The Elo is one of the younger dog breeds from Germany and is growing in popularity among families. It's no surprise, as this medium-sized companion dog combines many traits that dog owners look for: balanced temperament, strong bond with people and an easy-going nature. Anyone looking for a dog that fits well into family life without being especially sporty or demanding will sooner or later come across the Elo when choosing a breed. In this guide, you'll learn everything important about the origin, character, training and the right diet for this likeable family dog.
Breed profile and temperament
The Elo is a medium-sized dog with a shoulder height of around 46 to 60 centimetres, depending on the breeding line. Weight usually ranges between 16 and 30 kilograms. This means it belongs neither to the small lapdogs nor to the large working dogs, but sits right in the middle, which makes it practical for many households.
In terms of character, the Elo is considered calm, friendly and remarkably people-oriented. It seeks closeness to its family and doesn't like being left alone for long periods. Towards strangers it's usually friendly to reserved, without reacting fearfully or aggressively. Its prey drive is low compared to many other breeds, which makes walks in the woods or fields considerably more relaxed. Its exercise needs are also moderate: an Elo needs regular activity, but nothing sporty or demanding. This makes it a dog that suits a rather calm daily routine well.
This combination of good nature, low prey drive and moderate exercise needs makes the Elo a popular choice for families with children, as well as for first-time dog owners with little experience in dog training. If you're unsure whether the Elo suits your lifestyle, our breed finder can help you find the right breed for you.
Origin and history
The Elo is a comparatively young dog breed, whose breeding history began in Germany in the 1980s. The breeder's aim was to develop a family dog that is physically robust, stable in temperament and easy to socialise. Several breeds were crossed for this purpose, including the Eurasier, the Chow Chow and the Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). This deliberate combination produced a dog that unites the friendly balance of the Eurasier, the robustness of the Chow Chow and the playful nature of the Bobtail.
Important to know: the Elo is not yet a breed recognised by the world umbrella organisation FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). Rather, it's what's known as a brand breed, organised and controlled through its own breed association. This means the breeding standards are set not by the FCI but by the responsible association. In practice, this makes little difference for dog lovers, but it should be taken into account when choosing a reputable breeder. Make sure the breeder you choose is a member of a recognised Elo breed association that pays attention to health checks, temperament tests and responsible pairings.
Training and everyday life
The Elo is considered eager to learn and cooperative, which makes training considerably easier compared with some more strong-willed breeds. It likes working together with its person and is easily motivated through positive reinforcement, meaning praise, play and small rewards. Consistency and patience are nevertheless important, because even a fundamentally good-natured dog needs clear rules and structure to feel secure.
Early socialisation during puppyhood is worthwhile for every breed, including the Elo. Contact with other dogs, different people and everyday situations helps a confident and relaxed adult dog to develop. Since the prey drive is low to begin with, encounters with wildlife or other animals are usually unproblematic, which is a real advantage especially for owners in rural areas.
In everyday life, the Elo proves to be adaptable. Whether a flat in the city with regular walks or a house with a garden, the dog copes well with either, as long as it spends enough time with its family. Its moderate exercise drive doesn't mean it needs no activity at all, but rather that daily walks, some occupation and mental stimulation are entirely sufficient. Long sporting programmes like those for a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd are not necessary here.
Precisely because the Elo is considered suitable for beginners, it's well suited to families getting a dog for the first time. If you'd like more detailed information beforehand about which breed really suits your everyday life, our breed finder offers good guidance.
The right diet for the Elo
Like every medium-sized dog, the Elo needs a balanced and easily digestible diet that matches its individual needs. Since its exercise drive is rather moderate, the amount of food shouldn't be too generous, to prevent excess weight. At the same time, the dog needs high-quality protein for muscle development, healthy fats for a glossy coat and easily digestible carbohydrates or fibre for stable digestion.
Whether you choose dry food or wet food depends on the individual dog and your personal preferences. Dry food is practical for storage and dosing, while wet food often scores with a higher meat content and more moisture, which can be an advantage especially for dogs with a lower sense of thirst. In our dry food category you'll find low-grain and grain-free varieties with a high meat content, while in the wet food category you'll find natural recipes without unnecessary additives.
Since every Elo reacts somewhat differently to food, it's worth taking a close look at activity level, age and any intolerances. If you're unsure which food best suits your dog, our food finder helps you get a suitable recommendation in just a few steps.
Chews and chew treats
Chewing is just as much a part of everyday life for the Elo as for any other dog. It promotes dental care, reduces stress and provides sensible occupation, especially on days with less exercise. Since the Elo isn't an excessively enthusiastic chewer, medium-hard, natural chews are particularly well suited, as they neither disappear too quickly nor put too much strain on the teeth.
In our natural chews category you'll find grain-free and purely natural chews that come without artificial additives. For in between, for example during training or as a small treat, the natural treats from our range are suitable, as they're easy to dose and don't put unnecessary strain on the diet.
Because not every chew suits every dog, it's worth taking a look at your Elo's individual preferences and needs here too. Our chew finder helps you find the right snack for your dog's size, age and chewing behaviour.
Coat care and health
The Elo's coat is medium to long and can come in various forms, from smooth to slightly wavy. Most Elos have a dense undercoat that protects them from cold and wet, but which also requires regular care. Weekly brushing is usually enough to prevent matting and remove loose undercoat. During the coat change in spring and autumn, you should reach for the brush a little more often.
Health-wise, the Elo is considered a robust breed. Since it's a cross of several established breeds, it benefits from a certain genetic advantage over breed-typical hereditary diseases that occur more frequently in very closely bred breeds. Nevertheless, as with every dog, regular vet visits, a balanced diet and appropriate exercise are important to prevent excess weight, joint problems or dental disease. A high-quality diet tailored to the dog makes an important contribution to long-term health.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Elo a recognised breed?
The Elo is not yet recognised by the FCI. It's a brand breed organised through its own breed association, which prescribes its own breeding standards and health checks.
How big and heavy does an Elo get?
An adult Elo usually reaches a shoulder height of between 46 and 60 centimetres and weighs between 16 and 30 kilograms. This makes it one of the medium-sized dog breeds.
Is the Elo suitable for first-time dog owners?
Yes, the Elo is considered particularly suitable for beginners. It's eager to learn, balanced and shows a low prey drive, which makes training and everyday life with it considerably easier compared with many other breeds.
How much exercise does an Elo need?
An Elo's exercise drive is moderate. Daily walks and a bit of mental occupation are usually enough; an elaborate sporting programme isn't required for this breed.
Character & who the Elo suits
In short, the Elo is best suited to: families looking for a balanced, easy-going companion dog.
- Size: medium
- Energy level: medium
- With children: very good with children
- Flat living: fine with enough exercise
- For beginners: beginner-friendly
- Coat care: medium grooming effort
- Trainability: eager to learn
- Watchfulness: not a pronounced guard dog
Not sure whether this breed suits your life? Find out with our breed finder "Which dog breed suits me?"
Also worth a look: Grain-Free Dog Food
