Long-haired Weimaraners are initially from Germany, but they are considered one of the most intriguing dogs in the United States and even parts of Europe today.
They are known as gray ghosts because of their gray-colored, long coats and striking eyes. Although the short-haired variety is more common, long-haired Weimaraners are undeniably beautiful dogs.
Aside from being affectionate companions, they are great competitors in show rings. There are hundreds of interesting things about these gray-colored dogs. Fortunately, this guide is here to help you learn all about them!
What Is a Long-Haired Weimaraner? Can Weimaraners Have Long Hair?
The long-haired Weimaraner is a variant of the Weimaraner breed that features long fur. They are large dogs with considerably longer coats compared to the more common short-haired Weimaraner. These dogs come in shades of silver-gray, mouse-gray, brown-gray, and blue-gray.
These dogs are also referred to as fluffy Weimaraners because of their appearance. Moreover, since Weimaraner is a long word and can be hard to pronounce, these dogs are also informally known as Weims.
Weimaraner dogs are bred as hunters but still have the qualities of family-oriented dogs. Moreover, despite the tough look and large size of Weimaraners, they can be very sensitive and clingy.
Since long-haired Weimaraners are produced from recessive genes, they are considered rare.
In a usual litter of Weimaraners, the usual case is that 25% will always be short-haired, 25% will always be long-haired, and the rest will have mixed or carrier genes.
Similar numbers are also observed for other long-haired variants of different dog breeds. These include the long-haired Jack Russell Terrier, long-haired Dachshund, long-haired Akita, and long-haired Rottweiler, among others.
Are Long-Haired Weimaraners Rare?
Between long-haired and short-haired Weimaraners, the long-haired variant is the rarer kind. Due to their genetic makeup, long-haired Weimaraners are more difficult to breed.
To produce this dog, a breeder needs to mix two long-haired Weimaraner dogs. However, even then, the resulting puppies may not sport long hair.
That said, however, long-haired Weimaraners are not impossible to find. Seasoned breeders have many ways to increase the chances of getting a long-haired Weimaraner litter.
One of these methods involves testing dams and sires genetically for the long hair gene.
Long-Haired Weimaraner Appearance
Weimaraners are very aristocratic-looking. They have straight backs and prominent chests with shoulders laid back.
Male long-haired Weimaraners usually stand at 25 to 27 inches and weigh around 70 to 90 pounds. In comparison, females stand at 23 to 25 inches and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds.
Other than size, however, males and females share most of their physical traits. For instance, their teeth are well set with pinkish gums, and they have smooth coordination and an elegant gait.
The main difference between the long-haired and short-haired Weimaraners is their coats.
The coat of the long-haired Weimaraner can be straight or wavy, with 3/4 to 2 inches as its average length. In addition, they are large breeds with long snouts and legs.
Long-haired Weimaraners have an athletic, lean build with smooth coats protecting their bodies. Their ears are velvety, triangular, and floppy. Moreover, their tails are feathered and long.
Since they are solid in color, they don’t usually have coat markings. However, some parts of their body may have lighter fur. It can be their stomach, faces, or feet. These dogs also sport either amber or silver-gray eyes.
Long-Haired Weimaraner Genetics
Genetics plays the main role in determining whether a Weimaraner will have long hair or not. Long-haired Weimaraners result from recessive genes called FGF5.
Despite not exhibiting this trait, short-haired Weimaraners tend to be carriers of the long hair gene.
Theoretically, when two short-haired Weimaraners are recessive gene carriers, there is a higher chance that their litter will produce long-haired dogs.
If a short-haired and long-haired Weimaraner mate, all their puppies will be carriers of this gene.
Additionally, if a Weimaraner with long hair mates with a Weimaraner with short hair, their litter will consist of 50% long-haired puppies and 50% short-haired puppies.
The best chance of getting a 100% long-haired litter is breeding two Weimaraner parents exhibiting the long hair gene. However, the parents should not be related to each other to prevent the dangers of inbreeding.
In 1897, a breed club in Germany was formed to protect Weimaraners. They had strict policies to ensure the responsible breeding and development of this breed.
From then on, many breeders found ways to properly produce long-haired Weims despite the tricky ins and outs of genetics.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Long-Haired Weimaraners?
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized long-haired Weimaraners in 1934 as an official breed standard. As they became famous, The Kennel Club UK also recognized this variation as standard.
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize these fluffy Weimaraners in their standard and considers this variation a fault or a disqualification.
They can only be registered in the AKC if their parents are registered, which rarely happens.
This also means that they cannot be registered to compete in AKC dog shows. Fortunately, they can be registered in performance competitions hosted by other kennel clubs where they can showcase obedience and agility.
Although this is the case in Northern America, they are still recognized as a Weimaraner variation by many kennels worldwide.
They can perform in shows and compete with short-haired variations, and most of them are successful.
Long-Haired Weimaraner Temperament and Personality
Long-haired Weimaraners are very playful and energetic dogs, so they may need sufficient space to exercise and release their energy. They are also easy to train since they are naturally intelligent.
However, as with any other dog breed, the Weimaraner needs to be socialized at a young age. Fluffy Weimaraners can be aloof to strangers and aggressive to dogs of the same sex.
However, when given proper socialization training, they are very friendly to people and other pets.
It is important to note that Weimaraners are known hunters of small prey, so it’s best if they are with pets of the same size.
Small cats and other small animals may not be suited to be left alone with them without guidance and appropriate training.
Long-haired Weimaraners are generally affectionate, protective, and loyal to their families. They may look tough, but they have soft personalities.
However, since furry Weimaraners are needy, leaving them alone for hours may result in destructive behavior. They instantly feel lonely without their family.
Watch this video to see a well-trained long-haired Weimaraner:
Long-Haired Weimaraner Shedding & Grooming Needs
Even though this variation of Weimaraners is labeled as having long hair, their coat is not extremely long. However, their shedding and grooming needs are still comparable to other long-haired breeds.
For starters, long-haired Weimaraners are average shedders. While they are not high maintenance when it comes to grooming, they shed almost every day, especially during shedding season.
Compared to short-haired Weims, fluffy Weimaraners need to be brushed at least once. This is because they are more prone to tangles and mats.
It is recommended to brush your long-haired Weim’s coat regularly to remove hair knots and loose fur, especially during summer and winter.
As for bathing, it is not recommended to bathe your Weim very often. Shampooing your pooch every month will suffice. However, your long-haired Weim may still need cleaning right after a dirty outdoor activity.
Ear cleaning and nail clipping should also be done to keep your pup from unnecessary discomfort and infection. You should brush its teeth twice or thrice a week and clean its ears at least once a week.
Long-Haired Weimaraner Lifespan and Health Issues
As a large breed, long-haired Weimaraners have an average lifespan of 9 to 12 years. If they are well taken care of and raised in a healthy environment, they could live upwards of 13 years.
Generally, they are healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health issues:
- Distichiasis: This is a condition wherein extra eyelashes grow on the side of the dog’s eye. This is very common in Weimaraners, which contributes to the appearance of their weepy eyes. This is mainly due to the irritation that occurs when the eyelashes rub against the cornea. Luckily, distichiasis is treatable with surgery.
- Hip Dysplasia: According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, hip dysplasia is one of the most common disorders in medium to large dogs. This genetic condition causes abnormality in the conformation of hip joints in long-haired Weimaraners.
- Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV): This condition is also known as gastric torsion or bloat. When the stomach gets filled with gas, it can swell and rotate. This is extremely painful and can cut off the blood supply, which results in organ failure. Rushing your dog to the vet is most recommended in these cases.
- Hyperuricosuria: This genetic disorder causes increased uric acid in the dog’s urine, which results in kidney stones. Genetic testing of fluffy Weimaraners is reliable in detecting the presence of the gene that causes hyperuricosuria.
This list is just a short overview of disorders that can affect your long-haired Weimaraner.
It is best to check in with reputable breeders to ensure high-quality and healthy Weims. Also, as pet parents, giving quality care to your dogs is a must.
How Much Does a Long-Haired Weimaraner Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Long-haired Weimaraners tend to be more expensive than the common, short-haired ones due to their rarity. The price tag averages around $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the type of breeder you choose to purchase from.
Widely recognized breeders usually price their puppies higher compared to small kennels or hobby breeders. The prices of their puppies are affected by the cost of genetic tests and pre-ownership care, such as vaccinations.
Coat color is also a factor affecting the price of a Weimaraner. Since most have coats with gray and brown shades, long-haired Weimaraners with bluish fur are considered rare and more costly.
The cost of owning a long-haired Weimaraner is not a one-time thing. You should still plan for the expenses to raise and take care of this new pup at home.
Here is a list of initial costs associated with owning a long-haired Weimaraner:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
This breakdown guides your budget preparation as you transition your new pup into your home. All of these are necessary, but the computed initial cost is just an estimation.
You can also find cheaper options in your local pet stores or online shops.
Also, aside from the items listed above, pet insurance is a must-have for any dog. This will come in handy if your dog experiences any unexpected medical emergencies.
Places to Find Long-Haired Weimaraner Puppies for Sale or Adoption
If this fluffy Weimaraner caught your attention and you’re set to owning one, the next thing to do is look for places to find one.
You can choose to either purchase or adopt, but the important thing is you can provide for their needs.
Check out these reputable breeders that offer healthy and quality long-haired Weimaraner puppies:
- Heavenly Longhaired Weimaraners – This kennel is recognized for excellent health testing and breeding practices for long-haired Weimaraners. They are very hands-on in taking care of their puppies, and their health is their utmost priority. They are also very selective in approving new families for their Weims.
- Lazy Heart’s Kennel (LHK) – LHK is a Montana-based Weimaraner breeder where you may find long-haired Weims. Sires and dams from this breeder are tested against genetic issues by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Reach out to them to see if long-haired puppies are available.
- Miller’s Kennel – If you live near the state of Illinois, Miller’s Kennel is the place to visit. This breeder has been in the business of breeding Weimaraners for many years now. The good thing about this breeder is that they raise all of their dogs in a home environment.
Choosing a breeder is very vital. Make sure you don’t transact with puppy mills and backyard breeders to ensure you get your money’s worth.
On the other hand, if you want to save a bit of money or simply advocate saving lives, you can adopt a Weimaraner instead.
Here are some Weimaraner rescue organizations you might want to look into:
- Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue – This is a foster-based rescue, meaning they don’t have a physical facility to take in their rescued dogs. Foster parents take purebred Weimaraners and Weimaraner mixes in their own homes and take care of them until they find an adopter.
- Heartland Weimaraner Rescue – This rescue has been providing homes for both short-haired and long-haired Weimaraners since 2002. Since their goal is to provide unwanted Weims with a loving home, they are very strict with their adoption screening process.
- Barret Weimaraners – Over 50 rescues have been taken care of and rehomed by Barret. They are very passionate about Weims, and they even involve the community to donate and foster those in need.
Despite being great companions, many Weimaraners still end up in shelters. Long-haired variations are harder to find in rescue homes, so you must be patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Long-Haired Weimaraners Rare?
Yes, fluffy Weimaraners are considered rare because they come from recessive genes. You do not always get a long-haired variation for every litter being bred.
It takes a specific carrier gene to be paired with another to produce a long-haired Weim puppy.
Do Long-Haired Weimaraners Shed a Lot?
Long-haired Weimaraners are moderate shedders, but they shed more than their short-haired siblings.
Regular brushing is required, especially during heavy shedding season. Still, it is not time-consuming to maintain this dog’s coat.
Are Long-Haired Weimaraners Hypoallergenic?
Long-haired Weimaraners are not hypoallergenic. They may be average shedders but can still trigger allergies in sensitive people.
They also produce dander and other allergens, so it’s best to consult your doctor before welcoming one into your home.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve always dreamt of owning a Weimaraner, having a fluffy one won’t be a problem for you. With their intelligence and loyalty, long-haired Weimaraners are easy to fall in love with.
They may not be able to join many dog shows and competitions, especially in the United States, but you will still have a ball of sunshine in your home.
Long-haired Weimaraners are great companions and very protective of their families. If this sounds like a dog you would love to have, then the fluffy Weim is for you.
Are you getting this long-haired pooch soon? Let us know your thoughts about the long-haired Weimaraner in the comment section below!
