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Discover everything about Elo
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Elo?
At a glance
Elo overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Elo earns a solid B grade because the breeding community actively addresses known vulnerabilities. Hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation (PL) are well-managed through mandatory health tests, so buyers should specifically ask for proof that the parents are clear. Hereditary eye conditions are also monitored as a standard, making this breed an overall above-average, stable choice in terms of health.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
46–60 cm
Weight
22–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Dense, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- All colors allowed
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Elo, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Elo right for you?
The Elo is a calm, adaptable, and purposefully bred companion dog—a deliberate breeding project involving the Eurasier, Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail), and Chow-Chow, selected specifically for family suitability, a high threshold for stimulation, and a low prey drive.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for an unflappable, steady-nerved companion for a busy family life who doesn't get worked up by noisy children or visitors.
- You want to enjoy relaxed, long walks in nature rather than spending hours on high-intensity dog sports at a training field.
- You appreciate a dog with minimal prey drive—its hardware was intentionally selected so that it stays relaxed by your side instead of chasing every fresh deer trail in the woods.
- You truly have the time and patience for demanding grooming, as the dense, plush coat inherited from the Bobtail and Eurasier does not forgive any neglect when it comes to brushing.
Less ideal if:
- You expect instant, blind obedience on the training field—the Asian Spitz heritage in the Elo brings a charming but unmistakable stubbornness that prevents a blind 'will-to-please'.
- You are looking for a dynamic, lightweight partner for intense sled dog sports, agility tournaments, or daily long bike rides in the heat of summer.
- You live in a hot attic apartment without an elevator—the lush coat makes the dog extremely sensitive to heat, and constant stair climbing is a no-go for its often compact build.
The real vibes check
The Elo is not a sporty order-follower, but rather a stoic rock in the surf of everyday life. It was bred to remain calm amidst chaos—which in practice means it likes to first check your commands for their absolute sense. If you take this gentle independence with a sense of humor, you will get the most stress-free companion you could wish for.
Breed Profile
The Elo is a medium-sized dog with a strong build and a friendly demeanor. His ears are set halfway up and are worn hanging, which gives him a particularly adorable appearance. The Elo's eyes are almond-shaped and can come in various shades of brown. Its bushy tail is striking and is often carried cheerfully over its back. The Elo breed is still relatively young and is not recognized by the FCI, but belongs to the Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds (GEH). In contrast to many other breeds, the Elos have no division into performance and show lines. They have been specially bred to achieve particularly high health and a balanced temperament. Therefore all Elos are "family dogs" and their characteristics vary less than many other breeds. The Elo has a dense, medium-length coat with an undercoat that protects it well against cold and wet conditions. All colors are allowed in this breed, from monochromatic to bicolored to tricolored. Elos are often seen with a mix of black, brown and white, but red, yellow and gray are also possible. The coat requires only moderate care and should be brushed regularly to avoid matting.
- Height
- 46 - 52 cm (Female), 50 - 60 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 22 - 30 kg (Female), 25 - 35 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Adaptable, loving, child-friendly
- Coat
- Dense, medium length, with undercoat
- Coat Color
- All colors allowed
- Price
- 2000 - 3000 €
History
The Elo dog breed was developed in Germany by Marita and Heinz Szobries, who began breeding in the 1980s. They wanted to breed a healthy, family-friendly dog that fits well into the everyday lives of modern people and has little hunting instinct. The original breeds used to breed the Elo are the Eurasian, Chow Chow and Bobtail, with the Samoyed also being added later. In 1987 the Elo was recognized as a separate breed by the Elo Breeding and Research Association. Although the FCI has not yet recognized the Elo as an independent breed, it has already found a large following in Germany and other countries.
Original Use
The Elo is a relatively new breed that was bred to be a family-friendly companion dog with a stable temperament.
Origin
Germany
Date
1987
Character & Temperament
The Elo is known for its friendly and adaptable nature. He is an ideal family dog as he gets along very well with children and generally has a high tolerance for stress and noise. His amiable nature also makes him a good companion dog for older people or people with little dog experience. The Elo is not a hyperactive dog, but rather calm and balanced. He needs daily walks and mental stimulation, but is generally happy with a moderate level of activity. Despite his calm nature, the Elo is quite playful and is always happy to play with his human or other dogs. One of the biggest advantages of the Elo is its high adaptability. He can live well in an apartment as long as he gets enough exercise, and he also copes well with life in the country. The Elo is not a loner and prefers the company of its humans over long periods of alone time. However, with appropriate training, he can learn to stay alone sometimes. The breeders have consciously taken care to keep the hunting instinct in the Elo as low as possible, which is a great advantage for many families. Of course, the Elo also has a certain instinct and could react to moving objects, but compared to many other breeds, its hunting instinct is very low. This makes him easier to manage on walks and less likely to suddenly run off to chase a squirrel or cat. The Elo is a vigilant dog that keeps a close eye on its territory and family. However, he does not bark excessively and is not prone to being aggressive towards strangers. This makes him a good watchdog, alerting his family when something is wrong, but at the same time not having excessive problems with visitors or passers-by. In summary, the Elo is a versatile and adaptable dog that fits well into many different life situations. His friendly and calm nature, combined with his robustness and low prey drive, make him an ideal dog for families, couples and individuals looking for an uncomplicated and loving companion.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Although the Elo is a relatively young breed, it already has a large fan base and is particularly popular in Germany!
What Awaits You
The Elo breeding project began in 1987 under the name “Eloschaboro”, which is intended to refer to the three main original breeds – Eurasier, Bobtail and Chow Chow. In order to broaden the breeding base and expand the gene pool, Samoyeds and Dalmatians were later crossbred. The focus of the crossing was on the Eurasier and the Bobtail, which continue to be occasionally crossed into the Elo. The aim of the breeding project was to breed a family and companion dog that would combine the advantages of these breeds. The selection was primarily based on temperament and health; Coat type and color were secondary. The standard was also drafted with health in mind: pricked ears to avoid ear infections, a straight back to prevent hip dysplasia, and a curled tail to avoid banging against objects, reducing the risk of injury.
Housing & Care
The Elo is an adaptable dog that can be kept well in both the city and the country. He requires daily walks and mental stimulation but is generally happy with a moderate level of activity. Since he is very people-oriented, he should not be left alone for too long. The Elo is known for being child-friendly and generally gets along well with other pets. However, since he still has a certain hunting instinct, introductions to small pets such as cats or rabbits should be done carefully and under supervision.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Elo is an intelligent and willing to learn dog that is well suited to various types of training and dog sports. Due to his origins and breeding history, he does not have a strong tendency towards problematic behavior such as excessive ball chasing or lack of impulse control. Although the Elo is an active and playful dog, it is important to be careful not to over-occupy him. He also needs rest times and should learn to relax and calm down. A balanced mix of physical activity, mental stimulation and relaxation phases is ideal. Because the Elo is a social and people-oriented dog, he is well suited to positive reinforcement methods and clicker training. He can also benefit from dog sports such as agility, obedience or rally obedience, although it is always important to ensure that the focus is on fun and that the dog is not overwhelmed.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of your Elo. Although there are no specific dietary requirements, his food should contain high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Due to his medium size and moderate activity levels, he requires a moderate amount of food, although this can vary from dog to dog. The Elo has a medium-length, dense coat with an undercoat that protects it well against various weather conditions. He therefore copes well with the climate in Germany. The coat tends to shed, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Elo earns a solid B grade because the breeding community actively addresses known vulnerabilities. Hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation (PL) are well-managed through mandatory health tests, so buyers should specifically ask for proof that the parents are clear. Hereditary eye conditions are also monitored as a standard, making this breed an overall above-average, stable choice in terms of health.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye check-ups, your dog will usually stay fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, knees, and eyes of the parent animals checked to specifically reduce health risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Elo
Corinna S., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2008)
Unser Elo-Rüde ist im Großen und Ganzen ein absoluter Prachtkerl, den wir nicht mehr missen wollen. Allerdings ist er auch ein ziemlicher Sturkopf. Das Klischee vom immer perfekt hörenden Begleiter stimmt so einfach nicht – besonders das ordentliche Laufen an der Leine ist bei uns täglich ein kleines Diskussionsthema. Man braucht auf jeden Fall Geduld und Humor bei der Erziehung.
Eine weitere Sache, die man vor dem Kauf bedenken sollte, ist das dichte Fell. Die Pflege ist wirklich aufwändig, da die Unterwolle schnell verfilzt, wenn man nicht regelmäßig gründlich bürstet. Zudem merken wir im Sommer extrem, wie sehr er unter der Hitze leidet. Sobald das Thermometer über die 20-Grad-Marke klettert, mag er sich kaum noch bewegen und sucht nur noch den Schatten. Für sehr heiße Sommertage ist er wegen seiner Abstammung von nordischen Rassen einfach nicht gemacht.
Betty R., Hundetrainerin aus Niedersachsen (Hündin, seit 2015)
Als Hundetrainerin begegnen mir im Alltag immer wieder Elos und ich muss sagen: Die Rasse ist ein echtes Überraschungspaket. Da es sich um eine recht junge Rasse handelt, sind Charakter und Aussehen noch extrem uneinheitlich. Ich habe aktuell wieder einen jungen Elo im Training, der zwar super schlau und im Haus sehr freundlich ist, aber eben auch extrem eigenständig agiert. Er wägt draußen ganz genau ab, ob sich das Zurückkommen zu Frauchen für ihn gerade lohnt oder ob der andere Hund nicht doch interessanter ist.
Dazu kommt bei diesem speziellen Rüden eine gewisse Umweltunsicherheit im Freien, die das Training nicht gerade erleichtert. Wer einen Hund sucht, der einen ausgeprägten 'will-to-please' mitbringt und blind gehorcht, wird mit einem Elo eventuell enttäuscht. Sie sind pfiffige, eigenständige Denker, die gerne selbst Entscheidungen treffen. Mit der richtigen, liebevollen Führung sind sie tolle Begleiter, aber man darf keinen fertig erzogenen Anfängerhund erwarten.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Elo
Is a Elo the right dog for me?
The Elo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Elo live?
The average life expectancy of a Elo is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Elo need?
Elo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Elo good for families with children?
The Elo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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