East European Shepherd: description of the breed, character traits

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

To an ignorant person it may seem that the East European Shepherd Dog is no different from its German "sister". And there is some truth in this. After all, the "material" for breeding the breed was taken out of Germany. But climatic conditions, and most importantly, the efforts of breeders and cynologists, produced a new breed. Who is she - a shepherd from Eastern Europe? What is its similarity with the German ancestor? What is the difference from it? What is the breed standard? What is the nature of this dog? You will learn about this from our article.

Before talking about this wonderful breed, let's give some simple data. In the 50-60s of the twentieth century, on the territory of the Soviet Union, people simply did not know other shepherd dogs, except for Eastern European ones. It was they who carried the border and watch service. And some especially gifted "acting talents"East European Shepherd Dogs even became the heroes of films (the faithful Ruslan, Mukhtar and the dog Scarlet).

Formation of the breed

In the twenties of the last century in the young state of the USSR there was an urgent need for powerful service dogs. Soviet cynologists were tasked with breeding a breed that could be used to serve in harsh climatic conditions. The dog had to be smart, hardy, loyal to the owner … and at the same time very strong. Cynologists took the German Shepherd as a basis for breeding a new breed.

In 1924, breeding began in the nursery "Krasnaya Zvezda" with the inoculation of bloodlines of huskies and Great Danes. But there was little “imported” material, and close relatives had to be crossed. Things got better after the Second World War, when many trophy German Shepherds fell into the hands of dog handlers. The new breed was recognized in the Soviet Union in 1964. Despite the narrow regional origin (USSR), she was given the name VEO - that is, the East European Shepherd Dog.

Crisis

Breeding work continued. Cynologists wanted to get a "universal" service dog that could be used in all regions of the "sixth of the land" - from the Arctic and Kolyma to the sands of Central Asia. Alas, the German Shepherd is not so adapted to harsh climatic conditions. Also, the cynologists were faced with the task of changing the behavioral skills of the dog. They demanded obedience from her, watchmenqualities, but also the ability to make decisions in force majeure circumstances.

The second time the breed standard was approved in 1976. But with the collapse of the USSR, a fashion for everything Western arose. The "Iron Curtain" fell, and people began to get German Shepherds in increasing numbers. And the unflattering image of the guards of the Gulag was fixed behind the "Soviet" breed. But lovers of the "Easterners" united in clubs. Monobreed exhibitions were held. There were private kennels, where East European Shepherd dogs played an important role in preserving the breed. The "reproducer" usually had a powerful exterior and a smooth transition from withers to tail.

New confession

Such selfless activity of amateur cynologists has led to the fact that the livestock of East European Shepherd Dogs has not disappeared. On the contrary, it has increased. Dogs were requested not only by the border guards and the military. Their intelligence allowed them to be kept as companions. Unlike the "Germans", the East European Shepherd Dog is very attached to children and takes them under its protection. In view of all this, the breed received new recognition. It happened in 2002. The cynological organization of the RKF considered the VEO an independent breed. A new standard has been established. Now the breed is highly respected in Russia. But according to the FCI classification, East European Shepherds are not recognized.

Standard

We remind once again that the German Shepherd served as the main source of "material" for breeding the breed. Eastern European differs from its Germanicancestors more powerful physique. Males reach a height of 66-76 centimeters at the withers. Bitches are slightly lower - 62-72 cm. The muscles should be well developed. Unlike the German Shepherd, the East European Shepherd has a rectangular silhouette. It does not appear to be crouched, squat or short-legged. But the withers are well defined.

Color, like the "Germans", black-backed or with a dark mask on a light background. Less desirable is zoned red, fawn or grey. The nose is always black. The ears are triangular, erect, like many shepherd dogs. The eyes are intelligent, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely. The hind legs, unlike the German breed, are straight, with well-defined hocks. In principle, the breed is characterized by the power of the physique, as well as muscularity.

Unacceptable deviations from the standard

The constitution of a dog of this breed should be powerful, but not rough. Also, the muzzle should be slightly elongated, with tight-fitting lips. This is important, taking into account the fact that the breed was bred with the participation of Great Danes. A thin East European Shepherd Dog is allowed to show only if such leanness is combined with a strong skeleton and the absence of thin and flat ribs. Also, "marriage" is considered excessive flabbiness, too much weight. Profitable fingers must be removed, as the standard suggests that the East European Shepherd Dog has rounded, balled paws. This breed should have a straight back. Only a very small amount is allowedthe angle of inclination of the spine from the withers to the tail. The gait on the court should be a creeping light trot with a strong push from the hind legs.

Main differences between East European and German Shepherds

As mentioned above, VEOs are not recognized by the International Cynological Federation. This breed is considered a subspecies of the German Shepherd. But Russian cynological organizations believe that VEOs have many distinctive features. First, growth. The "Easterners" are slightly higher than the "Germans" by standard. Secondly, the Soviet breed is more massive than its German brothers, its representatives have a wide chest. But the main difference that immediately catches the eye is the back of the dog. In the German Shepherd, it is slanted. Therefore, it seems that the dog falls on its hind legs. The East European Shepherd Dog has a straight back, and its withers are only slightly above the sacrum. Hence, the gait is different than that of the "German" - strong pushes with the hind legs, free movement of the limbs. There is also a difference in character. East European Shepherds are more reasonable and calm. This breed often has a lighter color.

Character

If the German Shepherd is often kept as a companion, then representatives of this breed are raised for service. It consists in the protection of property, the power protection of the owner and the detention of intruders. According to the RKF standard adopted in 2014, the dog must have a balanced and calm temperament, be distrustful of strangers, and inin case of the slightest danger, to show a pronounced active-defensive reaction. Excessive unmotivated aggression, as well as cowardice and nervousness, is considered a marriage. As a companion and favorite of the whole family, it is better to choose a mestizo of East European and German shepherds. Such a dog will be more playful and obedient. Indeed, in the USSR, the breed was bred so that the dog, if necessary, made decisions on its own. For protection of the territory, a mixture of an East European Shepherd and a Caucasian will be ideal.

How to get a puppy

This breed is quite common in our country. Puppies with or without a pedigree can be purchased even through advertisements on the Avito electronic board. East European Shepherd Dogs are sold there from fourteen thousand rubles. But sometimes the price for a puppy from especially elite parents can reach forty thousand. Mestizos of different shepherd dogs (Eastern European and German, Caucasian or Belgian) can cost from two thousand. But the surest place where you can buy a puppy that fully meets the standard of such a breed as the East European Shepherd Dog is a nursery. There are quite a lot of them in Russia. After all, VEO is our, domestic breed. We can recommend nurseries "Valentinelife", "True friend", "Lyutar" and "New Empire". Cynologists from the Veolar and Moncher Virsal centers have proven themselves well. Of course, the cost of a puppy there is much higher than in the "bird market". But on the other hand, you will have a guarantee that the dog will grow up exactly as a VEO, and not as a mestizo.

Training

East European Shepherd was bred as a universal service dog. For many years of the existence of the breed, its representatives guarded state borders, were sappers, watchmen and even search engines. Thus, the East European Shepherd is prone to obedience. But this does not mean at all that you can do without training. The protective-protective reflex in these dogs is at the genetic level. And because they can rush to the person who came up to you to ask the time. It is necessary to educate such a powerful dog from the first months of life. First, unconditional obedience must be instilled. From four months you can start training in agility, and from five you can develop service qualities (guard objects, repel attacks of the aggressor).

East European Shepherd Care

The key to your pet's good he alth is proper feeding, as well as regular exercise. A powerful and muscular dog needs a lot of protein. Therefore, meat products must be included in the feed. Considering that such animals usually eat a bowl of food at a time, you can add cereals, boiled vegetables, dairy products, greens to the diet. At any age, but especially for puppies of this breed, it is recommended to give raw sea fish. And the meat should be slightly cooked. Cow's milk can be given to puppies up to a year, and even then in small quantities. But cottage cheese, fermented baked milk and kefir are very useful for all ages of the East European Shepherd Dog. The coat of this breed requires minimal care. Don't bathe your dog more than twice a year. But you need to comb out regularly. Alsodon't forget to take care of your teeth and ears.

Diseases of the breed

East European Shepherd was raised as a hardy and strong dog. And if you have purchased a purebred VEO, then most likely it will be a long-liver. But this breed also has its own diseases. The main disease that can affect a puppy is rickets. If a dog sits in a cramped enclosure from childhood and does not receive enough calcium s alts, then it begins to lose weight, and its bones become brittle. But not always the diagnosis of "rickets" is the answer to the question why the East European Shepherd is thin. She may not be getting enough protein. This dog should not be fed table scraps. It requires high quality meat food.