Eurasier at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 52–56 cm
- Weight
- 22–26 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Cats and small pets.
Is the Eurasier right for you?
Like every breed, the Eurasier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Eurasier fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Eurasier
The Eurasier is a robust, medium-sized spitz-type dog with pricked ears, an alert, upright stance and a tail curled over its back. Its thick, semi-long double coat gives it a warm, cuddly look. It is clever and capable, and keeps many classic spitz traits, including an independent mind.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed was created in Germany by Professor Julius Wipfel, who set out to produce the perfect spitz. He crossed the Chow Chow with the German Wolfspitz, and the first litter of these "Wolf-Chows" was born in 1960. Their descendants were later crossed with the Samoyed to stabilise type. Because the professor had used the best European and Asian spitz stock, he named the breed with a blend of the two words.
The Eurasier was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973 and by the Kennel Club in 2003. It is now very popular as a companion dog in Germany.
Eurasier temperament
Eurasiers are typically clever, quick-thinking and capable, and with the right owner they are eager to please and reasonably easy to live with. They still have an independent streak, though, and suit people who know and like spitz breeds.
They tend to be a little less vocal than other spitz breeds but will still bark a warning at anything suspicious. They are watchful and slightly suspicious of strangers, which can make busy urban living stressful for them. They have less urge to hunt than many spitz types, though this varies.
They want people around most of the time and do not tolerate being left alone well.
Size and appearance
Eurasiers are medium-sized dogs, typically standing 52–56 cm and weighing about 22–26 kg.
The harsh, weatherproof topcoat lies loosely over a dense, shorter undercoat. Many colours are accepted, including black, black and tan, fawn, grey, red, red sable and sable, but not merle, solid white or large white patches. Thanks to their Chow ancestry, many have a blue or blue-black tongue.
How much exercise does a Eurasier need?
The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, while other guidance suggests two hours or more of varied walks, training and games. Eurasiers are not built for exercise in the heat, so on warm days swap long walks for puzzle toys and calm, cool activities.
Training a Eurasier
Eurasiers enjoy training and are easier to train than many spitz types, but they are not keen on repetition for its own sake. They do well in activities such as agility, flyball and scent games with a skilled trainer.
- Motivate them with a variety of food rewards and toys used in inventive ways.
- Keep sessions varied so they stay interested.
- Teach a solid recall from early on.
- Work hard on socialisation around other animals, particularly livestock.
Eurasier grooming
The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming as once a week, though a more thorough routine is often recommended: brushing every other day with a deep groom weekly, and daily during the moult. The double coat can mat to the skin if neglected and can hide small injuries and parasites, so check paws, feathering, ears, eyes and under the tail. Eurasiers shed a lot of hair.
Living with a Eurasier
Eurasiers are said to be good with children, but they are sharp and clever dogs, strong enough to knock small children over, and need a fair amount of time for exercise and grooming. They tend to suit families with older children or those with plenty of time to dedicate to the dog. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Eurasier health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Eurasier is described as a generally healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised in it. The Royal Kennel Club lists hip, elbow and eye testing as best practice, and the breed also has a breed club health scheme.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not develop properly. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended before breeding.
Elbow dysplasia
Abnormal development of the elbow joint. Elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is recommended before breeding.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip out of place. It is one of the conditions the breed can be prone to.
Distichiasis
An uncomfortable eye condition in which the dog has a double row of eyelashes. The Royal Kennel Club separately lists eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as best practice before breeding.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Eurasier home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Eurasier cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Eurasier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Eurasier
If you have decided the Eurasier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Eurasier
Eurasiers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Eurasiers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Eurasier adverts at the moment.
Find Eurasier adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Eurasier FAQs
Is the Eurasier good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Eurasier live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Eurasier need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Eurasier shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Eurasier need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Eurasier easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Eurasier be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Eurasier bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Eurasier live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Eurasier get?
Adults typically stand 52–56 cm at the shoulder and weigh 22–26 kg.