Are you thinking about adding a Great Dane Weimaraner mix (or Great Weimar) to your family? If so, there are some key facts you need to know about this breed! With their great size and gentle personalities, these dogs make wonderful companions.
But before you bring one home, be sure to read up on the breed’s characteristics and needs. In this blog post, we will cover everything from exercise requirements to temperament. So if you’re considering a Great Dane Weimaraner mix, keep reading for all the info you need!
Great Dane Weimaraner Mix – Breeding History
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a relatively new breed, created by crossing a Great Dane with a Weimaraner. While the exact origins of the mix are unknown, it is thought that the breed was developed in Germany in the 1970s.
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a large and powerful dog, with a strong hunting instinct. They are loyal and affectionate towards their family but can be wary of strangers. The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is an active breed and needs plenty of exercise.
They are also known for being very intelligent and are easily trained. If you are looking for a large and loyal companion, then the Great Dane Weimaraner mix may be the perfect breed for you.
Great Weimar – Size & Appearance
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a large and muscular dog, with a strong build. They typically weigh between 95-100 lbs and stand 21-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
This mixed breed has a short, smooth coat that is usually gray or blue in color. They may also have some white markings on the chest and toes. The Great Dane Weimaraner mix has a long head, with a tapered muzzle.
They have floppy ears and almond-shaped eyes that are usually blue or gray in color. The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a powerful dog, with a strong and sturdy build.
Great Weimar – Temperament
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a loyal and affectionate dog, who loves spending time with its family. They are gentle giants and make wonderful companions. However, they can be wary of strangers and may bark or growl to warn off potential threats.
When hungry, the Great Dane Weimaraner mix can be very food-motivated and may beg for food or try to steal it from the kitchen counter. When in pain, the Great Dane Weimaraner mix may whine or cry.
“The Great Weimar mix is an intelligent breed that responds well to training. It is however important to socialize them from a young age, to prevent any aggression toward strangers”.
Great Weimar – Training Needs
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is very intelligent. When training, be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards and praise.
Potty Training
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a large breed and may take longer to potty train than smaller breeds. The best way to do this is to take them outside frequently and give them a treat every time they relieve themselves in the desired location. Crate training can also be helpful in speeding up the process.
Obedience Training
They learn obedience commands quickly. Start with easy ones like sit and stay, and work your way up to more advanced commands such as come and down.
Behavioral Training
Behavioral training is also important for the Great Dane Weimaraner mix. This will help them learn how to respond to different situations, and prevent any unwanted behaviors such as chewing, jumping, or excessive barking.
Socialization:
Socializing your Great Dane Weimaraner mix is important to prevent any aggression towards strangers. The best way to do this is to expose them to different people, places, and situations from a young age.
This will help them learn to cope with new experiences and become more comfortable around people they don’t know.
Great Weimar – Aggression Levels
This mixed breed can be a loyal and affectionate dog, but may also be wary of strangers. It is therefore important to socialize them from a young age, to prevent any aggression towards people they don’t know.
If you are concerned about the Great Dane Weimaraner mix’s level of aggression, it is best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
Great Weimar – Exercise Needs
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is an active breed and needs lots of exercise. They should have at least one hour of regular exercise, which can include:
- Walking – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to walk, and this is a great way to bond with them while getting some exercise. Be sure to keep them on a leash, as they may try to chase after squirrels or other small animals.
- Running – This breed has plenty of energy, and loves to run around. If you have a backyard, letting them run off some steam there is a great way to tire them out.
- Hiking – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to explore, and hiking is the perfect activity for them. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks for both of you, as they will likely want to stop and smell everything along the way.
- Jogging – Jogging is a great way to get some exercise, and the Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to run. Be sure to start slowly and build up their endurance, as they may not be used to running long distances.
- Hiking – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to explore, and hiking is the perfect activity for them. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks for both of you, as they will likely want to stop and smell everything along the way.
- Fetch – This is a great game to play with the Great Dane Weimaraner mix, as they love to fetch things. You can use a ball, Frisbee, or even a stick. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as they may try to chew on the object once they catch it.
- Swimming – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to swim, and this is a great way to exercise them. Be sure to supervise them, as they may not be aware of their own strength and could unintentionally hurt themselves.
- Playing in the park – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to play and explore, so taking them to the park is a great way to tire them out. Be sure to bring some water and snacks. You can allow one hour of exercise per day.
“This breed loves to be active, so finding ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine is a great way to bond with them while also keeping them healthy and happy”.
Mental Stimulation
They need plenty of mental stimulation to stay occupied. If they don’t have enough to do, they may become bored or destructive. Some great ways to keep their minds active include:
- Training – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a very intelligent breed, and loves to learn new things. Training is a great way to bond with them while also giving them something to do.
- Toys – Providing them with toys, such as Kongs or puzzle toys, is a great way to keep their minds active.
- Chew Toys – Chew toys are a great way to keep their minds and bodies active. Be sure to choose toys that are appropriate for their size and strength, as they may try to chew on anything they can get their hands on.
- Walks – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves to walk, and this is a great way to bond with them and keep them from destructive behavior. Be sure to keep them on a leash, as they may try to chase after squirrels or other small animals.
Great Weimar – Grooming Needs
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a low-maintenance breed and only needs to be brushed once or twice a week. They are not heavy shedders but will shed more during the spring and fall seasons. Make sure you:
- Comb their hair – This will help to remove any dead hair and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
- Brush their teeth – This is important for all dogs, as it helps to prevent tartar build-up and maintain good oral health.
- Trim their nails – This is important for all dogs, as it helps to prevent overgrowth and keeps their nails from getting too long.
- Bathe them – This is only necessary when they get dirty, as overbathing can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat.
Is the Great Weimar Hypoallergenic?
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is not a hypoallergenic breed and is known to shed moderately. They will require regular grooming to keep their coat looking their best.
You can also talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce sheddings, such as using a special shampoo or dietary supplement.
Does the Great Weimar Have Health Issues?
This family pet is a relatively healthy breed, but there are some health conditions that they are more prone to than others. These include:
- Hip Dysplasia – This is a condition that affects the hip joints and can cause pain and lameness. It can be treated with consistent medication and worse cases, surgery.
- Elbow Dysplasia – This is a condition that affects the elbow joints and can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is treated with medication and surgery.
- Eye Problems – The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is prone to a number of eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. While cataracts can be cured with surgery, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy can only be managed with medications.
What Can a Great Weimar Eat?
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a large breed and will need a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for large breeds. This food should be high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. You should try dog food options like:
- Orijen Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Dog Food
“If you like feeding your dog human meals, try cooked chicken, fish, or beef. You can also give them vegetables like carrots and green beans. Avoid feeding them foods that are high in fat or salt, as this can cause digestive and other related health problems”.
How much Should I Feed my Great Weimar?
The amount of food you should give this popular breed will depend on their age, activity level, and weight.
A good rule of thumb is to feed them 2-3 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals.
You should also have fresh water available at all times.
Table Scraps
You can give them table scraps, but make sure that they are healthy and do not contain any bones. The quantity also matters, so do not overfeed them.
Doggie Treats
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix loves treats, and you can use them as a training tool. When choosing treats, look for ones that are high in protein and low in calories. Good treat options include:
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Grain-Free Mini Treats
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Trays High Protein Grain Free Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
Is the Great Weimar Dog Friendly?
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a friendly breed that gets along well with other dogs. They are not aggressive, but their size can make them seem intimidating to strangers. Gradually introduce them to new people and animals to socialize them properly.
Is the Great Weimar Child Friendly?
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a gentle breed that is good with children. They are patient and loving, but their size can make them seem overwhelming to small children. Teach your children how to properly approach and interact with dogs to avoid any accidents.
Great Weimar – Drooling Levels
This mixed breed is not a heavy drooler, but they may drool when they are excited or nervous. Be sure to have a towel handy to clean up any messes.
Great Weimar – Barking Levels
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is not a yappy breed, but they will bark when they are excited or when someone new comes to the house.
If you live in an apartment, this breed may not be right for you. You can however control the barking with proper training.
Great Weimar – Weather Tolerance
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix does well in both hot and cold weather. Be sure to provide them with shade and water in the summer to avoid heat stroke. In the winter, they will need a warm sweater or coat to keep them comfortable.
Great Weimar – Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of the Great Dane Weimaraner mix is 10-12 years. They are a relatively healthy breed but are prone to a few health problems.
Be sure to take them to the vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations.
Great Dane Weimaraner Mix – Puppy Prices
Prices for Great Dane Weimaraner mix puppies vary depending on the breeder, their location, and the dog’s parentage. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for a puppy.
Be sure to do your research before buying a puppy to avoid getting scammed.
Final Thoughts
The Great Dane Weimaraner mix is a beautiful, strong, and loyal dog that would make a great addition to any family.
They are intelligent and can be easy to train with proper socialization. If you are thinking about getting a Great Weimar, or already have one, be sure to do your research and provide them with plenty of exercise, love, and attention.
