PuppyBase

English Springer Spaniel vs Weimaraner

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

English Springer Spaniel vs Weimaraner

You’re probably comparing these two because they’re both sleek, high-energy sporting dogs with that “serious working dog” look and a reputation for loving their people fiercely. But beneath the surface, they’re built for different kinds of lives. The English Springer Spaniel is the cheerful, bouncy partner who thrives on routine, training, and being part of a busy household. He’s lighter at around 45 pounds, a little shorter, and has that wagging tail that never quits. He’s slightly easier on the grooming front than you’d expect for a spaniel, but those floppy ears need weekly checks to avoid infections. Then there’s the Weimaraner. the silver-gray ghost of the hunting world, bigger and more intense, tipping the scales anywhere from 55 to 90 pounds. This dog isn’t just active, he’s obsessive. Bred to track and take down big game, he’s got a drive that borders on relentless. You’ll need time, space, and patience. He’s not a dog you leave alone for hours. He bonds deeply, almost to one person, and can develop separation anxiety if you’re not careful. The real difference? It’s about energy quality. The Springer is eager to please and will work with you all day in the field or at obedience class. The Weimaraner needs a job. and if you don’t give him one, he’ll invent his own, like dismantling your couch. Families with kids might lean toward the Springer for his slightly more predictable playfulness. But if you’re a runner with acres or a hunter who wants a true partner, the Weimaraner is unmatched. Here’s what no breeder will tell you upfront: both breeds hate being ignored. But the Weimaraner won’t just sulk. He’ll remind you. loudly, destructively. until you pay attention.

English Springer Spaniel
Weimaraner
19–20 in
Height
23–27 in
40–50 lb
Weight
55–90 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
10–13 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
#27
AKC popularity
#36

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
English Springer Spaniel Weimaraner
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Weimaraner is better with kids (2-point difference)
Weimaraner
Watchdog / Protective
Weimaraner is more protective (2-point difference)
Weimaraner
Good with Other Dogs
English Springer Spaniel is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
English
Drooling Level
Weimaraner drools less (1-point difference)
Weimaraner
Good with Strangers
English Springer Spaniel is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Families with children
  • You value good with other dogsEnglish Springer Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Weimaraner if…

  • Active families with space
  • Hunters
  • Runners and hikers
  • You value good with young childrenWeimaraner scores higher here.
English Springer Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Springer Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Weimaraner Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Weimaraner home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run