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Labrador retrievers are among the most popular dogs in the world because of their intelligent and friendly nature.
This also means they are also one of the most popular dogs involved in the development of new mixed breeds.
One of the most unique variations of the Labrador retriever is the Weimador, also known as the Labmaraner. Haha! I just saw the latest Black Panther movie and I think the Labmaraner might be related to the Submariner!!! AKA NAMOR!
Kidding aside, like its name suggests, this breed is a mix of a Labrador retriever with a Weimaraner.
This combination results in a medium-to-large sized dog with lots of playful energy. They will consider themselves a member of the family and will want to be glued to your side most of the time.
They love running, playing, and swimming and will keep your garden free of small pest animals due to their high prey drive.
If this sounds like the type of dog you are looking for, read on as I take you through everything you need to know about the Weimaraner Lab mix.
Weimaraner Labrador Mix: Vital Statistics
- Mixed Breed: Labrador retriever and Weimaraner
- Height: 21 – 24 inches
- Weight: 60 – 100 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Medium shedding
- Brown, yellow, black, or gray
- Intelligent and trainable
- High energy, needing lots of exercise
- Does well with children
- Loves the water
- High prey drive
- Doesn’t tolerate being left alone
History Of The Breed
Labrador retrievers were originally bred in England from dogs imported from Canada in the early 19th century to create a retriever dog that could work both in land and in the water.
The breed was a great success. Labrador retrievers are considered among the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds. This is why they are often used as working dogs.
Labs are also naturally playful and affectionate. They love their people, and they are friendly with strangers and other animals.
This makes them great family pets but terrible guard dogs. This is why they are usually rated among the top three dog breeds in most countries.
The main complaint that people have about a Lab is that it has a high-shedding coat, which can be difficult to manage.
Yes, we have Labs at home and I assume we eat our fair share of dog fur throughout the year, especially during the high shedding seasons.
Meanwhile, Weimaraners are large dogs that were bred in Germany for hunting in the early 19th century.
They are large enough to use when hunting animals such as boars, bears, and deer and were favored by royalty when hunting was still a popular aristocratic pastime.
The Weimaraner arrived in the United States in the 1920s and initially became popular thanks to celebrity owners such as Grace Kelly, President Dwight Eisenhower, and Dick Clark.
The history of the Weimaraner Lab mix is less well known, but it most likely originated in the 1990s when many of the Lab mixes emerged.
While breeders agree the mix results in an excellent dog, Weimaraner Labs are still relatively rare due to their large size and high-shedding coats unlike many other Lab mixes.
Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Appearance
Both parent breeds are medium-to-large dogs, so you can expect the same from their mixed offspring. Weimaraners are fairly large dogs typically measuring 22 to 28 inches in height.
They have athletic bodies, so they typically only weigh between 55 and 88 pounds.
Labs are a bit smaller, measuring 21 to 22 inches, but they can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds with their sturdier frame.
A Weimador will usually measure between 21 and 24 inches and can weigh anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds depending on whether they get the athletic figure of the Weimaraner or the stockier build of the Lab.
They usually have the barrel-chested appearance of the Weimaraner but with a bit more heavy muscle on their frame.
Labs have high-shedding double coats that are quite long and can be black, chocolate, or yellow.
The Weimaraner is sometimes called the “gray ghost” because it has a coat with a pale, ghostly color, such as charcoal blue, silver gray, or blue gray.
They will have light amber, gray, or blue gray eyes. Their skin under their coat is a pinkish color rather than white or black.
While their coat can be short or long and is a single layer, they still tend to shed quite a bit.
A Labmaraner can be yellow, black, brown, or gray, and they will usually have a single coat that is a bit longer and fuller than what you’d see on your average Weimaraner.
They do shed, so they need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat under control.
While their appearance can vary significantly, as is true with most mixed breeds, you can expect them to have a relatively long and square muzzle with long ears that flop down.
They will usually have light colored eyes more typical of the “gray ghost” Weimaraner.
Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Temperament
Labrador retrievers are among the most intelligent and naturally friendly dogs, which is why they are popular for mixed breeds.
Breeders commonly try to capture and pass on the Lab’s well-rounded characteristics and personality traits.
Weimaraners are intelligent, but not on the same level as a lab, so mixing them with a lab improves their intelligence and trainability. Weimaraners also have a very strong prey drive.
This means they don’t do well with other animals, as they are likely to hunt and kill any smaller animals that they come across.
The trainability that the Lab brings to the Weimador mix is important for teaching your dog what not to do and controlling their natural instincts.
Weimaraner Labrador mixes need to be properly socialized from a young age to learn appropriate behavior.
If this is done effectively, they will do very well with children, which they will “adopt” as their own. However, due to their large size, they should always be supervised when around smaller children.
Labradors are very social animals that love being around their people all the time. Weimaraners take this to the next level!
They are not independent and prefer to be glued to the side of their person. As a result, you can expect their mixed breed offspring might be a little needy.
While their large size means they need outdoor space, they also need to be allowed inside the family home to be close to you.
This unique mixed breed can develop fairly severe separation anxiety if they are left on their own for extended periods of time on a regular basis.
You can expect whining, digging, and destructive behavior as a response. These dogs do best with families when there is usually someone around the house or when they can accompany someone to work.
Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Energy Levels
Both Labrador retrievers and Weimaraners are high-energy dogs, so you can expect their mixed breed offspring to be a big ball of energy.
They should have plenty of outdoor space available to blow off steam whenever needed. Just make sure your yard is well-fenced!
Their prey drive can see them overcome some pretty impressive obstacles to catch smaller animals.
A Weimaraner Lab mix needs at least an hour of exercise a day, preferably broken into two or three sessions.
These should be active sessions that include running and games such as fetch and pull. A casual walk won’t do it!
They will enjoy accompanying the family on outdoor activities such as hikes and swims.
Both their parent breeds love the water, and the Weimaraner even has webbed feet that it may pass on to its offspring. Still, if you decide to take them on a boat with you, don’t forget their doggy life jacket.
When they are at home, these dogs need quite a bit of mental stimulation. Interactive puzzles and toys that release treats are a good choice for them.
A slow feeder is also a good investment as they tend to gobble down their food. This will stimulate them and improve their digestion.
Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Health Care
Weimaraners are actually considered among the healthiest purebred dogs, and this is something their mixed breed offspring benefit from.
They have a good lifespan of 10 to 12 years, which is about average for a dog of this size. Smaller dogs tend to live for longer.
Unlike many large dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia rates are low in Weimaraners and their mixed offspring, too. It is still worth being careful about this due to the prevalence of the condition in Labs.
One of the best things you can do is not over exercise them as a puppy, as this can exacerbate the problem.
They should only have five minutes of exercise per month of life until they work up to an hour a day at the age of one.
Eye conditions are a common problem for both parent breeds and can show up in their puppies. They probably will develop some kind of sight loss as they enter their senior years.
Another problem for Weimanders is bloat or gastric torsion. This is when the stomach twists itself, pinching off blood vessels and blocking the route of food traveling in and out.
If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to death fairly swiftly. Constipation and a swollen stomach are among the first symptoms.
This can be avoided by feeding them smaller meals more often and avoiding rigorous exercise for an hour before eating, as well as for about an hour after eating.
How Much Is A Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Puppy?
Weimador puppies aren’t that easy to come by, so you can expect them to be on the pricey side.
A puppy from a reputable breeder will probably cost at least $1,000, and depending on the current supply and demand, they could even cost more than twice as much.
However, they do sometimes show up in shelters. Their neediness means they often prove to be too much for unprepared owners and therefore might find themselves in need of a new home.
There are a few breed-specific rescues where you might be more likely to find these dogs. Check out the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue and the Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption.
FAQs About Weimaraner Lab Mixes
What is the personality of a Labmaraner?
Labrador Weimaraner mixes have a friendly and playful personality and are full of energy. They are quite clingy and love to be around their people all the time.
They will want to join you on hikes and in bed, and they can develop anxiety if left alone too much. They love children and aren’t too wary of strangers but have a natural urge to hunt and kill smaller animals.
Is a Weimaraner a good family dog?
Weimaraners love their families and will thrive in an active family that has lots of time to spend with them!
However, they won’t do well if they are left alone for eight hours a day while everyone is at school and work.
While they love children, it can be difficult to socialize them to live alongside smaller animals, such as cats, due to their high prey drive.
Do Weimaraners like to cuddle?
Yes, a Weimaraner will love to get up on the couch with you for a cuddle.
They are also fans of standing hugs and will probably greet you with one every time you walk through the door.
Should I Adopt A Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix?
Weimaraner Lab mix dogs are friendly and playful dogs that are fun to be around, but they are also a pretty big commitment!
Their size and energy levels mean you need a pretty big space for them and have to commit to regular exercise. They also need good training structure to keep their prey drive under control.
These dogs can only be described as clingy, and they will want to be around you all the time.
They will not cope well if left alone at home for hours at a time while everyone is out and about.
They are ideal for someone who wants constant canine companionship.
To recap, here are the breed’s key statistics at a glance:
- Height: 21 – 24 inches
- Weight: 60 – 100 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Medium shedding
- Brown, yellow, black, or gray
- Intelligent and trainable
- High energy, needing lots of exercise
- Does well with children
- Loves the water
- High prey drive
- Doesn’t tolerate being left alone
If that sounds like you, then you won’t regret adopting one of these majestic dogs, who will repay your love ten-fold.
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