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Eurasier

Other names: Eurasian dog, Eurasian

Eurasier

The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog sporting a thick coat that endows him with a proud and majestic appearance. He is a very pleasant life companion, and is remarkably sociable towards fellow dogs as well as all other animals he encounters. Very attached to his social group- yet without being overly clingy- he adapts quite seamlessly and enthusiastically to various possible lifestyles and takes great pleasure in becoming an integral part of his owners’ day-to-day.

Key facts about the Eurasier

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Intelligent

Size :

Origins and history

This breed owes its existence to the famous ethologist Konrad Lorenz, who attempted to recreate a very ancient, long extinct dog, the Nenets Herding Laika. This ancient Russian dog was the result of a cross between the Wolfspitz (German Spitz) and a Chow-Chow, and lived in a state of wilderness. This same cross-breeding has allowed K. Lorenz to create, or rather re-create, the Eurasier, by commissioning it from the breeder Julius Wipfel, and deciding to add the Samoyed in the mix. In 1973, the Eurasier was officially recognised by the FCI and spread to Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. Unfortunately, his distribution remained limited and this beautiful dog has never fully known much success, perhaps because of his resemblance to the Chow-Chow, the latter being more popular and heard of.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

Section

Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Physical characteristics of the Eurasier

    Adult size

    Female : Between 19 and 22 in

    Male : Between 20 and 24 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 40 and 57 lb

    Male : Between 51 and 71 lb

    Coat colour

    Black
    Blue
    Red
    Sand

    Type of coat

    Short
    Long

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog with a long coat, of a rectangular rather than square construction. The head strongly resembles that of its wolf ancestor: cone-shaped, with upright, medium-sized ears, a flat skullcap and a distinct, central wrinkle. The eyes are dark, not too deep-set, and almond-shaped. The limbs are rather big-boned and perfectly straight. The tail hangs low when the dog is at rest, but is worn curled over the back when he is in movement.

    Good to know

    This is a relatively rare breed- counting some 8,500 specimens around the globe, most of which reside in Europe, and mainly in Germany, which is his country of origin. Being a relatively recent ‘import’, the United Kingdom is home to a relatively small number of specimens.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      This dog, which was also known as the Chow-Wolf before the breed had been officially established, is very attached to his social group, but not overly clingy.

    • 66%

      Playful

      The Eurasian, as it is also commonly known, is very cheerful and mischievous when still a pup, both traits which can be put to good use in rendering training sessions pleasant. Once an adult however, inasmuch as he conserves a certain joviality, he does become more reserved.

    • 66%

      Calm

      This is a calm and even-tempered dog, that can nevertheless become animated and bothersome if his needs for exercise is not sufficiently met. You should not take his peaceful, docile, and centered nature for granted.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      Known to be very reactive and sensitive to his owner’s commands, this is an intelligent dog who loves to show all of his skills off with pride and elegance.

    • 33%

      Hunter

      The Eurasier breed’s official standards do clearly stipulate that this dog lacks any hunting instincts.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      Despite his ample sociability, this dog remains somewhat reserved and will not- contrary to popular belief- easily tolerate a stranger’s presence.

      Even without a pronounced guardian instinct, the Eurasian is a good protector, not least because of his strong attachment to his adoptive family. He will, however, never resort to aggression. 

      With guests he doesn’t know, he will often just be indifferent until a proper and timely introduction takes place.

    • 66%

      Independent

      Despite a certain independent streak the Eurasier inherited from the breeds he springs from (the Chow Chow, Samoyed), he remains very attached to his family, and will not stand being excluded from it.

      Behaviour of the Eurasier

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        This dog does not like solitude, he is miserable when apart from his adoptive family. In this sense, it is absolutely inconceivable to have him reside outside of the house. He needs constant contact with members of his social group. 

        However, if he has been positively and gradually exposed to spending time alone from a young age (i.e. when still a pup) the Eurasier will be able to tolerate his owners’ absences if they are kept short.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        The training process if very simple in this dog’s case, since his many capacities predispose him to fast and obedient learning in various fields. He loves to please his master, not least by proving how easy it is to cooperate with him. 

        Socialising the Eurasier- which should start taking place when he is still a pup- is also remarkably seamless, given how naturally open this magnificent Spitz is. 

        Having said this, the Eurasier’s inborn social competence should never justify a lax approach on behalf of his owners! This dog still needs to be reared in a precocious, coherent, fair and consequential manner, without ever allowing brutality to be part of the exchange.

      • 33%

        Barking

        Very closely related to his wolf ancestors, this dog barks very rarely, and tends to be on the discrete side.

      • 66%