How Much Do Weimaraners Cost? [Finance Guide For Owners]

It can be difficult to predict the costs involved when getting a new dog, especially when these estimates can range quite dramatically depending on the breed. But what about for Weimaraners specifically? How much can you expect to pay upfront for a puppy, to get all the items you need, and then for their ongoing care? Here is a breakdown of all the financial information you will need to plan ahead for and consider.

So, how much do Weimaraners cost? The average price of a puppy Weimaraner from a reputable breeder can range from $700-$1,500, although show-quality purebred puppies can go for $2,600 or more. Adopting a Weimaraner from a shelter is much cheaper at an average price of $100-$300, although this breed can be a challenge to find due to high demand.

Here’s the good news.

Despite their bigger size, Weimaraners are relatively inexpensive when compared to the price of other large dogs.

For instance, Breeds such as Rottweilers can cost up to $9,000 and Afghans, $7,000.

They even compare favorably to those considered to be “cheaper” large dogs; the average price of a German Shepard is between $1,500-$3,000, and a Doberman is $1,500-$2,000.

So on the face of it, a Weimaraner seems like a very good financial decision.

Of course, there are other reasons why you perhaps will want this particular breed.

Their intelligence and affection being two, to name all but a few.

Nevertheless, there are many factors that will affect the price of a Weimaraner which you need to be aware of. This is why a blanket figure just cannot be given.

Plus, there is the cost of their ongoing care.

So let’s look over it all.

Besides, it’s better to know now than to find out unexpectedly later!

How Much Do Weimaraner Puppies Cost?

Weimaraner puppies can cost anything between $700 and $2,600 from a reputable breeder before you start adding other costs like vet fees and training. Puppies at the higher end of this spectrum will usually have a coat color that is in higher demand, and the breeder may also include the coverage of preliminary medical costs and initial supplies.

Approximately 20–25% of large dog owners spend over $2,000 when buying their puppy, but the majority spend less than $1,500.

This puts the average Weimaraner puppy at a very fair and respectable price.

Although, the cost of a Weimaraner can get pricey – as is the case when looking at a show-quality purebred puppy with a proven pedigree.

At the same time, if you are willing and able to adopt – a shelter may be able to offer you a Weimaraner for as little as $100.

It’s a huge saving, but do take into account shelter dogs are often older and unlikely to be purebreds.

Just bear that in mind.

There are other factors too that influence price – but more on that in the next section.

For now, remember that a high price for a puppy doesn’t necessarily translate into high-quality dogs.

However, the opposite is generally true – basement prices usually reflect basement practices.

Doing your research on your chosen breeder is therefore essential to make sure that you get a healthy dog who has been bred responsibly.

And look at it this way.

In the long term, it makes financial sense to pay more upfront and buy from a reputable breeder.

The initial price that you pay will not even scratch the surface of what you will spend on your dog during its lifetime.

And poorly bred dogs tend to encounter significant health complications later in life.

So while you may save a little now, you could be spending a significant amount in the future on medical costs.

While the more expensive breeders will provide veterinary care for their puppies, again, this is a good practice.

Although this pushes up the price, these medical exams either rule out or provide treatment for any underlying conditions that they may have.

Or at least make you aware of them in advance.

And as there are also certain genetic conditions that can be passed down from Weimaraner parents to the puppy, some of which only manifest later in a dog’s life – you simply need to be aware.

Just consider that any tests done by breeders will be reflected in the price.

Again, a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Factors That Influence Weimaraner Puppy Price

The two biggest factors that affect the cost of a Weimaraner puppy are the pedigree of the dog and the reputation of the breeder. A more experienced breeder will charge more than others for their expertise. The price of a puppy will rise exponentially if they have ancestors that are championship dogs.

And outside of the genetic heritage of the dog, the cost will also vary depending on any socialization and training the puppy has received as well as vet care and health testing.

Let us now further explore each one.

Genetic Heritage/Lineage

First and foremost, you are going to pay far more for a purebred Weimaraner than a mixed breed.

Similarly, the heritage of the dogs used in breeding is a factor to consider.

Dogs with favorable characteristics, tendencies, and qualities naturally fetch a higher price.

Along similar lines, this is why buying from a shelter is much cheaper.

That’s because the history and genetic heritage/lineage of the dog is largely unknown.

They may be strays or from an accidental litter.

They are often not taken care of before being rescued and typically only get proper care once they have been taken in by the shelter (such as being vaccinated, spayed, and neutered).

Health Screenings

Another thing that affects the initial cost is health screenings.

These can get quite expensive, especially if the puppy is given special screenings for genetic conditions as well as their first vaccines.

Puppies are more expensive than adult dogs as they require more medical attention.

Puppies With Socialization And Training

The healthiest, well-trained, and socialized dogs will be the most expensive.

Any efforts the breeder puts into these efforts will increase their costs. And these costs need covering.

Why Are Weimaraner Puppies So Expensive? 

While cheaper than most other large dog breed puppies, Weimaraner puppies are still undoubtedly expensive. The main reason for this is that the costs of breeding are passed onto you as the buyer.

Despite their prices, breeders most often breed for the love of it and not for profit.

On average, it costs an expert breeder $12,000 to breed a litter of 6.

That is a cost of $2,000 per puppy.

In fact, if the breeder is going above and beyond, their costs can reach up to $15,000 per litter.

Making it $2500 per puppy.

Breeders have to incur so many variable costs – including but not limited to: stud fees, ultrasounds, vaccinations, health checks on the brood bitch and puppies, and special food for both mothers (while pregnant) and puppies.

In addition, breeders dedicate their time, emotions, energy, and research to making sure they breed high-quality litters with healthy puppies who also have good temperaments.

It’s expensive to do, and the costs are often passed over to you.

Thus, if you see Weimaraners up for considerably less than $1500, you should certainly see this as a red flag.

Other Upfront Costs When Buying A Weimaraner

Aside from the initial cost of buying your puppy, most of your upfront costs will be split between medical expenses and supplies such as toys, food, and bedding. Plan on spending at least $500-$1,000 for your initial expenses (assuming you have a puppy with no health problems).

Let us now take a closer look at each one.

Spaying/Neutering

On the medical front, if you are not going to breed from your Weimaraner, most breeders will suggest that you spray or neuter.

As a general rule, this reduces aggression and improves temperament.

The cost associated with this runs between $150 – $400.

Bed and Bedding

Prices for beds get higher the bigger the size and the better the quality.

Spend $50-$200 for a good bed, and you should only have to replace it every couple of years.

Depending on the type of bed your purchase, you may also need to purchase blankets or soft cushions for your dog.

Crate

Crates should not be relied on extensively – quite the opposite.

But they can be a terrific toilet training tool.

Crates can range from $50-$150 depending on where you go, the type of crate you buy, and its size/quality.

Food

Food will be quite a large part of your upfront expenses.

Weimaraners are large dogs and will require quite a lot of food.

Even as puppies, they tuck it away.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$100 on their initial food, depending on how much you buy upfront, the brand, and where you get it.

Toys

Toys are very important for dogs, for both mental and physical reasons.

It’s essential that you provide your puppy with toys from the outset.

Although toys for puppies will likely differ from those, they use as adults.

Initial toys can cost anywhere from $10-$50 apiece.

How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Weimaraner?

The first year of raising your puppy is the most expensive, with $3,600 being a fair estimate of the initial cost. You can budget on spending approximately $1,700 per year after the first year to raise your Weimaraner. Food, treats, toys, beds, leashes and collars, grooming, routine veterinary care, and training will all contribute to this total cost.

You will purchase most of your supplies in the first year, after which you will be replacing them as and when you need to.

Food

You can expect to spend at least $350 annually on puppy food, which will only increase as the dog gets bigger.

Adults will cost approximately $500 per year to feed, assuming you buy high-quality food (which is recommended to keep your dog healthy).

You can buy less expensive food; however, this will result in higher vet bills as your Weimaraner may pick up diet-related illnesses such as diabetes and obesity.

You can buy food in bulk to save money – Weimaraners will go through the food before it has a chance to go stale.

Just remember you’ll need to buy treats too!

Surgery

As with all big dogs, there is the chance of developing bloat.

To prevent this, your vet may perform a gastropexy at around 6-9 months of age.

This procedure can cost $200 – $500 depending on whether you do it simultaneously with their sterilization or not.

As discussed above, in the long run, it’s better to spend the money early in your dog’s life than deal with a potentially life-threatening disease later.

Additional Toys/Items

Weimaraners tend to be heavy chewers, so they will go through their toys more quickly than other breeds, so you should put aside around $100 per year for this expense.

That equates to 2-5 toys per year, on average.

Supplements

While not absolutely necessary, these can be a worthwhile expense, especially if you forgo surgery.

For instance, digestive aids can really help to prevent bloat and support digestion.

Preventative medicines and supplements will range in price but expect to pay between $40-$60 apiece.

The above is an investment in the general health and wellbeing of your dog, so it is generally recommended.

Grooming

Weimaraners have short coats and don’t need a lot of grooming, so this cost won’t break the budget.

Although you should still set aside money for this.

Professional groomers are expensive and often charge around $50 per visit.

Getting your own grooming kit (with clippers/shavers/specialist scissors) for around $25-$75 will save you a lot of money in the long run, but you will more than make up for it in the time you need to commit.

Besides, you will not likely do as good a job as a professional groomer.

Vet/Medical

Your Weimaraner will need at least one annual check-up at the vet who is around $200.

You will then be charged around $100 for bloodwork, around $300 for dental care/cleanings, and a surplus of $1,000 for specific treatments.

Training

Contrary to popular belief, a dog should be trained not only in the first year or two but throughout its life.

Obedience classes are a great way to socialize your dog, keep them mentally stimulated, and give them a bit of exercise.

Depending on how often you want to go to training and how advanced you decide to get, your budget can be anywhere between $25 and $300 per year.

Emergency Expenses

Don’t forget to budget for extra and/or emergency expenses.

You can never predict the future, and emergency room visits can run into the thousands.

Adding a monthly cost for pet insurance of $20 to $60 will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Depending on the policy you get, they may even pay for annual bloodwork and check-ups.

Finally

While the cost of a Weimaraner can range, compared to other large breeds, they appear to be relatively reasonable.

Nevertheless, they still require quite a bit of money to purchase, look after and raise.

That’s just the nature of owning a dog.

But, if you are still committed to getting this breed – make sure that you do your research and budget accordingly before deciding to go ahead.

Make sure you can realistically afford them. And do consider their size.

Not just now and when they are a puppy, but if your circumstances were to change.

And once you’ve run the numbers and can commit to a dog that lives for up to 11-14 years, start looking and contacting reputable breeders.

The AKC marketplace, for instance, is a good place to start your search.