Pointer vs Weimaraner (Short-haired)
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Pointer
Bred in England through the 18th century for one specific task, freezing into a rigid stance the instant it scents game and holding that pose to mark the exact spot for the hunter, which is exactly where the name Pointer comes from. The short, glossy coat needs almost no grooming, but underneath it is a long-legged, aerodynamic frame built to cover open ground for hours at a stretch. An adult male can weigh up to 34 kilograms without carrying an ounce of excess. This is not a dog that settles quietly on a rug all day; without enough exercise it grows restless and vocal about it. Britain's tradition of pointing breeds goes back centuries, and this one's build has changed remarkably little in that time. In the home it tends to be affectionate and even-tempered, provided its outdoor needs are met first. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.
Weimaraner (Short-haired)
The short-haired Weimaraner is the more common variety, tracing back to the Grand Duchy of Weimar, where 19th-century aristocrats used it to hunt large game. The sleek, metallic grey coat gave the breed its nickname, the grey ghost, earned from its unusual color and quiet, gliding movement. Males can weigh up to 40 kilograms, with a muscular build originally suited to big game rather than just birds. The grey or amber eyes stand out sharply against the coat. The breed needs serious daily exercise, without it the dog tends to grow anxious and vocal. It bonds closely with its family, often following its owner from room to room. Life expectancy runs 10 to 13 years.
At a glance
| Pointer | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 63.0–69.0 cm | 59.0–70.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 25.0–34.0 kg | 30.0–40.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 yrs | 10–13 yrs |
| Coat | short, dense, glossy | short, sleek, metallic grey |
Temperament & Family Life
| Pointer | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Pointer | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Pointer | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Pointer | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.