Breed description and history of origin
A unique breed of dog, created in the second half of the twentieth century in Germany. It was bred by crossing the Chow Chow, Wolfspitz (German Spitz) and later the Samoyed. The breeders’ goal was to create a companion dog combining calmness and poise, the beauty of northern breeds and devotion to family. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1973. Eurasiers are medium-sized dogs with a harmonious build, thick double coat and a typical “fluffy” look that immediately reminds of northern breeds. They have a wedge-shaped head, expressive dark eyes and medium-sized, upright ears. The tail is usually curled back. The weight of an adult Eurasier is 18-32 kg, the height at the withers is 48-60 cm. This breed is known for its variety of colors ranging from black and gray to red, cream, or zonal, with the exception of white and liver.
Grooming and care of Eurasier
The biggest feature of this breed is its thick double coat, which is made up of a soft undercoat and a stiff shaft hair. It is this trait that requires regular and proper grooming. Eurasiers do not need a professional haircut like ornamental breeds, but their coat requires thorough combing at least 2-3 times a week, and during the shedding period – daily. During the seasonal coat change (usually twice a year), a dog can literally “shed” large amounts of undercoat, and without regular grooming, it will bunch up into tangles that are difficult to comb out. Different tine combs, slickers and furminators are used, but it’s important not to overdo it, so as not to damage the shaft hairs that protect against cold and moisture.
Bathing the Eurasier should be rare – only in case of heavy pollution or several times a year, because the coat has the property of self-cleaning. Use only special shampoos for dogs with thick hair, and after bathing it is necessary to thoroughly dry the undercoat with a hair dryer, otherwise skin problems may occur. Special attention should be paid to the paws and ears: dirt and snow can accumulate between the toes, and the ears need regular inspection to avoid inflammation. Eurasiers are not prone to pungent “doggy odor”, so their care is mainly related to the coat.
In a professional grooming salon for Eurasiers it is recommended to carry out procedures of complex combing with the use of special products for untangling the coat, which allows to preserve its natural shine and density. It is important that the groomer knows the characteristics of the breed: machine haircuts are strongly discouraged, as they damage the structure of the coat and can lead to uneven growth. Instead, the main focus is on proper grooming, keeping it clean and combing it out regularly.
The character and behavior of the Eurasier
Eurasiers have a balanced, calm and at the same time loyal character. They are typical companion dogs that are very attached to their family and do not like to be alone. They are not too energetic, but love outdoor walks, especially in the cold season. Due to their descent from Wolfspitz and Chow Chow, they are wary of strangers, but without aggression – they are reserved and cautious rather than angry. They treat children well, but do not tolerate rough handling. These are dogs that are perfect for families who appreciate tranquility, beauty and loyalty. It should be remembered that the Eurasier is not suitable for life in an enclosure – it needs constant contact with people, otherwise it can become withdrawn.
