Updated 04-09-2023

Eurasier

The Eurasier originated in Germany and is a medium-sized dog of the Spitz type. These canines have a stellar reputation for being obedient, trustworthy, and mild-mannered. There are various names for the Eurasier breed; some of the most common are Wolf-Chow and Eurasian.

These canines are wonderful companions because of their gentle demeanor around children and their commitment to the pack. However, Eurasiers tend to suffer when isolated, especially in a closed space. However, they thrive in a family setting and suffer from anxiety and depression if isolated. Detailed information about the Eurasier dog breed is provided below!

Highlights

  • The Eurasier is a breed of dog that can be traced back to German Spitzes.
  • The coats and colors of Eurasiers are typically a mashup of Chow Chow and Wolfspitz coats and hues. Eurasiers typically appear in black, black and tan, fawn, red, and wolf sable.
  • There is some evidence that Eurasiers may be less of an allergen for their owners. In spite of their thick fur, they are simple to care for.
  • Most Eurasiers take food very carefully by hand since they have soft mouths and eat slowly and mindfully, rarely getting full.
  • In general, Eurasiers make wonderful pets for families. They are reliable watch dogs, yet are not typically aggressive towards strangers.

Characteristics

Social Appearance 

Adaptability

It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.

Sensitivity Level

Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.

Intensity

You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.

Potential for Playfulness

The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.

Personality Appearance

Intelligence

In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.

Energy Level

Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment

A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.

Easy To Train

Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.

Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.

Family Affection Level

Affectionate With Family

Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.

Kid-Friendly

Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.

Dog Friendly

Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.

Physical Appearance

Amount of Shedding

Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.

Drooling Potential

While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.

Exercise Needs

Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.

They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed

Height:

20 to 24 Inches

Weight:

40 to 71 lbs

Life Span:

12 to 14 years

History 

In the 1960s, the Eurasier was created as a breed specifically for the role of family dog and watchdog. Julius Wipfel, a German breeder, started by mixing Chow Chows and Wolfspitzes (which in some countries are considered the same breed as the Keeshond). The new breed also includes genetic material from one male Samoyed. The Federation Cynologique Internationale officially recognised these dogs in 1973, changing their name from the Wolf Chow to the more appropriate Eurasier to reflect their mixed European and Asian ancestry.

Although the dogs have widespread acclaim in Germany and Switzerland, they remain mostly unknown in the United States. In 1996, the United Kennel Club officially recognised the breed under the name Eurasian. It is classified as a Northern breed by the UKC but as a Spitz or Primitive breed by the FCI.

Personality & Temperament

As was mentioned before, the Eurasier was never meant to be a working breed but rather a companion animal. When viewed in this light, the breed's extreme loyalty to and reliance on its pack become clear. They build a deep attachment to their owners and thrive when they are the focal point of the household and invited to participate in all the fun. Given their need for companionship, some dogs are surprisingly perceptive and may even appear to have telepathic powers. The family is close-knit and emotionally responsive, yet outside the home they keep a low profile.

They aren't the most active dogs, but their vigilance and alertness make them excellent guard dogs. Many close family friends may find it takes some time for the Eurasier to warm up to them and accept their presence, and even longer before touching or snuggling is permitted, which may help because of their natural skepticism of strangers. However, it is extremely unusual to meet a Eurasier who is confrontational; rather than being aggressive, they tend to avoid conflict. The breed is rumored to have little to no hunting instinct, making it a potential fit for homes with smaller pets.

Care

The Eurasier dog is a purebred. Due to their thick, double coat, they are prone to skin diseases and should be groomed often. Water should be kept clean and fresh, and they should not be allowed to overeat. Make time for them to play every day and see to their basic needs. Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about your dog.

Health

The Eurasier is a fairly healthy breed, which is surprising given the small gene pool that existed during the breed's early development in the 1960s. Several of the below minor diseases can be traced back to the animal's tight eyelids.

Addison’s Disease

This disorder, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, often manifests itself in young to middle-aged Eurasians. The adrenal glands, two small glands in the abdomen responsible for producing a variety of essential hormones for maintaining health, are the target of the autoimmune attack that causes this condition. Importantly, they are the source of the hormones corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid, and deficiencies in any of these can cause a variety of unpleasant effects.

Common symptoms include episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by blood, though dogs may initially appear with more dramatic symptoms such as shock and collapse. Most dogs with Addison's disease that receive hormone replacement medication go on to lead long, robust lives.

Distichiasis

irregular eyelash development. When the extra hair rubs on the eye, it can cause irritation and pain. Although a veterinary ophthalmologist's help may be needed to see these distichiasis, they are easily treated by plucking out the problematic hair follicle (s).

Ectropion

The movement of the eyelids outward. Symptoms are usually noticeable at an early age, and they can include frequent infections and irritation of the eyes. The defect can be remedied surgically.

Entropion

Entropion is the opposite of ectropion and involves the eyelids rolling inward. This is particularly problematic since the lid hairs irritate the cornea by rubbing against it, leading to discomfort, ulceration, and scarring. Once again, surgical intervention is required to fix the issue.

Hip Dysplasia

Within the breed, this is the most common major issue. Pain in developing dogs is caused by improperly formed or excessively flexible joints in one or both hips. As a result, symptoms such as stiffness or lameness may first become apparent around the age of five months.

There is a good chance that the condition may go away on its own after a few months, but it will likely return in the form of osteoarthritis and persistent lameness when these pups reach middle life. Radiographic (x-ray) testing should be conducted to screen for hip dysplasia in all dogs used for breeding, and potential buyers should require the availability of hip scores for both parents.

Hypothyroidism

The Eurasier shares a higher risk of underactive thyroid with over 60 different breeds of dogs. A similar pathophysiological mechanism underlies Addison's disease, with autoimmune destruction of the gland causing a deficiency in circulating hormone levels. Medication may be able to correct the symptoms of weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue, but it must be taken forever.

Patellar Dislocation

When one or both of a Eurasier's kneecaps move out of their natural position, the resulting lameness might be intermittent. In practice, this manifests as a skipping gait characterized by the use of only three legs.

Recommended Health Tests 

  1. Patella Evaluation
  2. Thyroid Evaluation
  3. OFA Hips and Elbows
  4. OFA Eye Exam

Nutrition

Many people in Eurasia are not big eaters, and some are extremely selective. Even if they don't tend to overeat, it's still best to provide two measured meals every day rather than putting food out 24/7. 

If you want to know what kind of dog food is best for your Eurasier and how much of it to give him or her, you should see a breeder or a veterinarian.

Grooming

The Eurasier's coat is silky and abundant, and it only has to be brushed out once or twice a week to keep it looking great. It's unusual to find a Eurasier with even a hint of dog smell because they're so naturally clean. Nails should be trimmed once a week or as needed and the dog should be given a bath when it gets dirty. Check its ears once a week for wax buildup or signs of discomfort. It should have its teeth brushed at least once a day.

Exercise

Despite the breed's enthusiasm for long walks, Eurasiers can get all the exercise they need with just two 30-minute walks every day. Incorporate off-leash play and jogging into your Eurasier's daily routine. They are active and thrive on the mental and physical challenge of dog sports and activities including agility, flyball, obedience, and herding.

Training

The Eurasier is very trainable since it is intelligent and eager to please its owner. Because of this, it's important to train your Eurasier with care and positivity, utilizing methods like clicker training, lots of goodies, and lots of praise.

Children And Other Pets

Since they are so easygoing, Eurasiers are wonderful family pets, especially if raised with kids of various ages. They are huge to medium-sized dogs that are generally tolerant to eager children. However, until they get to know you, most people from Eurasia will maintain a cool demeanor. For this reason, it's important for kids to learn how to interact with and play safely with these dogs.

Eurasiers require some introduction time with new pets. While they are neither hostile or easily startled, they are wary of dogs and other pets they have not met before. However, if they are exposed to other pets for an extended period of time, they will learn to accept them.

Repeatedly, Eurasiers get along great with kids, other dogs, and even cats. Training, exposure to other people, and sheer chance all play a role.

Puppies

Puppies of the Eurasier, a medium-sized breed, achieve their full size quite soon. Early socialization and training are recommended for this breed, as they are for other dogs. Eurasier puppies typically have a small to moderate litter size, ranging from 4 to 8 pups.

Dog Breeds Similar to Eurasier 

  1. Segugio Italiano
  2. Sporting Lucas Terrier
  3. Spanador
  4. Basque Shepherd
  5. Ogar Polski