Group 7 · Pointing dogs
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is an elegant, silver-grey pointing dog with lots of energy and a strong bond with its people. It needs long daily exercise and clear rules, and does not like being left alone for long.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Weimaraner - Korthaar Weimaraner - Langhaar by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
- 1 heart examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC35D1.c.1021_1024delTCAG
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year from 3 years
Official description
- Method
- echocardiography (+ Holter monitoring strongly recommended)
Footnote in the breeding programme * PLEASE NOTE: without Holter monitoring there is no certainty that an animal is free of DCM.
Footnote in the breeding programme ** Younger dogs may be used for breeding, provided the other parent dog has already reached the minimum age, has already undergone the examination and is clear for it. As soon as the younger dog reaches the minimum age of 3 years, the examination must be carried out before it is bred from again.
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia (PED)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- TNR: c.831dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Spinal dysraphism / neural tube defects (SD/NTD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NKX2-8: c.449delinsTT
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Shaking puppy syndrome, hypomyelination (SPS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FNIP2: c.1078del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Weimaraner - Korthaar Weimaraner - Langhaar, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Hip dysplasia (HD), Paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia (PED), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Spinal dysraphism / neural tube defects (SD/NTD) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Patellar luxation (PT) and Shaking puppy syndrome, hypomyelination (SPS). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. As a pointing dog, the Weimaraner needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally with work for its nose: search games, retrieving or gundog training. Its coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush; check its ears and paws after walks in the fields.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This gundog is sensitive and very focused on its owner, and responds best to kind, patient training. Without enough to do it gets bored. Its hunting instinct calls for good recall training.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
