Weimardoodle
Though the Weimaraner and Poodle both originated in Germany, it is presumed that the Weimardoodle comes from the United States where it was first bred in the early noughties. This good-looking dog is tall and slim with a shaggy coat and expressive eyes. Their fur can be a wide variety of colours and is often hypoallergenic; a big bonus for many owners who suffer from allergies.
While this people-loving breed makes for a dedicated companion that is grateful for any time its owner spends with it, some individuals may take things to the extreme and develop separation anxiety. With high levels of intelligence, owners must be aware of the importance of both mental and physical stimulation when it comes to the Weimardoodle.
About & History
It is well-accepted that the Poodle is probably the most popular dog breed used to create designer dogs. This is not only due to the fact that they can be hypoallergenic and do not shed much, but also due to their intelligent, obedient and social personalities. The cross between the Poodle and the Weimaraner is thought to have occurred around 20 years ago in the United Stated.
While there is not much to say on the very recent history of the newly-developed Weimardoodle, plenty is known about their parents. The Poodle likely originated in Germany though became standardised and popularised in France. The standard Poodle has been in existence since ancient times while the Miniature and Toy Poodles are likely around 600 years old. While used as hunting dogs and circus performers in the past, most Poodles are kept as companion animals and show dogs. The Weimaraner also originates from Germany, though came to be far more recently, during the 1800s. They were historically prized for their hunting abilities, which included speed, stamina and courage. As scent hounds, they have been used to hunt both on land and in water. Interestingly, President Eisenhower kept a pet Weimaraner called Heidi.
Appearance
Weimardoodles bear a close resemblance to breeds such as the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and the German Wirehaired Pointer. They are athletically built with long limbs and a lean, well-muscled body. Their snout is relatively long and they have a narrow muzzle that ends in a leathery nose that may be pink, black or brown. Their almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart and carry a pensive expression. They may be brown, amber or hazel in colour. Their ears are wide and long, hanging down beside their cheeks and almost reaching their noses when pulled forward. Their tail reaches past their hocks and is densely covered in fur.
The thick fur coat of the Weimardoodle may be curly, wavy or straight and they tend to have an unkempt, ‘shaggy’ appearance. There are a multitude of possible coat colours, including white, cream, black, brown and grey. A tall and lean dog, when fully mature the Weimardoodle reaches heights of 51cm to 63.5cm and weighs from 20kg to 30kg.
Character & Temperament
A dedicated friend for life, the Weimardoodle bonds strongly to all of their family members and loves to be around them. Great with all ages, the Weimardoodle is gentle in the company of little ones and is playful and mischievous in the presence of children. Their dependence on humans can become problematic if they are over-indulged and go on to develop separation anxiety.
While fawningly affectionate with those they love and know, it is not unheard of for the Weimardoodle to be wary of strangers and they are often suspicious of any new arrival in their home. Once the new arrival builds their trust (treats may be involved!) they will readily accept them. Their standoffish nature can make them suitable watch dogs.
Smart and inquisitive, this is a breed that really benefits from any time spent with them and does not enjoy being left alone for prolonged periods. For them, variety is the spice of life and they love travelling to new places and participating in new activities.
Trainability
Poodles are particularly renowned for their intelligence and are often quoted as being the smartest of all dogs, however, the Weimaraner can be somewhat stubborn, making the Weimardoodle slightly more of a challenge to train than their Poodle parent.
Negative reinforcement or punishment training should be avoided, as these dogs responds best to praise and treats. Rewarding good behaviour consistently will achieve the best results long-term.
Health
As can be said for other ‘designer dogs’, particularly those that have originated this century, little is truly known about the health conditions suffered by the Weimardoodle. We can, of course, look to their parents in an attempt to forecast what ailments they may experience.
Hip Dysplasia
One of the most prevalent inheritable orthopaedic conditions, hip dysplasia tends to be more severe in taller dogs. A femur bone that does not fit snugly in the hip socket results in a grating movement and localised inflammation and pain. Eventually, joints become arthritic and dogs can find it difficult to get around. As there are screening tests available, any Weimardoodle breeder should first confirm that the hips of the parent dogs are suitable for breeding. As the population of the Weimardoodle is currently so small, to fail to do so could be catastrophic for the breed’s future.
Hypothyroidism
Most dogs develop hypothyroidism in the middle of their life and, as the signs can be subtle and insidious, owners may struggle to pick up on the fact that there is something wrong. Symptoms will include lethargy, weight gain, heat-seeking behaviour and chronic skin disease. A blood test will highlight the fact that the thyroid hormone (T4) is low.
By supplementing dogs with Thyroid hormone on a daily basis, they can soon regain a normal quality of life. Symptoms tend to improve within days, although any damaged fur may take a few months to grow back. Medication is lifelong and dogs will need to be monitored with routine veterinary exams and blood tests to ensure their medication dosage does not require changing.
Bloat
An event that has the potential to be devastating, ‘bloat’ is the colloquial term for a condition otherwise known as ‘GDV’ or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. In simple terms, the stomach fills up with fluid and gas, causing local compression.
The stomach then twists on its own axis, trapping the contents inside and dramatically worsening the situation. Dogs will attempt to relieve the pressure by pacing, panting and retching. Without immediate surgical correction, most patients will die.
Entropion
Entropion is a term that refers to eyelids that fold inwards, rubbing against the surface of the eye and causing chronic inflammation and irritation. Recurrent eye infections are a common feature and, in severe cases, the eyes will ulcerate.
While mild cases may be managed with eye drops, many dogs will require corrective surgery to reposition the eyelids and allow for a more appropriate eyelid closure. After surgery, most dogs experience a dramatic improvement in their symptoms.
Exercise and Activity Levels
This athletically-built breed enjoys keeping active and will easily be able for an hour of vigorous activity each day. As well as lead-walking, they relish when off-lead and would benefit from a large back-yard where they can play with the children.
On top of physical activity, it is essential that the mental needs of the Weimardoodle are met and that they are encouraged to solve puzzles, complete agility courses and work on their obedience training. Keeping their mind stimulated ensures a well-adjusted and contented dog and prevents the development of unwanted behaviours, including separation anxiety.
Grooming
Though many Weimardoodles will inherit the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle that hardly shed at all, not all of them will be hypoallergenic and it is difficult to predict which puppies will exhibit this trait. Regardless, their dense and curly coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting and to spread their natural oils.
It is vital that the pendulous ears of the Weimardoodle be cleaned out at least weekly. If fur grows in the canal, routine plucking may be required, particularly if the dog is prone to chronic and recurrent infections.
While Weimaraners tend to enjoy good dental health, Poodles are renowned for developing periodontal disease as they age. It is likely that the Weimardoodle falls somewhere in the middle and would benefit from daily teeth cleaning.