics…", Science 376 (2022) — breed ≈ 9% of behaviour[Peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA] · 2022

Source tiers: 1 = breed standard / registry authority; 2 = peer-reviewed / VetCompass / OFA; 3 = veterinary reference; 4 = encyclopaedic. PawHub cites only tiers 1–4 and never blogs or e-commerce pages. Behavioural traits carry low confidence — breed explains ~9% of individual behaviour variation (Morrill et al., Science 2022).

Image credits