Weimaraner Vs Labrador

Weimaraner Vs Labrador: Which One Is Better Family Dog?

All breeds of dogs have some similarities and a few distinctive features that make them different from each other. Dog lovers often find the various features fascinating that each of them exhibits.

If you are in the process of being a new dog parent and want to expand your family with the addition of a canine, deciding on one specific breed can be a tough choice. Two of the most popular kinds are Labradors and Weimaraner.  

Who can be a better family companion, a Labrador, or a Weimaraner?

Both Labradors and Weimaraner are faithful to their human parents and also have a lot of similarities in them. But some distinctive characters in them make them different from each other. However, for new parents, any breed of dog will require more or less the same amount of training, love, and affection.

If you want to spend less amount for grooming, Weimaraner would be a great choice for you.

Comparison between Labrador and Weimaraner

Deciding on one specific breed to choose and adapt as your pet is one of the most challenging situations for a dog lover. Below mentioned points are some of the few slight differentiating characters and requirements between a Labrador and a Weimaraner. These will provide you with a direction and make your decision a bit easier.

Origin

The Weimaraner breed has its background from Germany and is known for their hunting skills in the early 19th century whereas; Labradors date back to 1830 and have Canadian origin. They were known for their ability of snow fowling.  

Description: 

Although both Labradors and Weimaraner have quite similar appearances, Labradors are a bit shorter than the other. Weimaraner grows till 27 inches and weighs around 88 pounds and is classified in a larger breed category.

On the other hand, Labradors reach a height of 24 inches and weigh 80 pounds, and are a medium-large breed. One differentiation in their features is the appearance of their tail. The tail of Labradors is wide, unlike Weimaraner, who has a slim tail, which in the earlier years was docked, although it is no longer allowed now.  

Coat and its color:

As a pet parent, if you have certain selecting factors based on skin and color, you must know that Weimaraner has a short but smooth coat and requires regular grooming as they shed a lot. Their coat color ranges from charcoal blue to grey.

However, Labradors, too, have a short coat but a quite dense one. They are known for their double coat, as they have two layers. One is the undercoat, and the other the topcoat. Labradors generally either have black, yellow or chocolate color coats. Since the coating is dense, it is characterized to be waterproof.

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Grooming

Since both of them have short coats, they do not require excessive grooming. However, Labradors generally shed twice a year, which can be quite messy. So, if you want to reduce your work of cleaning the house, you must brush the double-layered coat at least twice a day.

Weimaraners need very little maintenance or grooming, and it is quite effortless. Regular brushing will help you to extract the dead hair, instead of shedding it all over the house.

Temperament

Weimaraners are hunting dogs originally, and alertness in them is quite high. They are energetic, intelligent, steady, but fast runners, which is relevant to being a hunter. Labradors are affectionate, cheerful, and are faithfully loyal towards their human counterparts.

Unlike Labradors, who are responsive to commands, Weimaraner can become quite stubborn. Both of them possess a high intelligence rank, but Weimaraner is slightly on the upper side.

Training

As both Labradors and Weimaraners are physically active breeds, they require regular indulgence in outdoor activities. Training both of them is necessary to help them guide towards daily routines similar to yours.

Still, Labradors are more comfortable preparing as they respond to training better than Weimaraner. They can sometimes be quite stubborn and not follow the commands.

Weimaraners like playing games and other sports and involve in vigorous physical exercise to calm their body and release excess energy, thus requiring appropriate training.

As Labradors are kind and affectionate, they can efficiently train for accompanying physically challenged people like those with blindness and autism. They are well-trained in the field of therapy, screening, and detection and are preferable as service dogs in many law agencies.

Behavioral aspects: 

For pets, behavior does not only comply with their nature and response towards their owners. It also comprises the manners that they display while left alone or while meeting strangers. 

Loneliness

There can be a specific behavioral issue in the case of Weimaraner when left alone. They are not an independent breed and prefer to be around their owners always. Loneliness often tends to show unnatural habits.

If they are left alone for a longer duration, they get restless. In severe cases, they may also show separation anxiety. Boredom and distress make their shift from their natural behavior.

They also tend to harm themselves and also damage household items. Until they return to their accompaniment, they may either show signs of destructive chewing, continuous barking, or howling

On the other hand, Labradors are independent and stay engaged with themselves if left alone. Females are better at handling independence than their male counterparts.

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Strangers

Weimaraner does not like to be in the company of strangers. They prefer familiar faces or their human parents around them. Although Labradors too, are not very fond of strangers, due to their affectionate nature, they can easily mingle with unfamiliar humans.

But they prefer being independent and do not like someone hovering around them continuously. With proper training, they prove to be excellent service dogs, which makes them friendly towards people with disabilities.

Children

Labradors have a good bond with children of all ages, whereas Weimaraner does not like noisy children around them. But with time they will get along with the children at home and soon enjoy their company.

Neither of them has a high risk of biting, provided the Weimaraner is not left alone, which can sometimes show a biting tendency.

Social

Early socializing sessions are necessary for both breeds. Dogs tend to show unnatural manners, when between strangers or other pet animals in the neighbors. For mitigating this, both these breeds require early training.

A regular walk in the park or the neighborhood can do the trick if done from a very young age.

Escaping:

Weimaraners tend to escape violently, if not in touch with their owner for a long time. But not when they receive complete human attention. However, Labradors have a great sense of smell and can often follow interesting ones.

Due to which they usually are separated from their family home. Thus, many rescue shelters and organizations suggest microchipping Labradors or placing an ID card around their neck while outdoors.  

Environment adaptation: 

Both breeds can quickly adapt to lifestyle changes. Since both Labradors and Weimaraners are affectionate towards their human parents, they try to please them and adapt to changing environments very rapidly.

However, just like any other living being, they too need their own time and space to adjust and understand the new surrounding well. 

Older people: 

If you have elderly or old-aged parents at home and want to provide them with some company, Labradors are the better choice as they can quickly adapt to training and can support older people.  

Health issues: 

Every pet dog requires regular check-ups and vaccination. Since most of the breeds contain specific genetic problems, they tend to be a victim of ill-health due to them.

Genetic

Weimaraners too can have specific health issues like entropion, distichiasis, to name a few. Labradors also suffer from specific genetic disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, knee issues, and other autoimmune diseases.

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Skin

You may also notice skin infections, itching, and rashes often. Consulting a veterinarian is the best advice. Parasites also attack them often and cause allergies.

Others

Bloating for not following the exact diet they are suitable to, which, if not treated, can be fatal for Weimaraner. Labradors, since they like to eat, often suffer from obesity. So, they need continuous monitoring regarding their food habits.  

Apart from the health issues, a healthy Labrador has a life expectancy of ten to twelve years. Similar is the lifespan for a Weimaraner as well. 

Exercise and outdoor activities: 

Labradors and Weimaraner, both are highly energetic breeds. They require regular exercise sessions or games to indulge. They do not like staying all day indoors and prefer being outdoors. Involving them in certain games is a good idea. 

Diet

Since Labradors are more prone to become obese, so they need to follow a strict diet. But a Weimaraner has a little chance of gaining weight. However, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet for pet dogs.

A sufficient amount of healthy and nutritious meals is essential for their growth and development. A diet with the required proportions of each nutrient helps in bone development, as Labradors are prone to hereditary bone disorders. Similarly, a balanced diet will improve the immunity power of a Weimaraner.

Weather:

Since Labradors have a dual-layered coat, their body can easily regulate temperature. They lose their dense layer during the summers, which grows back during winters for keeping them warm.

Thus, they do not catch a cold easily. However, Weimaraner has a short coat and there is no undercoat on their body. Although they can withstand both hot and cold climates, it is better to avoid extreme icy conditions.  

The points mentioned above have well-explained the similarities as well as different characters of both Labrador and Weimaraner. Choosing one between the two is a difficult choice.

Every pet owner has its limitations as well as the wants that they desire in a pet. Similarly, every different dog breed also has its distinguishing features, which make them unique and special.

Since both of them are faithful and loyal, if possible, you may open your doors and expand your family for both of them. If you stay with elderly parents and children, Labradors are an excellent choice.

But if you can provide your pet with an ample amount of time and affection, you may go for a Weimaraner. Both are family dogs and are excellent creations of mother nature.  

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