German and East European Shepherd - differences, characteristics and reviews

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

One of the most popular dog breeds is the Shepherd Dog. These are smart and beautiful animals that lend themselves well to training. Among them, the German and East European Shepherds stand out in particular. The differences between them are not very noticeable, although experts consider them to be two different breeds. They are different not only in appearance, but also in character, temperament and even the origin of the breed.

German Shepherd Characteristics

This breed was recognized only at the end of the 19th century. Max von Stephanitz is considered the founder of the breed. And it comes from shepherd dogs, which have long been bred in Scandinavia. The new breed quickly spread throughout Europe and became popular. At first, these dogs were used as shepherds. Then their qualities were discovered, allowing them to be used in the service and search service and protection.

These are strong, muscular dogs that are ready to protect the ownerfrom any danger. In addition, they are very smart and easy to train. Thanks to this, representatives of this breed are now widely used in the police, tax service, and detective work. They serve in the army, work as guides. But German Shepherds are also popular as companions and house guards.

Origin of the East European Shepherd Dog

This variety of the world-famous breed was bred in Russia. German Shepherds could not withstand severe frosts and heat, they were not very hardy. Back in the 20s of the 20th century, Russian breeders began to improve the breed popular in Europe. They tried to adapt it to the conditions of our country. Selection continued after the war, and in the 40s the name of a new breed appeared - the East European Shepherd Dog. Its difference from the German one is that it is larger, but has a thinner skeleton.

This breed was bred according to a strictly classified method. Dogs were not crossed with anyone, they used only the method of selecting the most suitable individuals. In the 60s and 70s, East European Shepherds enjoyed great respect in our country, although they were considered just a variety of German ones. In 1991, a new international breed standard was adopted and the "Easterners" were transferred to an illegal position. There was a threat of complete destruction of the breed. But thanks to the efforts of the Russian Federation of Cynologists, who proved that there are differences between the German and East European Shepherd Dogs, in 2002 the breed was recognized as independent.

Characteristics of the East European Shepherd Dog

When breeding a new breed, it was characterized as a German Shepherd of the East European type. At first they had few differences. But for a long time in the USSR, dogs were not imported from abroad, and selection work continued. Therefore, by the end of the 20th century, the differences between the German and East European Shepherds became more clearly visible.

When breeding, cynologists sought to make the breed more hardy and large. Therefore, the East European Shepherd Dog is more adapted to the harsh Russian climate. She has longer legs and a broad chest, allowing her to move freely in the snow.

Similarities of breeds

Only recently, the East European Shepherd was recognized as a separate breed. After all, the differences from the German are still quite noticeable. But since these breeds are related and have common roots, there are many similarities among them. They are very popular because of the versatility of dogs, their excellent character and ability to train. These are smart and devoted companions, sensitive defenders. They can be used as service dogs, guide dogs, watchdogs, companions. The similarity is also the color of animals. Although gray tan is more common in East European Shepherds, black and brown are mostly "German".

Main differences between breeds

Domestic cynologists managed to achieve recognition as an Eastern Europeanshepherd dogs are a separate breed due to the fact that it has many clearly visible differences from the German one. Due to the isolation of the USSR and the special conditions of selection, they became very different. Now there are such main differences between the German Shepherd and the East European:

• German croups are sloping, and the hind legs are shorter than the front;
• East European high-legged, larger and thinner limbs;
• VEO's back is straight, front and hind legs are the same length;
• among the "Germans" there are short-haired and long-haired varieties;
• German shepherds run smoothly, as if spreading over the ground;
• when running they have more endurance, but VEOs are faster at short distances.

Differences between German and East European Shepherds in appearance

The unknowing person will not be able to tell these dogs apart. But the specialist will determine the breed by its appearance. First of all, it is that East European Shepherds are larger. They are about 5-7 cm taller, even females seem to be larger than German ones. By standards, their height is from 62 to 76 cm, unlike the "Germans", who should not be higher than 65 cm. They also differ in weight: if the Germans weigh from 22 to 40 kg, then the VEO can weigh 50 kg, and even 60. They also have longer legs and a broad chest.

In addition, every cynologist will immediately tell you how the German Shepherd differs from the Eastern European. These are structural features of the skeleton that are immediately visible. The "Germans" have a sloping back, curving in an arc towards the tail. At the same time, the hind legs are several centimeters shorter than the front ones. Therefore, these dogs move in a smooth trot, falling to the ground. Because of this, they are prone to hip dysplasia, and with an increase in speed, they must increase the frequency of movements. In East European Shepherds, the back is straight, there is no inclination. And they move sharply, with a sweeping trot, with jerks. The speed is increased due to more sweeping movements.

It is impossible to distinguish these dogs by coat color. Both those and others can be black, gray and tan. But among the Eastern Europeans, lighter shades are more common, and the "Germans" are mostly black and red - this is the so-called black-backed color.

The difference between German and East European Shepherds in character

Despite the fact that both of these breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train, there are differences between them in this area too. The most important thing that distinguishes German and East European Shepherds is temperament. "Germans" are choleric. They are more active, playful and restless, but friendly. They must move a lot, run, this can be explained by the peculiarities of their origin from shepherd dogs. It is good to start them for active people who often make hiking or cycling trips, in which the dog will become a faithful companion. It is this type of shepherd that is more suitable for a city apartment, although it will have to be walked a lot.

The East European Shepherd Dog is more calm and slow in this respect. She is balanced, not soplayful but not aggressive. This is a stern dog that recognizes only the owners and is wary of strangers. Therefore, they are excellent watchmen and protectors. VEO is often used in the border troops and other units because of their severity. It is they who are more suitable for the role of a watchdog, as they tolerate harsh climatic conditions well. In addition, due to their more stable psyche, they are more suitable for the role of guides.

Both of these breeds are highly trainable, intelligent and loyal to their owner. They will become a loyal friend and a good protector.

Which breed is better

It's hard to say which dog is better or worse. Such a problem is not faced by those who do not understand what is the difference between German and East European Shepherds. Moreover, in our country they are very often confused, they sell Eastern European ones, and pass them off as popular German ones. If the breed is important, you should pay attention to the one that is more suitable in each case. For service and search purposes, "Germans" are more suitable for detention or patrolling. Eastern Europeans are less enduring in this respect. But they are good for protection. Therefore, those who need more a guard, a non-aggressive and calm dog, should choose an "Eastern". And German Shepherds are more suitable as a companion, they are more playful and active.