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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Weimaraner need? Like all dogs, Weimaraners should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Weimaraner vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Weimaraner booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Weimaraner need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
