Vaccines and the Weimaraner
****Devine Weims will offer titer testing free of charge for 16 week old puppies, and annually for $40****
Weimaraner immunodeficiency syndrome is an inherited condition that causes immune system deficiencies, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and vaccine reactions. This syndrome is characterized by low levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and neutrophil defects, with symptoms often appearing around 12-15 weeks of age.
For Breeders and Puppy Buyers:
Weimaraners are known to be an at-risk breed for hyperinflammatory diseases and adverse vaccine reactions. Multicomponent modified live viral vaccines are linked to triggering this condition. The Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) recommends a conservative core vaccine protocol (Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza–Parvovirus at 8 and 12 weeks) followed by an antibody titer at 15–16 weeks to confirm immunity, rather than automatic re-inoculation. Rabies vaccination should be given separately and ideally after 16 weeks of age. Dr. Jean Dodds' protocol similarly advises minimal vaccinations and routine titer testing.
For Veterinarians:
Weimaraners have a documented predisposition to immune-mediated issues and vaccine reactions, which can range from mild side effects to severe, life-threatening conditions like hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) and neurological disorders. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus-2) are highly effective and proven to provide protection for years, potentially a lifetime, after the initial series. The administration of modified live viral vaccines can present a strong antigenic challenge to a genetically predisposed immune system. Antibody titer tests offer a reliable method to measure protective immunity, which can help avoid unnecessary re-vaccination, especially given the breed's susceptibility to adverse reactions. Both the WCA and Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, advocate for reduced vaccine protocols and utilizing titers to protect this sensitive breed.
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000311
https://www.vetlexicon.com/canis/internal-medicine/articles/weimaraner-immunodeficiency/
https://www.raglanwestie.com/www.raglanwestie.com/Dr._Jean_Dodds_Vaccination_Protocols.html
https://cidd.discoveryspace.ca/disorder/weimaraner-immunodeficiency.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781437701739000063
https://weimaranerpedigrees.com/index.php?view=immune
https://wagwalking.com/condition/weimaraner-immunodeficiency-syndrome
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11242&id=3860785&
Devine Weims takes extreme care in placing a puppy into its new home. Each perspective puppy owner is required to complete the questionnaire in its entirety and we may have follow up questions. Just as we want to ensure the puppy finds the perfect forever home, we also want each new puppy family to know that they're just that, we are available for advice and help for the life of the puppy, or just to receive any and all photos you want to share with us!
We do require a deposit to hold puppies once we have confirmed there is a puppy available for you. This deposit is only refundable in the case that something were to happen and the puppy is no longer available, we are serious about our weims and we expect that our future puppy homes are as well, so once you decide to make a commitment we want to know that you are fully on board.
Please note that a completed questionnaire also does not guarantee a puppy, we do have a waitlist and spots open up usually because the timing is not right for the families on our list. We always welcome applications to join our waitlist and you will be notified if puppies become availalble.