Eurasian (Eurasier)

The Eurasier is a newly invented breed, which originated in Germany in the 60s of the XX century. It was specifically bred to become a good-natured and sweet companion dog and it ideally fits this description. Despite the breeds’ relative rarity its following is gradually and steadily growing in European countries.

The Eurasier is the result of the deliberate breeding program, which was initiated by an avid dog fancier Julius Wipfel in the end of the 60s of the XX. His breeding efforts were amied on creating an average-sized, Spitz-type dog, cute, docile and adaptable to all sorts of domestic life. Wipfel considered that the cross of the German Wolfspitz with the Chow Chow would become a nearly perfect implementation of his aspiration. He was fascinated by the spectacular look of the German Wolfspitz as well as by its weather-proof coat, excellent health, tenacity, quick-wittedness and incredible loyalty to its family. The Chow Chow was also notable for a number of traits, which strongly appealed to Wipfel. These features comprised of primal wolf-like demeanour, unparalleled fidelity to its family, equable disposition and an inclination to bark very little. Since his breed was mainly a mixture of above-mentioned breeds he determined to name it the Wolf-Chow.

By the 1966 Julius Wipfel had already created the first official standard of the Wolf-Chow in Germany. The next decade was marked with considerable amount of interest in the Wipfel’s work. His dogs acquired lots of fanciers among dog’s lovers and several breeders became actively engaged in the breeding process. In the meantime due to the limited number of dogs who participated in the program the Wolf-Chow began to experience heavy inbreeding. This became apparent in some health and temperament problems, which were highly undesirable for such kind of dogs. Therefore Wipfel resolved to infuse fresh blood into the Wolf-Chow. The Samoyed was chosen for this role for its average size, pleasant look and affable nature. This decision proved to be really favourable for the breed and led to major improvements in its exterior, health and character.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognised the breed in 1973 but demanded its name to be changed. To satisfy this requirement Julius Wipfel opted for the name Eurasier, which accentuated that the breed presented itself as a cross of several European dogs. Throughout the XX century the popularity of the Eurasier progressively increased in its homeland and some specimens also reached other western countries where it is now almost exclusively kept as a highly treasured family pet. In 1996, the United Kennel Club (UKC) fully acknowledged the Eurasier.

The Eurasier was intentionally refined for many generations to become in all respects suitable for the role of a companion dog. It’s distinguishable for its balanced and calm temperament and uncompromising devotion to its family. It usually builds equally strong relation with all members of the family. Actually majority of specimens feels itself intensely miserable if left alone for long periods of time. If the dog has been introduced to the company of a child since its puppyhood it will be quite tolerable to it in its maturity as well.

This breed isn’t quite as affable with unfamiliar people as it’s gentle and kind with people it loves. The Eurasier usually behaves distant and cool when it meets a strange person. Despite the fact that it hasn’t been noticed in any sort of human aggression it needs to be properly socialised in this respect. Otherwise the dog will turn into a timid and fearful creature, afraid of its own shadow. The breed can become a great watchdog, which can be trusted with the work of signalling its owner about the approach of an intruder. However it lacks necessary aggressiveness to make a good guardian of a house.

The Eurasier is all right with other canine animals since this kind of aggressiveness was strongly disfavoured by its breeders. Nonetheless some conflicts may spring up between two unaltered males. But in most cases the dog will be glad to share its existence with one or several other dogs. It also tolerates the presence of other pets in the household and will be on friendly terms with them especially if they have lived together since an early age.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· canine hip dysplasia

· elbow dysplasia;

· patellar luxation;

· hypothyroidism;

· eyes problems;

· missing teeth;

· heat intolerance.

The Eurasier is relatively unpretentious breed when things concern grooming. It will be quite sufficient to brush its coat diligently once or twice a week. The dog won’t need a professional attendance although many owners prefer to take their dogs to a groomer in the hot summer period.

Certainly it’s imperative to pay proper attention to such basic procedures as teeth brushing and nail clipping. The Eurasier sheds moderately the whole year around but this process greatly intensifies in the shedding periods. This lasts approximately three weeks during which the dog loses much of its undercoat. This process can be speeded by more frequent and careful brushing.

The Eurasier is quite susceptible of training but this statement mainly concerns basic commands. This dog strives to please its owner and likes fun component of the training. However it usually quickly gets bored with repetitive tasks and then tends to become totally disobedient.

The Eurasier won’t be satisfied with such intangible stimulus as verbal praise and works much better when motivated with its favourite treats. Negative reinforcement is totally inappropriate method of training for such a good-natured and sweet dog as the Eurasier.

The Eurasier demands average amount of exercise and will be generally pleased with a brisk daily walk of between 30 and 45 minutes. However it undoubtedly requires certain mental and physical stimulation since the bored dog tends to become destructive, nervous and hyper active.

On the bright side it’s not the dog with unlimited reserve of energy and it will calmly rest on your sofa when its exercise need is satisfied. The Eurasier will become an exceptionally good companion dog, hardy enough to accompany you in a long walk in a park but tranquil enough to sit quietly on your laps for hours.