Eastern European Shepherd Dog: breed description, color, nature

Even in the Soviet Union, the first representatives of this fearless and devoted breed were withdrawn. The East European Shepherd is still in high demand these days, because such dogs have an extraordinary mind, exceptional devotion and rare reliability.

History of origin

Parents and grandparents of the breed were brought to our country in 1904 from Germany. They were the best German shepherds. At the very beginning, dogs were not used in breeding, exploiting their working qualities - excellent guard and shepherd opportunities. In the First World War, animals were used as sanitary dogs. After that the representatives of the breed were decided to engage in police work. During the years of the revolution, almost all the livestock was destroyed, but after the civil war in Germany, the necessary number of animals was purchased. In the early years, the new government simply used dogs, not trying to breed the breed on the spot.

However, already in 24-36 the situation changed: the task was to bring out a new breed that would be more adapted to climatic conditions. To this end, the dogs of the German shepherd were reduced to females of other breeds or even mongrels, taking into account the phenotype. The result of this selection was the dog, which was called the "Eastern European Shepherd Dog".

The first breed standards were developed and approved in 1955. RKF adopted the standard of this species of sheep-dog only in 2002.

Characteristics of the breed

Representatives of this breed have a powerful musculature, developed skeleton. The hind legs are almost at right angles to the even back. The average height at the withers is 70 cm. The males are noticeably larger than the bitches and taller, in addition, their chest is more developed and the head is larger. Weight - about 50 kg. Coat is coarse, the undercoat is thick. The Eastern European Shepherd, whose color does not have strict limits, can be black, zoned-red, capricorn, zoned-gray or black-tan.

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by endurance, activity and indefatigability. The standard states that at any time this animal should be ready to carry out the owner's commands. Defending the property entrusted to them or their own master, these dogs can act independently, displaying incredible courage. At the same time, aggression, which has no basis, is the reason to consider the animal to be defective.

According to the nature of the Eastern European shepherd, whether it is black or any other color, it is incredulous. But this applies only to strangers. Moreover, it is merciless to its enemies and hostile enemies. At the same time she is very affectionate with children, being an excellent nanny for them. The dog will be happy to play with children in any games, but especially likes movable like catch-up. She loves to bring the objects thrown to her. A dog full of dignity and tranquility will become a full member of the family. Well-bred VEO (Eastern European Shepherd) does not experience negative emotions to other pets.

These sheep-dogs are very balanced, have strong nerves, sharp hearing and flair, do not have the habit of giving voice while working. These qualities are very much appreciated in the performance of the guard service, for which today the breed is used.

Differences with German

Despite the fact that the breed originated from the "Germans", today the difference between the German and Eastern European sheepdogs is very significant. Of course, fans exist in both breeds, however, in order to determine their preferences, it is necessary to know exactly what the differences are.

So, first of all the Eastern European shepherd is noticeably larger. Even the females of BEE, according to the standards, are larger than the male representatives of the "Germans". And this despite the fact that females are always smaller than males of the same breed. In addition, the "easters" are wider in the chest, it is deeper, with a more pronounced reversal.

Important and girth of the pastern - the "Eastern European" paw is much thicker than the "German" of the same age and sex. It is very important to pay attention to the back of the dog - in BEI the difference between the withers and the croup is about 3 cm, whereas the back of the German Shepherd reminds an arch that makes a big difference in the height of withers and croup. "The Germans" have longer legs, making their movements somewhat squat.

Very different are these dogs and the temperament "Germans" - athletes: noisy and amusing enough, whereas the VEOs are active, but serious.

Standards

Like any other breed, the East European Shepherd dog has characteristics that all members of the breed must match. These standards were adopted by the RKF on 01.11.2002.

The dog is moderately stretched, of large stature, with a strong bone structure and well developed musculature. The sexual type is pronounced brightly. Male animals are massive and larger.

Temperament and behavior: from this breed one can not wait for a patient attitude towards outsiders. By standard, the dog must be self-confident, balanced, and have a vividly active defensive reaction. To outsiders should be treated with distrust.

Dogs reach 66-76 cm at the withers, females - 62-72 cm.

The dog's head is proportional to the whole body, its length is about 40 percent of the growth at the withers. Massive, a little pointed, broad and deep. Cheekbones are rounded, musculature is developed. The forehead is rounded.

The limbs are straight, almost parallel. Pasterns long, springy. Hind legs of the drawn post, parallel to each other. Thighs are muscular, set at an angle.

Defects

Until now, German shepherd dogs are used in breeding, capable of adding "fresh blood" to the branch of BEE. But despite all the efforts of breeders, puppies of the Eastern European sheepdog with vices can appear, for which they can be rejected or simply not allowed to further breeding.

Disadvantages that can affect the health of dogs:

- strong deviations from the sexual type;
- uncertain behavior;
- Stretched or oblate shape of the trunk;
Uncharacteristic expression of the muzzle;
- light, convex or round gas;
- absence of premolars;
- poorly standing ears;
- tail ring;
- curvature of the limbs or a loosened gait;
- depigmentation of the nose.

Defects that lead to disqualification of the dog:

- cowardice or unmotivated aggression;
- non-compliance with standards;
- deviation of the dental formula (except for the cases indicated in the vices);
- not scissor bite;
- Hanging ears;
- eyes of different colors;
- albinism;
- short or short tail;
- deviations in color;
- cryptorchidism complete or partial;
- curly, too long or excessively short hair;
- unsteady or abnormal gait.

The Eastern European Shepherd, who has at least one of these defects, can not be admitted to exhibitions, breed competitions or put into breeding.

Breeding

Today there are two types of breeding: with the participation of fresh blood of German shepherd dogs or crossing only within the breed. To the Eastern European type are puppies, bred by both methods. In the rings equally successful can be both options, since the judges prefer well-trained dogs, competently shown. After the exhibition, analyzing the descriptions of experts, breeders and clubs select couples and make plans for breeding.

Price list

Like any other breed, the price of a good dog with cool ancestors can not be low. Of course, you can buy a puppy from the "shepherd" without documents for a thousand or two. But if you need a good, promising puppy from working parents - you must go to the club of official dog breeding. And then you should not expect low prices. The correct East European shepherd, the price of which is quite adequate, with an excellent pedigree and good data will cost from 30 thousand rubles.

Education of a puppy

Most often, with the upbringing of the cubs of this breed, there are no problems. Puppies of the Eastern European Shepherd first "education" is received from four months. However, one should not be in a great hurry, because the upbringing of any living being is a long process, requiring a maximum of patience.

In addition, it is very important that the puppy of the Eastern European Shepherd be fed properly and in a balanced manner. In the diet must necessarily be meat, cottage cheese, eggs, vegetables.

Training

This dog - Eastern European Shepherd - is distinguished by the mind, so her training and education are quite a simple matter. The animal is able to quickly learn new elements. Jumping and overcoming obstacles is a favorite part of any dog's occupation of this breed. Training with a variety of tasks is the best way to spend the energy of a pet.

This breed needs firm management, so it is important to interest the dog - it will not perform empty tasks. It is necessary to achieve that the animal itself wants to obey, and not simply because it was so trained - then from the lessons it will have fun. The punishment to achieve from the VEO obedience and devotion is impossible.

It is very important to establish contact with the dog from childhood - only in this way it is possible to get a really understanding friend. In addition to the owners, the puppies should communicate with other animals, especially dogs, in order to avoid further hostility towards them. It is important that the puppy is in crowded places, so as not to grow up an evil, closed dog.

Having properly educated an Eastern European shepherd, one can get an excellent bodyguard, an excellent guard, adoring and caring about the owner and his family.

Content

If you ask the owner what are the difficulties of keeping this breed, he often ponders. And this is not at all pretense, the East European Shepherd has an exceptionally strong health. The responses of the owners say that she does not need special conditions of detention: she is able to easily get used to living both in the apartment and in the courtyard of the house. Wool is very simple to care for - it is enough to wash it as it gets soiled, scratch it during moulting. In addition to the predisposition to gastric laparosity, the breed does not have serious transmissible diseases. To avoid this trouble, it is enough to follow the rules of feeding: never feed immediately before or after a walk - it should take at least an hour. It is best to give small portions of food containing a lot of calories, since the larger the amount of food, the higher the chance to get a twist.

Like other large dogs, BEE are prone to arthritis and other joint diseases. Therefore, it takes 5-6 years, without waiting for the first signs, to prevent such problems.

Character

The nature of this sheep dog is plastic, which allows the animal to easily adapt to different types of lifestyle. Depending on the situation, it can be both a sofa favorite, and a dedicated guard. But do not forget that these dogs were taken out for service, so they need education, training, long walks. It is very important for the animal's mental health to participate in various rings and competitions. It can be not just OKD or ZKS, but also competitions of sled dogs, towing, agility.

Among other things, this dog is extremely focused on the owner - she does not tolerate not only long-term business trips, but even a short-term parting. Even in a small space, the oriental man will follow the master, strive to lie beside him, constantly seeing him. For some people, such strong devotion can irritate - this must be taken into account when choosing a pet.

Breed today

Today, the Eastern European Shepherd is not the most popular breed. However, every year more and more people choose it as their pet. Despite the fact that not so long ago the VEO almost disappeared from the lists of breeds forever, amateurs and connoisseurs did not allow this to happen. That is why we have the opportunity to see the best representatives of this breed in the region at almost any exhibition.