Eurasier
A calm, balanced German spitz breed created from Chow Chow, Keeshond and Samoyed. Devoted and gentle with its family, quietly reserved with strangers, and notably even-tempered for a companion dog.
Eurasier scorecard
Overview
The Eurasier is a medium-sized spitz-type companion dog instantly recognised by its dense double coat, plumed tail and softly smiling expression. Standing 48–60 cm at the shoulder and weighing 18–32 kg, it carries itself with the calm dignity typical of the northern spitz breeds while remaining squarely a family companion rather than a working or guarding dog. Coats come in a wide range of colours, and the breed is known for its quiet, undemonstrative devotion to the people it loves.
Despite German origins, the Eurasier is still uncommon in the United Kingdom, where it is recognised by The Kennel Club within the Utility Group. Prospective owners are usually drawn to its reputation for being calm indoors, gentle with children and notably even-tempered. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, it is a long-term commitment best suited to households that can offer steady companionship, as the breed forms close bonds and does not cope well with prolonged isolation.
Good to know — a Eurasier is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Save the Eurasier guide
Thinking about a Eurasier? Pop your email in and we’ll send this guide so you can come back to it any time — handy while you compare breeds.
Popular searches for the Eurasier
History & origins
The Eurasier is a relatively modern breed, developed in Germany in the 1960s by Julius Wipfel and a small group of enthusiasts who set out to create a balanced family companion combining the best traits of the spitz breeds. The foundation came from crossing the Wolfspitz (Keeshond) with the Chow Chow, and Samoyed blood was later introduced. The breed was originally called the Wolf-Chow before being renamed Eurasier in 1973 to reflect its European and Asian ancestry.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognised the breed in 1973, and it has since spread slowly to other countries, including the UK. Breeders have generally prioritised temperament and health over numbers, and the breed remains relatively rare, with comparatively small registration figures.
Temperament & family fit
Eurasiers are calm, confident and deeply attached to their families. They are typically affectionate and gentle at home, content to be near their people without being demanding or boisterous. The breed is well known for its reserved attitude towards strangers — not aggressive, but quietly aloof, preferring to observe newcomers before deciding to engage. This watchful nature makes them alert without being habitual barkers.
Because the Eurasier bonds so closely with its household, it does best when it can be part of daily family life rather than left alone for long stretches. Early, positive socialisation is important to ensure the breed's natural reserve does not tip into shyness. With other dogs and with children they are generally good-natured, and their even temperament is one of the main reasons the breed was created.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
The Eurasier is intelligent and sensitive, which means it responds far better to patient, reward-based methods than to harsh corrections. Heavy-handed training can make a sensitive Eurasier withdraw, so consistency, gentleness and positive reinforcement are essential. They can have an independent spitz streak and may not show the eager-to-please drive of a gundog, but they learn willingly when motivated.
Early socialisation and gentle exposure to a variety of people, places and situations help temper the breed's natural caution. Owners should aim for short, encouraging sessions and build trust steadily; once a Eurasier understands what is wanted, it is usually reliable and well-mannered.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Eurasier typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Eurasier carries a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal moults, and needs regular brushing — at least weekly, and more often when the undercoat is dropping — to prevent matting and manage loose hair around the home. The coat is otherwise relatively low-maintenance and does not usually require trimming. Routine care of nails, ears and teeth completes a straightforward grooming routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Eurasier
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, divided into measured daily meals. As a calm breed that is not constantly burning energy, the Eurasier can be prone to gaining weight if overfed, so portions and treats should be monitored and body condition checked regularly. Fresh water should always be available, and any diet changes made gradually.
A medium breed
An adult Eurasier typically weighs 18–32 kg, so a healthy Eurasier eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
How much should a Eurasier weigh?
Adult 18–32 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.8–4.9 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 4.5–8 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 9–16 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 18–32 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Eurasier
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Eurasier's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Burns Adult/Senior Weight Control Chicken and Oats
A low-fat weight control dry food for adult and senior dogs, oat-based
£35.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Burns Puppy Junior Original Chicken Rice
A complete puppy and junior food with dried chicken 31% and controlled fat at 15%
From£14.99
Eurasier health & costs
Before bringing a Eurasier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Eurasier is generally regarded as a robust and healthy breed, helped by careful, health-focused breeding from a relatively narrow but well-managed gene pool. As with many medium-to-large breeds, hip and elbow joints are a consideration, and reputable breeders screen breeding stock accordingly. Because population numbers are small, maintaining genetic diversity is a priority for the breed community.
Prospective owners should buy only from breeders who follow Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations and carry out relevant health testing, including hip scoring and eye examinations. Conditions reported within the breed include thyroid and certain hereditary eye issues, so health-tested parents and ongoing veterinary care give the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and arthritis; parents should be hip scored
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental joint problem affecting the forelimbs, screened for in breeding stock
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps that may require veterinary or surgical management
- Hypothyroidism — underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy and coat changes, manageable with medication
- Distichiasis and other eye conditions — abnormal eyelash growth and hereditary eye issues, identified through eye testing
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Eurasier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Eurasier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Eurasier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Calm, devoted and quiet family companion
- Even-tempered and good with children and other dogs
Things to consider
- Thick coat sheds heavily and needs regular brushing
- Reserved with strangers; bonds closely and dislikes isolation
Compare the Eurasier
See how the Eurasier measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Eurasier
Same breed group
French Bulldog
A compact, easy-going companion that suits flats and modest exercise — but with serious health considerations.
Shih Tzu
A friendly, low-energy companion bred purely for company — perfect for flats if you keep up the grooming.
Miniature Schnauzer
A smart, spirited and low-shedding companion that adapts well to flats but likes to have its say.
Bulldog
A placid, affectionate companion that’s happy with gentle walks — but burdened by serious health issues.
Similar temperament
Pugapoo
A friendly, playful cross of the charming Pug and the clever Poodle. Often lower-shedding and with a longer muzzle than the Pug, though some still inherit a flatter face and related breathing or heat sensitivity.
Norfolk Terrier
One of the smallest working terriers — friendly, sociable and good with families and other dogs.
Blue Picardy Spaniel
A gentle French pointing and retrieving spaniel with a distinctive blue-grey speckled coat. Calm, affectionate and biddable, making an easy companion and gundog that needs good exercise and regular coat care.
French Spaniel
A tall, elegant French pointing and retrieving spaniel. Gentle, sociable and eager to please, making a calm family gundog that still needs plenty of exercise.
Similar size, different type
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
Is the Eurasier your breed?
Create your pet profile and get personalised food, toy, insurance and health recommendations — tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Eurasier?
The Eurasier is a medium-sized spitz-type dog, standing 48–60 cm at the shoulder and weighing 18–32 kg. It is recognised by its dense double coat, plumed tail and softly smiling expression, carrying itself with the calm dignity typical of the northern spitz breeds while remaining squarely a family companion.
What is a Eurasier's temperament like?
Eurasiers are calm, confident and deeply attached to their families, typically affectionate and gentle at home without being demanding or boisterous. The breed is well known for being reserved with strangers — not aggressive, but quietly aloof, preferring to observe newcomers. This watchful nature makes them alert without being habitual barkers.
Can Eurasiers be left alone for long periods?
Not really. The Eurasier bonds very closely with its household and does best when included in daily family life rather than left alone for long stretches. It does not cope well with prolonged isolation, so it suits households that can offer steady companionship throughout the day.
Do Eurasiers shed a lot?
Yes. The Eurasier carries a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal moults, and needs regular brushing — at least weekly, and more often when the undercoat is dropping — to prevent matting and manage loose hair. The coat does not usually require trimming.
How much exercise does a Eurasier need?
Eurasiers have moderate exercise needs and are happy with a couple of good daily walks plus time to potter and explore. They enjoy outdoor activity but are not high-octane, settling calmly indoors once their needs are met. Access to a secure garden and gentle mental engagement keep them content.
Are Eurasiers easy to train?
The Eurasier is intelligent and sensitive, responding far better to patient, reward-based methods than to harsh corrections, which can make it withdraw. It has an independent spitz streak and may lack a gundog's eager-to-please drive, but learns willingly when motivated. Short, encouraging sessions and steady trust-building work best.
What health issues affect Eurasiers?
The Eurasier is generally robust and healthy, helped by careful breeding. Hip and elbow joints are a consideration, and conditions reported in the breed include thyroid issues and certain hereditary eye problems. Buy from breeders who follow Kennel Club Assured Breeder recommendations and carry out hip scoring and eye examinations.
How long do Eurasiers live?
Eurasiers typically live around 12–14 years, making them a long-term commitment. Buying from health-tested parents, keeping the dog at a healthy weight — the breed can gain weight if overfed — and providing ongoing veterinary care give the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Are Eurasiers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Eurasiers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Eurasier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Eurasier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Eurasiers shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Eurasiers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Eurasiers are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Eurasiers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Eurasiers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Eurasiers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Eurasier is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Eurasier breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/utility/eurasier/
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog and finding a breeder: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog health and welfare advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Eurasier
Matched to a Eurasier's size and their typical need for help with shedding, no-pull walking kit.
Faux-Leather Dog Harness & Lead Set
A smart faux-leather harness and matching lead set with gold-tone hardware and quick-release buckles. The padded, adjustable harness spreads pressure comfortably for stylish, secure walks. Suits small dogs and cats.
From£13.99
Padded Vest-Style Dog Harness
A padded vest harness that spreads pressure across the chest for no-choke walks.
From£14.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Halti Front Control Harness Black & Red
A front-clip harness that steers pulling from a dog's chest instead of its neck
£18.99
Groom Professional Curved Soft Slicker Brush
A professional-grade curved slicker brush with soft pins, designed to groom delicate and soft-coated pets without discomfort.
From£8.99
Halti Training Headcollar
Head-steering training headcollar for dogs that pull, in six sizes and two colours
£14.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
Got a Eurasier? Save them to a pet profile for tailored picks across the whole site.
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.