The Eurasier is a balanced, well-constructed medium-sized dog of Spitz type with prick ears and a thick, medium-long coat that comes in varied colors. A modern breed from Germany, it was crafted to embody the best qualities of its three parent breeds — the Chow Chow, the Wolfspitz (Keeshond), and the Samoyed.
Confident, calm, and well-balanced, the Eurasier is loyal to the entire family but reserved towards strangers. Bred first and foremost to be a companion, it maintains a very strong link to its family and must live in close contact with them — not suited to kennels or the backyard.
A Breed Born of a Post-War Vision
The Eurasier was developed in Weinheim, Germany, by Julius Wipfel, who conceived the idea for the breed following his post-war affection for a spitz-type dog left behind by Allied troops — a dog he called "The Canadian." However, Wipfel wanted a breed with a calmer, more personable temperament to suit the modern household while still maintaining the classic spitz appearance.
With the help of Nobel prizewinner Konrad Lorenz and others, Wipfel embarked on a strict breeding program using select German Wolfspitzes and Chow Chows. The first litter of "Wolf-Chow" puppies was born in 1960. The Samoyed was introduced in 1972, the Wolf-Chow was renamed the Eurasier (Eurasian), and international recognition was granted by the FCI later that same year. Good selection of stock since that time established the breed now known as the Eurasier.
A Balanced, Well-Constructed Spitz
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog with a dense double coat — a medium-length, loosely lying, harsh topcoat over a thick undercoat — that still reveals the body proportions. The coat is longer on the tail, the backs of the front legs (feathers), and hind legs (breeches). The breed has medium bone, a back slightly longer than its height at the withers, and a ratio of muzzle to cranial length that is almost equal.
Males stand 52 to 60 centimeters (20.5–23.5 inches) and weigh 23 to 32 kilograms (50.5–70.5 pounds); females 48 to 56 centimeters (19–22 inches) and 18 to 26 kilograms (39.5–57 pounds). Colors range through red, fawn, wolf grey, sable, and black. Thanks to its Chow ancestry, Eurasiers may have a blue-black tongue.
Self-Assured, Calm, and Even-Tempered
The Eurasier is self-assured, calm, and even-tempered, with high resistance against any provocation. It is watchful and alert without being noisy, and has a very strongly developed link to its family. Reserved towards strangers without being aggressive, it has no hunting instinct. For the full development of these qualities, the Eurasier needs constant close domestic contact with its family and understanding, yet consistent, training.
Quick to learn and eager to please, the Eurasier tends to bond very strongly with its owner and/or family and does not like to be away from those it loves. Although quiet and friendly with its family — both human and canine — it can become fierce if it senses a threat. Eurasiers are described as humorous and engaging pets that make for entertaining household members.
Exercise and Activity
A robust breed with sled-dog capabilities, the Eurasier needs daily outdoor exercise with its owner — a healthy walk or hike of about an hour a day, with opportunities to sniff and explore, is usually sufficient. After a busy day, they're happy to relax with their family, as they tend to be calm and quiet indoors.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
With a moderate energy level, Eurasiers enjoy daily walks and playtime. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for a moderate-energy companion breed.
Training a Eurasier
The Eurasier is intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement, though somewhat independent. Known for their empathy, Eurasiers also excel as therapy dogs. They thrive on positive reinforcement and interactive, engaging training sessions — they're eager learners in obedience and dog sports but dislike repetitive drills.
Their intelligence and close bond with humans make them quick learners. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Eurasier
The Eurasier has a distinct double coat with a straight guard-hair layer covering a soft undercoat. The thick coat must be brushed regularly, especially during shedding seasons — the breed sheds heavily in the spring and fall.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a thick-coated spitz breed.
Feeding a Eurasier
A Eurasier should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a moderate-energy breed, keeping an eye on portions helps maintain a healthy weight.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 2–3 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
Eurasiers are generally healthy dogs with a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They can be predisposed to a few health issues — as with the Chow Chow lineage, hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions can occur — so responsible breeders screen their stock, and pet insurance might be a good investment.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia screening | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 6–7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Eurasier was bred first and foremost to be a companion, so it excels as a family pet. They are loyal, gentle, calm dogs that form strong bonds with their pet parents, do well with other pets and children when well-socialized and properly introduced, and are cheerful, confident, and relaxed. While generally quiet, they will occasionally bark when a neighbor walks by or a delivery person approaches.
The breed is relatively rare in the U.S., more commonly found in Europe. If you're weighing whether an Eurasier fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning an Eurasier means committing to a breed that bonds very strongly with its family and does not like to be separated from them. They're reserved with strangers, can be somewhat independent in training, shed heavily twice a year, and are relatively rare outside Europe. They're not suited to kennels or living in the backyard — they need constant domestic contact.
Yet for the right owner, the Eurasier is incomparable — a calm, loyal, and entertaining companion that embodies the best of the spitz family.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Calm, confident, and even-tempered
- Strong bond with family
- No hunting instinct
- Good with children and other pets
- Excels as therapy dogs
- Quiet and non-noisy watchdog
Disadvantages
- Strongly dislikes separation
- Reserved with strangers
- Needs daily brushing
- Heavy seasonal shedding
- Somewhat independent in training
- Rare outside Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Eurasiers get? Males stand 20.5–23.5 inches and weigh 50.5–70.5 pounds; females 19–22 inches and 39.5–57 pounds.
How long do Eurasiers live? Typically 12 to 16 years.
Are Eurasiers good family dogs? Yes — loyal, gentle, calm, and great with children.
Are Eurasiers easy to train? Yes — intelligent and eager to please with positive methods.
Are Eurasiers good for first-time owners? They're adaptable and trainable — a good choice for committed owners.
Are Eurasiers good with strangers? They're reserved without being aggressive.
Are Eurasiers rare? Yes — relatively rare in the US, more common in Europe.
Do Eurasiers bark a lot? No — watchful and alert without being noisy.
Are Eurasiers good apartment dogs? They're calm indoors and adaptable.
Are Eurasiers good with other pets? Yes, with proper socialization.
Why do some Eurasiers have blue tongues? Thanks to their Chow Chow ancestry.
What health problems do Eurasiers have? Hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions.