Eurasier

The Eurasier, sometimes referred to as Eurasian, is a breed of dog of spitz type that originated in Germany. It is widely known as a wonderful companion that maintains its own personality, has a dignified reserve to strangers, a strong bond to its family and that is relatively easy to train.

HISTORY

Created to be the perfect family companion housedog only 50 years ago, the Eurasier is a relatively new Spitz type of dog. In the 1960’s German professor and breeder Julius Whipfel, began crossing Chow Chows with Wolfspitzes. The breed that resulted from this combination was known and registered under the name of ‘’Wolf Chow’’. Later on, in 1972, Samoyed’s blood was introduced to the breed and the outcome was the Eurasier we know today.
Until recently the Eurasier popularity was limited to Canada and European countries such as Germany and Switzerland, but now it begins to increase in popularity in the United States too. The Eurasier was developed exclusively as a companion dog but is used as therapy dog and in canine agility and obedience competitions.

PERSONALITY

Eurasiers are calm, quiet, self-assured and even tempered, but at the same time alert and watchful. They are loyal to their family and reserved with strangers, but without being timid or aggressive.
Eurasiers are human oriented and affectionate, they love their peoplewith whom form strong bonds and are very protective of. Although they are not very needy, Eurasiers suffer from severe separation anxiety when left alone for a longer period of time.
Eurasiers are friendly and if raised together can learn to get along well with other dogs, but non canine pets are not their best friend option. They are very tolerant and can be left alone with small children.

TRAITS

Often mistaken for Keeshond and Chow mixes, the Eurasian is a medium sized Spitz type of dog. He is sturdily and well constructed. Even though the size of the head is well proportioned to the rest of the body, the extensive hair makes it look much larger than it really is. The Eurasier has prick ears and a very long tail.
The hallmark of the breed is its double-coat. The undercoat is soft, thick and short, while the outer coat is medium to medium-long in length and loose. All colors and combinations of colors are accepted, with three exceptions. Eurasiers must not be all white, have white patches or be solid liver.
Male Eurasier’s height at withers is 20-24’’ (52-60cm) and the female’s is 16-18’’ (48-56cm). The weight of the males is 50-70Ib (23-32kg) and of the females is 40-60Ib (18-26kg).

HANDLING

Eurasiers are considered to be of average training difficulty. They are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn and willful. They refuse to perform boring and repetitive tasks.
Eurasiers are very sensitive breed and they need to be trained by using positive reinforcement methods. A reward based training regimens, with food used as reward, should be preferred. The owner/trainer should meet the 3C’s standard – calm, confident and consistent.
Socialization is an important part when raising a well behaved Eurasier and it should be started from an early age.

HEALTH

Considering the fact that the early years of the breed involved a fairly small gene pool, the risk for hereditary conditions is relatively high. Major health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism and a fair number of eye problems such as entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Eurasiers are often born with missing teeth.
Eurasiers are very heat intolerant and should be protected from overheating. On the flip side they are very adaptable to low temperatures and are best suited for cold climates.

The average lifespan of the Eurasier is estimated to be 11- 13 years.