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Weimaraner’s, or Weims for short, are a beautiful dog breed originally bred to be a hunting dog. They’re a breed with high energy and high intelligence, making them perfect playmates for children and active adults.
Weimaraner dogs are gray in appearance, with short hair and light-colored eyes. They are nicknamed ‘gray ghosts’ because of their color and stealth. Some Weims may have longer hair, but they generally have a short coat–which begs the question, Are Weimaraner’s Hypoallergenic? Do Weimaraner’s shed? Are they hypoallergenic?
The short answers are, yes, they shed, and they are not hypoallergenic. Interestingly, no dog truly is.
Weims are a distinct dog breed for several reasons. Their silvery-gray color, hunting history, and the docked tails many sport. Though it is now banned in several countries, Weims typically have their tails docked for safety and performance reasons. Longtails may inhibit their hunting abilities, or an excited Weim could inflict pain with their twirling tail.
Weimaraner’s are beloved for their temperament and their unique look. Their short gray hairs may suggest a lack of shedding, but this isn’t the case. While Weims do shed less than long-haired breeds, like Golden Retrievers or Huskies, they do still shed. Shedding follows yearly cycles, worsening as the weather warms up to give dogs a fresh coat. You’ll notice a darker line along your Weims’ spine or even dark patches on their body, which signals they’re shedding. As new hair grows in, it is darker in appearance. Looking patterned for a little bit is completely normal for Weimaraner’s. As their hair cycles, you’ll see these lines and patches slowly fade and grow back in.
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So, Are Weimaraner’s Hypoallergenic?
No, Weims are not hypoallergenic. Those who are allergic to dogs or cats are rarely allergic to just their fur, as many of us assume them to be. What actually causes irritation is the secretions a dog or cat produces. This includes sweat, spit, dander, and even their poop and pee. Understandably, even dogs that don’t shed at all are not completely safe for those with dog allergies.
While Weims shed less than other dog breeds, they do still shed and produce bodily secretions. They can then not be considered hypoallergenic–no dog is. Suppose you or someone in your family has a greater sensitivity to dander. In that case, you may notice fewer symptoms with a Weimaraner because they tend to shed less. In most cases, though, those with pet allergies will still show symptoms living with a Weim.
The good news is that these symptoms can be managed and even lessened. If you’re allergic to your Weim, make sure your bedroom is completely closed off from your Weim. Though they’ll miss you, you and your body will better enjoy the relief from dog irritants. Having at least one ‘safe room’ is a great way to enjoy the companionship of a Weimaraner while keeping your allergy symptoms low. If you do need to sleep alone, put a comfortable bed for your Weim in a room they’re comfortable in. Use a durable dog bed, big enough for your Weim and washable. With those qualities in place, your Weim won’t mind parting ways with you each night.
Hypoallergenic dogs are usually defined as ‘non-shedding’. This definition lacks to explain everything else that causes an allergic reaction; it’s much more than just dander and hair. So, don’t get nervous when you see Weimaraner’s not making the hypoallergenic cut. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, though low-shedders can offer greater relief for allergy symptoms.
Are Long-Haired Weimaraner’s Hypoallergenic?
The answer to this question is also no. Long-haired Weims are just as allergenic as their short-haired buddies, perhaps even more so. Long-haired Weims tend to shed more than short-haired Weims. Their hair has a greater tendency to catch and pull due to its length, meaning you’ll find it on your clothes and furniture more frequently. With that being said, even long-haired Weimaraners have a lower tendency to shed than most other breeds. As you search for your perfect Weim, you don’t need to pass any up for their coat length. Weimaraners have silky hair, making it a bit less likely to catch and cling to surfaces. Long-haired Weimaraners resemble Collies or Retrievers but with hair a bit shorter and glossier. Their ears and tails have the longest hairs, giving them an exceptionally cute look.
Suppose you or a family member is more allergic to pet dander than any other bodily substance. In that case, you may want to take caution when homing a long-haired Weim. This is primarily recommended for your own comfort. Keep in mind that you have options when choosing your Weim, which is one of what makes this breed so unique. If you’re worried about the higher likelihood for shedding, a short-haired Weim is perfect for you.
Also, remember that shedding isn’t always breed-specific. Genetics, climate, and diet all play a crucial role in shedding.
Do Weimaraner’s Shed a Lot?
The answer to this question varies on a dog-to-dog basis. Some Weims will shed more based on what you feed them, where you live, how much time they spend outside, and their genetic makeup. As a whole, though, Weimaraner’s are on the lower side of shedding. For example, you’ll have much less coat maintenance with a Weim compared to a Husky or a St. Bernard. And because their hair is thin and silky, it’s less likely to get tugged and end up on your floor. This is especially true if you keep up a good diet, as good coat health starts from within. Be sure to feed your Weim a healthy, nutrient-dense diet–your clothes and furniture will thank you.
Weimaraner’s are an energetic breed. They love to be moving around outside, going on walks or runs. This is another way to reduce shedding, as your Weim will naturally shake any loose hairs as they prance and frolic. While you’re outside, you’ll need a good harness. Because of their high energy and prey drive, Weims have a tendency to pull on their lead. This can get annoying fast. Opt for a harness with a back and front clip and one that is made out of durable materials. With a sturdy harness in place, you’re all set to take your Weim for a stroll.
Another tip for reducing shedding is to brush frequently. This is true for dogs of all breeds and pinnacle for coat health. Give your Weim a brush every week or so to keep them looking fresh and shedding less. Even short-haired Weimaraners should still be brushed. You may be able to get away with fewer brush sessions if you have a short-haired Weim. For long-haired Weims, brush at least once a week.
Along with brushing, make sure you’re also bathing your Weim every few weeks. Bathing gets rid of excess hair, helping your Weim shed less. Try using a shampoo made with oatmeal and with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera. Weimaraner’s tend to have sensitive skin, so you’ll want to choose a gentle and nourishing shampoo.
You can take many steps to lower your Weim’s shedding output if need be. With that, combined with their natural tendency to shed less than other dogs, Weimaraner’s are an excellent option for those looking for a low-shedding pet. Keep in mind, though, that the amount of shedding does depend on the individual dog.
Conclusion
Weimaraner’s are a gorgeous, unique dogs that are bred to hunt and run. They are not, however, hypoallergenic. They are often made out to be hypoallergenic because of their low-shed coat. However, dander and fur are only one of the causing factors of pet allergies and symptoms. Spit, sweat, and anything else that comes out of your dog can cause allergic reactions. For this reason, no dog can be wholly classified as hypoallergenic. Weimaraner’s are no different. Though they tend to shed less, they do still spit, sweat, poop, and pee. If you have dog allergies or pet allergies, Weimaraner’s will still trigger an allergic reaction. But because of their coats and lesser tendency to shed, your allergies might fare better with a Weim rather than a Golden Retriever. For that reason, Weims are a continually popular breed. They are also good with children and anyone with the energy to spare. Their natural stealth and intelligence make them great for training and teaching obedience.
Weimaraner’s shed in varying amounts. Some long-haired Weims may shed a lot, while other long or short-haired Weims will hardly shed at all. It all depends on genetic and external factors. But, there are things you can do to mitigate shedding. Be sure to make brushing a frequent habit. Take your Weim on walks outside, or let them run around your yard if it’s fenced in. The more active they are, the less likely they are to shed a lot. And they just love being outside. It’s a win-win for both of you!
Ultimately, don’t be fooled by the hypoallergenic tag attached to Weimaraner’s. They are not a hypoallergenic breed, but they do often shed less than most.
About the Author
Hey there! I'm Jeremy and I’m the brains behind Pet Care Project, a website chock-full of pet-care know-how. I've got the experience and knowledge to help you keep your furry friends happy and healthy. And let's not forget about my own little fluffball, Lunar, my Ragdoll cat who keeps me on my toes.
