In 2020 the German dog breed, the Eurasier will be 60 years. It is still a relatively young breed with the FCI standard 291. It is surprising how the Eurasier, starting out from an idea for a family companion dog, has developed into a stunning breed that is known worldwide
The idea of a family companion dog with a good character, and relaxed and undemonstrative disposition towards strangers was realized
Already within the first few decades of Eurasier breeding, several clubs were founded in Germany as well as abroad, pursuing the original aims of the breed founder and his colleagues of the first hour. A shared breeding database (for Eurasiers) was founded in 1995 by G Aach, ZG, to draw together the various breeding efforts. After the signing of contracts in 1996 it was renamed IFEZ – International Federation for Eurasier Breeding (Zucht in German, hence the Z). The name is the mission statement!
The health data in the database, analyzed with an estimate of breeding potential, are our basis for the best possible breeding of pedigree dogs.
The health data in the database, analyzed with an estimate of breeding potential, are our basis for the best possible breeding of pedigree dogs.
The excellent health, the pleasant character and the colour variety of the Eurasier could be maintained over 60 years and will also be carefully nurtured in the future by the IFEZ member clubs.
IFEZ is associated with the FCI by a treaty of cooperation, and is, with its 11 current members (Eurasier breed clubs in Europe and America), the guarantor that the Eurasier breed will remain healthy, varied and of good temperament.
All IFEZ clubs are working together for the successful future of our wonderful breed.
Gisela Aach, IFEZ Secretary
Translation: Brigitte Mordan-Grimm
To the great regret of all clubs, this year's annual meeting of the IFEZ had to be held "online", again due to Corona. Participants of all clubs had come together on the computer "by Teams" to discuss the current topics around Eurasier breeding.
The first very important topic was the renewal of the common database, as our previous database administrator is, for health reasons, no longer available.
The "Database Group" reported on their work:
Many different programs have been viewed, tested and evaluated. Our requirements, especially to support methodical Eurasier breeding, are demanding, consequently only two program providers remained. Both will present a detailed program demonstration online in November. After that, hopefully, a decision will be possible.
The second important, at the same time very regrettable, fact was that a founding member of the IFEZ, the Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier e.V., is in dissolution after fierce internal hostility by a rather small group.
The third main topic was the field of Eurasier breeding:
- Detailed information about the topic "gastric tumour" in dogs and especially in the Eurasier. New research and results were reported.
- Elbow dysplasia appears for some to be an urgent problem because it causes much suffering to the dog and owner, and is genetically complex. Unfortunately, not all clubs are testing for ED, but this would be desirable.
- The genomic inbreeding (COI) in the Eurasier is quite high at just under 20%. This can only be detected by DNA tests (EMBARK), a database program is easily overwhelmed by it.
- Further individual topics were discussed, such as breeder certification, puppy exchange between clubs, requests for stud dogs, import and export regulations and much more.
Although there was an intensive and fruitful exchange of ideas online thanks to the good management of IFEZ President John Stegman, all participants hope that we will be able to meet in person again in 2023.
©2022-11 GAc
Translation BMG 01/23
IFEZ meeting 2020
The well-attended IFEZ meetings over the last 26 years are testimony of the fact that IFEZ is a great organization of Eurasier clubs. The first generation of delegates (Chairpersons, Breeding Officials and Data Representatives) who had been there since its inception, are slowly retiring from the positions in their clubs and therefore as IFEZ delegates. New delegates are taking over.
The three most important pillars of IFEZ are now being modernized; they are:
- Database with a program to estimate breeding values.
- Agreements with IFEZ members.
- IFEZ homepage.
The database is being positioned in the Cloud and data are to be managed by the data representatives of the clubs directly. The database is having an additional character ‘epilepsy’; such additions will always be possible when needed.
The IFEZ agreements with clubs is being re-worked. It will be adapted to the present status of IFEZ.
The IFEZ homepages has had a complete overhaul and will be put live. We are of the opinion that this window to the outside world in particular will be able to represent IFEZ with its ideas as a modern organization for the good of our Eurasiers.
In the next few years we will work on some topics to secure the future of IFEZ, so that our Eurasiers will stay the way we value them:
Healthy, with a fine character, in various colours, and just a good family companion.
The next IFEZ meeting will be held on October 2021
EKW | - | Eurasier Klub Weinheim |
SEK | - | Suomen Eurasier Kerho Finnland |
ZG | - | Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier |
EVN | - | Eurasier Vereniging Nederland |
ECA | - | Eurasier Club Austria |
ECB | - | Eurasierclub Belgien |
EFS | - | Eurasier Freunde Schweiz |
EKD | - | Eurasier Klubben Dänemark |
USEC | - | United States Eurasier Club |
ECI | - | Eurasier Club Italiano |
SEA | - | Southern Eurasier Association (UK) |