The Eurasier is a breed of medium-sized dogs of the Spitz type that first came from Germany. These dogs are known to be very smart, loyal, and even-tempered.
Eurasiers can go by many other names such as Eurasian, Eurasian Spitz, Eurasian dog, and most notably, Wolf-Chow. You can find Eurasier dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt!
These dogs are very solid watchdogs and pack-oriented, which makes them ideal for those with families and even kids. However, Eurasiers don’t do well when left alone, especially in a room by themselves. They do best when they are part of a family and, when left on their own, can grow anxious and depressed.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Companion DogsHeight:20 to 24 InchesWeight:40 to 71 lbsLife Span:12 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Eurasier is a purebred dog descended from Spitz-type dogs who originated in Germany.
- Eurasiers coats are often a mix of their Chow Chow and Wolfspitz’ descendants coats and colors. The main colors of Eurasiers are black, black and tan, fawn, red, and wolf sable.
- Eurasiers are known to be fairly allergy friendly. They are easy to groom, and though they have thick fur, are easy to brush.
- Most Eurasiers eat in a controlled manner, not typically subject to overeating, and take food by hand in a very delicate manner—they are soft-mouthed.
- Eurasiers are very family-oriented dogs. They make good watchdogs, but they generally do not act aggressively to strangers.
History
German breeder Julius Wipfel started mixing Chow-Chows with Wolfspitz dogs, and later Samoyeds, in the 1960s. The mixing resulted in the modern Eurasier, though the breed was originally known as the Wolf Chow. In 1973, the Federation Cynologique Internationale, an international federation of national kennel clubs, recognized the breed as the Eurasier, a name that was chosen to reflect both their European and Asian backgrounds. They designated the breed as a Spitz or Primitive type.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Eurasian in 1996 as a Northern breed. Even though these dogs enjoy popularity in Germany and Switzerland, they are less well known in the United States. There are only about 9,000 Eurasier dogs across the entire world today; however, their popularity is growing as more people discover the breed and the dogs’ appeal as family companions.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently lists the Eurasier as a Foundation Stock Service breed.
If you are interested in bringing home a Eurasier, make sure to check breed-specific rescues or your local shelters and adopt!
Size
The Eurasier, originating from a cross-breed of both Chow-Chow and Wolfspitz, is a large- to medium-sized breed, being more long than tall in stature.
Most weight in the range of 40 to 70 pounds and range in height between 20 and 24 inches.
Personality
The Eurasier is a calm and even-tempered dog who sticks to a pack mentality. This means they are very family-oriented dogs. They’re alert of their surroundings and ever watchful, which makes them great protectors of their pack or family.
However, they are not usually aggressive towards others. Since they are family-oriented dogs, they typically like having someone with them most of the time. They also take their time when meeting new people and dogs, though they usually won’t be outwardly aggressive towards them.
These loyal pups get along very well with children and other pets, especially if they were raised with them.
This dog breed has a very mellow personality in general and they enjoy a family environment where they are constantly with someone they are comfortable with. If not, they get anxious and depressed easily.
The Eurasier’s activity level is medium to fair. They enjoy daily walks but are not excessively active or energetic. They’re intelligent and obedient, which makes it easy for them to learn new skills or tricks.
Health
The Eurasier breed might be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chow-Chow and Wolfspitz also face. While virtually most, if not all, are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups
Some of the more common health problems Eurasier suffer from include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems.
Care
Like all dogs, Eurasiers need regular veterinary check-ups to make sure they are healthy and that no underlying issues exist. Your vet can help you develop a care routine for your specific dog breed that will keep them healthy.
As with many dogs who have thick coats, Eurasiers shed a lot. At least once or twice a year they go through heavy shedding that lasts about three weeks. To keep this under control, make sure to brush your dog and give them warm baths. Also, blow dry their coat thoroughly to remove any loose hair, but keep the heat setting on low to prevent burns.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
The Eurasier is not an overly active dog. In fact, many owners would describe their Eurasiers as lazy. A 30- to 60-minute walk once a day is plenty of exercise for this breed, though they will also appreciate some active playtime indoors or in the backyard, as well.
Feeding
An ideal Eurasier diet should be formulated medium-sized breed with medium energy. Eurasiers are relatively light eaters, and can seem to be picky or reluctant to eat. They eat in a controlled manner, not typically subject to overeating, and take food by hand in a very delicate manner—they are soft-mouthed.
As with all dogs, the Eurasier’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Eurasier’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Eurasiers coats are often a mix of their Chow Chow and Wolfspitz’ descendants coats and colors. The main colors of Eurasiers are black, black and tan, fawn, red, and wolf sable.
Eurasiers have double coats, with the under layer being short, soft, and thick, and the top layer being more fluffy, rough, and of a medium length. They have longer fur on the belly, tail and rump, back of their front legs, on the back of their head and neck, which gives the appearance of a mane. Eurasiers are known to be fairly allergy friendly. They are easy to groom, and though they have thick fur, are easy to brush.
Children And Other Pets
Eurasiers are calm and even-tempered dogs, which makes them great with children of all ages, especially if they grow up with them. They are large- to medium-sized dogs and can usually deal with excited children, as they are also not aggressive. But Eurasiers are often reserved unless they know you and it will take time before they warm up to strangers. That said, it’s best that children learn and understand how to properly approach and play with these dogs.
When it comes to other pets, Eurasiers need time to get to know them. Though they are not aggressive or easily-provoked, they will remain reserved with dogs and other pets they don’t know or aren’t familiar with. But with proper socialization and time, they will eventually warm up to other pets if they are around them long enough.
Again, Eurasiers can get along just fine with children, other dogs, and cats. It really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Because the Eurasier is still a relatively rare breed, it may be difficult to find a breed-specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to large- or medium- sized dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- The United States Eurasier Club
