European Shepherd Dog: breed description with photo

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

One of the few breeds of dogs bred in our country at one time is the European Shepherd Dog. Today it is an example of a classic service dog. She can often be found next to the police or the military, she is an excellent guard duty and is an incorruptible watchman, devoted to only one master.

Features of the breed

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by physical endurance, strength, combined with elegance and nobility.

They attract the attention of dog breeders primarily for their working qualities. They are usually used to carry out patrol service, for protection. The special physique of the European Shepherd allows her to work productively both in the harsh Russian winter and in the hot desert.

History of the breed

The European Shepherd was bred from the breed of German Shepherds, brought to Russia at the beginning of the last century. Then selection work began, as a result of which the first lines of a dog breed were created, which quickly won recognition as a service dog. From Germanshepherd dogs these dogs received most of the positive qualities. Therefore, one of its species has long been considered the East European Shepherd Dog. Photos and descriptions of dogs of these breeds are quite similar. It was only in 1964 that the first standards for the European Shepherd Dog were determined by Soviet dog handlers and it was recognized as a separate breed.

Characteristic

The European Shepherd is a brave, courageous dog that is both very attentive and balanced. Remaining outwardly calm, she constantly keeps the environment under control. This dog is owner-oriented, it gives her great pleasure to serve, follow commands, she is very easy to train. Alertness towards strangers is combined with the absence of unreasonable aggression. Sheepdog is self-confident and will never raise an alarm unless there is a special reason.

This is a serious dog that requires an appropriate approach to education from a very young age. With proper training, both an elderly person and a child can easily cope with it. Shepherd never shows his strength, plays very carefully, trying not to cause harm.

Dogs of this breed need exercise. They need them for the development of intellectual and physical inclinations. Therefore, an important condition for keeping such a dog as a European Shepherd is visiting training grounds or active long walks.

Description of the breed

Unlike the German Shepherd, these dogs are larger. The height at the withers is 66-76 cmmales and 61-66 cm in females. The length of the body is more than the height of the dog by 12-15 percent. The short and wide loin smoothly passes into the croup. The withers and croup in a trot should be on the same level. The head is massive, slightly elongated, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly expressed. The nose should be black. Ears of medium size are set high, have a wide base and tips pointing up and forward. A strong, muscular neck is at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the line of the back. The saber-shaped tail is carried down when at rest and slightly raised, as if continuing the line of the back, if the dog is excited.

Strong shoulders with a well-defined humero-scapular angle well developed. The forelimbs when viewed from the front are parallel to each other. Muscular hind limbs set obliquely.

Colour may vary between breeds such as the European Shepherd. Photos of dogs of black, black-and-black colors can be found especially often. Zone colors are also allowed - red, gray. The coat is harsh to the touch, dense, of medium length, slightly shorter on the head and legs. It protects the dog from cold and from overheating thanks to a well-developed undercoat that has a lighter shade.

Disqualifying vices

A serious fault that disqualifies a dog and excludes it from breeding is unilateral or complete cryptorchidism. Representatives of the breed with a tail that is too short or bent into a ring, with a nose are not allowed for breeding work.not black, but some other color, light eyes, undershot or overshot, the absence of one of the fangs.

Significantly reduce the quality of the dog and other deviations from the standard: friability of build, weak muscles, too long hair, curvature of the limbs, black-and-black color combined with red tan.

The East European Shepherd Dog is a service dog, so its character and behavior must meet the requirements that apply to this breed. Unprovoked aggression, hysteria, cowardly, indifferent or too fussy behavior of the dog is a reason for disqualification.

Dog care and content features

The European Shepherd is considered one of the most unpretentious breeds. Therefore, caring for her is absolutely not burdensome. During the molting period, the animal needs careful combing. Periodically, you should examine the eyes, ears and paws of your pet, not forgetting about hygiene procedures. Wash your dog only when necessary. It is important to provide a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals. The dog should always have free access to water and the opportunity to hide from direct sunlight.

Animals are great for keeping both on the street and in the apartment. Given that the breed was bred as a working, service dog, the main thing for these dogs is regular exercise, jogging, training and just communication. If there is enough time for walks and classes, then keep sucha dog, like a European shepherd dog, can be not only experienced owners, but also novice dog breeders. Orientation to the owner, unpretentiousness and a high degree of learning contribute to the creation of a real tandem owner-dog.

European Shepherd Puppies

You should be very responsible when choosing a puppy if you plan to participate in exhibitions and breed in the future. It is preliminary recommended to study the information on nurseries, individual breeders, visit several exhibitions where you can see what requirements are placed on a breed such as a European Shepherd. Photos in magazines, according to which the parents of their future dog are sometimes chosen, do not give any guarantee of obtaining good offspring. If it is not possible to see them live, then you should at least look at the older siblings from previous litters.

From the first days, the puppy becomes a very devoted member of the family, becoming attached to the owner and enjoying communicating with children. It requires a lot of attention. It is necessary at first to adhere to the diet that was in the breeder's house where the dog was purchased. This will help avoid indigestion. Be sure to ensure that the puppy receives all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Combined with active activities and outdoor walks, this will keep him he althy and cheerful.

Diseases

This breed is distinguished by good he alth, so there are no special problems here. To prevent bloodsucking bitesinsects, which are very often carriers of any infection, should be treated with special preparations for dogs and regularly examined by a veterinarian.

The European Shepherd is a working dog with a great need for exercise. You should not start such a breed for people who are very busy, who do not have enough free time for walks and classes.