German Shepherd vs Weimaraner

Herding · Large vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • Weimaraner is the larger breed at 70–90 lbs (males) vs 65–90 lbs for the German Shepherd.
  • The Weimaraner typically lives longer (11–14 years).
  • The Weimaraner sheds less.
  • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGerman ShepherdWeimaraner
Group
HerdingSporting
Size
LargeLarge
Origin
GermanyGermany
Height (male)
24–26"25–27"
Height (female)
22–24"23–25"
Weight (male)
65–90 lbs70–90 lbs
Weight (female)
50–70 lbs55–75 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–13 years11–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Coat length
mediumshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.

About the Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a friendly, fearless, obedient gundog with a striking silver-grey coat — the 'grey ghost' from Germany. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70–90 lbs and lives 11–14 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, fearless, obedient.

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German Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Degenerative myelopathy

Weimaraner health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Von Willebrand's disease