If you’re looking for an active and loyal companion, the Weimaraner Husky mix might be the perfect fit.
The so-called “Weimsky” is a mix of two working breeds. They are highly intelligent, athletic, and loyal. The parent breeds of the Weimsky are the Siberian Husky, a medium-sized dog suited for colder climates, and the Weimaraner, Germany’s swift ‘grey ghost.’
Easily trained and great with kids, these dogs are perfect for active families with ample space. Read on for 19 facts about this distinctive mixed breed.
1. The Weimaraner Husky Mix Is an Active Dog
Because Weimaraners and Huskies are both working breeds, Weimskies are very energetic. Therefore, they need a lot of exercise.
The Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds over vast frozen expanses. For that reason, they are strong and capable of great endurance.
The Weimaraner is a high-energy breed with long legs. These athletic dogs love to run and benefit from getting the opportunity to run at full speed. Walks are great for regular exercise. However, if your Weimsky inherits the Weimaraner’s need for speed, you’ll want to let your dog run in a large fenced in area.
How much exercise do Weimaraner Husky mixes need? The exercise requirements generally involve multiple brisk walks (between 30 – 60 minutes) per day. Allowing them to run full speed and play with other dogs will also allow them to expel a lot of energy. A large fenced-in yard is a plus. A tired Weimsky is a happy Weimsky (and a happy owner).
Weimaraner Husky mix dogs are easily trained to be great frisbee dogs. Read all about the best frisbee dog breeds here.
2. Weimskies Can Become Destructive if Under-Stimulated
Weimaraner Husky mixes can easily become frustrated and bored when under-stimulated. This could lead to destructive behavior.
The high intelligence of this hybrid dog is a double-edged sword. They are easy to train, but if they aren’t mentally stimulated enough, they get bored.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog entertained. For example, play toys and enrichment puzzles are great, as are outdoor play sessions with a frisbee or ball. And when you walk your dog, be patient and allow them to sniff. Believe it or not, smelling new scents is a great way to stimulate your dog’s brain and tire them out.
3. Weimaraner Huskies are Medium to Large Dogs
Weimaraner Husky mixes tend to stand roughly 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 40 to 80 pounds, with females falling into the lower end of this range and males landing towards the high end.
The size of your dog will depend on which parent is the dominant breed. Weimaraners typically weigh between 55 and 85 pounds, while Huskies can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. Weimaraners are also known for their long legs, so mixes can inherent the tall, lanky look of this elegant breed.
4. Weimaraner Huskies Aren’t Great Around Small Animals
Though Weimskies are generally friendly, their high prey drive can kick in around smaller animals. Pet cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or even little dogs can fall victim.
If you already have small animals, it’s a good idea to buy a young puppy that can get used to your pets at a young age. Early socialization and training can temper their instinctual prey drive. That being said, close supervision is crucial until you can be sure your dog is trustworthy around smaller animals.
5. Want a Second Dog? Add a Weimaraner Husky Mix
The Husky in particular is a very social breed. Bred to work in packs, Huskies are happy around other energetic dogs. This means that a Husky mix is a good option for households that already have a dog (or several).
And what’s more, Weimaraners actually tend to do best when paired with another dog. Since Weimaraner’s require a lot of attention, they are prone to anxiety if under stimulated. Giving your dog a best bud can alleviate some of this anxiety and take some of the pressure off of you.
6. Weimaraner Husky Mix Dogs Are Wicked Smart
Both Huskies and Weimaraners are intelligent breeds. These hybrid dogs are quick learners and eager to please.
If you can, hire a professional trainer while your dog is young. If you train you dog on your own, though, rest assured that a Weimsky will want to make you happy and do what you ask. Always be sure to reward your dog’s good behavior with positive reinforcement.
7. Weimaraner Huskies Make Great Companions
Weimaraner Husky dogs tend to be affectionate and loyal in nature. These dogs form strong bonds with their human family members, making them a good companion and a devoted family pet.
If anything, some owners say Weimskies can be a little too friendly. Weimaraners especially can be a bit needy. They rely on their owners to give them attention — more so than some other breeds. So if you’re looking for a pet to be always by your side, a Weimaraner mix is definitely it.
8. For Weimskies, Separation Anxiety Can Be A Problem
Weimaraner Husky mixes, like many breeds, are susceptible to separation anxiety. This means they can become distressed and potentially destructive when left alone.
When raising your puppy, it’s important to gradually increase their time alone so they get accustomed to you being gone. If your dog does develop separation anxiety, you can help ease their distress. Provide them with engaging activities while you’re away to keep them occupied. And, consulting a trainer who specializes in separation anxiety never hurts.
9. Weimskies Can Make Great Sled Dogs — If You’re Into That
If you’ve ever watched Disney’s Togo, you’ve surely fantasized about leading a pack of Huskies over snow-drenched landscape. To make that fantasy a reality, look no further than the Weimsky.
While not a traditional sled dog breed, the Weimsky combines the Siberian Husky’s sled dog legacy with the size and athleticism of the Weimaraner.
The Siberian Husky was brought from Siberia to Alaska in 1908 to serve as working sled dogs. This Weimsky parent breed eventually became fierce competitors in sled racing.
If you live somewhere with cold weather, why not!
10. Your Weimaraner Husky Mix Can Talk – Well, Sort Of
Huskies are known to be blabber mouths. They express themselves with sounds that can range from playful barks to bone-chilling howls. You might find the communicative nature of this breed to be quite charming, but your neighbors might not. Weimaraner Husky mixes may inherit the unique vocalizations typical of the Husky, so be prepared for long conversations with your dog!
11. The Weimsky Is a Good Guard Dog
Due to their protective nature and watchful instincts, Weimaraner Husky mixes can be great guard dogs. Weimaraners have an innate wariness of strangers, while Huskies tend to love everyone. But both are loyal and protective and their commitment to safeguarding their loved ones make them ideal choices for home security. However, socialization is recommended (as with any dog) to ensure your dog doesn’t become aggressive with new people.
12. The Weimaraner Husky Mix Dog Lives Relatively Long
The life expectancy of a Husky is 12 – 15 years, which is pretty long relative to their size. (Most medium to large dogs typically live between 10 and 12 years). Weimaraners live between 10 and 13 years. Life expectancy depends on a lot of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics. But you can reasonably expect your Weimsky to live between 10 and 15 years. Pretty good for a large dog!
13. Ears: Floppy or Straight?
Because Weimaraners have floppy ears, and Huskies have straight ears, a mixed breed can have either. Puppies may have floppy ears that eventually become perky any time between four weeks old to seven months of age. Once your dog stops teething and has her adult teeth, her ear stature will be permanent.
14. Weimaraner Husky Mix Dogs Love Snow
Thanks to their Husky lineage, Weimskies tend to thrive in colder climates. If you’re a winter adventurer and love spending time outdoors in the cold, a Weimaraner Husky might be an ideal companion for you. They revel in playing and exploring snowy landscapes.
15. Weimaraner Husky Mixes Often Have Double Coats
The Siberian Husky has adapted to cold winters with a thick, insulating double coat. Weimaraners, however, have a short coat. Crossbreeds could inherent either of these coat types. The thicker the coat, the more often you’ll need to brush your dogs fur to avoid matting.
16. Weimaraner Huskies Are Not Great Apartment Dogs
Because of their medium-to-large size and energetic nature, Weimaraner Husky mixes are not the best choice for small homes with limited outdoor space. This doesn’t mean that these dogs absolutely cannot live in apartments. But it does mean that if you live in a small space, be sure to make ample time for your dog’s exercise needs outside of the home—like in parks or on walks.
17. Hunt? Weimaraner Husky Mixes Make Good Gun Dogs
Weimaraner dogs originally hail from Germany, where they were bred as hunting dogs for large game like deer and bear. Leverage their strong prey drive with proper training, and you’ll have yourself a top notch hunting dog. Hunting also provides your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation!
18. Hip Dysplasia Is Somewhat Common in Weimaraner Husky Mixes
A common misconception is that mixed breed dogs are less likely to develop health issues than purebred dogs are. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a purebred dog is no more likely to develop hereditary diseases than mixed breed dogs are.
One of the common health problems among Weimaraner Husky mixes is hip dysplasia. According to the American Kennel Club, hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition (especially in large dogs breeds) that happens when the ball and socket in the hip joint grind together. This can be very painful for dogs and significantly reduce their quality of life.
The good news is that supplements like glucosamine can help treat and prevent joint problems, along with maintaining a healthy weight, safe exercise, and regular veterinary care.
19. Weimskies Vary in Color
Weimaraner’s distinguishing gray coat is smooth, sleek, and all one color. Huskies, on the other hand, have distinctive markings and range in color from gray and tan, to black and white, to red and white. Weimaraner Husky mixes can be gray, black, brown, sable, red, white, or a mix of multiple colors. Puppies from the same litter can look drastically different from one another, as each will differ in how much they take after each parent.
Conclusion
Weimaraner Husky mixes:
- Are good with kids and other dogs
- Have a long life expectancy relative to their size
- Require a lot of exercise and ample space
- Can be needy and prone to separation anxiety
- Are smart and easily trained
- Need to be socialized young in order to get along with smaller animals
- Are potentially good guard dogs, gun dogs, and sled dogs
Weimaraner Husky mixes are intelligent dogs that make excellent companion dogs for families with ample space to run and play. If you’re considering adding one of these active dogs to your family, look for a reputable breeder that screens for health issues. When possible, get your Weimsky at a young age to socialize him/her around smaller animals and young children, and to give them the proper training needed to avoid separation anxiety or excessive barking. Bottom line, Weimaraners are loyal dogs with two parent breeds known to love to play and be part of a family. We wish you the best of luck in adding one to yours!