If the word Weimaraner rings a bell in your mind, but you don’t know why, maybe you have seen some of the photographs, calendars, and books by William Wegman, a photographer famous for his Weimaraner dog portraits.
The Weimaraner, also known as the Weim, Silver Ghost, or Gray Ghost, is a dog breed that originated in today’s Germany. Its name comes from the place this dog was actually developed – the court of Weimar.
The history of this breed is quite fascinating. The nobles of the Weimar court wanted to create an intelligent, fearless, and fast dog with good scenting abilities to hunt; i.e., they wanted a perfect hunting dog.
However, it’s still an enigma how they developed the Weimaraner. It’s believed that the breeds used to create the Weimaraner include the English Pointer, Great Dane, German shorthaired pointer, and silver-gray Huehnerhund, or chicken dog.
The Weimaraner Club of America was formed in 1942. The following year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this dog breed.
Weimaraners are powerful and intelligent dogs, perfect for a family that can provide them with exercise and lots of other activities (agility, hiking, or participating in canine sports).
The decision of whether to choose a male vs. female Weimaraner is difficult, we know. But this article can help you to make a final decision.
Are Male Or Female Weimaraners Better?
Photo from: @hooper.weim
This is one of the questions most people ask either a breeder when looking for a new dog or other people who already have Weimaraners. Be prepared to hear different answers because both genders have their pros and cons.
Some people claim that male Weimaraners are better dogs, while others claim that females are the best. Bear in mind that every owner has a different experience with this dog; after all, every dog is an individual. However, there are some general presumptions about this dog breed.
A Weimaraner’s gender is just one aspect to take into account when deciding to get one. There are many other factors you should think about, like temperament, health issues, or the trainability of this dog.
Unless you have a particular reason for choosing one gender over the other, for example, if you want a female Weimaraner because you’ve already had female dogs, and you know how to deal with their possible moody behavior, then the gender of your dog shouldn’t be important in your decision.
Nevertheless, there are several situations where a certain gender Weimaraner might be a better choice. For example, if you want a Weimaraner that is more playful, choose a male Weimaraner. On the other hand, if you want a more independent dog, then a female Weimaraner should be your choice.
Let’s look at the main male vs. female Weimaraner differences.
What Is The Difference Between A Male and Female Weimaraner?
There are two things that possible owners of these dogs need to know: Weimaraners are super active dogs, and they are not happy when left alone. If you and your family members enjoy an active lifestyle with a lot of time spent outside, then this dog can be the perfect companion for you.
However, these dogs are not the best choice for first-time owners. They need a firm hand (an experienced dog owner) that is capable of coping with this strong and intelligent dog.
Where you live is also important – these large dogs are not suitable for apartments; a big home with a large, fenced backyard is perfect for Weimaraners because they need plenty of activity.
If you want a dog that is extremely affectionate, loyal, and easy to train, then a male Weimaraner is a better option for you. On the other hand, a female Weimaraner can also be affectionate. They are also more protective and more vocal against strangers. So if you are looking for a dog with these qualities, then a female Weimaraner is the right dog for you.
Even though there are few specific differences between the genders, neither of the two is outright better than the other. Whether you decide on a male or female Weimaraner, both are great dogs and can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Let’s check other male vs. female Weimaraner differences in the table below:
|Male Weimaraner||Female Weimaraner|
|Weight:||70–90 lbs||55–75 lbs|
|Temperament:||Intelligent, playful, stubborn||Intelligent, territorial, independent|
|Easy to train:||Easy||Relatively easy|
|Health:||Depends on genetics||Depends on genetics|
|Lifespan:||Between 10–13 Years||Between 10–13 Years|
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner – Size
If we consider the fact that Weimaraners descended from the English Pointer, Great Dane, German shorthaired pointer, and Huehnerhund, there was never going to be any chance that this would be a small dog. And it’s not. The Weimaraner is a medium-large sized dog.
According to the AKC’s Weimaraner breed standard, male Weimaraners stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and they are approximately two inches taller than females. The female Weimaraner is generally smaller, with a height of 23 to 25 inches.
Male Weimaraners are usually heavier than their female counterparts; they can typically weigh up to 90 pounds, whereas females usually weigh up to 75 pounds.
Weimaraners reach their full size at around six to eight months of age. A perfectly bred Weimaraner will be solid-colored, with maybe a small white spot on the chest. The face, with its light amber or blue-gray eyes framed by long velvety ears, is charming and intelligent.
The Weimaraners, being medium-large-sized dogs, need high-quality dog food. They are famous for their voracious appetite; they can eat whatever you give them, no matter how much. But, be careful, especially with human food – research what human food is good for them and what is not.
Moreover, watch their weight. If they eat too much, they can have health problems, such as bloat. More about this later.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner – Temperament Differences
Weimaraners are generally profoundly devoted dogs that, more than anything, love to be with their people. They are happiest when they are busy with some activity.
Weimaraner puppies are naturally curious, playful, and willing to approach other people. Later on, these dogs become very attached to their owners.
Don’t forget that these are hunting dogs and that they have a strong prey drive; they’ll chase absolutely everything from small animals, cats, and runners to bikes. It’s necessary to keep the Weimaraner in a fenced backyard to avoid possible problems.
One thing is imperative when talking about these dogs – don’t leave them alone. And if you have to, try not to be away for long periods. Weimaraners can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
Separation anxiety means that these dogs may feel sad, which can lead to destructive behavior (like chewing your furniture or shoes) and extensive barking. If you and the rest of your family work the whole day, think about other dog breeds because Weimaraners simply can stand to be alone that long.
In the context of male vs. female Weimaraner temperament differences, here is what is important.
Male Weimaraners are usually more affectionate and emotionally sensitive than their female counterparts. Even though this may sound funny, it’s true.
Males are also more vocal, meaning that they will “show” you when they are hungry, need to go out, or exercise. They can sometimes be stubborn, like all dogs, but they are eager to please. In their eyes, their owner is the king or queen of their universe.
Male dogs are also more playful – they enjoy different games, especially if you throw them something to catch.
However, neutered males take a lot of time to mature. Let’s see more about neutering.
Neutering A Male Weimaraner
Neutering (or castration) is the surgical removal of a dog’s testicles (and all associated structures). The surgery is simple and almost painless; these days, vets are adopting modern surgical techniques, and your dog will be anesthetized during the operation.
After the operation, your dog will be home the same or the following day. Dogs should not be running or jumping for at least several days after the operation.
Male Weimaraners should be neutered after the age of 12 months when they reach sexual maturity. If you neuter your dog too early, it can lead to health problems that you don’t want to have to deal with.
Ask your vet for advice; he or she will explain all the pros and cons of neutering your dog.
There are many reasons why you should neuter your dog:
• Reducing dog overpopulation – If you ever get into a moral discussion with someone about neutering (whether neutering is ethically right or wrong), just tell people to visit the nearest animal shelter and see all the abandoned dogs out there who are waiting for someone to adopt them.
• It treats issues of the prostate and minimizes the risks of testicular cancer (intact males have higher chance of developing illnesses that can affect their health)
• Preventing unwanted behavior due to sex hormones
Females are thought to be more independent than males. They mature at a younger age and, as a result, are more focused on obedience or other types of training. Females are more self-sufficient.
Furthermore, Female Weimaraners are more dominant – in a house with other dogs, a female Weimaraner will show their dominant side. They are also more protective and will vocalize to alert against strangers or intruders.
Although males are more affectionate, females can show their affection too. They are considered to be more owner-possessive than males.
Spaying A Female Weimaraner
If you don’t plan to breed your female Weimaraner, then it is recommended that you get her spayed. Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This operation is a little complicated, but it is still considered routine. In most cases, your pet is home the next day. Besides eliminating unplanned pregnancies, the operation eliminates the heat cycle.
You can spay your dogs at any point in their life. If you are having second thoughts about spaying, we advise you to see your dog’s vet and ask them everything about the procedure.
Benefits of spaying:
• Prevents unplanned pregnancy
• Females don’t go into heat (spaying helps stop hormone-related behaviors such as mood swings)
• Eliminates chances of ovarian cancer
• Training is easier – females are more concentrated
• Prevents infection of the uterus (pyometra)
• Again, it reduces dog overpopulation.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner – Trainability
Weimaraners are an intelligent dog breed. These dogs are capable of learning quickly, and they can endure every type of training.
If you choose a Weimaraner puppy, start training it the day you bring it home. It’s important to develop their skills and obedience from the start. However, they can be a little bit distracted; after all, they are still puppies. We advise you to be patient; it will be worth it in the end.
Due to their high energy level and playful nature, they need proper training; without proper training, this dog can develop bad behaviors that are later difficult to change.
If you, the owner, are not capable of training your dog, seek help from a professional dog trainer. Yes, it costs some money, but you will get a properly trained and well-behaved dog. Remember, this dog is not for you if you don’t have time to train it or are unwilling to do so.
Weimaraners love to learn new things and be stimulated mentally and physically through training. You can use positive reinforcement in their training. Food treats are also excellent options. Be consistent with this dog – reward it for good things; correct it for bad things.
Never hit the Weimaraner. That only sends the wrong message, and it’s cruel. Again, if you don’t know how to handle this dog, either ask for help or give it to someone who knows how to deal with this exquisite purebred dog.
In the context of male vs. female Weimaraner trainability, these are the differences.
We’ve already said that males are more playful and easygoing, especially when they are puppies. It may be difficult for you to keep their attention when you try to teach them something new.
However, if you manage to keep their attention, they are much easier to train and housebreak than females. Be persistent with them; they will do their best at training, especially if you give them food treats.
Females mature earlier than their male counterparts. They’re ready to get started on training sooner than males. But, they are dominant and therefore need a strong owner who knows how to deal with their dominant behavior.
Females also like to bark a lot and do not have the same desire to please their owners as males do. Using positive reinforcement is highly recommended in their training.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner – Socialization
Like all dogs, Weimaraners need early socialization, i.e, exposure to other people, dogs, and pets, to become good dogs. Begin with socialization when your puppy is still small, usually between 8 and 16 weeks old.
Include your puppy in as many activities with you as you can. Take your dog to dog parks to meet other people and their dogs. By doing so, your dog will learn how to act in front of other people and their pets.
Invite people to your home. Your guests can give your dog treats, so the dog can see that they are not a potential threat.
If your friends have dogs, great. They should bring them too. Your dog will be exposed to other dogs and hopefully have a play buddy.
Walk your Weim every day. However, use a leash. You never know who is afraid of dogs. Also, a leash secures your dog against possible accidents (if your dog runs away from you).
If you follow these leads, you’ll have a dog that is friendly towards your guests, children, other dogs, and that doesn’t cause you problems when outside by being too protective of you.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner: Health Differences
Weimaraners live pretty long; their lifespan is 10–13 years. During those years you’ll probably have to deal with their health problems. Like all breeds, Weimaraners are prone to certain diseases.
Let’s see the main male vs. female Weimaraner health differences.
Male Weimaraners are prone to:
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – This is a disease of generally large and giant breed dogs that results in progressive heart muscle dysfunction, chamber dilation, and eventually congestive heart failure or death of affected dogs. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but genetic factors are presumed to play a role. There is no known effective preventative strategy for the condition
• Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) – An immune-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily affects the leptomeninges and associated arteries. Although there are a variety of synonyms (polyarteritis, beagle pain syndrome, etc.), SRMA is the established and most widely used nomenclature that also most accurately represents the pathological and clinical features of the disease.
Female Weimaraners are prone to:
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) – The most common congenital heart disease in dogs. It is due to the failure of the ductus arteriosus muscle to constrict, leaving a passageway for blood flow, resulting in eventual left-sided heart disease and/or generalized heart failure. It is hereditary in several breeds.
Both male and female Weimaraner are prone to:
• Gastric torsion (or bloat) – This is another serious medical condition common to large dogs as they have a large appetite. It is a disorder of the digestive system in which the stomach is affected in two ways. The first is through bloating of the stomach, which means that the stomach fills up with a mixture of gases, foam, and fluids. The second is torsion. Torsion is caused by the bloating in the stomach, in which the stomach twists inside the abdomen. They can occur at the same time or one after another. Since Weimaraners are prone to bloat, a dog owner should avoid overfeeding and space their meals throughout the day.
• Hip dysplasia – With hip dysplasia, the balls and sockets of the hind legs don’t fit one another properly. The main symptom of this disease is discomfort in the hind legs, such as stiffness and lameness. Luckily, it can be treated easily with corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories. Dogs with hip dysplasia can also be given dog food that is nutritionally supplemented.
• Progressive retinal atrophy – This is an eye disease that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses.
• Entropion – When your dog’s eyelid is rolled inward, irritating or injuring the eyeball. One or both eyes can be affected. This condition can be corrected surgically.
• Hypothyroidism – This health issue is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone and may produce symptoms that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy.
• von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) – This is an inherited blood disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen (von Willebrand factor). The primary sign is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner: Which Is Better With Children?
Weimaraners are fantastic family dogs, and they are usually friendly towards strangers if properly socialized, of course. They are suitable for six year old children and older; due to their large size, they are not recommended for smaller kids.
There are many ways a Weimaraner can help your children. These dogs are extremely active; therefore, your children will actively play with them and stay healthy. Just teach your child some games that your dog already knows (throwing the ball, for example); this will help them establish a good and loving relationship.
Be careful because Weimaraners are, after all, hunting dogs. If you notice that your dog is chasing your child as it might consider them prey, stop it immediately. Dog interaction with children should always be supervised. No matter how well-behaved your dog is, you never know what can happen.
Also, teach your child how to behave towards dogs. There are several things your children should never do to Weimaraners or any other dog:
• Don’t pull their ears, tail, or anything similar.
• Don’t poke your dogs in the eye.
• Don’t try to take their food when they are eating or a toy from them when they are playing with it.
• Don’t allow your child to ride this dog – Weimaraners are large, but they are not horses.
• Don’t disturb them when they are sleeping.
When we talk about male vs. female Weimaraner relations with children, here’s what you need to know.
Male Weimaraners are more playful, but sometimes they can get over-excited and easily knock down a child by accident while playing with them. Always supervise their interaction to prevent possible accidents.
If you have children who enjoy playing outside, then a male Weimaraner should be a perfect companion. They can help kids to establish social skills.
On the other hand, a female Weimaraner is more careful around young children (because they mature at a younger age than males). Even though they are not as playful as males, they do love to play, but not the whole time.
Both the male and female Weimaraner are ideal guard dogs. They are protective of you and your kids; they will alert you by barking at any strangers.
Male Vs. Female Weimaraner: Which Is Better With Other Dogs And Pets?
Weimaraners can get along with other dogs, especially if they are raised with them. If not, socialization is essential. As Weimaraners can suffer from separation anxiety, having another dog can help a Weimaraner’s physical and mental well-being.
As long as they are properly socialized, males can play with other dogs all day. On the other hand, females are more dominant and can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs.
However, having a cat is not really wise. Since Weimaraners have a strong prey drive, they can chase cats and, unfortunately, kill them. The same thing can happen if you or your neighbors have rabbits, chickens, ducks, or other animals.
If you still insist on having these two pets together, we can only advise you to be patient. You can ask for advice from a professional behaviorist who’ll explain how to introduce your dog to your cat.
We just want to remind you that these dogs are hunters. If they do something to your cat, remember that’s their natural instinct. They can’t do much about it.
Should I Get A Male Or Female Weimaraner?
After considering all the facts in this article, ask yourself if you are still interested in this breed. First and foremost, these dogs need plenty of activity. If you are not a very active person, forget about this dog. Also, if you work all day, and your dog is home alone, waiting for you, this dog breed is just not a good fit for you
However, if you have children and want a dog who will spend most of its time playing with your kids in the backyard, then a male Weimaraner should be your choice. Males can also play with other dogs if they are properly socialized.
If you want a dog that is more independent, protective of you and your family, a female Weimaraner is the perfect dog for you. Bear in mind that females tend to be dominant if you have another dog in the home.
Both male and female Weimaraner are intelligent, affectionate, and easy to train. They learn fast, especially when you use positive reinforcement, like praise, toys, or food treats, with them
Weimaraners are suitable for families with an active lifestyle. They can be excellent companions if you like hiking, running, walking, or even swimming. These dogs are loyal, and they are happiest when they are with their family.
The male vs. female question is a very personal one. Consider all the differences we gave you in this article, and choose a dog that will best suit you and your family.