Weimaraner-Labrador cross

volchitsa

So it's technically a "designer dog" I suppose, but an 18 month old one looking to be rehomed, not one being sold by breeders, though it did apparently come from a breeder originally. Not too sure where but I can ask.

What I wanted to know was what people know or think of this cross in terms of character etc.

Also just generally what to think of the idea of taking a dog that isn't lost or badly treated (the family are moving house, and renting it seems, though again Im not too sure what the exact story is but I havent seen them yet, going tomorrow after work) - would that make it harder for the dog to settle with a new family because he would pine for his first family, or would it mean he was more confident in hinself and able to fit in elsewhere?

This dog seems to be physically closer to a Lab than to a Weimaraner - does that mean he's more likely to have the Lab character or is that a different thing?

Thanks for any input/opinions/advice etc.

Choc Chip

Just really quickly, was it bred as a gundog (i.e. from working lines?).

It's not something I'd consider a popular "designer crossbreed" and my immediate thought was of working gundogs.

volchitsa

No I don't think so. Ive looked it up (US sites) and they describe them as family pets, main difference being higher energy than pure labradors. But I'll ask the family that own this dog, maybe the Weimaraner side are working dogs. Are most Weimaraners working dogs?

This mix even have a name it seems, Labmaraner. But I cant find a dog breeder that says they breed them, just ones that breed both labs and weimaraners. Not that I'm looking to buy one from a breeder as I say, but just trying to find out what they are basically.

Im afraid it might be too huge. I dont want our 24 kg girl to be bullied but if it's more like a lab that shouodn't really happen right?

cocker5

volchitsa wrote: »

So it's technically a "designer dog" I suppose, but an 18 month old one looking to be rehomed, not one being sold by breeders, though it did apparently come from a breeder originally. Not too sure where but I can ask.

What I wanted to know was what people know or think of this cross in terms of character etc.

Also just generally what to think of the idea of taking a dog that isn't lost or badly treated (the family are moving house, and renting it seems, though again Im not too sure what the exact story is but I havent seen them yet, going tomorrow after work) - would that make it harder for the dog to settle with a new family because he would pine for his first family, or would it mean he was more confident in hinself and able to fit in elsewhere?

This dog seems to be physically closer to a Lab than to a Weimaraner - does that mean he's more likely to have the Lab character or is that a different thing?

Thanks for any input/opinions/advice etc.

with regard to a dog entering a new home etc.. dogs adapt they are excellent at it. while there should be expected a period of change ie a few months to settle in, learn the new rules, routines, new bed, new surroundings - this will take lots of patience and consistency etc the dog will be fine

Choc Chip

I'm about to go on a bit of a rant here, but you did ask a few questions!

Labs would be massively popular as gundogs where I'm from. Weims are less common, but I'd still have seen them around (they tend to be used on larger, less densely populated shooting areas as far as I'm aware). I asked because some (not all) of the working bred labs and weims I've met have been lunatics if not properly worked. I'd have a good chat about what he's like and how much exercise he gets, and then see if that's something your comfortable with.

On the other hand, if he's from working stock he's likely been bred from fit-for-purpose parents and so even if they hadn't been health-checked before breeding, might have better structural soundness than someone who threw together two dogs because, "hey, pretty puppies".

I've only had a few fosters in, but generally the more confident the dog, the easier they adapt. I have one that came to me from my parents (100% happy home) and he fitted right in. Definitely easier than one that's never been in a house and doesn't trust people.

Generally, phenotype doesn't necessarily correlate with behaviour, so even if he looks like a lab, he might behave like a weim. You'll take that risk with any crossbreed, but again at 18 months the current family should be able to give you a good indication of what he's like. Also, they're not overly different in temperament from what I've seen (having never owned one). Individuals of both breeds can be VERY high energy, with Weims maybe being more one-person dogs (or so I'm told) and labs being more social. Even if you're told he's very much like a lab (temperament, exercise etc) they are still working dogs and can need a lot of work. I have one close to me who is going slowly mad through lack of exercise. They're not all the "play with the kids then sit around the fire" dogs that a lot of people treat them as.

Choc Chip

volchitsa wrote: »

Im afraid it might be too huge. I dont want our 24 kg girl to be bullied but if it's more like a lab that shouodn't really happen right?

That'll depend on the dog. I know a lab who is lovely but far too in your face to play with my little one. But my little one will play with other much larger dogs with no problem. It all depends on the doggy-manners of the individual dogs. You should be able to get them to meet first anyway?

volchitsa

Ok so a quick reply to some points and then Ill have a proper read of that long post from Choc chip after (and no worries about a "rant" I am looking for info, so it's very welcome!)

I was meant to going today but it's an hour away and I'm busy so Ive been texting the owner, the litter was actually a mistake, he is from a proper Weimaraner breeder, and his mother was Canicross champion of something or other, but they thought she'd been impregnated by a Weimaraner and allowed her out and apparently she got over to a breeder a few km away who breeds labs!

So wholly accidental it seems, which explains why when I looked up the place I thought he came from I couldnt see any mention of cross breeds.

He's 18 months and 29kg, so that's pretty much his full weight isnt it? Maybe Weimaraners take longer being bigger?

The owner says he's very easy to have around, and seems to have spent time on him, eg he only takes treats from the left hand so strangers can't give him treats, a trick I regret not having known about with our own dog TBH. Too late now I guess.

Knine

Coming from a Spinone Owner - Weimeraners are not actually that big. Just taller then a Labrador & quite athletic. Unlike some of the other group 7 breeds they can be a little bit sharp at times. At 18 months old he won't get a whole lot bigger though. I guess go and see him and then make up your mind.

volchitsa

Knine wrote: »

Coming from a Spinone Owner - Weimeraners are not actually that big. Just taller then a Labrador & quite athletic. Unlike some of the other group 7 breeds they can be a little bit sharp at times. At 18 months old he won't get a whole lot bigger though. I guess go and see him and then make up your mind.

I've never been entirely sure what "sharp" meant, so I looked it up and got this :

Sharp Temperament
A dog with a sharp temperament reacts (immediately) to individual environmental stimuli without thought. The dog does not consider consequences. It may jump sideways and run far away if startled by a slamming door, very reluctant to return, if at all. The sharp dog recovers, but slowly. The sharp dog may fearfully bark forever at the play of shadow across a doorway, or the light pattering of a small branch on the roof. If the stimulus is innocent and continuous, the sharp dog does not settle down and accept its innocence. It continues to react without thought. It will not investigate.
This dog may seem at first to be an excellent alarm dog, but extreme sharpness, coupled often with a lack of confidence, could make it a perpetual nuisance to neighbours and household members.

(It's just some article that came up, a pdf marked hsi.org, no idea what that is, so I dont know if that is the same use of the term as what you mean by it.)

I can't go now till next week, and someone else is going to see him this weekend I think, so we'll see what happens. If they take him, well, too bad. I had a good chat with the man by sms though, after I texted to say I couldnt go. He sent me a picture, so he obviously hasnt written us off!

Is 18 months old enough to really know the character? From what I recall, Lola started to show more assertive behaviour around that age or a bit later, probably 18m to 2 years, hackles raised at (some) dogs walking past in the street when she was in the garden or watching from the window, or showing her teeth occasionally to strange dogs who had overstepped the mark with her at training classes, things I didnt see her doing before that age.

Just wondering how that would work if he then developed into a more aggressive dog than he is today.

muddypaws

volchitsa wrote: »

Ok so a quick reply to some points and then Ill have a proper read of that long post from Choc chip after (and no worries about a "rant" I am looking for info, so it's very welcome!)

I was meant to going today but it's an hour away and I'm busy so Ive been texting the owner, the litter was actually a mistake, he is from a proper Weimaraner breeder, and his mother was Canicross champion of something or other, but they thought she'd been impregnated by a Weimaraner and allowed her out and apparently she got over to a breeder a few km away who breeds labs!

So wholly accidental it seems, which explains why when I looked up the place I thought he came from I couldnt see any mention of cross breeds.

He's 18 months and 29kg, so that's pretty much his full weight isnt it? Maybe Weimaraners take longer being bigger?

The owner says he's very easy to have around, and seems to have spent time on him, eg he only takes treats from the left hand so strangers can't give him treats, a trick I regret not having known about with our own dog TBH. Too late now I guess.

Is this in Ireland?

volchitsa

muddypaws wrote: »

Is this in Ireland?

No unfortunately not. I gather we're not allowed to name breeders anyway, but apparently the breeders are well known for Weimaraners so anyone who knows the breed should know them I imagine. I'm happy to Pm you the name if you're interested.

muddypaws

volchitsa wrote: »

No unfortunately not. I gather we're not allowed to name breeders anyway, but apparently the breeders are well known for Weimaraners so anyone who knows the breed should know them I imagine. I'm happy to Pm you the name if you're interested.

I was confused, as I don't know anyone with a Weimy doing well in canicross in Ireland However, if you take this dog on, I expect to see you out on the trails

Knine

Also I don't know any well known breeders who would be foolish enough to let a bitch in heat out without supervision.

volchitsa

Knine wrote: »

Also I don't know any well known breeders who would be foolish enough to let a bitch in heat out without supervision.

Yeah that struck me too. Also I cant actually find the breeder with the name and postcode he told me, but since this was just a conversation by SMS so there could be a simple explanation for that. It could be spelled wrong or anything.

John_Rambo

I had a Weimaraner for seven years before having to euthanase due to hip dysplasia. He came from a breeder that was showing (not good in my opinion, didn't know that then, but I'm more aware now) and the sire was a duel purpose working dog. I was also brought up with labs as a kid, so I'm familiar with both breeds.

I found the Weimeraner tough work at home. Fantastic out and about, bundles of energy, easily trained, good recall, great fun to work with retrieving ect... but at home he was very sensitive to sound, music, bass (we're not party people). He was very reactive, not a relaxed dog. If someone sneezed or coughed he'd be up, on full alert dancing around the place. Hopefully the more relaxed lab mix will counter these traits.

In saying that, our particular Weimaraner had physical problems, typical show dog inbred issues that could have been at the heart of everything.

As a last and interesting note, we were very surprised to learn, our Weimaraner was an exceptional guard dog! More Dobermann than gun dog. (I think they've similar lineage). We never trained him to guard, he just did it.

Our Weimaraner outside the home was pretty wimpy, a bit standoffish and not willing to engage with people... but very very confident in confrontation at home and was super aware of "dodgy" people. He was ok with people walking by the font garden, very friendly etc... but if anyone was acting suspicious, hanging around, acting out of character, mooching around with hoods up he'd kick up a big fuss, full on barking and growling. A very very protective dog with traits you'd normally associate with rothweilers and dobermanns.

Knine

I would just like to point out that I judge this breed at Championship level and there is no divide between Working & Show Dogs. Many actually have awards at both. Instead of the constant posts running down show dogs etc. Maybe concentrate on making sure the dogs only come from Reputable Breeders who health test regardless of whether they are worked/shown or both.

tk123

Knine wrote: »

I would just like to point out that I judge this breed at Championship level and there is no divide between Working & Show Dogs. Many actually have awards at both. Instead of the constant posts running down show dogs etc. Maybe concentrate on making sure the dogs only come from Reputable Breeders who health test regardless of whether they are worked/shown or both.

+1 my girl comes from show lines and is as solid as they come. My boy is NOT in both cases. Noise sensitivity can go hand in hand with dogs who carry tension in their back e.g. due to structural problems btw

What stands out to me is that they're moving and not taking the dog..assuming they were renting before would they not have a current landlord to vouch for the dog? He seems to have all the right answers too. "Oh the parents are the best show dogs in the world so I left one of them out roaming when she was supposed to be pregnant.." eh WTF?!

volchitsa

tk123 wrote: »

+1 my girl comes from show lines and is as solid as they come. My boy is NOT in both cases. Noise sensitivity can go hand in hand with dogs who carry tension in their back e.g. due to structural problems btw

What stands out to me is that they're moving and not taking the dog..assuming they were renting before would they not have a current landlord to vouch for the dog? He seems to have all the right answers too. "Oh the parents are the best show dogs in the world so I left one of them out roaming when she was supposed to be pregnant.." eh WTF?!

They're renting, but have a big garden (Ive seen pictures). If they are moving to a bigger town it could be that thereis little or no garden. - and actually I wondered if it might be a divorce, people dom't necessarily want to say that straightaway, but in reality Ive no idea.

So I'm fence sitting on thwt for now.

And yes, the bitch who got out is a bit odd.

Springwell

Knine wrote: »

I would just like to point out that I judge this breed at Championship level and there is no divide between Working & Show Dogs. Many actually have awards at both. Instead of the constant posts running down show dogs etc. Maybe concentrate on making sure the dogs only come from Reputable Breeders who health test regardless of whether they are worked/shown or both.

Decent working Weims are few and far between these days though, sadly

volchitsa

If I do go, does anyone have any tips for what I should be looking out for as possible big issues with the dog?

I feel I don't want to bring my own dog to meet up yet as I think I need to see the dog myself first, and TBH it's quite far to bring her for what may or may not be a very quick visit. Is that a mistake?

Basically I'm a little dubious as to how much I can trust what this guy says, just a couple of minor things that weren't true, about what had been arranged/said, not about the dog itself but then I wouldnt know about him anyway yet.

(Like when I cancelled last week, he misunderstood that text, and replied that he'd already made arrangements for me coming, based on what he had just misread, and not on the day/time we had actually fixed by text previously. Luckily it was written down, but why did he immediately pretend me cancelling was putting him out when he couldn't possibly have been expecting me then?
He also told me he hadn't reposted the ad when I saw that he did on Saturday!
Weird. So now I don't know if he'll be truthful about possible issues with the dog.)

tk123

There was a weim in the park the other morning.. STONE MAD lol so good luck There used to be another and they never socialised it so it was quite reactive - so both ends of the spectrum. If it was me and a dog of unknown origins I'd rather go with a rescue so you'd have their backup and also the option of returning the dog to find as more suitable home if it doesn't work out with your own dog.