A Rare Spitz-Type Dog Breed who Bonds Closely with Family, Children and Other Pets

The Eurasier is an even-tempered, calm new breed that can be reserved with strangers but establishes a strong bond with the family it loves. This spitz-type dog has the characteristic thick, long fur and pointed muzzle and ears of other spitz breeds. Interestingly, although spitz dogs are often white, the Eurasier is not allowed to show with white fur or patches, or anything of liver color. Because of its natural inclination to please, this dog excels at any activity requiring obedience, which includes agility and participation in rally.

History

Originating in 1960 in Germany, Julius Wipfel and Charlotte Baldamus, along with some other enthusiasts, wanted to create a breed that had the best characteristics of the Wolfspitz and the Chow Chow. The first attempt produced what was called the "Wolf-chow." However, after a Samoyed cross was added, the breed was renamed the Eurasier or Eurasian, which was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1973. This is still a young breed and one of its problems has been that unethical breeders have tried to pass off a Keeshond/Chow Chow mix as a Eurasian. Although quite close genetically, these dogs are not Eurasiers. Currently, the Eurasier is recognized by the AKC as part of its Foundation Stock Service, which is an initial step to full registration.

Appearance

This medium-sized, spitz-type dog with "prick" ears comes in black, black and tan, wolf gray, red, and fawn. All of these colors are allowed by the FCI, with the exception of purely white, anything with white patches, and liver. The undercoat is thick and medium long, with guard hair on top covering the body. There's a short coat on the ears, muzzle and front legs. There are feathers on the tail and the back of the front legs, as well as on the hind legs. The coat is slightly longer than that of the body, but does not form a mane, and often, Eurasiers have blue-black or spotted, as well as pink, tongues. In adulthood, Eurasiers stand 20 to 24 inches at the shoulders and weigh approximately 50 to 70 pounds.

Temperament

Calm, self-assured, and a little bit standoffish with strangers, the Eurasier develops a very close bond with family. This is not a dog you can put in a corner and leave. It will want to be around you all the time and will want to go with you everywhere. In the family, however, the Eurasier gets along with everyone including children and pets. This is not an aggressive dog that will rebel against other dogs or animals in general.

Activity, too, is adaptable to your situation. You'll need to take your pet for daily walks if you can but otherwise don't need to worry. This is a very good dog for show in terms of activity, though, including obedience, agility and rally. When you discipline, make sure to be consistent, competent, and calm – but never harsh or aggressive. This very sensitive and loving pet does not need a lot of discipline because even though it is very confident, this dog strives to please.

It's a good idea to start training your puppy the moment you bring it home, as soon as possible. At eight weeks old, it will begin to learn. If you wait until your dog is older, six months or more, it may have begun to develop a headstrong nature that, although not necessarily present in a fully trained dog, is something to worry about if you don't give your pet boundaries. Puppy kindergarten class is a perfect fit, and should be done by the time your pet is 10 to 12 weeks old. Socialization is also extremely important, and this will happen in puppy kindergarten as well as in other situations to which you can expose your pet as soon as possible. Make sure that your puppy is fully vaccinated against all diseases including such conditions as kennel cough before you start obedience classes; many places will not let your puppy be admitted unless your vaccinations are up to date, for good reasons. Your vet, too, may have a problem with your taking your puppy out in public very much until these vaccinations have taken place. If you can't put your puppy in class right away, you can start training at home. Socialization can start at home as well, among family and friends.

Frequently, breeders know exactly what personalities their puppies have, and you can ask to be matched with a particular puppy who has a personality you want. Your breeder will probably ask you questions about your lifestyle and personality, and match with the appropriate Eurasier puppy. In general, if the parents have good personalities and have been socialized well, the puppy you'll get will likely also have a good personality.

Health

Although generally a healthy breed, the Eurasier can have problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, a disorder called autoimmune thyroiditis, and a problem called distichiasis, which develops when eyelashes grow inward and irritate the cornea. The hip dysplasia problem can be screened through testing of its parents with hip scores from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Eye health also can be certified through the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

Finally, this is a dog that can have obesity problems (as most dogs can) whenever sedentary or overfed, so make sure you keep your pet at an appropriate weight. This will also make sure that your pet will have the longest, healthiest life possible. Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

Grooming

Despite the Eurasier's thick fur, it's easy to groom just by brushing once or twice a week. If outside or in a woodsy area, remove any debris or twigs which may have gotten caught and check for ticks and other parasites. Eyes should be checked for discharge and wiped clean if present. You shouldn't have to bathe your pet with shampoo very often, if at all.

Shedding will be generous, once or twice a year, when these dogs "blow" their fur and shed very heavily for about three weeks. Brush daily and give warm baths, blowing dry thoroughly on a low setting to get rid of loose hair. Nails should be trimmed as needed, every week or two, and your accommodating pet should also have its teeth brushed frequently with a doggy toothpaste.

References

AKC Meet the Breeds®:

https://www.akc.org/breeds/eurasier/index.cfm.

Retrieved August 31, 2014.

Eurasier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasier.

Retrieved August 31, 2014.

Eurasier.

www.vetstreet.com/dogs/eurasier.

Retrieved August 31, 2014.

Eurasier (Eurasian) (Eurasian Spitz).

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/eurasier.htm.

Retrieved August 31, 2014.

Spitz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitz.

Retrieved August 31, 2014.