Elo
The Elo is a new breed of dog that is quickly winning the hearts of pet parents. These smart, playful, and energetic pups make excellent companions and fun family pets.
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Elo Traits
General Appearance
Because Elos were bred for behavioral attributes rather than physical traits, their appearance can vary from dog to dog. But in general, they are medium-sized with a slightly fox-like appearance.
Coat and Colouring
Elos typically have medium-length, beautiful coats and dense undercoats that protect them in harsh climates. They are usually white with chocolate, black, grey, or red.
Distinctive Physical Traits
These dogs have long muzzles and are longer than they are tall. The Elo's thick tail forms a large plume that curves over the back.
Elo Temperament
The Elo is an intelligent, playful, and energetic dog. Because these pups are usually friendly and good with children, they make excellent family pets (which was, after all, the original goal for the breed).
Thanks to their working dog ancestors, Elos tend to be active animals. Though they have a low prey drive and are unlikely to chase, they do need regular exercise and tend to get bored if left alone too long. And pent up energy can result in undesirable behaviors, such as digging.
These loyal dogs want nothing more than to be with their people and are happiest when included in family activities.
Elo History
In 1987, Marita and Heinz Szobries began crossing Eurasiers and Bobtails (Old English Sheepdogs) to create an ideal family dog. The effort produced dogs with some very unique characteristics and good overall health. This new breed became known as the Elo (short for Eloschaboro—a combination of letters lifted from the crossed breeds' names).
As breeding continued, a lack of sufficient Eurasiers soon became a problem. So, breeders included Chow Chows, Samoyeds, and Dalmatians to expand the Elo genetic base.
At this time, kennel club organizations and the FCI do not recognize the Elo breed.
Elo Care
Nutrition
Elos require a diet formulated for their specific life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). To help them stay at a healthy weight, carefully monitor their food intake, and keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Grooming
Because of their thick double coats and tendency to shed, Elos need weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coats clean. They also require regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and a dental care routine that includes both at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings.
Exercise
As active dogs, Elos thrive when they get lots of daily exercise. And these playful pups enjoy plenty of activities—long walks, runs, and games of fetch are all fun for an Elo. This breed also excels at canine sports, such as field trials, tracking, agility, and obedience.
Training
Elos are attentive people-pleasers, which makes them relatively easy to train. As with all dogs, early socialization is essential for their healthy development. So, be sure to introduce your Elo to various people, pets, and situations to help them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Breed Group
Asian and Oceanian
The Asian and Oceanian group is comprised of breeds whose origins lie in Asia, which have spread as far as Australia, the islands of the Pacific, and the Arctic. This group is possibly the most ancient of all breed groups and were bred for a variety of purposes, including guarding, hunting, and as draft dogs.
Resources
https://breedadvisor.co.uk/elo/
https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/elo/
https://www.mydogbreeds.com/elo
Reviewed 5 September 2020 by Laura Inman, DVM