The Eurasier dog breed was created with the goal of developing a medium sized spitz type that would be a calm affectionate family companion.
The breed is a combination of wolf spitz (keeshond hound), chow and Samoyed which was developed in Germany in the 1960s.
They have a fluffy double coat, suited for colder climates. Their fur naturally repels dirt and lacks doggy odour, only needing a weekly brush outside shedding season.
They have a well-balanced body, weighing between 22-26kg.
Eurasiers are known to have a long lifespan averaging fourteen years of age and may have a blue or spotted tongue which is inherited from the chow.
Unlike most spitz dog breeds they prefer human companionship, attaching strongly with their owners, they have low prey and hunting drive and require minimal but regular daily exercise.
They need to be inside with their family and do not thrive or cope well being isolated and kept outside, however, they are alert watchdogs that rarely bark.
Bred specifically as an even-tempered and gentle companion dog, they are good with children, the elderly and, usually, cats.
The Eurasier is very clever and trainable, but due to their high sensitivity to any harshness or rough discipline they can shut down and become depressed.
Training should only be undertaken by family members, not a stranger or handler.
They respond well to positive reinforcement and soft reprimand.
They are not suited to the tresses of a working dog, sled or guard dog, yet they make very good therapy dogs.
Personally, I believe all dog training ought to be done with someone the dog is bonded to, it is just a matter of training the owner.
Konrad Lorenz the Austrian scientist and Zoologist, Nobel Laureate and known as the father of Animal Behaviour got a Eurasier puppy and stated that her character was the best he had known in a dog, praising her temperament, loyalty and balanced personality.
A rare and carefully managed breed in Australia, but State Breeding Registry like Dogs Australia (ANKC) would have information about any breeders.
Expect to pay between $3,500 to $5,000 for a puppy.
