Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. A suitable diet, regular activity without exertion around meals, maintaining a proper weight and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a robust and athletic dog, credited with a good overall level of resistance. Its physical power does not, however, dispense with screening of the joints, eyes and thyroid, nor with preventive measures against gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Watch points
What to watch for
Prevention is based on respecting veterinary visits, vaccinations and recommended screenings. Any sudden abdominal distension, unusual agitation, excessive salivation or unproductive attempt to vomit constitutes a veterinary emergency.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Major risk requiring splitting the ration, avoiding exercise around meals, and seeking emergency care at the slightest suggestive sign.
Hip dysplasia : Joint malformation that can cause pain and lameness, to be screened in breeding dogs.
Elbow dysplasia : Developmental elbow disorder that can promote early osteoarthritis.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Hereditary degeneration of the retina likely to lead to a progressive loss of vision.
Entropion : Inward rolling of the eyelid that can irritate the cornea.
Hypothyroidism : Hormonal insufficiency that can notably affect weight, skin, coat, and energy.
von Willebrand disease : Hereditary clotting disorder that can prolong bleeding.
Immune-mediated disease : Occasional condition linked to a dysfunction of the immune system and requiring a veterinary diagnosis.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Weimaraner tolerates heat rather well and cold moderately. Its generally short coat offers limited protection during prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Intense activities must be adapted to the weather, with shade and water during hot periods.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is rather low when it gets the activity it needs. The ration must nevertheless be adjusted to its energy expenditure, its age and its body condition. Regular monitoring of its silhouette makes it possible to reduce the ration if the ribs become difficult to feel.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Have the hips, eyes and thyroid screened.
- Seek emergency veterinary care if there are signs of gastric torsion.
- Regularly check the eyes and ears.
- Brush the teeth and monitor the length of the nails.
Vaccination
Weimaraner vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Weimaraner? Like all cats, the Weimaraner receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Weimaraner is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Weimaraner vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Weimaraner?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Weimaraner
Recommended screenings include in particular the hips, eyes and thyroid. A responsible breeding program must also take into account the risks of elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and other hereditary conditions known in the breed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
