Eurasier

Quick Take

• This fluffy companion breed was engineered from scratch in 1960s Germany, and the three-way crossbreeding experiment behind it is stranger than you'd expect. See the ancestor breeds →
• Eurasiers can sport a tongue color you'd never guess, and this unusual trait traces back to one very specific ancestor. Spot the Chow Chow link →
• Getting one of these dogs isn't just expensive. There's also a wait-time hurdle most prospective owners never see coming. Check wait times and rarity →
• Eurasiers look high-maintenance, but their actual grooming demands might surprise you in both directions. See the grooming routine →

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 German spitz-type breed also known as the Keeshond, the Dutch name for the same 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 temperament 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.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Eurasier

Size and Weight

The female Eurasier’s average height ranges between 19 and 22 inches, with males capable of growing about two inches taller. Males can weigh between 51 and 71 pounds when fully grown, and females weigh up to 57 lbs.

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 to occur in the breed’s origins. Vets are generally aware of issues like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye and lash disorders like ectropion and entropion. 

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. 

The Best Dog Food

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.

Maintenance and Grooming

Eurasiers should be brushed every one to two weeks to stay clean and happy. Regularly check for burrs or pests that 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 therapy dog training, also helps Eurasiers stay happy and healthy.

Puppies

This breed remains relatively rare in the United States, but there are now several reputable Eurasier breeders across the country. Mothers produce only four to eight puppies per litter, so acquiring a puppy often requires a wait of 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 which it is descended. The keeshond dog is also very similar to this breed.

• Keeshond: These dogs share a medium-sized build and an 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 characteristically have solid blue-black tongues.