East European Shepherd Dog: description, nature and reviews of the owners. How are German and East European Shepherds different?

For many dog \u200b\u200blovers, the shepherd evokes involuntary respect and a desire to make such, extremely loyal and surprisingly beautiful friend. The most popular breeds of this type are two - East European Shepherd and German Shepherd, the differences among which are almost invisible to an unknowing person. Nevertheless, they are not few, and they begin with the history of the emergence, development and influence of countries, centuries.

Occurrence of rocks

Initiator of creation german shepherd dogs   is captain von Stefanitz, who at the end of the 19th century decided to realize his idea. He saw a dog suitable for his idea at one of the exhibitions that he had to attend specifically for this purpose. The requests of the captain included not only the current data of the future pet (strength), but also the character - friendliness, restraint, intelligence, energy. It took Stefanitz all his life to breed the perfect German Shepherd Sheepdog. Engaged in breeding, "polishing" the breed, he additionally described its standard parameters and advertised his dogs in every possible way. It is quite possible that without this, the “Germans” would remain known only in a narrow circle of dog handlers and would not bring huge benefits for such a short period of the breed’s existence.

History of occurrence east european shepherd dog much more complicated and there was even a period during which it almost disappeared. They started to breed this breed in 1924 at the initiative of the USSR leadership, using German shepherds as a base. Breeding work was carried out in a Moscow kennel, where scientists and dog handlers were given the task: to improve the German shepherd, namely to create a more massive, hardy and able to adapt to difficult climate conditions in the vast expanses of the Soviet Union breed. However, due to financial problems, now and then arising in a young country, work in the nursery was not completed. It continued privately and only thanks to clandestine donations from officials. Towards the end of the 30s and the beginning of the 40s, in order to preserve at least the first specimens, several individuals of East European shepherds were transported to the Sverdlovsk region.

In the post-war period, work on breeding resumed. For this, new, selected individuals of the German Shepherd from German kennels were ordered and brought. It is worth noting that crossbreeding with other dog breeds was not carried out. The breeding process was strictly classified and foreign specialists were not involved in the work.

In 1964, East European Shepherds were officially recognized as worthy of respect for their undeniable contribution during the Second World War. Using his authority, General G.L. Medvedev gained recognition of dog breeding work until 1977, when the second breed standard was recognized, although then the East European shepherds were considered only a subspecies of the German.

Cynologists had new problems in 1991 when German shepherds got the FCI standard on an international scale, bringing the East European subspecies into an illegal position, right up to complete extermination.

Numerous attempts by specialists to save the breed, emphasizing the difference between the East European Shepherd and the German Shepherd led to success. Thanks to the RFK (cynological organization) VEO in 2002 was recognized as a separate breed.

Differences in appearance

The German Shepherd resembles a strong animal, always ready for movement. The most typical physical sign by which it can be distinguished from the Eastern European counterpart is back. If in the first specimen it is curved in an arc, descending to the pelvic area, then in the East European shepherd it is straight.

Thanks to the feature, the "German" during fast movement literally spreads trot. In addition, his height almost never exceeds 63–65 cm, and weight - 40 kg.

German shepherds have a muscular, very strong structure, erect ears and a wedge-shaped head. Their hair is straight, of medium length, quite stiff, their eyes are almond-shaped and always dark. Typically, females of this breed are often larger than males.

  A larger and higher East European shepherd often weighs 50 kilograms with a growth of 75 cm. Their back is straight, but the sacrum is lowered slightly below the withers, which is completely normal. The run of the East European Shepherd Dog is sweeping, accompanied by powerful shocks, although it also resembles a lynx. Especially impressive dogs look in a calm state - a wide chest, smart eyes, erect ears and powerful paws inevitably inspire respect for them. Females of Eastern European dogs are always smaller than males, although they are no less hardy.

Color dogs

Although many people associate the color of the shepherd’s coat with a light gray tan, it is a mistake to perceive their breed only on this basis. Moreover, too light color indicates degenerate pigmentation and no dog handler will specifically achieve such an effect.

Color is not the factor that distinguishes a German shepherd from an Eastern European one, as individuals of both breeds can be black, black-eyed or zoned. Nevertheless, the “Germans” are characterized by a predominantly black color with a pronounced red tan. And East European shepherds can have any of 3 colors, so when trying to determine the breed it is best to focus on growth, skeleton construction and weight.

Dog temperaments

The temperaments of these breeds also vary, so when choosing a German or East European shepherd, you need to pay attention to that. That is, they are active, they like to move a lot, are restless, but they do not roll up unreasonable tantrums. Therefore, to buy a German shepherd is for those who are looking for not only a faithful friend, but also a companion in frequent walks, long hikes, bicycle excursions. These are excellent watchmen, shepherds, athletes with an excellent scent, which is actively used by customs, border and law enforcement services.

East European Shepherd Dogs are calmer, more balanced. Perhaps affected by the requirements of selection or heavy weight. They are not as playful as the “Germans." Nevertheless, the restrained temperament does not prevent the shepherd dogs of this breed from faithfully serving the owner, almost deifying him, showing at the same time a wary-aggressive attitude towards strangers. Due to their intelligence, as well as the ability to concentrate and quick wit, the “Eastern Europeans” are very easy to train and are able to learn many commands, provided that initially the dog will receive a treat for every trick. Classes should be held daily, but not more than 15 minutes, or twice a day for 5-7 minutes. East European Shepherd Dogs are excellent guard dogs, aware that their main purpose is to guard the owner.

  The temperament and suppleness of the training allows you to keep German and East European shepherds not only in the aviary, but also in the house. If you walk them daily, let them move in order to throw out energy, exercise, give toys, they do not harm the home environment. Keeping in an enclosure requires a similar approach to upbringing, but you cannot accustom a puppy to the house in order to later be evicted into the yard. He will perceive such “injustice” very badly and will get used to it for a long time and ask to go home.

East European Shepherd Dog is a domestic breed of dog bred for the service and accompaniment of people. It is a close relative of German shepherds, but differs in many ways. It is recognized in the RKF system and has its own standard.

History and reasons for breeding

By the 20s of the last century there was an urgent need for service dogs. The plans were to breed purebred German shepherds for the guard at military facilities, camps for convicts and the protection of national property. Those few examples of dogs from Germany were not enough, and buying was possible only for foreign currency. For these reasons, the existing German shepherds and mongrels, which were suitable in size and character, participated in the breeding of the breed.

Since 1924, work began in the departmental cynological nurseries. There was a tough selection, only the best dogs were used for further breeding. The Second World War led to a decrease in the population of the new breed, but already in the 50s the situation improved.

By the 70s, VEOs became the same type and won popular love. These dogs lived with ordinary people and served in facilities. Successfully passed the standards for training, showed their best side when meeting with the defendants.

The IFF has not yet recognized the breed because of its similarity with the German Shepherd, but in the country and neighboring countries there are faithful Breeders and owners of these service dogs.

Standard and breed features

The VEO standard is assigned to the 1st group according to the classification of the RKF, where there are shepherd and cattle dogs. All representatives must comply with the following parameters:

1. Growth at the withers: males 66-76 cm, females 62-72 cm.
2. Eye color: dark brown.
3. Nose color: black.
4. Lips: Dark.
5. Teeth: complete set (42 teeth), scissor bite.
6. Color: solid black or with light marks, black-gray, black-fawn, zoning-gray and zoning-red. Allowed red marks.
7. Ears: Triangular with high and wide set, ends slightly rounded.
8. Tail: saber.
9. Coat: double with a thicker and lighter undercoat than awn.

On completely black dogs, a small white spot in the chest area is acceptable, but this refers to undesirable symptoms, like red marks of varying intensity. The backbone of the VEO should be strong, with strong muscles. Unmotivated aggression, nervousness or cowardice is unacceptable in behavior.

The height in the description of this breed is indicated as desirable, but a deviation of 2 cm is a defect, as is the lack of some teeth. Bitches are more elegant males, but do not give the impression of delicate and fragile dogs. Approximate weight for males is 36-60 kg, for females - 30-50 kg.

Differences from the German Shepherd

There are several myths about these breeds. For example, that the real ones are only dark without spots and marks. VEO has this color as standard. There is a difference in behavior, structure, movements.

The modern East European shepherd is different from the German:

1. Growth - on average, a difference of 5-7 cm in favor of VEO (data from standards).
2. The Germans have an inclined croup and another top line.
3. The angles of the limbs of the VEO are not so pronounced.
4. German shepherds do not have gray in color, more red and black.
5. Calm nature.

These are the main differences. In most German shepherd dogs, choleric animals, their movements are sharper, they are more energetic. VEOs are not designed for long run, but due to their mass and quick reaction they are excellent for guard duty, and for shepherd’s work they are too heavy. This breed was bred for use in various climates. High humidity or low temperature with heavy rainfall are not terrible for such dogs.

In general, VEO look more massive, more sanguine in temperament. It is easier to recognize by another sign - a gray color in color. This color prevails in the domestic breed.

Character, intelligence and human interaction

Easterners are balanced dogs with a high level of intelligence. Due to their good learning abilities, they are very obedient. Despite their large size, they do not possess the waywardness of Molossians (Central Asian, Caucasian Shepherd, mastiffs, etc.). They are not inclined to shoots. Faithful to the owner and happily carry out his instructions. East European Shepherd Dog early begins to protect people and property. She is attached to the owner, her responsibility is to protect his peace.

Often these dogs are bred in pairs or in larger numbers. Then there are clashes between same-sex or dominant individuals. Usually it goes by 2-3 years and the roles in the pack are distributed for a long time. Sometimes it seems that VEOs are phlegmatic. Under the mask of complete calm hides a lightning reaction, in case of danger. They are watching and are ready to defend themselves at any moment.

Suitable for families with children of different ages.   They build normal relations with other pets, a bird or a cat can be considered an object of protection, which is shown on occasion. With the proper approach, a reliable friend, defender and loyal companion for the whole family grows out of a lop-eared puppy.

The purpose and work of dogs

The history of breeding shows that the East European shepherd must be hardy and possess the characteristics of a real service dog. They retained their qualities in the modern world. They are willingly taken to security companies, private houses, apartments.

For a beginner, VEO can create some learning difficulties. These dogs require moderate stiffness in communication, but in a good way are simple and love the attention of the owner. Because of this, they can be found in the service in departmental units, military units, and on the protection of state borders. In addition, they are unpretentious in the maintenance and care.

The standard provides for performance testing. A dog with a certain set of qualities is allowed to exhibit in a separate class. She will not be afraid of shots, other loud sounds, in case of serious danger she will repulse the offender and be able to delay him. Only a few are born like this, the rest are taught in special courses and more than one month.

Protective qualities are already evident in the first months, but they must be sent in the right direction and the pet of the East European Shepherd breed must be able to train and distinguish between the real threat and the imaginary one.

Dog training

The first thing a true guard needs is impeccable obedience. A large Vostochnik easily snatches a leash from his hands, even in an adult man, if a cat runs in front of him. This happens in the absence of training and control. VEO are very trainable. From the first lessons on the site or at home, they show a good result.

For life on a personal plot, you can independently accustom your pet to elementary teams. Delicacy and praise will help. Puppies are attentive, fussy and quickly remember the team.

Serious training with this breed should be after 6 months. Full obedience must be sought without physical punishment. Owners of the VEO note that their pets are rarely afraid of heights, walking on a boom or assault.

It is necessary to maintain the skill of the correct execution of commands in the pet. All previously developed reflexes are periodically fixed. This approach to education will bear fruit when going to the veterinary clinic, in travel or other public transport, when walking in crowded places.

Features of care and maintenance

VEOs are easily maintained in apartments and household plots. They like life on the street more; many of the cages do not stand in the house for 30 minutes due to the heat and cramped conditions. In apartments, an East European shepherd chooses a nook where he takes a break from walking or after eating. The only caveat is molting. Indoors, they dump wool all the time, but the change of season is almost invisible.

Feeding for dogs of this breed is standard.

Most of the diet is meat (beef and other low-fat varieties). You can add porridge, especially in the cold season and when kept outdoors. To improve the condition of the skin, the diet includes sea fish, eggs, vegetables, and vegetable oil. Sour-milk products are mandatory for feeding at any age, give cottage cheese and kefir to puppies more often.

Ready-made feeds are suitable from the categories for large and medium breeds depending on the age, physique and needs of a particular dog.

The dog needs walks, regardless of whether it is kept on the street or in the apartment. Clothing is an extra item, their thick coat with undercoat does not allow to freeze or get wet in the rain. For street VEOs they build a double-walled booth with insulation and a small wooden floor in front of it; straw is placed inside if frost has come. In home or apartment conditions, a cool place is allocated, but without drafts.

Hair, ear and tooth care

The coat of the East European Shepherd Dog is very unpretentious and quickly cleans itself. When kept in the fresh air, washing is necessary several times a year. Practice shows that it is better to use shampoo for dogs in spring and autumn before the onset of cold weather. This will help to cope with abundant molting, and the dog will easily tolerate the heat.

The pet is combed with a natural bristle brush and a comb. They resort to the procedure 1-2 times a week, so that no tangles appear, and under them eczema and peeling. To accustom to this procedure should be with the beginning of education at the age of 2-3 months from birth.

Teeth - one of the main advantages and weapons of a service dog, they must be white and strong. The condition of the teeth depends on genetics and content, because proper feeding helps to saturate the body with the necessary trace elements and minerals. For cleaning, you can use special tools in the form of pastes or give the dog a bite of natural veins, apples, carrots.

All East European Shepherd puppies are born with ears down. From 2-3 months they get up together or alternately, sometimes later. During the period of the change of teeth, the ears usually fall, but by the year almost all of the Easterners with the correct set of ears. If this does not happen, then look for a reason to eliminate the consequences. For example, the ears may not get up due to a lack of phosphorus or calcium, insufficiently stiff cartilage (genetic predisposition), etc. In such cases, gluing the tips of the ears with a patch to each other above the head is practiced (the patch is periodically changed).

Health, Disease, and Life Expectancy

The following diseases are common in the breed:

1. Inversion of the stomach.
2. Hip dysplasia.
3. Arthritis
4. Obesity.
5. Conjunctivitis.
6. Heart failure.
7. Otitis.
8. Eczema

Before you get a puppy, you need to know how old dogs of large breeds live. For VEO, the average figure is 12-14 years with proper care and good nutrition.

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  From the point of view of development and features, breeding in Germany and Russia are two inbreeding, different types.   East European   Shepherd dog has a beautiful balanced character and excellent working qualities. Her gaze exudes a deep and mind. In her movements, grace, strength and self-esteem are emphasized, forcing even the indifferent to pay attention to themselves.

East European Shepherd Dog is unusually contact, obedient and understanding. She does not need to repeat the same thing several times. While at home, she takes part in your affairs with pleasure, and is ready for anything that her master, whom she loves, does not want. On the street, she will not let you stand just like that, because one of your favorite entertainments is a game of sticks.

The shepherd is faithful and loves children very much. With great care takes them under his protection. Bad character is not peculiar to dogs of this breed, more often it is the result of poor breeding. A shepherd dog suffering from idleness can cause a lot of trouble to you and others. Therefore, it requires classes, games, long walks. The East European Shepherd Dog is a large, strong-boned dog, of the correct proportions, with good limbs. The top line is smooth, falling, with a well-defined withers. Height at the withers is 65-70 cm. Black color with shades of gray to red, black and tan, black, zoned. These exterior data distinguish the VEO from its sister, the German Shepherd, which is of medium height, black and red, with a slightly arched top line.

The first German shepherd dogs imported from Germany to Russia had a common ancestor - Horand von Grafrath. Subsequently, as you know, a type of German shepherd was formed in Russia which looks very different from the western one. His name was influenced by historical events: war, the struggle against foreign names, and today the well-known "East European Shepherd" has firmly entrenched.

The founders of the modern German Shepherd line in Russia are Devet von Furtenstegt and Eddie von Blumenduft, Ingul (ow. Golovanov), Degai (ow. Sasonov). Taishet (ow. Sveshnikova), Dick (ow. Nutsubidze), Mine (ow. Kazakov) and others became those producers whose distant 414 FF descendants of which now shine at exhibitions.

In the eighties, the export of German shepherds from abroad increased. Many shepherd lovers have an interest in the western type, more fashionable, which gradually began to displace the national type. As you know, the country - the legislator of the breed affects the breed standard. This led to the fact that judging dogs belonging to two different types of each other in the same ring became inexpedient. Very often, the East European Shepherd Dogs were losing more correctly to the complex, although not the best, representatives of the German Shepherd Dog.

The first all-Union exhibition of 1989 almost became the last for the East European Shepherd. The reports rightly pointed to flaws in the exterior and behavior, but recommendations for further breeding of this breed were very categorical. Just a few years ago, and we probably could know about this type only from the remaining photos.

Many clubs, especially in Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, and a little later in Moscow and Leningrad and some other regions, completely reoriented breeding using imported producers on their breeding stock, so to speak, of a national type. From the first mating of the “Vostochny” with the Germans, dogs were obtained with an improved body structure and limbs, a stronger top. But the type of such shepherd could not be attributed to the German.

In the military and border areas, East European Shepherds are still preferred. But less and less “Eastmen” can be seen at large exhibitions, so many have the impression that the East European type of shepherd is gone. However, a group of these dogs in the early 90s remained in the Moscow City Club of Service Dog Breeding. Being under the attention of the Central Club of Service Dog Breeding, breed breeding could not but affect the preparation of plans. Couples very often were selected from a male German and female East European Shepherd. Due to the fact that such selection was carried out without taking into account the individuality of the producers, many breeders and their puppies went to amateur clubs. But among the received half-breeds (for convenience, half-breeds call those shepherd dogs whose parents belong to different types) In MGKSS beautiful dogs were bred. From the best MGCCS producer Dei-Dan (ow. Zuev), beautiful dogs: Dick-Day, and Darkley-Day, were obtained in combination with a male VEO by birth, the winner of the shows named Ars-Chin. Later this bitch was knitted with different German males. From her were received such well-known exhibition and pedigree dogs as Yanysh-Day, Sarting-Day and many others. The highest titles of her puppies brought her well-deserved fame as a pedigree female bitch. From such a producer as Ivaita-Vil (ow. Trifonova), in combination with Irk-Harmony (“German” by birth), they received a cool male Ingara-Irsei and a female Ivetta-Irsey. Their children firmly inherited the maternal type and improved anatomical structure from their father. And the grandchildren compete with the best Moscow dogs, being bright representatives of the type of East European Shepherd.

Often German and East European shepherds are considered subspecies of the same breed. But this is not so. The difference between the German Shepherd and the East European is seen with the naked eye. They were bred at different times and for various purposes, very different in appearance and in character. Each of these breeds has its own history, pluses and minuses.

Exterior and paint

The differences between these two breeds are most noticeable in their appearance. VEO is often much larger. German shepherd is much lower. By standards, the growth of the East European shepherd female is equal to the growth of a German male, which is about 60 cm. This says a lot, because female dogs are usually smaller and lighter than males. Weight for individuals of these breeds varies by an average of 10 kg. The most pronounced difference is the back line. If a German shepherd has an average slope of 23 ° to the horizon, then the East European dog has an almost flat back, the height in the sacrum is usually quite slightly less than the height at the withers. The depth of the chest also varies. In East European dogs, their breasts are much wider than their German counterparts. The difference in the paws is also very noticeable: in the VEO they are much larger and look more powerful. Due to such differences in appearance, even gait varies greatly. If the German shepherd, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the back, moves with a creeping trot, then the run of the East European is much wider, with strong shocks.

But the color of these dogs often coincides. They can be black-clad with a mask, zoned with gray, black with tan in various colors. Although the colors of the VEO are more diverse. Black or zonar-red individuals among them can be found much more often.

So, the East European shepherd is much larger than the German one, has a different back structure, which leads to a difference in the way of running, and the variety of colors in this breed is somewhat wider than that of the Germans.

Character and ability to train

Vivid differences between these breeds are found not only in appearance, but also in character. These animals have completely different temperaments and attitudes towards dressing. The German shepherd was bred primarily as a shepherd dog, which determines its behavior so far. She is very mobile and hardy, she can keep track for a long time and run long distances. These are choleric dogs, usually they are friendly to everyone around, except for people who are aggressive towards their owner. The German puppy will be an ideal friend for a hyperactive child and any person involved in active sports. They are trained very easily, training for them is a joy, an interesting game, therefore the German shepherd often reaches great heights even in complex training programs. At competitions of different levels, this breed can be found much more often.

  East European Shepherd Dog is distinguished by calm and endurance. Less energetic and more balanced dogs are perfect for protection or life with a not very mobile person. VEO in our time is often used for service in the border troops and as guides, noting the stability of their psyche. They are not as friendly with everyone around them as the “Germans”, they prefer to single out and let in only the owner and his inner circle. Training an East European Shepherd Dog is not a hassle. Unlike the Germans, for her it is more of a job, not a game. Therefore, it is easier to take the main course, and even an inexperienced breeder can work with it. But they prefer to use German shepherds for speaking at competitions, because due to the phlegmatic, calm nature of the East European dog, professional sports training will be much more difficult to perceive, it will take a lot of time to achieve really good results.

Thus, the difference between the characters of these dogs is enormous, the "Germans" are much more active than the East European counterparts, but the VEO is much more restrained and balanced. Both breeds are easy to train, however, German shepherds reach great heights in it.

The current situation of the rocks

Nowadays, the position of these breeds on the world stage is different. German shepherds are recognized by the international community and are very popular. Dog handlers around the world monitor the condition of the breed and keep it at a high level, confirming the high status and prestige of their clubs, so finding a puppy who would be a good representative of his tribe and have a decent pedigree is not difficult.

Representatives of VEO were much less fortunate. To date, this breed is not recognized by FCI (International Cynological Federation), therefore it is extremely rare in the world. By and large, these dogs can be found

only in the countries that once were part of the USSR. These dogs are not as popular as their German counterparts, so there are few breeders' clubs and the breed suffers from degeneration. Moreover, they are often mixed with the Germans to increase the ability to train. Finding a puppy that meets all breed standards is now difficult.