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Great Weimar (Great Dane & Weimaraner Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Height: 25–31 inches
Weight: 75–145 pounds
Lifespan:  10–12 years
Colors: White, blue, brindle, black, silver, gray, fawn
Suitable for: Active families, looking for a friendly and affectionate dog
Temperament: Loyal, easy to train, gentle, intelligent

To say that the Great Weimar is a lot of dog is an understatement. They are large and generous in the love that they lavish on their family. They are affectionate with their family and will share their attention with some strangers. Both the Great Dane and Weimaraner bring desirable traits to the hybrid. They are loyal to their owners and eager to please.

As you may expect, the Great Weimar needs exercise and has a healthy appetite to support it. They are easy to groom because of their smooth coat. However, the Great Weimar must feel like they are a part of the family. They are as gentle as they are enormous, but training and early socialization are essential.

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Great Weimar Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

As you may expect, the Great Weimar is not an apartment dog. They need plenty of space to run around and stretch their long legs. The Great Weimar is intelligent but sensitive to harsh reprimands. They love playing outside but don’t like cold weather. You may think they are independent, but they love attention from their owners to the point of being a fault. They’ll need daily exercise with two or more walks a day. It’s safe to say that owning a Great Weimar is a commitment.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Great Weimar

1. The History of the Great Dane Goes Back to the Egyptians

This gentle giant has a history that goes back about 5,000 years. The Great Dane was a tough breed from the start as a hunter of bulls, boars, and bears. Despite this violent past, the Great Dane is a sweet and friendly companion that can become a beloved member of your family.


2. The Weimaraner Is the Ultimate Hunter

The origin of the Weimaraner rests with the Nobles of Weimar. They had high expectations of this sporting dog as a hunter. They selectively bred them to excel in speed and tracking, which were necessary to hunt bears and deer. They suffered a decline during World War II but became one of the most popular breeds of the AKC.


3. The Comic and Animation Worlds Have Two Famous Great Danes

The pouting but adorable face of the Great Dane inspired many artists. You may recognize this loving dog in comics and animation, such as Scooby-Doo from the Hanna-Barbera cartoons and Astro of the Jetsons. You may also recognize Marmaduke from the comic strips and Fang from the Harry Potter novels.

The parent breeds of the Great Weimar
Image Credit: Left – BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock | Right – Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Great Weimar 🧠

The Great Weimar comes from good stock. They are sweet dogs, even if their size seems intimidating. They need love and attention to be happy and do not tolerate being left alone. The Great Weimar is an active hybrid with youthful enthusiasm to play and exercise.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Both the Great Dane and Weimeraner are affectionate family members. They are loyal and loving to everyone, even the kids. The problem is that they may not know their strength and might knock down a toddler not because they are aggressive but because they are so rambunctious. There is nothing mean-spirited about the Great Weimar.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The size of the Great Weimar is a red flag when it comes to other pets. Both parents have a hunting history and a high prey drive. They also have a strong wanderlust instinct that will encourage them to see the chase through to the end. Besides, they have little understanding of how big they are.

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Things to Know When Owning a Great Weimar:

You must look beyond the Great Weimar’s large size to understand what makes this hybrid tick. They may look mean, but they’re not. The Great Weimar is bright, which is a trait cultivated from his hunting history. They’re also sensitive and don’t respond to harsh punishment.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Large dogs like the Great Dane and Weimaner mature slower than small breeds. That also applies to their metabolism. Therefore, there is a difference between foods formulated for toy breeds and massive pets. You must get a product meant for large and giant breeds. That way, you know that the serving size is appropriate for their dietary needs.

Keep your pet on a regular feeding schedule. It’s an excellent way to track their diet and ensure it’s meeting their nutritional needs. You can adjust it depending on their activity level.

Exercise 🐕

Owning a Great Weimar requires plenty of daily exercise. Plan on two or more long walks a day and a few play sessions at home. Though they aren’t prone to weight gain, they need the time outdoors to explore and stay mentally sharp. Be prepared to spend some time working on their leash manners.

Training 🦮

Because of their intelligence, they’ll pick up on new tricks and commands quickly. There are some challenges. The Great Weimar has a tendency to bark and a keen wanderlust. You must take an active role in their training. Socializing them is vital so that they aren’t suspicious of strangers. Unfortunately, they can also be nippy, which will require you to take a proactive stance.

Grooming ✂️

The Great Weimar sheds frequently and tends to drool. You can use a rubber hound mitt to keep their coat in good shape. It’s almost like a puppy massage. It will help with blood circulation, which can even help keep it in control.

However, you can also use a bristle brush with rounded edges to prevent skin irritation. Feeding a high-quality diet can also keep hair loss under control. We’d suggest checking their skin when you brush them to look for skin problems.

Health and Conditions ❤️

A PennHIP or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluation for hip dysplasia is imperative when considering a dog of this size. It is a devastating condition that has a profound impact on the pup’s quality of life. The OFA also recommends an eye exam from an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists-certified veterinarian.

Minor Conditions
  • Happy tail syndrome
  • Skin conditions
  • Separation anxiety
Serious Conditions
  • Heart conditions
  • Hip dysplasia

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Male vs Female

There is sexual dimorphism between male and female Great Weimars. The boys tower over the girls. However, it doesn’t affect the temperament of the two. Both male and female Great Weimars will reward you with lots of attention.

If you don’t want to breed your pet, get them spayed or neutered. It will cost more for the female Great Weimar, but it won’t affect their behavior.

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Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about the Great Weimar. They bring the best of both parents to the mix. They are lovable giants, even though their size can seem intimidating. There are, of course, the usual health concerns with a large breed. However, this hybrid is relatively healthy. It’s essential that they get daily exercise and a high-quality diet for optimal nutrition.

After all, there is a good reason that both parents of the Great Weimar rank high on the AKC popularity list. They are friendly and loyal. That’s saying nothing of how adorable the Great Weimar is. We dare you not to fall in love.

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Featured Image Credit: Pxhere

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