Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by Linda Richard
If you want a large and unique dog with a great personality, here’s a great suggestion. Weimaraner mixed with lab – a beauty with a wonderful character! This breed is an excellent example of what you can get when you mix similar dog breeds with just a few slight differences between them.
As both breeds are large and hunting dogs, labs and Weimaraners do have a lot in common. So, what exactly sets their crossbreed apart from them or from other dogs?
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What Does A Weimaraner Lab Mix Look Like?
The first similarity between labs and Weimaraners is their size. Both breeds are relatively large but are still far from the border with “giant” breeds. Weimaraners are typically a couple of inches taller than most labs but they tend to be more athletic – so they are a similar weight.
In other words, you can expect a Weimaraner lab mix full-grown dog to be 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder (53 to 66 cm) and somewhere between 60 and 90 pounds heavy (27 to 41 kg). There are some cases of ~100-pound (45 kg) dogs without being overweight but that’s rare.
As for their overall looks, this cross, often called Labmaraner or Weimador, is always gorgeous. Labs and Weimaraners have a similar build and similar faces, with the latter breed having just a tad slimmer physique and features. So, Lamaraners do tend to have relatively consistent and lab-like features such as the hanging V-shaped ears, the typical muzzle, and so on.
The coats of this breed should have a consistent single color. It should either be one of the three lab colors – black, brown, or yellow – or the classic Weimaraner grey. If your Labmaaner inherits the coat of its Weimaraner parent, then it’s also going to be shorter, smoother, and it will shed much less than a lab coat.
The Temperament Of The Labmaraner
Weimaraners and labs are very similar hunting breeds so they have quite similar personalities. These dogs are social, playful, very friendly and outgoing, great with kids, and even tolerate other dogs and pets. Cats can sometimes be problematic roommates for these dogs because of the slight prey drive of the Weimaraner. However, that should be easy to deal with provided enough socialization and obedience training.
Speaking of training, with both parent breeds being highly intelligent, so is the Labmaraner. These dogs are people-pleasers too so training them should be relatively easy even for inexperienced first-time dog owners.
With great intelligence comes a great need for mental stimulation, however. Like other smart hunting and/or working dog breeds, the Labmaraner needs lots of attention, playtime, interactions, and general mental stimulation. In other words, these dogs are greatly predisposed to separation anxiety. So, if you work away from home and you want a Labmaraner (or any other lab crossbreed for that matter) consider any of the following:
- Make sure there is always a family member home when you’re away
- Hire a dog walker or a dog sitter
- Arrange for playdates with other dog owners
- Give your dog plenty of playtime and attention right before and after work
- Get your lab cross plenty of new and interactive dog toys
- Get a second dog to keep your Labmaraner company
- Is there a way for you to work from home?
If neither of these is an option, you might want to consider a different dog breed or a cat.
How Much Exercise Does A Weimaraner Lab Mix Need?
With both their parent breeds being pretty energetic, Labmaraners need anywhere between 90 and 120 minutes of active exercise every day. That’s not counting any playtime they’ll have in the yard or at home. Do note that a yard is recommended – a spacious enough apartment can do too but a yard would be a great boon for this breed.
This makes Labmaraners excellent jogging partners, for example. However, if you prefer to spend most of your time at home, this breed might feel overly energetic.
Weimaraner Lab Mix Lifespan and Health
The average lifespan of this breed is about 10 to 12 years. This is pretty standard for dogs of this size and type. Do remember that this is just an average too. With good care, a healthy dog can easily surpass the 12-year mark and reach 14, 16, or even up to 20 years (in rare cases).
To make sure that you get a healthy pup, however, you should never ever shop from pet stores or puppy mills. Instead, you should either look to adopt from shelters and rescues and ask for the dog’s health there or get your pup from a reputable breeder. Such breeders will always offer health certificates for their pup, guaranteeing the lack of any hereditary diseases passed on from the parents.
Read more about: What Size Collar For Lab Puppy Should You Get And When?
So, some of the few things you’d need to watch out for with this breed include:
- Bloating (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Cataracts
- Cherry eye
- Eye disorders
Getting a healthy pup is the first step to avoiding those. The next is obvious – good food, regular exercise, adequate care, and routine vet check-ups.
Pros and Cons Of The Labmaraner Crossbreed
Pros:
- Highly intelligent dog breed
- Very social and outgoing
- Great with kids
Cons:
- Separation anxiety can be an issue
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High exercise demands
So, Is A Weimaraner Lab Mix The Right Dog For You?
As with both purebred labs and Weimaraners, the Labmaraner cross is an excellent dog for anyone who can meet their physical and mental stimulation needs. If you have time to spend with your dog (and in the dog park) – this breed can give you a decade and a half of lots of fun and fantastic moments.
However, if you don’t have too much time for the dog park and you work away from home all day, such a dog will likely grow to be unhappy in your care. Instead, you can consider other calmer dog breeds that do well on their own and don’t need that much time outdoors.
