Eurasier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Eurasier?

The Eurasier dog breed originated in Germany in the 1960s as a new breed. They were bred by Julius Wipfel who mixed the Chow-Chow with the Wolfspitz, and then the Samoyed. They were originally called the Wolf Chow but were officially recognized as the Eurasier by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1973.

In 1996, the breed was also recognized by the United Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club lists them as a Foundation Stock Service breed.

They're a pretty rare breed, and there are only around 9,000 Eurasiers in the world. Due to the breed's European origins, most of them are kept as pets in Switzerland and Germany, although their popularity is steadily increasing throughout the globe.

Who are Eurasier dogs best for?

The Eurasier is an ideal dog for families who have a lot of love and affection to give to their new canine buddy. Eurasiers are very family-oriented and need lots of attention, and, once they get to know you, they'll never leave your side!

As it's not an overly active dog it's perfectly happy with families who spend a lot of time at home and can settle into most households, whether it's an apartment or a house.

They do require a bit of patience when you're training them, so any prospective owners should bear this in mind.

How much grooming does a Eurasier need?

Despite its appearance, the fluffy coat of the Eurasier doesn't actually shed that much. However, it does need to be brushed daily to prevent it from becoming matted and knotted. Unless they're very dirty, it's best to avoid bathing them, as their incredibly thick coat takes a long time to dry.

You'll need to examine your dog's nails weekly and trim them if they're too long. This will avoid them getting out of control and cracking. It's also recommended that you clean out their ears every two weeks.

Do Eurasier bark much?

Eurasiers are very even-tempered dogs and are not known to be loud. They will usually bark as a greeting when meeting new people or other dogs, but this is a welcoming gesture, rather than an aggressive act.

If your Eurasier is barking a lot it may be because they're bored. They love to play, so make sure they're getting plenty of active playtime indoors, and barking shouldn't become an issue.

Do Eurasier bite?

Like most other dog breeds, Eurasier puppies will engage in play-biting and nipping, especially when they're teething. However, they're very friendly dogs, and as adults, they are not known for biting.

They can sometimes react badly to strangers, as they're very protective of their families, but this is unlikely to take the form of biting. As long as they're properly trained and socialized, they shouldn't exhibit aggressive behaviours.

What is the temperament & personality of a Eurasier?

The Eurasier is an incredibly affectionate breed that likes nothing more than spending time with its owner. They’re so devoted to them, that they can be wary of strangers, and they take time to warm up to new people.

 They love taking part in activities with their family, but they don’t require that much exercise. A short, daily walk is usually enough to keep them fit and happy. They do well around children and other pets that they're familiar with and have lots of patience for them.

However, due to their insatiable desire for company, they can get very stressed and depressed if they're left alone for too long. So, give them lots of attention and they'll be the upbeat, gentle family dog of your dreams!

What is the weight & size of a Eurasier?

Eurasiers are medium-sized dogs and will grow to between 50-60cm.

They typically weigh between 18-32kg.

How much training does a Eurasier need?

The Eurasier dog breed is exceptionally loyal to their owners, and this can sometimes mean they don't react well to strangers. Due to this, they need to be trained and socialized from a very early age.

It's a sensitive dog, so it doesn't do well with harshness or punishment. The best training methods involve positive reinforcement and rewards.

You should start training and socializing as soon as you bring your Eurasier puppy home, and expose them to different places, people, and other dogs. This will get them used to strangers and other pets. It can be helpful for you, and your dog, if you enrol them in puppy training school.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Eurasier?

The Eurasier is generally a healthy breed but like all other dogs, they are susceptible to some genetic health problems.

• Hip Dysplasia - a hereditary issue where the thighbone is not fitted properly into the hip joint. With time, this can cause arthritis, and it usually results in pain and limping.

• Patellar Luxation - this is when the dog's kneecap is not properly aligned, meaning it rubs against the joint. This can also lead to arthritis over time and causes limping.

• Hypothyroidism - this is where the hormone produced from the thyroid gland is deficient, and it can cause infertility, lethargy, obesity and low energy levels.

• Elbow Dysplasia - this is when the three bones that make up the dog's elbow grow at different rates. The elbow joint becomes lax and it causes a lot of pain.

Most health issues that affect dogs are more easily treated if they're diagnosed early. So, make sure you take your dog for regular checkups with the vet.

What is the lifespan of a Eurasier?

The average life span of the Eurasier is 11-13 years. But, if they're well-fed and cared for, your adorably fluffy pooch could have an even longer life span than that!

How much should you feed a Eurasier?

Eurasiers can be fairly picky eaters. You should feed them high-quality, dry dog food, that's high in nutrients. The amount they need depends on their age, size, and activity levels, so it's best to consult a vet when working out a diet plan for them.

If your Eurasier is being overly fussy about their food, you can try adding various treats to their meals to make it more interesting. Some of their favourites are fish, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

What is the price of a Eurasier in Australia?

Due to the rarity of the breed, you should expect to pay around $2,000-$3,000 for a Eurasier puppy. To avoid disreputable breeders and puppy mills, you should always look to get your puppy from a registered breeder.

You can get lists of breeders in your area from the Australian National Kennel Council.