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The Eurasier, sometimes referred to as Eurasian, is a breed of dog of
spitz type that originated in Germany. It is widely known as a
wonderful companion that maintains its own personality, has a
dignified reserve to strangers, a strong bond to its family and that
is relatively easy to train. Eurasiers originated in Germany in
1960, when the founder, Julius Wipfel, set out together with
Charlotte Baldamus and a small group of enthusiasts to create a
breed with the best qualities of the Chow Chow and the Wolfspitz.
Today the Eurasier breed exists in many different countries, mainly
in Europe. It is successfully represented by the International
Federation for Eurasier Breeding ("IFEZ"), a federation that watches
closely over the Eurasiers' health and controlled breeding.
Currently, there are about 6000 Eurasiers in Europe and about 450 in
North America, with more than 150 in the United States. The Eurasier
has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2008.
General Appearance
The Eurasier is a medium-sized, spitz-type dog with a thick woolly
undercoat, soft, medium length outer coat in various colors, and a
bushy tail that it carries over its back. It has dark, expressive
almond-shaped eyes and can have a pink, blue-black or spotted
tongue. The ears of the Eurasier are medium size, triangular, and
have slightly rounded tips, and are carried pricked. Balanced, well
constructed, slightly longer than high, the Eurasier has a
Spitz-type frame covered in a thick, medium-length coat that can
come in almost any color. Its wedge-shaped head has a tapered
muzzle, dark eyes, and erect, triangular ears. Its strong, muscular
neck may have some chest mane, and its plumed tail can either be
carried over the back or hanging.
Temperament
The Eurasier is a clean and quiet dog, confident and affectionate;
loving and tolerant with children, compatible with other pets, and
loyal to all members of the family. Eurasiers are calm,
even-tempered dogs. They are watchful and alert, yet reserved
towards strangers without being timid or aggressive. Eurasiers form
a strong link to their families. For the full development of these
qualities, the Eurasier needs constant close contact with its
family, combined with understanding, yet consistent, training. They
are extremely sensitive to harsh words or discipline and respond
best to soft reprimand. The Eurasier is a combination of the best
qualities of the Chow Chow, the
Keeshond, and the Samoyed, resulting
in a dignified, intelligent breed. Eurasiers are not suitable as
working dogs. They were bred as companion dogs. Training should
always be done through family members, not through strangers or
handlers. This breed enjoys all kinds of activities, especially if
the activities involve their family. Eurasiers are calm and quiet
indoors, outdoors they are lively and enjoy action. Eurasiers rarely
bark but if they do, they usually have a good reason. Clean, quiet,
intelligent, easy to train and very eager to please, this very well
could be the perfect dog if you have a good vacuum and don't mind a
bit of dog hair.
Grooming
Grooming requirements for this breed are moderate. Eurasiers do not
have a natural “doggie odor”, and if kept in clean surroundings, a
bath 2-3 times a year is all that’s required. Their coat requires
regular weekly brushing, although that could increase to daily
grooming during seasonal shedding periods.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The Eurasier can live as long as 14 years
with relatively few genetic health issues.
Hip dysplasia, patella luxation and congenital eye disease (entroprion, ectroprion) can
occur. The Eurasier has a life expectancy of
11-14 years.
Activity Level
The Eurasier will be perfectly happy living in an average-sized
apartment as long as it gets plenty of exercise and family time.
This is not the type of dog to leave alone or keep confined in small
spaces. A daily walk is required to keep the Eurasier happy and
healthy. During walks the Eurasier is full of energy.
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