Eurasier

Canis lupus familiaris

Last updated: November 2, 2022
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Karen Appleby/Shutterstock.com

This breed came about after Julius Wipfel, a German professor in the 1940s, crossed a chow chow with a German spitz with the hope of breeding the perfect spitz.


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Eurasier Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus familiaris

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Eurasier Conservation Status

Eurasier Locations

Eurasier Locations

Eurasier Facts

Fun Fact
This breed came about after Julius Wipfel, a German professor in the 1940s, crossed a chow chow with a German spitz with the hope of breeding the perfect spitz.
Most Distinctive Feature
Fluffy fur
Temperament
Good natured but reserved
Litter Size
4-8 puppies
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
6 puppies

Eurasier Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Dark Brown
  • Caramel
  • Tawny
  • White-Brown
  • Light-Brown
Skin Type
Fur
Lifespan
12 years

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The Eurasier traces its roots back to 1960s Germany, where a small group of dog enthusiasts sought to create a breed that combined the best features of a chow chow and a wolfspitz, a type of Inuit dog. This so-called wolf-chow was later bred with Samoyeds to create the perfect, fluffy companion pup.

The result is a medium-sized dog with a thick coat in a variety of lovely colors such as white, russet, brown, gray, or black. Eurasiers can also feature pink, purple, or spotted tongues, thanks to their chow chow heritage. The Eurasier loves being close to its family and is much beloved for its calm, gentle temper and keen intelligence.

Easy to care for, adaptable, and quick to train, Eurasiers are highly suitable family and child-friendly pets.

Eurasiers got their unique name thanks to their European and Asian breeding background.

The Best Dog Food For Eurasier

The best food for Eurasier pups depends on a variety of dog-specific factors, such as age, health, weight, activity level, and budget. Most commercial dog chows provide detailed nutrition facts on the packaging to help guide your decision. You can also consult your veterinarian to confirm which dog food will be best for your pet’s needs.

Like all pups, Eurasiers deserve high-quality food with nutritious, wholesome ingredients and plenty of protein. These dogs can sometimes be picky eaters and enjoy variety in their diet.



As such, A-Z Animals recommends American Journey’s Salmon and Sweet Potato Grain-Free dog food. The brand contains clean, natural ingredients and plenty of vitamins that are essential to the Eurasier diet. Salmon is a good source of Omega-3s and healthy fats, which help prevent joint issues as your pup ages.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Eurasier

Pros:Cons:
Very family-oriented dogs:
Eurasiers are family-friendly and get along with kids of all ages.
Picky eaters:
You may have to spend more time and energy rotating out your pup’s food.
Apartment friendly:
Thanks to their compact size, Eurasiers fit comfortably in even smaller apartments.

Moderate shedding needs routine brushing:
While they don’t shed too much, you’ll need to maintain a regular grooming routine.

Occasional barker
While Euraisers do bark, it’s only occasionally – making them ideal for apartment living.
A rare breed: Only about 450 dogs are living in the world, so Eurasiers can be expensive to purchase.

Eurasier Size and Weight

A Eurasier walks a path

Males average a height of 24 inches, while females average 22 inches tall.

©Karen Appleby/Shutterstock.com

The Eurasier female’s average height ranges between 19 and 22 inches, with males capable of growing about two inches taller. Males can weigh between 40 and 70 pounds when fully grown, and females weigh up to 60 lbs.

Height (Male)24 inches
Height (Female)22 inches
Weight (male)70 lbs.
Weight (female)60 lbs.

Eurasier Common Health Issues

While the breed is generally healthy, there’s a slight risk factor for a Eurasier to develop some hereditary diseases based on their parents and known in the origin breeds. Vets are generally aware of issues like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye and lash disorders like ectropion and entropion. 

Eurasier Temperament

Eurasiers are sweet, calm, even-tempered dogs that get along with most people and other pets. They’re watchful dogs and can be reserved around strangers without showing aggression or timidity. The breed forms strong family bonds and prefers to live indoors with its people.

Eurasiers benefit from consistent discipline and training, and thrive with positive reinforcement. They were bred as companion dogs and love to demonstrate their appreciation. Eurasiers enjoy outdoor activities of all sorts, especially adventures involving their families, but remain calm and quiet indoors.

How To Take Care of Eurasiers 

Eurasiers are relatively low-maintenance dogs but require some routine care to live happy and healthy lives. Moderate grooming and positive reinforcement training go a long way toward providing your dog with a rewarding life. 

Maintenance and Grooming

Euraisers should be brushed every one to two weeks to stay clean and happy. Regularly check for burrs or pests which can nestle in their long, dark coats, where they can cause damage and discomfort. Eurasiers shed their undercoats seasonally for a period of about three weeks. During this time, dogs should be regularly combed or brushed to minimize the shedding and accumulation of fur balls around the house. 

Owners should also regularly clean their dog’s eyes and ears and check their paw pads for scratches or dirt. Regular nail trimming is essential, especially for dewclaws, so that your dog can walk comfortably.

Training

Eurasiers can be reserved towards strangers, despite their good-natured temperament; however, this can be easily overcome with early socialization and training. These dogs love to please their family and will learn tricks happily with positive reinforcement. As sensitive pups, Eurasiers don’t do well with harsh reprimands – gentle, affectionate training will help them flourish and encourage them to learn.

Exercise

Pet owners should take their Eurasier on daily walks and arrange routine puppy playdates. With proper training, Eurasiers can walk off-leash and be reliably recalled. Some love fetch or agility activities, while others love to swim. Mental stimulation — such as learning tricks or training to become a therapy dog — also helps Eurasiers stay happy and healthy.

Puppies

This breed is extremely rare, with only a handful of Eurasier breeders in the United States. Mothers produce only four to eight puppies per litter, so it isn’t easy to acquire a puppy without waiting more than a year. When raising a Eurasier, it’s important to socialize and train them early to mitigate fear of strangers and help them get along with other animals.

Eurasier and Children

Eurasiers are calm, loving dogs and make excellent companions for kids of all ages, especially if they’re raised from puppyhood. They grow into medium-sized dogs that will tolerate mildly pushy children without becoming aggressive. Eurasiers are reserved around strangers and should be properly introduced to unfamiliar children with treats and affection before playing.

Dogs Similar to Eurasier

The Eurasier is related to the chow chow and Samoyed, from whom it is descended. The keeshond dog is also very similar to this breed.

  • Keeshond: These dogs share a medium-sized and extra fluffy coat with the Eurasier, as well as similar coloring.
  • Samoyed: Samoyeds helped contribute to the breed’s genetic makeup and share size and fur length.
  • Chow Chow: Like Eurasiers, Chow Chows are amiable dogs that sometimes have purple or spotted tongues.

Popular names for Eurasier dogs include: 

  • Buddy
  • Milo
  • Molly
  • Luna
  • Riley
  • Toby
  • Mia
  • Bella

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About the Author

Shanti Ryle is a content marketer with nearly a decade's experience writing about science, real estate, business, and culture. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Global Finance and Banking, Weedmaps News/Marijuana.com, and other publications. Her favorite animal (by far) is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi!

Eurasier FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does Eurasier cost?

Eurasiers are a very rare breed of dog, with only a few hundred alive worldwide and around 150 in the U.S. If you purchase one from a reputable breeder, expect to pay up to $2,500 just for a puppy, not counting regular spending on food, vet checkups training, and toys.



Is Eurasier a good family dog?

These are calm and mild-mannered dogs that love children and socializing with their families. They’re patient with excited kids and serve as faithful, affectionate companions. 



How long does a Eurasier live?

The average pup lives anywhere from 10 to 12 years with proper care, though many dogs live beyond this timeframe.



Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Eurasier Club of Canada, Available here: http://www.eurasiers.ca/breedhealth.htm
  2. United States Eurasier Club, Available here: https://www.useurasierclub.org/
  3. UK Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/eurasier/
  4. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dutch-shepherd/

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