Like getting any other pet, owning a Weimaraner is a big decision that requires careful thought about costs. This will also entail financial planning to keep this elegant dog healthy and satisfied.
Further, it is also a big consideration to research thoroughly where to get the best and the healthiest silver-gray coat puppy and get the best deal out of your hard-earned money.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of everything there is to know about Weimaraner expenses, including the initial and annual costs of maintaining one and even how to save money in the process. Read on!
How Much Does a Weimaraner Puppy Cost?
The cost of a Weimaraner from reputable breeders is between $900 and $3,000. These prices are highly influenced by various factors such as the dog’s age, gender, color, and bloodlines, and the breeder’s reputation and location.
The Weimaraner is not as common as other dog breeds as well so that also influences its price. With this, you need to ensure that you only deal with reputable breeders who can guarantee the dog’s health and quality,
Also, be cautious when dealing with puppy mills that are known for their unethical practices in breeding dogs.
It might be tempting to consider the lower Weimaraner price of a backyard breeder, except that the risk of ending up with a dog that is unhealthy or with genetic problems is high.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Weimaraner From a Shelter?
The cost of adopting a Weimaraner dog breed from a shelter might vary based on factors such as the shelter’s location, the dog’s age and health conditions, and the shelter’s unique restrictions.
Adoption fees for a Weimaraner can range between $50 and $300. This will also depend on the dog’s age, gender, and current health status of the dog.
It’s also worth noting that most legitimate rescue organizations require potential adopters to go through an application and screening process before they can adopt.
This can include filling out an application, providing references, and possibly meeting with a representative from the shelter to ensure that the kind of dog breed is a good fit for the adopter’s lifestyle and home environment.
Overall, adopting a Weimaraner from a shelter can be an affordable option for those looking to add a new furry friend to their family while also helping to support a good cause.
First-Time Expenses of Weimaraner Ownership
If you’re thinking about getting the Weimaraner dog breed for the first time, it’s important to know how much it costs to take care of this breed.
After you bring your new Weimaraner puppy home, you’ll need to buy a few other things, like food and water bowls, a crate or bed, tools for grooming, and toys.
Even though these costs can add up, they are necessary for your Weimaraner to live a happy and healthy life. Hence, first-time Weimaraner owners also need to prepare financially for these responsibilities.
These are the first-time expenses and things you should buy in preparation for your new Weimaraner pet:
- Food and Treats: Weimaraners require high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and can fulfill their caloric needs. They also need treats to reinforce training. The cost of high-quality dog food and treats can range from $80 to $150 per month.
- Bowls: The cost of bowls for Weimaraner dogs can range from $15 to $40, depending on the type and quality of the bowls needed. It’s important to choose bowls that are durable, easy to clean, and appropriate for their individual needs.
- Toys: Toys range from inexpensive rubber balls and chew toys to more expensive puzzles and interactive games. Puzzles and interactive toys help keep Weimaraners entertained. Depending on the toy’s complexity and quality, they cost $30 to $100.
- Beds: Depending on the type and quality, a Weimaraner dog bed can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. It’s important to choose a bed that fits the size and weight of a Weimaraner and is made of strong materials that can stand up to scratching, nesting, and general wear and tear.
- Collars and Leashes: The cost of collars and leashes can vary depending on the type and quality of the materials used. Basic collars and leashes made from nylon or leather can cost anywhere from $15 to $50. More specialized collars, such as those designed for obedience training or for dogs with medical conditions, cost more.
- Crates and Carriers: Prepare around $60 to $500 for crates or carriers that are large and comfortable enough to transport tall dogs like the Weimaraner safely.
- Grooming Essentials: Weimaraners need regular grooming to maintain their coats, avoid matting and tangling, and maintain hygiene. A slicker brush, comb, nail clipper, shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, toothbrush, and toothpaste should add to about $50 to $250.
- Initial Vet Visits: Weimaraner puppies need at least three trips to a licensed veterinarian, where they may be given a blood test and a thorough examination. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Puppies typically require a series of immunizations, including distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies shots. These initial vaccines can cost from $50 to $300 or more per visit.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Preventive medicines for parasite infestation, such as those for worms, fleas, and ticks, can cost between $40 and $300. A basic heartworm test or occasional skin test are also effective ways to keep your dog parasite-free.
- Neutering or Spaying: The typical cost of spaying a Weimaraner ranges from $40 to $300. The price difference may be more expensive in urban regions or at specialty veterinary hospitals.
- Microchipping: Microchipping a Weimaraner dog is a routine process that includes implanting a small identifying chip beneath the dog’s skin that contains its information. Microchipping a Weimaraner costs between $40 and $60.
- Dog License: A dog license includes the owner’s contact information and the pet’s immunization status. Getting a dog license costs $10 to $20 annually. Owner location and local legislation may also affect its price.
- Other Essentials: It is best to maintain hygiene while living with Weimaraner dogs. Hence, stocking up on cleaning materials, like carpet sanitizers, odor neutralizers, poop scoopers and bags, and training pads, is a good practice. These materials should cost about $30 to $80.
Below is the table of the initial costs if you own a Weimaraner for the first time:
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 |
Before bringing your Weimaraner home, take note that you should have purchased most of the items stated above so your dog can properly adjust to its new home.
Having the experience of raising large dogs, like the Weimaraner, I have saved up on a lot of costs by buying durable items for my fur babies. Though it may seem more costly at the onset, they were tough enough to last, even with my dogs’ very active lifestyle.
This also prevented me from repurchasing items for my dog, saving me from additional transportation or shipping costs.
Annual Cost of Owning a Weimaraner
Apart from the initial costs of owning Weimaraner dogs, they also bring expenses for long periods. These costs are mostly connected with their proper care and maintenance.
Here are the estimated yearly costs of owning a Weimaraner:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $900 – $1,500 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $600 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $500 |
Vaccinations | $100 – $250 |
Grooming Essentials | $200 – $600 |
Leashes and Collars | $50 – $100 |
Beds and Crates | $300 – $800 |
Toys | $100 – $300 |
Pet Insurance | $800 – $1,500 |
Other Essentials | $50 – $100 |
Yearly Total | $2,850 – $6,250 |
Average Monthly Cost | $237 – $520 |
As seen in the table, these annual expenses for the Weimaraner dog breed include feeding, veterinary care, grooming and training costs, and pet insurance.
Hence, as a responsible dog owner, you should set up a budget and be ready for these costs for the entire lifetime of your pet. This assures the continuous care and attention it deserves.
Other Potential Expenses to Consider
Weimaraner ownership can bring a great deal of happiness and companionship, but owners also need to be aware of a number of potential or unexpected expenses.
Many of these expenses are optional as well and may depend on the lifestyle and preferences of the owner. On the other hand, some are also expenses related to emergencies which you need to prepare for.
Here are other expenses that you might want to consider:
- Trip Essentials: It’s likely that you’ll want to take your Weimaraner dogs, together with all your family members, on vacation. A pet carrier, a car seat cover, or even a dog GPS system are some considerations for a worry-free vacation. These can hold you back by around $120 to $740, depending on the quality of the items you purchase.
- Kennel Club Registrations: Usually, registration of your puppy in kennel clubs will cost around $50 to $100. This will allow you to participate in shows and sporting events. A breeder would also mostly go for proof of breed purity in dogs, such as an AKC registration, which impacts its price.
- Training Classes: Weimaraner puppies are highly intelligent and can do very well in obedience classes. However, crate and behavioral training must begin from a young age. If you do not have the luxury of time to train your own Weimaraner, the average cost of basic obedience can cost you between $75 and $125 each month.
- Emergency Medical Expenses: A Weimaraner puppy can have a number of potential health problems, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. If these health problems are not managed well, you would have to pay for emergency medical costs like health testing, x-rays, surgeries, and medicines. This can hold you back by $1,000 to $5,000.
Many of these potential costs also impact the quality of your dog’s life. Hence, it is best to set aside a budget for these expenses since it is quite hard to predict when you need to use them.
Best Places to Find Weimaraner Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a trusted breeder is crucial if you want to bring a Weimaraner puppy into your home. This will ensure that you obtain a generally healthy and well-socialized dog.
Getting a puppy is as easy as visiting a reputable breeder or a local shelter. Puppy mills are to be avoided at all costs, as they have no regard for the welfare of the dogs.
If you are looking for a Weimaraner breed for sale, here are a few trustworthy sources of breeders to get in touch with:
- AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace is one of the best places to find Weimaraner breeders that conform to the breed standards. This ensures both the quality and health of the puppies advertised on the site.
- Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) – The WCA is the national breed club and the AKC parent club for Weimaraners in the United States. Their breeder referral page provides a list of the official regional clubs for multiple states. This should conveniently connect you to the best Weimaraner breeders nearest your area.
- Good Dog – Weimaraner breeders advertising with Good Dog needs to comply with its high standards. This gives you a level of comfort that these large breed puppies and dogs are bred out of ethical practices. Their site also contains all the critical information you need about both the advertised dogs and their breeders to help you make a wise decision.
If you want to own one of these hunting dogs, but your budget might not be enough to buy one from a reputable breeder, then adoption is a great alternative for you.
The following rescue organizations and shelters allow you to adopt a puppy or an adult Weimaraner:
- SoCal Weimaraner Rescue – The organization works with local shelters and other rescue groups to identify Weimaraner puppies who are at risk of euthanasia. Once a Weimaraner is taken in by SCWR, they receive necessary medical care, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and treatment.
- Iowa Weimaraner Rescue – Iowa Weimaraner Rescue is a dedicated group that works hard to save and rehome Weimaraner puppies in Iowa and the states nearby. Since 2011, the group has already successfully rehomed more than 400 Weimaraners.
- Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue (GLWR) – Established in 2005, the goal of Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue is to help Weimaraners in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin find new homes. Their adoption fees range between $350 and $600 and are mostly dependent on the age of the dogs.
Regardless of the step you take in taking home a Weimaraner puppy, avoid reaching out to a puppy mill that can lead to more problems.
Money-Saving Tips for Weimaraner Owners
The upkeep of Weimaraner puppies may need more money than estimated. From food to toys to routine vet visits, the expenses may rapidly add up. Yet with some planning and organization, you can decrease costs and keep your Weimaraner healthy and happy.
Here are some money-saving suggestions for Weimaraner dog owners:
- Groom your Weimaraner at home. Many grooming procedures, including nail clipping, tooth brushing, and ear cleaning, can be performed at home with the proper equipment and instructions. Learning to do these chores on your own can save you money on grooming services.
- Find a veterinarian who offers affordable fees. Don’t simply select the closest veterinarian. Compare the costs and services of multiple veterinarians near your area, such as the rate of their health screenings and their professional fees. Build an excellent rapport with them so that you, too, can receive discounts when you bring your dogs for check-ups or treatment.
- Create your own toys. At a very young age, Weimaraner puppies enjoy chewing and playing, and toys can be effective tools for these. Try crafting your own toys using items such as old t-shirts and socks, which can be less expensive than store-bought alternatives.
- Train your dog at home. Professional training might be costly, but there are numerous internet tools and videos that can help you train your Weimaraner at home. You can help your dog with basic commands in a cheaper way.
Check this video on training Weimaraner puppies at home, and you might want to enjoy this activity with your own dogs:
You may also save money while still giving your Weimaraner puppies the care and attention they require by purchasing maintenance items in bulk, especially dog food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Weimaraners Expensive?
Due to multiple factors, Weimaraner puppies can be expensive to own. Buying one from a good breeder may cost anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
The rarity of these dogs also contributes to how a breeder determines their prices.
Are Weimaraners High Maintenance?
Weimaraners do require a lot of maintenance since they are a large breed with boundless energy. This means that they need proper nutrition and enough exercise, which also adds to the overall cost of their upkeep.
Is the Weimaraner a Rare Breed?
Yes, the Weimaraner is a rare dog compared to other breeds in the market. This makes it relatively more expensive and difficult to locate. However, the AKC and the WCA make this task easier for Weimaraner puppy enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Due to the fact that the Weimaraner price is a bit on the higher end, gaining knowledge of the financial obligations of taking a puppy home should give its prospective owner an advantage in terms of preparation.
Further, as you take care of the daily needs of your Weimaraner puppy, always remember that there are ways to save money in the process without depriving your dog of the care and attention it deserves.
With the right planning and budgeting, having Weimaraner puppies can be very rewarding. Tell us about your experience dealing with Weimaraner costs in the comments section below.