Weimaraner Lab Mix – Your Complete Guide To The Labmaraner

The Weimaraner Lab mix is also often known as the Weimador or Labmaraner! It’s simply a puppy born from a Weimaraner and a Labrador Retriever.

A Weimador will be intelligent, friendly, and eager to please. Which is a great combination for training!

They will have a short coat that could come in any of the Labrador shades, or the silvery tones of the Weimaraner.

Are you wondering if a Weimaraner Lab mix puppy is right for you?

What’s In This Guide

• Weimaraner Lab Mix At A Glance
• In-depth Breed Review
• Weimaraner Labrador Mix Training And Care
• Pros And Cons Of Getting A Labmaraner

Labrador Weimaraner Mix FAQs

Here are some of our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Weimador.

• Are Labmaraners good family dogs?
• How big will a Weimaraner Lab mix get?
• Are Weimaraners related to Labs?

Welcome to our complete guide to the Weimaraner Lab mix!

Weimaraner Lab Mix: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: On the rise!
• Purpose: Family companion, sporting group
• Weight: 55 to 90 pounds
• Temperament: Eager to please, intelligent, friendly

We’ll give you all the information so you can decide for yourself if this cross breed could steal your heart!

Weimador Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose
• Fun facts about the Weimaraner Lab mix
• Labmaraner appearance
• Weimaraner Labrador mix temperament
• Training and exercising your Weimador
• Weimaraner Lab mix health and care
• Do Weimaraner Lab mixes make good family pets?
• Rescuing a Labmaraner
• Finding a Weim Lab mix puppy
• Raising a Labrador Weimaraner puppy
• Weimador products and accessories

It’s no surprise that these two popular breeds have been combined, in hopes of creating an even better dog.

However, this combination is a first-generation mix, which means you may encounter some controversy surrounding this mixed breed.

History and Original Purpose

As with many of the 500+ species of designer dog, the history of the Weimaraner Lab mix can’t be easily traced.

We have no idea if they were created on purpose or by accident. We do know that they are one of the rarer, newer forms of Lab mix.

Some people call them “Labmaraners.”

The two parent breeds are similar, but very distinct dogs. They have very different origins and aren’t related.

But, we can find out a little more about the origins of their mixed puppies by looking at the history of the two parent breeds.

Labrador History

Labrador Retriever ancestors originally come from Newfoundland, where small water dogs pulled in nets and traps full of fish for their owners.

These dogs were bred with larger Newfoundland dogs to create the St. John’s Water Dog. This dog is considered the Lab’s main ancestor.

In the 19th century, the Earl of Malmesbury reportedly imported one of these dogs to England. His family bred them to be hunters, and gave them their name.

The English Kennel Club recognized Labradors as a breed in 1903. The American Kennel Club followed suit in 1917. Today, they’re America’s most popular dog.

Weimaraner History

As far as breeds go, the Weimaraner is fairly young, dating back to early 19th century Germany. It is believed to be a descendant of the Bloodhound.

Dogs were bred in Germany to produce good hunting stock, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Weimaraner may have come from this.

Originally, they were bred as big-game dogs, but shifting hunting priorities turned the breed into a sought-after bird dog.

In early days, the Weimaraner was called the Weimar Pointer, after the court that sponsored the breed.

The Weimaraner was brought to the U.S. by a man named Howard Knight in the 1920s.

The American Kennel Club granted the Weimaraner recognition in 1943.

Fun Facts About Weimaraner Labrador Mix

As you know, purebred dogs often come with pedigrees and long bloodlines. Designer dogs, like the Weimaraner Lab Mix, are crosses between two purebred dogs.

Some argue that this makes a designer dog a mutt, even if the designer dog’s parents are purebred dogs with pedigrees.

Many people who breed purebred dogs say that keeping dog breeds pure is a good thing. That’s because breeding dogs to a particular standard keeps its qualities and attributes predictable.

If breeding produces a dog with good health and personality traits, breeders can tell you exactly where the genes come from. They can then reduce the risk of inherited problems, such as diseases.

But breeding of animals that are similar genetically can lead to problems, too. If a dog breed is prone to certain inherited problems, these problems can be magnified in the next generation of purebreds.

Responsible breeders take care to use pedigree information to introduce diversity into the breed’s gene pool.

The Other Side of the Debate

On the other hand, advocates of mixed breeds will tell you that crossing breeds results in healthier dogs, because you’re introducing genetic diversity.

We have addressed the issue in more depth in this article.

We should note, however, that many of the breeds we consider purebred today were once mixed breeds. Plus, many of our pure breeds today may not survive into the future without some hybridization.

If you’d like to delve more into the science of crossing genetic subpopulations and how it might affect dogs, visit this article.

There’s one thing we know, though – we should be most concerned about the welfare of individual dogs, whether they are mixed breeds or from pedigreed lines.

Let’s move on to find out a little more about the Weimaraner Labrador mix in particular.

Weimaraner Lab Mix Appearance

First, you should know that a Weimaraner crossed with a Labrador will have qualities of both breeds, but it isn’t easy to predict which ones.

You simply can’t tell in advance which parent a Labrador Weimaraner mix will favor.

This is true for all hybrid dogs. But at least knowing about the parents can give you a hint of what the puppy will be like!

So, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the Lab and Weim breeds.

Weimador Size

Labradors tend to be between 21.5-24.5 inches tall (male dogs fall on the taller side). They can weigh from 55-80 lbs.

Weimaraners are just a bit taller and heavier. They can be as tall as 27 inches as an adult; females can be as small as 23 inches.

Female Weimaraners weigh between 55-75 lbs, while males weigh between 70-90 lbs.

Whether your Lab Weimaraner pup takes after mom or dad, you’re going to have a big dog on your hands!

Coat Type and Colors

Although it’s hard to know exactly what you’re going to get from the combination of a Lab and a Weimaraner, this cross generally produces dogs with a short, flat coat and floppy ears.

Weimaraners come in three colors – blue, gray, and silver gray. Labs come in three colors – black, chocolate, and yellow.

But, there is a rare color variation of Labradors called silver. Silver Labs are, in essence, chocolate Labs with a “diluted” color gene.

Some people believe that the silver color of these Labradors came by crossing Labradors with Weimaraners, but this theory remains unproven. There are a number of ways Silver Labs may have gotten their color.

For a complete rundown of Silver Labs and the controversy surrounding them, visit our article on the topic.

Basically, your Weimaraner cross Lab can have any of the attributes of both breeds.

You may get a chocolate Lab Weimaraner, a Weimaraner black Lab mix, or a yellow Lab Weimaraner mix. Their coats can be gray or silver, too!

Weimaraner Labrador Mix Temperament

Temperament in mixed breeds is just like appearance – impossible to predict! But looking at the parent breeds can give us a better idea.

Both types of dog bark when necessary, so expect an occasional barker.

Also, both breeds are active and need exercise to get their energy out. They are easily trained, but must have some stimulation.

Fortunately, they’re definitely eager to please, so your mixed breed dog will be easy to train, good with children, and good with dogs if they’ve been socialized well. It’s best to supervise these interactions nonetheless.

Weimaraner Lab mix puppies could be high-spirited, like a Lab, or a great runner with plenty of stamina, like a Weimaraner. Most likely, a mix will be friendly and sweet.

Still, you should remember that your Weimaraner and Labrador mix can show traits of either parent.

Training and Exercising your Labrador Weim Mix

Both parent breeds are known for being easy to train. But, the methods you choose to train them can impact this.

A Lab Weim mix will respond best to positive reinforcement. Harsh, punishment-based methods can cause distrust and stubbornness when training.

Training will offer much-needed mental stimulation, but also a little exercise.

Both parent breeds are active, energetic dogs. So, you can expect a mix between the two to be the same.

They will need plenty of exercise everyday, whether this is an energetic game of fetch, swimming, hiking, or running with you. They will be great candidates for dog sports like agility and rally.

Just be wary of over-exercising Weimaraner Lab mixes, particularly when they are young, as this can have a negative impact on the health of their joints when they are older.

If you’re unsure how to strike the right balance, the best person to speak to is your vet.

Importance of Proper Training and Socialization

Training and socialization are good for any puppy, but in these crosses it’s absolutely necessary. For one thing, Lab/Weimaraner mixes will be big dogs, so they’ll need controlling.

For another thing, Labs especially have a high energy level.

Potentially mixed with the Weimaraner’s speed, agility, and endurance skills, you’re going to have your hands full if you don’t train.

Plus, Weimaraners are known to be somewhat destructive if not properly occupied. Training can help.

Socialization can help Labradors especially show off their naturally friendly, laid-back nature. It will also help to reduce any natural chase instincts.

Don’t skimp on this – you’ll thank us for the tip as your Weimaraner Lab pup gets bigger.

Weimaraner Lab Mix Health and Care

A Labmaraner dog may be a mix, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will avoid the health issues the parent breeds may experience.

Some research shows that mixed breeds can be healthier, but this is a general finding.

If you get a mixed breed dog, you should make sure you know the health history of both the pup’s parents.

You should also make sure the dog is tested for health issues seen in Labradors and Weimaraners. Here are some things you should watch for.

Labrador Health

Labs are generally a healthy breed. But they are genetically prone to obesity, vision problems, and certain types of cancers.

They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which are developmental abnormalities in the joints. Large-breed dogs often suffer from these.

Other conditions that are known to affect Labradors include:

• Exercise-induced collapse
• Centronuclear myopathy
• Retinal progressive atrophy
• Copper-associated chronic hepatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Idiopathic epilepsy
• Bloat

When you have your dog’s health screening done, you should make sure to check if hip or elbow dysplasia may be a problem.

Both Labs and Weimaraners are larger dogs, so they could both have this in their genetic makeup.

Weimaraner Health

Weimaraners, too, are a generally healthy breed. But they are also genetically prone to certain conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia.

Some conditions known to affect Weimaraners include:

• Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (inflammatory bone disease)
• Hypomyelination (tremors or shaking)
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus
• Factor VIII deficiency (Hemophilia A)
• Factor XI deficiency (platelet antecedent deficiency)
• Tricuspid valve dysplasia
• Follicular dysplasia
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernias
• X-linked muscular dystrophy
• Conditions that compress the cervical spinal cord

Additionally, Weimaraners may suffer certain eye problems such as cataracts, dermoids, corneal dystrophy, and distichiasis entropion.

As you can see, some of these conditions are similar to what the Labrador Retriever has, which makes it possible that your hybrid will inherit health problems.

You can avoid some of the pitfalls of these health issues through thorough testing – before you fall in love with a puppy (we know that’s hard!).

Grooming and General Care

Neither of the parent breeds have long coats. So the Labmaraner mix will not require high-maintenance grooming care.

Labradors have a double coat that will shed seasonally, so they do need regular grooming.

Weimaraners have a short coat that doesn’t need much grooming, other than a weekly soft brushing and perhaps the occasional bath.

Both breeds do need their nails trimmed and ears checked to avoid infection. Their teeth should also be brushed.

Labrador nails, especially, can grow quickly.

Do Weimaraner Lab Mixes Make Good Family Pets?

The friendliness of the Labrador and the obedient, passive nature of the Weimaraner can make for a wonderful family dog.

Labradors especially are known to be good for families, but Weimaraners are no slouch in this area either.

Just make sure to keep them active. An active Labrador x Weimaraner is a happy one.

There is the potential for a large number of health issues. But, the chance of these can be reduced by choosing a reputable breeder who health tests their puppies, and attending regular veterinary check ups once you bring your pup home.

You must be happy to have any combination of traits from both parent breeds if you are considering this mix.

It’s entirely unpredictable.

For the right family, Weimadors can make a great family pet.

Rescuing a Weimaraner Labrador Mix

If you’re happy to bring home a slightly older dog, you could consider getting a Labmaraner rescue.

They are usually cheaper than puppies, and are past the awkward first training stages.

But, this isn’t a hugely common mixed breed. So, it could take you a while to find a Weimaraner Lab mix suitable for your home.

Make sure to ask plenty of questions to find a rescue dog that will suit your home perfectly. If you can, find out why they were taken to the shelter.

Also ask questions about their temperament, including how well socialized they are different types of people, animals, and things.

Scroll to the end of the guide for links to help you start your search for a Weimador rescue.

Finding a Weimaraner Lab Puppy

Labmaraners are rarer than many hybrids, but you’ll still be able to find breeders online.

Don’t forget to tap into your personal networks to find a Lab Weimaraner mixed breed dog.

But don’t forget, when you visit a breeder, take note of the conditions of the dogs.

Meet the pup’s parents, ask questions, and get physical proof of health screenings.

Follow all the rules of meeting a breeder under any circumstances, and don’t commit to a purchase until you are satisfied.

You can use our puppy search guide as a starting point when looking for a new puppy.

Raising a Weimaraner Lab Puppy

Like any puppy, you should work hard to train and socialize your puppy from the time you bring them home.

Choose an appropriate puppy food that is right for their size and age. Very young puppies don’t need much in the way of formal exercise.

Too much exercise as a young puppy can damage joints and increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

Choosing a puppy training class is a great idea if you aren’t sure where to get started. Or, you can choose an online training course to learn the basics at home.

For more help with caring for a new puppy, take a look at some of our puppy care guides.

Labmaraner Products and Accessories

New owners of this breed can benefit from being fully prepared before bringing their new dog or puppy home.

• Best Brush For Labs
• Dog Ramp For SUV And Large Vehicle Owners
• Best Dog Food For Weimaraner

The guides above will help you choose the best products for your new family member.

Pros And Cons of Getting A Weim Lab Mix

Here’s a quick summary of everything we have learned about this unique mixed breed.

Cons

• Appearance and temperament is unpredictable
• Quite a lot of health problems that could be inherited
• Can be hard to find this mixed breed
• Can be destructive if not exercised properly
• Some Labmaraner mixes are prone to barking

Pros

• Each puppy will be unique
• When socialized well, these dogs will be friendly and great with kids and other animals
• Very trainable
• Healthy body conformation

Have you made a decision about the Weim Labrador mix?

Comparing the Weimador with Other Breeds

If you like the sound of the Labrador Weimaraner mix, you may also be interested in some other varieties of Lab and Weim mix breed dogs.

Just like the Lab Weimaraner mix, their temperaments and appearances won’t be very predictable.

So, take a look at the parent breeds before deciding about them.

How about some other guides to similar breeds?

Similar Breeds

The following breeds have some similar traits to the Weimaraner Lab mix. Take a look if you’re interested!

• Greyhound Lab Mix
• Weimardoodle
• Vizsla
• Blue Picardy Spaniel

And, finally, what if you’re trying to find a Weimador rescue dog?

Weimaraner Lab Mix Breed Rescues

Specific Weimador breed rescues are few and far between. But, you may come across one of these dogs by looking at rescue centers dedicated to the parent breeds.

Weimaraner Rescues

• Weimaraner Resue of the South (USA)
• Tri-State Weim Rescue (USA)
• Tarheel Weim Rescue (USA)
• Blue Weimaraner Rescue (UK)

Labrador Rescues

• Labrador Rescue Southern England (UK)
• Labradors in Need (UK)
• LRCP Lab Rescue (USA)
• American Lab Rescue (USA)
• New England Lab Rescue (USA)
• Labrador UK Action Group (UK)

If you know of any others to add to this list, let us know in the comments!

References And Resources

• Clark, R. D. ‘Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of Weimaraners’ Xlibris (2014)
• Heynold, Y. (et al), ‘Clinical, Epidemiological and Treatment Results of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Labrador Retrievers: a Long Term Study’, Journal of Small Animal Practice, (1997)
• Kornegay, J. N. (et al), ‘Hypomyelination in Weimaraner Dogs’, Acta Neuropathologica (1987)
• Rowell, J. L. ‘Dog Models of Naturally Occurring Cancer’, Trends in Molecular Medicine (2011)
• Shaw, S. C. (et al), ‘Estimation of Heritability of Atopic Dermatitis in Labrador and Golden Retrievers’, American Journal of Veterinary Research (2004)
• Shih, J. L. (et al) ‘Chronic Hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers: Clinical Presentation and Prognostic Factors’, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2007)
• Sutter, N. B. and Ostrander, E. A. ‘Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System’, Nature Reviews Genetics (2004)