Eurasier

The Eurasier is a relatively modern breed, deliberately created in Germany beginning in 1960. The breed’s founder, Julius Wipfel, along with Charlotte Baldamus and a small group of enthusiasts, aimed to develop a medium-sized Spitz-type dog with an excellent, well-balanced temperament suitable as an ideal family companion. Their goal was to combine the best qualities of several existing breeds while avoiding any extremes in conformation or temperament.

The initial crossings involved the Chow Chow (for its calmness and devotion) and the Wolfspitz (Keeshond – for its adaptability and friendly nature). The offspring of these pairings were initially called “Wolf-Chows.” Later, in the early 1970s, Samoyed blood was introduced to further refine the temperament, enhance hardiness, and improve the coat. With the Samoyed cross, the breed was renamed “Eurasier,” reflecting its European and Asian ancestral roots. The Eurasier was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH) and the FCI in 1973. They are valued for being calm, adaptable, and devoted companions, specifically bred for life within a family unit.

The Eurasier is prized for its exceptionally balanced and stable temperament. They are known for being calm, confident, and even-tempered dogs that form very strong bonds with their families. Eurasiers are deeply loyal and devoted, thriving on human companionship and wanting to be an integral part of all family activities. They are typically gentle and patient with children in their own family if raised with them and properly socialized. While affectionate with their people, they are not usually overly demonstrative or demanding of constant attention, often content to be quietly present.

Eurasiers are naturally watchful and alert, making them good watchdogs that will bark to announce strangers or unusual sounds, but they are not typically aggressive or prone to excessive barking. They are generally reserved and can be wary or aloof with unfamiliar people, but should not be shy or nervous. Early and consistent socialization is important to build their confidence and ensure they are well-adjusted in various situations. They can usually get along well with other dogs and pets if properly introduced and raised together. Their calm and self-assured nature makes them a pleasure to live with for owners who understand their needs.

The Eurasier has a beautiful, thick, medium-long double coat. The outer coat consists of straight, somewhat harsh guard hairs that stand off from the body, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and woolly, providing excellent insulation. They have a noticeable ruff around the neck and feathering on the legs and tail.

This impressive coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy, clean, and to manage shedding. Eurasiers are moderate shedders year-round, with heavier seasonal “coat blows” (typically twice a year), when they lose their undercoat in significant amounts. Thorough brushing once or twice a week with a pin brush, slicker brush, and an undercoat rake is generally sufficient. Daily brushing will be necessary during heavy shedding periods to prevent matting and remove the profuse loose fur. Their coat is naturally quite clean and does not have a strong “doggy” odor, so baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important components of their grooming routine.

Eurasiers have moderate exercise needs. They are not typically high-energy dogs that require hours of strenuous running, but they do need regular daily activity to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. They enjoy being active with their families. Aim for at least one or two good walks per day, totaling about 30-60 minutes, along with opportunities for play.

Good exercise options for a Eurasier include:

• Daily brisk walks or leisurely hikes with their family. They enjoy exploring new environments.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy interactive games.
• Canine sports such as agility (they can be surprisingly nimble), obedience, rally, or tracking, which provide both physical and mental challenges.
• Learning new tricks and using puzzle toys to engage their intelligent minds.

While adaptable, they are not suited for a completely sedentary lifestyle. Due to their thick coats, care should be taken to prevent overheating in very hot or humid weather; exercise is best scheduled for cooler parts of the day.

The Eurasier is generally considered a relatively healthy breed, partly due to the careful planning and focus on health by its founders and dedicated breed clubs. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A common concern in many medium to large breeds, involving malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation can also occur.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Eye Conditions: Including distichiasis (ingrown eyelashes), entropion, ectropion, and occasionally cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Eye certification is important for breeding stock.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat:** While not as high risk as some giant deep-chested breeds, it’s a consideration for any medium to large dog.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI):** A condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes.