When considering getting a Weimaraner, it’s important to understand the differences between male and female Weimaraners. Although both genders are intelligent and affectionate, they have distinct characteristics you should know.
Male Weimaraners are active dogs that are willing to engage in any kind of exercise. They are extremely affectionate and eager to please, making them easy to train. On the other hand, females are more docile but can be quite stubborn at times. They are also affectionate but more wary of strangers.
In general, Weimaraners are great family pets. They are suitable for families that are athletic and lead an active lifestyle.
If you are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of male and female Weimaraners, read on! In this guide, I will discuss the different characteristics of both genders. Let’s begin!
Physical Differences
Male Weimaraners
Based on the American Kennel Club, a male Weimaraner would typically stand around 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 90 pounds.
Male Weimaraners appear heftier and are bulkier than females. They tend to have sturdier bodies because they engage in exercises and activities more frequently than females.
Female Weimaraners
A female Weimaraner usually weighs around 55 to 75 pounds and stands from 23 to 25 inches. This two-inch discrepancy in their height makes a big difference.
Female Weimaraners usually have a slimmer build, making their male counterparts appear larger and stockier.
A friend of mine has been breeding Weimaraners for almost 10 years, and he has always mentioned to his clients that the only stark difference between the males and the females in terms of appearance is their size and build.
He has shared that most clients are more concerned with the quality of the Weimaraner’s fine silver-gray coat that it is famous for, which both genders possess.
Both the male and the female also share the classic looks of a Weimaraner, with huge ears hanging on the side of their faces and long, dark gray noses.
Temperamental Differences
Male Weimaraners
Male Weimaraners being more lovable is a misconception. Both genders are charming in their ways.
However, males do tend to be more affectionate, and they love having the attention of their owners. They are also playful and goofy and tend to mature later than their female counterparts.
Other male Weimaraners act like puppies even after a few years. They are also more emotionally sensitive and prone to separation anxiety, so it is best not to leave them alone for long periods.
They also have a strong desire to please and would do anything just to receive praise from their owners.
Female Weimaraners
Female Weimaraners are a bit more reserved. Since they are more independent, they love spending time alone.
They can also be affectionate and become more possessive of their owner and family than their male counterparts. Because of this, they are quite aloof towards strangers, making them better guard dogs than males.
They bark a lot, not just towards strangers but also when they are displeased and aren’t able to get what they want.
Even though they are known to mature faster than males, they do not have the same eagerness to please their owners as their male counterparts.
Behavior and Training
Male Weimaraners
Generally, Weimaraners take their time when it comes to maturing. But male Weimaraners would often show puppy-like behaviors for several years, and sometimes they would not even grow out of this.
When it comes to training male Weimaraners, one would need a lot of patience, for they have short attention spans. They get easily distracted, but even if that is the case, training them is easier than with females.
They have strong greed for praise and rewards, which is why they tend to be more obedient during training. You just need to be persistent and give them plenty of praise. They are also motivated by food treats.
Male Weimaraners also have tendencies to mark their territories. They are sensitive dogs and might do so to make themselves comfortable in their homes, especially when they smell a new scent around them.
Territorial marking behavior is a way of communication for dogs and is more common among intact males. It can either be a call for attention or a way to comfort themselves when put into unfamiliar situations.
Female Weimaraners
On the other hand, even though female Weimaraners mature earlier than males, their stubbornness makes training them quite difficult.
They have great focus compared to males; however, they can be quite challenging to train because they tend to be resolute and think on their own.
Similar to their male counterparts, female Weimaraners are also quite sensitive, and changes in their home or routine might trigger them. Behavioral changes like territorial marking tendencies may develop but very rarely.
They also bark a lot, but they don’t have the same desire as male dogs to please their owners. Hence, you need to be consistent and firm with them. Positive reinforcement is highly recommended when handling female Weimaraners.
To increase your chances of getting a puppy that has a great temperament, whether male or female, ensure that you only deal with reputable breeders who practice ethical standards in breeding.
Meanwhile, watch this video to see a male and female Weimaraner in action:
Health Differences
Male Weimaraners
Like other breeds, Weimaraners are predisposed to some health issues that may be hereditary or due to environmental factors.
Male Weimaraners are more prone to dilated cardiomyopathy. This is characterized by the deterioration of the heart muscles, particularly the ventricles. Males are more affected by this illness than females.
Another health issue they are prone to is steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA). SRMA occurs when the immune system produces antibodies against a normal body protein.
This auto-immune disease normally affects juvenile male Weimaraners as young as six years old.
Intact males tend to be more territorial, which leads to them marking what they perceive as their territory. This behavior typically starts around nine months of age.
Most veterinarians suggest neutering your male Weimaraners to keep them healthy. Doing so would also help reduce their risk of being affected by some illnesses they are predisposed to.
Neutering them should be done after the age of 12 months or when they reach sexual maturity.
Female Weimaraners
Female Weimaraners are predominantly healthy, but they are prone to patent ductus arteriosus. This is a hereditary heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to constrict or close down during their birth.
Intact females naturally go into heat and sometimes would be required to be put into isolation to avoid interaction with male dogs. This occurs any time between 9 and 15 months and typically lasts for three weeks.
If you don’t plan to breed your female Weimaraners, it is best to get them spayed. However, they shouldn’t have the procedure before their first heat cycle, as this may put them at risk of other health issues.
Having them spayed will also reduce their risk of getting other health conditions like ovarian cancer and infection of the uterus.
Aside from the above-mentioned health problems, other issues that may affect both male and female Weimaraners include bloat, ear infections, hip dysplasia, periodontal disease, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Weimaraners
Weimaraners, in general, can easily get along with other dogs, especially when they are raised together. However, proper socialization and introduction are required in some cases, along with strict supervision.
As male Weimaraners tend to crave attention from their owners and are prone to separation anxiety, having another dog with them can help with their mental health.
Just be reminded that these dogs are natural hunters and are not recommended to be put together with cats or other prey-like animals as they might chase or hunt them.
Female Weimaraners
On the other hand, female Weimaraners are dominant and can get aggressive toward other dogs easily. In most cases, females tend to be the alpha when you have both male and female Weimaraners at home.
As they are also more possessive of their owners, they tend to get jealous easily and wouldn’t think twice about telling others off. However, their aggression is often expressed through barking and not through harming others.
It is still possible to have other dogs at home by making sure that they are properly socialized. However, when you’re thinking of having them with cats or other small animals, keep in mind that they are natural hunters.
With Children
Male Weimaraners
Male Weimaraners are great playmates to kids around the age of six years or older, as they are highly active and more playful than females. They will be more than happy to run around and keep up with your kids’ energy.
However, they should be supervised when interacting with children, especially around smaller ones, because they might unintentionally harm them due to their mischievousness and size.
When properly trained and socialized, Weimaraners won’t have trouble getting along with strangers. This is especially true if it is socialized at an early age.
It is also best to teach your kids games that are familiar to your Weimaraner to build trust and a loving bond between them. They are also great instruments for developing your child’s social skills.
Female Weimaraners
Since female Weimaraners usually mature faster than males, they tend to be more careful and protective around young children.
Although they may not be as playful as their male counterparts, they are still up for playtime. However, they usually don’t engage for long periods as they enjoy having alone time.
Remember always to be cautious when having your Weimaraners around children, as they are hunters. If a chase happens to occur, it is best to stop it immediately.
Teaching your kids how to behave around them would also reduce the chances of having accidents.
Nonetheless, Weimaraners and children are likely to develop a strong bond and be comfortable with one another. Seeing them sleep together would be a usual sight.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Weimaraners
Male Weimaraners
Male and female Weimaraners are both lovable and make great family dogs. However, like any other breed, they have their pros and cons.
Male Weimaraners are highly energetic, making them great playmates for children and incredible exercise buddies for families or individuals who live active lifestyles.
They are loving and extremely affectionate with their family, making them great companions. When properly socialized, they also get along with other dogs relatively easily.
They love being showered with attention and wouldn’t mind having someone with them at all times. They also have a strong desire to please, making it easier for them to train and follow orders.
However, even though they are eager to please, they get distracted easily and would need a lot of patience from their handlers.
Aside from that, since they are natural hunters, they are still likely to chase cats or smaller animals, even when they are mostly well-behaved.
Since they are highly energetic, they would require lots of physical activities and won’t be a good fit for small living spaces. They are also prone to separation anxiety. Hence, leaving them for long periods is not recommended.
Below is the summary of the pros and cons of owning a male Weimaraner:
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly active | Easily distracted |
| Extremely affectionate | Natural hunters |
| Enjoys attention | Requires lots of physical activities |
| Gets along with other dogs easily | Don’t fit in small living spaces |
| People pleaser | Prone to separation anxiety |
Female Weimaraners
Unlike their male counterparts, female Weimaraners are independent and won’t have a problem being left alone. They also make better guard dogs as they are more protective of their family.
Since they mature earlier than males, they usually assume the guardian role when around children. They would typically watch over them, although they still enjoy playing with them but not all the time.
As they are independent, they enjoy having their alone time rather than engaging in activities, but they still require adequate exercise. They are also more focused. Hence, training would be quite easy.
However, due to their independence, they tend to be stubborn and would rather do what they want instead of following instructions. This would be the biggest challenge in training them.
Female Weimaraners don’t have the same eagerness to please, unlike their male counterparts. They are also more vocal when things don’t go the way they want them to.
Although they are protective, this could also entail a bit of aggressiveness towards other people and animals as they tend to be possessive.
Below is the summary of the pros and cons of owning a female Weimaraner:
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be too independent | Mostly stubborn |
| Can be too protective | Not eager to please |
| Matures at a young age | Hard to train |
| Can be left alone | Tends to bark a lot |
| More focused | Can be possessive |
Should You Get a Male or Female Weimaraner?
In reality, as long as you have the budget and patience for a Weimaraner, you can’t go wrong with getting either a male or a female. However, depending on your lifestyle, one will surely be better than the other.
First of all, keep in mind that this breed would require plenty of activity. They also don’t do well when left alone for long periods, even though females do enjoy having their own space at times.
If you are looking for playmates for your children or just a companion during exercise, the male Weimaraner should be your choice. They also enjoy being around people and other animals when properly socialized.
On the other hand, if you’re more inclined to have an independent pet that wouldn’t mind being given some time alone, then the female Weimaraner would be the right one for you. They make great watchdogs, too.
Male and female Weimaraners are both affectionate and would be loyal to you. They are intelligent and wouldn’t mind keeping you company in your highs and lows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Weimaraners Calmer?
Female Weimaraners appear calmer as they tend to be more docile and are known to mature faster than males.
Males are usually more mischievous. They are playful and take a while to mature. Oftentimes, they would act like puppies until adulthood.
Are Male or Female Weimaraners More Affectionate?
Male Weimaraners are known to be more affectionate than females. They crave attention more than their female counterparts, and they enjoy having company most of the time.
Unlike males, female Weimaraners are autonomous and enjoy being by themselves. They can be affectionate but not as much as males.
Are Male or Female Weimaraners Easier to Train?
Male Weimaraners are typically easier to train than females, as they are people-pleasers and thrive on praise. However, they can be easily distracted during training.
Female Weimaraners, on the other hand, can be stubborn and tend to do things on their own terms. They may sometimes refuse to follow commands and instead choose to do what they want.
Final Thoughts
In choosing a Weimaraner to bring home, you might think that gender isn’t an important factor. However, as you have learned, males and females have many differences that may make or break your decision.
That said, Weimaraners are affectionate and are great family pets. They could be playmates or protectors of your children. They are also intelligent and learn easily through positive reinforcement.
Both the male and female Weimaraner are active dogs and would fit in families that live actively. If you’re looking for an exercise buddy, you won’t go wrong with either one.
We would love to hear your thoughts on male and female Weimaraners in the comment section below! Do you have a preference or experience with either gender? Share with us!
