Great Weimar
The Great Weimar is a cross between the Great Dane and the Weimaraner. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Great Weimar. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Great Dane
The Great Dane stands as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, presenting a truly impressive and commanding presence that has earned them the well-deserved title of Apollo of Dogs. Male Great Danes typically stand between 30 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140 and 175 pounds, while females measure 28 to 30 inches in height and weigh between 110 and 140 pounds. Some exceptional individuals may stand even taller, with the breed standard encouraging breeders to strive for height while maintaining proper proportion and balance. The breed possesses a powerful, well-muscled body that combines strength with elegance, featuring a square build where the body length approximately equals the height. Their athletic frame is supported by long, straight legs and a deep chest that provides ample room for heart and lung capacity. The Great Dane's coat is short, thick, smooth, and glossy, lying close to the body in a sleek manner that accentuates their muscular definition and requires minimal grooming. Recognized coat colors include fawn ranging from light golden to deep gold with a black mask, brindle featuring a chevron stripe pattern, steel blue, glossy black, harlequin with irregular black patches on a pure white base, and mantle which displays a black blanket over the body with white markings on the muzzle, chest, and legs. The breed standard calls for a long, narrow head that appears rectangular in shape, with a pronounced stop between the skull and muzzle. Their eyes are medium-sized, deep-set, and typically dark in color, conveying an alert and intelligent expression that reflects their keen awareness. Distinctive features include high-set ears that may be cropped to stand erect or left natural to fold forward against the cheeks, and a long tail that reaches to the hock and is carried in line with the back or with a slight curve upward when the dog is active. The neck is long, well-arched, and muscular, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The breed moves with a powerful, smooth stride that covers ground efficiently with good reach and drive. Despite their giant size, Great Danes should never appear clumsy or awkward, instead displaying a graceful and athletic bearing that reflects their noble heritage as companions to German nobility.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Great Danes possess a natural watchdog instinct and will alert their families to unusual occurrences, often with a deep, powerful bark that commands attention. However, they are rarely aggressive without cause and generally display polite, welcoming behavior toward strangers once properly introduced. These dogs thrive on human companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Their calm indoor demeanor makes them surprisingly well-suited to various living situations despite their size, though they appreciate having enough space to stretch out comfortably.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Orthopedic conditions are common due to the breed's rapid growth rate and heavy frame, including hip dysplasia, which causes malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Wobbler syndrome, a neurological condition affecting the cervical spine, can cause progressive weakness and coordination problems in the hindquarters. Great Danes also face elevated risks for osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that affects giant breeds disproportionately. Hypothyroidism and various eye conditions have also been documented in the breed. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings for these conditions, and regular veterinary checkups are essential for early detection and management.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a medium to large sporting dog that presents a picture of grace, speed, and athletic ability through its streamlined and elegant build. Male Weimaraners typically stand between 25 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 90 pounds, while females measure 23 to 25 inches in height and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. The breed possesses a moderately long body with a deep chest that reaches nearly to the elbow, well-sprung ribs, and a tucked-up abdomen that contributes to their racy, athletic appearance. Their muscular development is smooth and refined rather than bulky, allowing for the speed and endurance required of a versatile hunting companion. The most distinctive feature of the Weimaraner is their unique coat color, which ranges from mouse-gray to silver-gray in various shades, earning the breed the nickname Gray Ghost. This short, sleek coat is dense, smooth, and lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming while accentuating the breed's muscular definition. A small white spot on the chest is permissible under the breed standard, and lighter shading around the muzzle and head may occur. The overall impression is of a dog built for function, with clean lines and no excess that would impede their working ability in the field. The Weimaraner's head is moderately long and aristocratic in appearance, with a slight median line extending from the brow down to the nose. Perhaps their most striking facial feature is their eye color, which ranges from light amber to shades of gray or blue-gray, giving them an alert and intelligent expression that many find hauntingly beautiful. The ears are long, lobular, and set high on the head, folding slightly at the base and hanging close to the sides of the head. The tail is typically docked in countries where this practice remains legal, though natural tails are increasingly common and are carried with confidence when the dog is alert. The breed moves with a smooth, effortless gait that demonstrates their athletic capability.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training a Weimaraner requires consistency, patience, and firm but gentle guidance, as they can display an independent streak and may attempt to establish dominance if boundaries are not clearly established. Early socialization is essential to develop a well-rounded adult dog who is confident in new situations. While they are generally affectionate with family members and good with older children who can match their energy level, their exuberance may be overwhelming for very young children. They tend to be reserved with strangers initially but are not typically aggressive, serving as alert watchdogs who announce visitors with their distinctive bark.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Weimaraners are known to be affected by several eye conditions including entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward causing the lashes to irritate the cornea, and progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness. Hypothyroidism, a disorder of the thyroid gland that affects metabolism, occurs in the breed and can be managed with daily medication once diagnosed. Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting proteins, has been documented and should be tested for prior to surgical procedures. Spinal dysraphism is a neurological condition specific to the breed that affects the spine during fetal development, causing gait abnormalities. Regular veterinary care and health screenings help ensure early detection and management.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Great Weimar may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Great Dane and Weimaraner to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.