I'm going to primarily address your last point.
It is absolutely true that Weims need to be able to run around and use their nose off-leash. Now this doesn't necessarily mean every second of everyday -- but it definitely does need to be a regular part of their exercise regime.
Weims are a considerably more active/higher energy dog then Goldens or Labs. As adolescents they need at least a minimum of 1 hr of hard exercise each day plus some mental stimulation (training, nose-work, puzzle toys, etc)
Like any dog, they shouldn't be allowed off leash until they have a reliable recall, and use of a long-lead comes in handy for training this. They can be a bit more independent in training but a consistent reward-based approach does work with them and can produce a very reliable, obedient partner.
Weims can definitely be raised to live with cats, especially if socialized with them at a young age. This is true of almost any breed if the individual pup started young enough.
As for socialization with other dogs, 3-5 is a good start, but real socialization comes from meeting lots of new dogs on a regular basis as good socialization is really about proper manners when approaching & greeting strange dogs. Meeting lots of new dogs will instill this.
Weims are beautiful and devoted dogs. They are intelligent, more confident then Vizslas and less prone to separation anxiety, but do not under-estimate the physical and mental needs of this breed. With a lot of hard work in the first 1-2 years you can have a superb dog. Without that hard work, you can end up with a destructive maniac.
Go in with your eyes open. Check out Home and start reading existing threads and asking lots of questions. They'll be in the best position to advise you.
Good luck!
It is absolutely true that Weims need to be able to run around and use their nose off-leash. Now this doesn't necessarily mean every second of everyday -- but it definitely does need to be a regular part of their exercise regime.
Weims are a considerably more active/higher energy dog then Goldens or Labs. As adolescents they need at least a minimum of 1 hr of hard exercise each day plus some mental stimulation (training, nose-work, puzzle toys, etc)
Like any dog, they shouldn't be allowed off leash until they have a reliable recall, and use of a long-lead comes in handy for training this. They can be a bit more independent in training but a consistent reward-based approach does work with them and can produce a very reliable, obedient partner.
Weims can definitely be raised to live with cats, especially if socialized with them at a young age. This is true of almost any breed if the individual pup started young enough.
As for socialization with other dogs, 3-5 is a good start, but real socialization comes from meeting lots of new dogs on a regular basis as good socialization is really about proper manners when approaching & greeting strange dogs. Meeting lots of new dogs will instill this.
Weims are beautiful and devoted dogs. They are intelligent, more confident then Vizslas and less prone to separation anxiety, but do not under-estimate the physical and mental needs of this breed. With a lot of hard work in the first 1-2 years you can have a superb dog. Without that hard work, you can end up with a destructive maniac.
Go in with your eyes open. Check out Home and start reading existing threads and asking lots of questions. They'll be in the best position to advise you.
Good luck!
