Description: Eurasier
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Germany in the 1960s. Bred by crossing Chow Chows, Wolfspitz (Keeshond), and later Samoyeds, the aim was to create a calm, friendly companion with a wolf-like appearance. The Eurasier has a thick double coat, bushy tail, and an expressive face, giving it an attractive and somewhat majestic look. Known for its calm and even temperament, the Eurasier is loyal to its family, reserved with strangers, and rarely shows aggression. This breed thrives when closely integrated with its family and does not like being left alone for long periods. Eurasiers generally get along well with children and other pets if socialized early. They require moderate daily exercise and regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Overall, Eurasiers are excellent companions for families who can provide them with attention, gentle training, and companionship.
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Properties
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Germany during the 1960s. It was created by crossing the Chow Chow, the Wolfspitz (Keeshond), and later the Samoyed to develop a balanced temperament and distinct appearance. Eurasiers are best known for their calm, even-tempered nature paired with a strikingly attractive appearance. These dogs exhibit a well-proportioned, muscular build with a dense double coat that comes in a variety of colors, with the exception of liver, pure white, or irregularly patched hues.
One of the standout features of the Eurasier is their adaptability. They thrive in family environments and are particularly suited for families seeking a companion dog. Eurasiers are gentle with children and tend to get along well with other pets when socialized properly from a young age. Their natural aloofness toward strangers—not aggression—makes them reserved, but once they become familiar with an individual, they are loyal and affectionate companions. These dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their human families, and their emotionally sensitive nature means they tend not to do well with harsh discipline or being left alone for long periods.
In terms of care, Eurasier dogs have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks, occasional play sessions, and mental stimulation are important to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They do not possess an especially strong working drive like some breeds, but they respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. The Eurasier’s double coat requires regular brushing—at least twice a week, with increased frequency during seasonal shedding periods. While generally healthy, the main health concerns in the breed are hip dysplasia and certain thyroid conditions, though responsible breeders test for these and other genetic issues.
Another notable property is their low tendency to bark excessively, making them suitable for suburban and urban living environments. However, Eurasiers are not guard dogs; instead, they serve best as alert family companions. Their calm demeanor, intelligence, and ease of training make them an excellent fit for both experienced and novice dog owners. The Eurasier breed is steadily gaining popularity worldwide for its beauty, temperament, and adaptability. As with any pet, prospective owners should ensure they have the time, resources, and commitment required to provide lifelong care and companionship.
Appearance
The Eurasier is a striking and elegant breed, known for its harmonious combination of beauty, strength, and grace. Medium-sized and spitz-like in overall impression, the Eurasier has a balanced and slightly elongated build, displaying neither heaviness nor lightness, but a perfect proportionality that reflects its heritage. Males generally stand around 52-60 cm (20.5-23.5 inches) at the withers, while females are slightly smaller at 48-56 cm (19-22 inches). Their weight typically ranges from 18 to 32 kg (40 to 70 lbs).
The head is wedge-shaped, neither too broad nor too narrow, with a flat skull. The muzzle appears well-defined but never pointed—it enables the breed to display an alert, intelligent, and mild expression. Their dark, medium-sized almond-shaped eyes are set slightly obliquely, radiating warmth and intelligence. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and set high, standing erect and showing sensitivity to stimuli, indicative of their alert nature.
Eurasiers boast a beautiful double coat that is plush and moderately long, with a thick, soft undercoat covered by a denser outer coat. The fur appears longer at the tail, the back of the forelegs (feathers), and around the neck without creating a pronounced mane. The coat sits flat against their body and is neither curly nor excessively wavy. Tail carriage is distinctive; the well-furred tail is set high and carried gently curled over the back or sometimes to the side. Their outer appearance remains elegant yet robust; females almost never appear coarse or masculine, while males are never fine-boned.
The breed’s coat can be found in virtually any color except pure white, white patches, or liver. Common shades include fawn, red, wolf gray, black, and sable. Multi-shades, masks, and shadings are also accepted and quite common.
The Eurasier’s general movement is free, ground-covering, and elegant, conveying their athletic ability. With a proud posture, beautiful coat, and friendly expression, Eurasiers are truly an eye-catching breed, standing out for their balanced proportions and unique cultural legacy as a blend of the Chow Chow, Keeshond, and Samoyed.
History
The Eurasier is a relatively young breed whose origins trace back to Germany in the 1960s. The creation of the Eurasier was largely the result of the efforts of Julius Wipfel, a German breeder who sought to develop a family companion that would combine the best qualities of the Wolfspitz (Keeshond), Chow Chow, and later, the Samoyed. Wipfel’s intention was to produce a dog that was both physically attractive and mentally balanced, with the suitable temperament to thrive as a companion animal.
The breed's foundation began when Wipfel and a group of enthusiasts crossed Wolfspitzes (German Spitz) with Chow Chows, resulting in what they initially called the "Wolf-Chow." These dogs exhibited interesting characteristics in both temperament and appearance but were found to be somewhat lacking in the desired sociability. Seeking to improve these qualities, Wipfel and his team incorporated the Samoyed into the breeding program in 1972. This addition brought a friendlier and more approachable disposition to the newly developing breed.
The breed was initially known as the "Wolf-Chow," but in 1973, it was officially renamed "Eurasier" (sometimes spelled Eurasian) to reflect its ancestry from both Europe (the Wolfspitz/Keeshond) and Asia (the Chow Chow and Samoyed). The new name also signified that the breed was not intended to replicate its parent breeds, but rather to be established as a new, distinct type.
In 1973, the Eurasier was recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH) and shortly after by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), ensuring that the breed’s standards and development were carefully regulated. Today, Eurasiers are bred to be calm, even-tempered, and attached to their families, displaying neither shyness nor aggression. The breed is still relatively rare outside of Europe but has seen growing popularity as a companion dog in various countries. The Eurasier’s development is an excellent example of modern breed invention, with a strong focus on creating a healthy, well-balanced dog that fits well into family life.
The Eurasier stands as a testament to deliberate and thoughtful canine breeding, combining striking looks with a placid and adaptable nature, and its history is an intriguing account of purposeful breed development in the 20th century.