East European Shepherd dog. East European Shepherd: description of the breed, color, character East European Shepherd breed characteristics

Unknowing people often confuse the East European Shepherd (VEO) with the German one. They have common roots, but VEO is a breed bred in the USSR, a loyal and reliable friend.

The breed is not recognized by the International Canine Union and the International Canine Association. All characteristics are given from the standard of the Russian Canine Association.

Male height at withers: 66-72 centimeters,

Height of the bitch at the withers: 62-72 centimeters.

Male weight: 35-65 kilograms,

Bitch weight: 30-60 kilograms.

Color: shabby with a mask on the main, lighter background. Interspersed zonal coloring is allowed. Shepherds usually have a transition from beige to red or dark brown, or from gray to black. This color will reduce points at the exhibition, but it is acceptable. Possible black color.

Important: zonal coloring is characteristic of wolves. With this color, the color at the root of the hair is lighter than at the tip.

Additional characteristics: the eyes are only black, almond-shaped, with a rim. The ears are erect, form an isosceles triangle, and are set high. The nose should not be any color other than black.

The tail is long and wolf-like, otherwise you will be disqualified. The muzzle should also be similar to a wolf. The physique is strong and muscular. In this case, the length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The photo shows the difference between the VEO and the German Shepherd.

History of the East European Shepherd

In the 1930s, they were brought to the USSR for police service. Russian dog handlers began breeding, crossing “Germans” with local dogs. The most talented puppies were kept, the role was always a priority service dog. Those who quickly found drugs, weapons and explosives were selected. The selection went on for about thirty years, after which in 1964 the Soviet Cynological Association developed the first breed standard.

It must be said that East European Shepherds not only expose crimes, these attentive and sensitive dogs have become wonderful guides. In Russia, about 60% of guide dogs are VEO.

Character and temperament

East European Shepherd - calm, and her character is an indicator of the perfect balance of strength and restraint.

This bodyguard squared: VEO acts like a relaxed dog, but can attack an enemy at any time with a light jump. The reactions of this dog are not always even recorded by the human gaze: we are not able to react to such speed.

East European Shepherds do not show aggression, except in cases where it is really necessary. Such cases include an attack on the owner or trespassing.

As a child, he is an ordinary playful puppy. Even after the dog has grown up, it remains attached to children's toys. Leave with her those plush creatures with which she played in her youth, otherwise VEO will start chewing shoes or furniture instead of toys.

Dog and man

Large dogs need physical activity; such an animal should not be forced to wear a diaper and sleep all day long. You must be prepared for the fact that in any weather your shepherd needs walk at least twice a day.

VEO is suitable active And mobile people. She will be happy to join you on jogging walks, bike rides and roller skating.

East European Shepherd treats children well and usually has nothing against other animals. Puppies and kittens will become the object of your pet's tender love.

It is better to keep an East European Shepherd in the house, but not on a chain or in an enclosure, but free-range. She will not run away from her beloved owner and will not let a thief pass her by. It is also possible to keep such a dog in an apartment, but you should prepare in advance for inconvenience due to the large size of the pet.

You need to walk twice a day, for at least 40 minutes.

Sheepdog in autumn and summer sheds a lot, and her fur needs to be brushed once a week. Other care is minimal. If your dog's claws click when walking on the floor in the house, you need to trim them carefully.

Feeding

You need to feed your shepherd either premium dry food or natural food.

If you feed your dog natural food, then the approximate diet is as follows:

• Protein– share in the diet 50%. Meat or fish. The meat is pre-frozen for a couple of days, then treated with boiling water or boiled. The same is done with river fish, but sea fish can be served raw. Pork and lamb should not be given.
• Cellulose– up to 20% in the diet. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin, cucumbers.
• Fats– up to 1 tablespoon per day. Vegetable oil: olive, pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed.
• Additionally: rice porridge, buckwheat. Semolina is served only during the recovery period after an illness.

Include it in your pet's diet periodically fish fat And vitamin complexes.

You should absolutely not give your dog animal bones.

Training

You need to establish contact with the East European Shepherd. This is an intelligent breed that loves its owner and wants to please him. VEO understands everything quickly and grasps it clearly.

Teaching should be firm, but also full of love and patience. Reward, not punishment, will work with her.

Health and life expectancy

The main reason for the selection of East European Shepherds was the susceptibility of German Shepherds to dysplasia. With VEO this was avoided. It was also possible to exclude ear diseases typical of Germans.

VEOs are susceptible exclusively to infectious diseases, which they often cope with themselves thanks to their strong immunity.

Representatives of the breed live in good conditions from 12 to 14 years.

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

There is a National East European Shepherd Dog Club in Russia, where there are contacts of all reliable breeders.

Puppy price: 15,000 - 35,000 rubles.

Breed photo

Photos of beautiful and strong East European Shepherds.

Video

The East European Shepherd dog was bred in Russia specifically for service and rescue operations in the climatic conditions of the country. The progenitor of the representatives of the breed was the German Shepherd, brought to the Soviet Union in order to improve the qualities and characteristics of the breed.

Historical reference

The East European Shepherd was created on the basis of the German Shepherd, from which it differs in its impressive physique, unpretentiousness, stable psyche and resistance to cold climatic conditions. Together with Dobermans, the dog breed was used in government agencies. The first old-type German shepherds were brought to Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. They proved to be exceptionally smart dogs with excellent working qualities, and were used in search work and as orderlies. German Shepherds remained close to humans on the fronts of the First World War and the Russo-Japanese War.

Since 1924, organized and systematic breeding of dogs began in service dog breeding kennels. VEOs were bred in the USSR in a planned and purposeful manner and were used in economic sectors: border protection in the border troops, investigative service in the police, on the fronts of the Second World War. After the war, Vostochniks became the most common service dogs in the USSR.

It is noteworthy that opinions on the new breed, recognized in 1964 by many Russian cynological communities, were divided. Most believe that the new breed has worse qualities than its ancestors; others tend to think and evaluate the improved skills and characteristics of the breed.

There are known attempts to “renew” the breed. Some breeders tried to cross the new breed of German Shepherds with the stereotypical "East Europeans", but not a single attempt was successful. Systematic improvement of the dog's performance characteristics and selection work to adapt to domestic climatic conditions led to a sharp difference between the VEO and the German shepherd.

In the 1990s, the breed experienced a serious crisis and found itself on the verge of extinction. A significant contribution was made by the fact that the breed did not become officially recognized by international canine organizations. Even being unrecognized, “Easterns” find a lot of fans in Russia and outside the country.

Today, the East European Shepherd breed is recognized by the International Canine Union, but remains unrecognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description of the breed

Due to the similarity in the descriptions of the East European Shepherd breed with the German Shepherd, some people confuse the two breeds with each other. In fact, there are a number of cardinal differences.

1. Country Russia.
2. The group is not recognized by international canine organizations.
3. Life expectancy is 10-13 years.
4. The physique is strong and athletic. The dog is large, the bones are strong, the muscles are well developed.
5. The body is slightly stretched, the bones are well developed. The gender characteristics are very different in appearance. Males are much larger than females, with a large head and developed chest.
6. The head is large and proportional. The bite is scissor-shaped.
7. The ears are set high and erect.
8. Height: at the withers, males reach 66-72 cm, and females - 62-67 cm.
9. The average weight of females is 30-50 kg, males - 35-60 kg.
10. The coat is thick, rough, and has a dense undercoat. The hair on the head and ears is short.
11. Color: black, black with tan, black and tan, zone-red, zone-gray.

VEO puppies grow quickly. Changes up to 12 months. Month-old kittens are babies 22-27 centimeters tall and weigh 3-5 kilograms. Every month, a healthy puppy grows by an average of two centimeters, gains up to 5 kilograms in weight, and by the time a mature puppy reaches 72 centimeters at the withers, it reaches 72 centimeters at the withers. An adult East European Shepherd weighs 30 - 60 kilograms, with a female weighing 30 kg, a male being much heavier and more massive.

The following are considered disqualifying faults: any bite other than a scissor bite, a non-black nose, underdeveloped testes, long, shaggy hair, a short or docked tail, drooping ears. Cropping of ears is unacceptable.

The East European Shepherd is a large animal, taller than average. The dog is strong, with developed strong bones. VEO has prominent muscles and a pronounced gender characteristic - females are smaller than males. The shepherd has a massive head with a wedge-shaped muzzle, topped with medium-sized, high-set pointed ears, the tips of which point forward and upward. The dog moves confidently and quickly, the movements are strong and balanced.

Character of VEO

The species has clearly expressed protective reactions. They are extremely distrustful of strangers. Otherwise they are balanced and self-confident. They are friendly and obedient towards their owners. VEO's defensive reaction is clearly expressed. The Shepherd is a service dog; the dog has an innate caution and unpretentiousness.

Regarding temperament, VEO:

1. Balanced.
2. Confident in yourself.
3. No outsiders allowed.

The East European Shepherd shows the world the best qualities of a dog. Strength, natural beauty, loyalty, sense of duty - everything is fully expressed in the East European Shepherd Dog, or VEO, bred in the 30s in the USSR. Puppies are clumsy, but adorable, they grow quickly, and with proper care for your tiny dog, you will soon find a friend and protector. The ancestor of the East European Shepherd was the German Shepherd. Exported from Germany, the dogs served as the base breed, and the long-legged VEO was “molded” based on the variety.

Unpretentiousness and excellent service qualities are combined in the dog with nobility, intelligence and loyalty. She is full of inner dignity and confidence (not without reason) in her own abilities, she will become an excellent bodyguard and a full member of the family. The East European Shepherd gets along well with children and will keep company in outdoor games. Does not strive to sort things out with other dogs in the family. Jealousy, intrigue - for the rest, the “Eastern” has no time to engage in such a waste of time.

Having decided to get an Oriental, be aware: you are taking a serious service dog, with specially instilled security qualities. Since childhood, the East European Shepherd has been undergoing an OKD course with a professional trainer. A dog is not suitable for living in an apartment; a country house with a yard is an ideal option. Dog owners are supposed to remember: the “Eastern” cannot be kept on a chain forever, at the risk of raising a dangerous and uncontrollable dog.

VEO becomes very attached to its owner. The dog is harmoniously built and has improved anatomy, which primarily affects the dog’s working qualities.

The Shepherd has excellent hearing and scent, exhibits a distrustful character and is capable of rapid acclimatization. “Vostochnik” does not lose his or her indicative reaction and soberly assesses a person’s capabilities.

VEOs accept training so easily and quickly that a novice dog breeder, even a teenager, can easily cope with dog training. VEO is strongly attached to his owner and senses his mood. Being a formidable dog for strangers, the “Eastern” takes care of and protects the owner’s family.

A valuable quality of a dog is considered to be its remarkable intelligence and intelligence; the dog perfectly distinguishes between a training area and a working situation, where it is quite capable of independently making a decision to protect the owner without receiving commands.

Caring for the East European Shepherd

Proper care of the East European Shepherd - first of all, grooming, regular examinations of the ears, eyes, and claws. There are no particular difficulties in keeping a shepherd dog. Good care is needed. You will need to comb the coat 2 times a week. During the molting period, the procedure is performed more often (daily!). The dog sheds heavily; it is especially problematic to cope with the abundance of hair during the period of intense shedding in autumn and spring.

• The dog's fur is combed with a metal comb.
• During the molting period, a “puffer” is added to the comb.

Clean the ears regularly and monitor the condition of the claws. If the nails do not grind down in time, they will need to be trimmed.

Hygiene procedures are introduced at a young age. East European Shepherd puppies will get used to hygiene procedures from an early age, and in adulthood they will accept manipulations calmly. Puppies need to be walked several times a day, creating the need to relieve themselves outside.

It is better to start care procedures as a game. A young individual will more easily accept the need for the process, bypassing the negativity during hygiene procedures.

You should not wash your pet frequently; it should be done as needed. When bathing, it is recommended to use special washing shampoos. For shepherds, it is advisable to use protein-based shampoos.

Disadvantages and diseases of the breed

1. VEO is a large dog, prone to diseases of this type of dog.
2. If raised incorrectly, a dog will show aggression towards other animals and humans.
3. It is unacceptable to keep a dog in a small city apartment.
4. Wool all over the house and yard.
5. The dog is strong and large. A weak girl or child cannot walk a poorly trained dog; VEO tends to rush at people with a stick, an altered gait, or running athletes.

What to feed

Avid dog lovers and experienced dog handlers know the saying: “The breed enters through the mouth.” The external data or exterior of the VEO puppy, the pet’s health, growth and full development depend on proper feeding. Feeding the puppy is consistent with the baby's growth rate.

A puppy settling into a new living space, getting used to its owner, experiences stress. In the initial days, it is better to adhere to the feeding regime that was practiced by the breeders running the nursery. Even food and feed should be selected with an eye to feeding in the nursery. As a rule, breeders are happy to advise the owner on emerging issues.

The puppy’s diet depends on the age periods associated with the energy costs of the growing body. There are two known types of feeding: natural products and ready-made factory feeds. In the first case, the owners will need to ensure that many foods are included in the diet and that the diet remains balanced. In the second, everything has already been thought out for the owners. Industrial quality food already contains the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your puppy needs.

• The one-month-old puppy VEO needs to be fed 6 times a day.
• The VEO puppy, 2 months old, receives 5 meals a day.
• At three months of age, the puppy is fed 4 times.
• A six-month-old puppy is taught to eat 2 meals a day.

If the puppy is active, he is trained or kept in harsh conditions (outdoors in an enclosure, even in winter), the need for food increases due to increased energy costs. But the diet of the “Eastern” is supposed to be balanced, able to replace the loss of energy after exercise and exercise. From now on, nutritious food is available to all breeds.

If, when deciding what to feed the East European Shepherd puppies, you decide to opt for dry food, do not forget to make sure there is fresh water in the animal’s bowl. Food is chosen taking into account the age and breed of the pet. Don’t forget to change your diet, reduce the number of feedings, and the size of portions as your dog gets older.

It is possible to feed a mature East European Shepherd with dry food or prefer a diet with products of natural origin. It is better to feed an adult dog twice a day.

Regardless of the method you choose, monitor and supplement your dog's diet with vitamins and mineral supplements. If your work schedule leaves little free time, it is better to prefer a diet based on dry food, selected according to the dog’s structural features. The health of your pet depends on proper nutrition. Representatives of the species are predisposed to diseases:

• allergy;
• joint disease;
• If you eat improperly, stomach problems often occur.

To protect your dog from diseases, introduce the correct daily routine, with obligatory long walks and physical activity. Exclude from your diet:

1. Sweets. It is better not to give your pet any chocolates, sweets or other goodies. Give your dog a piece of cheese as a treat, or buy special sweets for dogs at the pet store.
2. Fat meat. Meat containing excess fat is difficult to digest. It is better to replace fatty pork with veal or boiled beef.

Pet training

The East European Shepherd is required to serve; you will need to keep the dog in shape. Training representatives of the breed is a mandatory requirement for owning dogs. Education and training of the East European Shepherd begins in early childhood in the form of light play. Raising a VEO puppy is a delicate art. East European Shepherd puppies are vulnerable and sensitive, however, it is a mistake to allow a dog to sit on a person’s head.

Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent and take training easily. General physical fitness is directly related to the health of the dog. The main principle of raising a puppy is self-control and consistency in actions. If the puppy has committed a fine or, conversely, the baby’s behavior is worthy of praise, you should praise and scold immediately, without delay, otherwise the puppy will not understand why you were reprimanded, and why you patted him behind the ear and called him affectionately.

If the puppy grows up in a family, members living in the area with the puppy are involved in the upbringing. It is important to adhere to common views on education. Everyone should know what is allowed or prohibited for the puppy, strictly following the established rules. You should not yell at the puppy or raise your hand. When showing the dog a place, the puppy is seated on the mat, saying “place”, and stroking it, making it clear that the dog’s place is not in the bed under the blanket. The action is repeated until the puppy understands the meaning.

Communication with the outside world, with blood brothers, is incredibly useful for a puppy. Remember, the owner always remains the main thing for the puppy. It is impossible to suddenly take off, bark at passers-by, or run away from the owner. Walks, exercise and training will help raise a polite, balanced and kind dog, friend and protector.

When purchasing VEO, get ready for possible cycling activities. “Easterners” have weak extensor muscles of the hind legs. If the muscles are not trained, dogs develop a weak drive and a shortened stride. To correct the defect, towing is used, attaching a heavy load to the harness. The dog is walked with special loads; the exercise strengthens the back muscles. Proper use of exercise will allow the dog to remain healthy and ready to protect its owner in any situation.

Dogs of this breed are extremely unfriendly towards strangers. The East European Shepherd dog will not rush at strangers, but will try to do everything possible to ensure that strangers leave the territory under its control. Therefore, representatives of the breed are obliged to unquestioningly obey and carry out the commands of the owner.

The VEO dog breed is devoted and faithful friends. They do not pretend to master a leading position, preferring to obey and follow the instructions of the owner. Each dog has its own talents, you just need to notice and develop the properties.

• Training and education must contain elements of games.
• Representatives of the breed are encouraged to move and exercise by nature.
• The dog gives off energy in active games. Otherwise, it will direct activity in a different direction.
• It is better to keep dogs in a spacious enclosure.
• Keeping shepherd dogs in apartments requires mandatory daily walking and physical exercise. Otherwise, the dog will start making a mess at home: chewing furniture, shoes, tearing off wallpaper.

“Vostochnik” is a serious dog; it will need to be trained with a firm hand, otherwise the dog will argue with the person for the right to be called the head of the house.

Choosing a puppy

Choosing a VEO puppy should be done responsibly; before choosing, it is recommended to decide on the purpose of purchasing a pet. If the goal is a pet, you have dreamed of a big wonderful dog since childhood, you probably won’t find a better candidate than the East European Shepherd. In such a case, the lack of a pedigree will not frighten you; specimens from an unplanned litter will do. A puppy that is rejected because of an insignificant detail, for example, color, has the right to attract a person’s attention. The only condition when choosing is to take a close look at the puppy’s parents, especially at the mother’s behavior.

The East European Shepherd is a protector and watchman. The working qualities of a dog at two months of age are not visible, but are clear from the qualities of the parents. If the parents have service experience and the dogs have passed an exam in protective guard service, then there is a high chance that the offspring will become a worthy watchman and protector.

Choosing a future father, a sire of worthy offspring destined to receive the highest exhibition awards, is not an easy task.

You won't be able to save money. Raising a champion is a heavy responsibility that involves training, proper care, expensive feeding, and participation in exhibitions. Before choosing, you will need to consult dog handlers and breed experts.

The average life expectancy of an East European Shepherd is about 12 - 13 years.

There are hereditary and acquired diseases of East European Shepherds. Acquired ones, in turn, are divided into infectious and non-infectious. Every Oriental dog owner needs to know what problems his dog may encounter throughout his life.

Unfortunately, the German Shepherds from which this breed originates have given it a whole bunch of health problems, many of which are inherited. Among them are dysplasia of the elbow and/or hip joint, a tendency to volvulus, diseases of the vertebral discs, diabetes mellitus, cataracts, aortic stenosis, various diseases of the skin (pyoderma), eyes (cataracts, retinal dystrophy), hormonal dwarfism associated with low levels of the hormone growth, pancreatic diseases and many others.

Very rarely do breeders inform future owners about the risks associated with purchasing a puppy from specific lines. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the baby’s parents are healthy, tested for dysplasia and the maximum number of hereditary diseases. This will be some guarantee of the health of your future dog.

In lines prone to bloat, it is necessary to monitor the dog's nutrition. She should not overeat and move a lot after eating (especially jumping). The main symptom of bloat is bloating. Unfortunately, surgical treatment does not always lead to the dog’s recovery; often this diagnosis becomes a death sentence for the dog.

Infectious diseases of the East European Shepherd are very dangerous, the symptoms of which every responsible dog owner should know. Depending on the pathogen, they are viral (virosis), bacterial, fungal (mycoses), and also caused by protozoa (protozoa).

Among the viral ones, the most dangerous are rabies, Aujeszky's disease, canine distemper, adenoviral infections, parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis. Most of these diseases are prevented by vaccination. Enteritis of viral etiology is most dangerous for puppies under one year of age. Changing teeth, accompanied by a decrease in immunity, can cause your dog to become ill during adolescence. Recovered dogs acquire lifelong immunity.

Bacterial infections most often affect the digestive system or skin. Bacterial enteritis is similar in symptoms to viral enteritis, and only an experienced clinician will be able to make the correct diagnosis without the use of immunological tests. Their causative agents are coccidia, E. coli, and Leptospira. Most skin diseases of a bacterial nature are caused by streptococci and staphylococci. They are the cause of pyoderma, secondary infections of injured skin, skin rashes, and furunculosis.

Another group of skin diseases is associated with the activity of various fungi. Microsporia, trichophytosis, scab, and skin candidiasis usually develop against the background of a severe decrease in the dog’s immune status. They differ from bacterial skin lesions in that they also affect the fur, appearing mainly during periods of high humidity. The most dangerous protozoa is babesiosis - an infectious lesion of blood cells by babesias or piroplasms.

Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, yellowing of the mucous membranes, refusal of food or water, attempts to hide, high fever, severe itching, skin rashes, the appearance of hot spots with lost hair, weakness of the hind limbs, characteristic hunching in the lumbar region - If these symptoms appear in your dog, you need to take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The East European Shepherd breed is descended from German Shepherds of the East European type. Over a long period of selection (more than 70 years), the differences in appearance between modern “easterners” and those with whom it all began have become obvious, and mostly positive. Modern VEOs are distinguished by improved, higher-quality anatomy.

Characteristics of VEO

The characteristics of the breed cannot but rejoice: it is a reliable, unpretentious breed of service dog, perfectly adapted to the Russian climate.

We can say about VEO that these are time-tested dogs. In addition, “Eastern dogs” have an amazing ability to work, which is especially important in service dog breeding. Compared to German Shepherds, the VEO standard is different. They are larger, more massive, more physically developed.

It is best to keep VEO in a private home. It is also possible in an apartment, but it is less comfortable for both the owners and the dog.

Temperament and character

The East European Shepherd cannot be called loyal and trusting towards strangers. As a rule, they have an active defensive reaction and are moderately aggressive.

Areas of use

Breed standard

The East European Shepherd is considered a giant breed. These dogs have a strong, dry constitution, a well-developed musculoskeletal system and prominent muscles. The gender type of the “Easterns” is noticeably pronounced: males are much larger than females.

VEO, height and weight: height at the withers in cm for males in the range of 66-76, for females - 62-72, live weight - 35-60 and 30-50 kg. respectively. The proportions of the “Easterns” are such that the body length is 10-17% greater than the height at the withers, while the size of the skull is 40% of the height at the withers. The boneiness index is 1-19, and the leg height index is 50-53.

Front part

Head has a wedge shape, fairly dry, clean lines. It should not be overly rough or light. The length of the head is 40% of the height at the withers. The transition from the forehead to the nose is of medium length and is quite moderately expressed. The bridge of the nose is smooth and straight. Slight hump nose is acceptable.

Forehead area flat and moderately wide. The longitudinal groove is poorly marked or absent. The occipital protuberance and brow ridges are not very pronounced.

The forehead and bridge of the nose should be parallel to the horizon line as standard.

Lips black, closed. The color of the gums is also predominantly dark shades.

Both jaws powerful, well developed.

Teeth covered with white enamel, smooth, large, well adjacent. The dental formula, like that of German Shepherds, implies the presence of 42 teeth. The normal bite is scissor bite.

Language quite long, from pale to dark pink.

Cheekbones slightly rounded, do not stand out forward.

Eyes harmoniously located. Size is medium. The iris is brown to almost black. The eye shape is oval. On the muzzle, the eyes should be set quite wide, but not too wide, and slightly slanted. The eyelids are dark in color, smooth, even, tightly closed.

Ears They are of medium size, proportional, have the shape of a triangle (isosceles), erect, with the ears set quite widely forward, with slightly rounded tips. In a relaxed state, the ears look slightly to the sides, and in a state of excitement they stand clearly vertical in relation to the horizon and parallel in relation to each other.

Neck developed, muscular, dry, widening towards the shoulders, proportional, without dewlap, in relation to the horizon at an angle of 40-450.

Frame

Wide and deep breast(the depth of the chest reaches 47-50% of the height at the withers) accommodates large-volume lungs, which ensures good endurance. The chest has the shape of an oval (in cross section) and is lowered to the level of the elbow joints.

Well defined long withers.

Back strong, sturdy, long, straight and fairly wide. A slight slope towards the croup is allowed. The lumbar region of the back is wide, strong, and short.

Tail from the base it is a continuation of the koop line and descends down in a smooth arc. It should be long enough - at least to the level of the hock joints, maybe a little lower, saber-shaped, moderately fluffy. When emotionally excited, it is allowed to raise the tail in the first third of its length to the level of the dog’s back, and then smoothly bend upward, but only to the level of the dog’s back.

Reproductive system

Limbs

Fingers closed, oval-shaped footprint, pads and claws dark in color. The pasterns are elongated and strong.

shoulder blades medium in size, located obliquely, at an angle of 450 relative to the horizon and fit snugly to the chest area.

Forearms even, straight, parallel in relation to each other. The humerus bones themselves should be moderately long. The angle of articulation of the scapulohumeral joint is approximately 1000.

Hind legs They have a wide set, moderately drawn out. When viewed from behind, they are straight and parallel to one another.

Hips distinguished by well-developed muscles.

Knees round, not prominent.

Hocks dry, have a pronounced angle of approximately 450. The lower legs are quite long and proportional.

Metatarsus dry, collected, placed almost vertically.

There should be no dewclaws. If a puppy is born with such toes (6th toe), they must be removed.

Nature of movements

Coat

The color of VEO is reminiscent of the color of German shepherds. They are also characterized by saddleback, black and zoan colors. On the muzzle there is a traditional black mask, only often deeper than that of the “Germans”. The “deep saddle coat,” almost “black and tan,” is also characteristic of the East European Shepherd. A rather striking distinctive feature is that the light zones of the “Easterners” are colored light gray, silver, whereas among the “Germans” they are more likely to be red in color. Zone colors (zone-red, zone-gray) may well be present in the breed. They are not a conformation defect.

Disadvantages, defects and defects of VEO

Vices:

• Rough, light or loose constitution.
• Weak muscles.
• The coat is too long or too short.
• Weakly expressed gender identity.
• Missing teeth.
• Weak ligamentous apparatus.
• Curvature of the limbs.
• Unbalanced movements.
• Deformation or weakness of the ears.
• Light color of the iris.
• Uncertain, cowardly behavior in the presence of unfamiliar stimuli.
• Red or brown “tan” with saddle color.
• The tail is corkscrew-shaped or curled into a ring.

Disqualifying faults:

• Complete or unilateral cryptorchidism (undescendancy of one or both testicles into the scrotal cavity).
• Any deviation from a scissor bite.
• Any non-standard color.
• Inconsistency with the breed type.
• The nose is not black.
• Bobtail (tail of insufficient length).
• Dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints.
• Marked cowardice or unreasonable excessive aggression in behavioral reactions.

Choosing a puppy

After determining the place of purchase, you should choose the puppy wisely. For this:

2. Choose a puppy with the support of an experienced dog handler. He will help you choose a baby with a strong nervous system, without exterior and behavioral defects.

3. Remember that, as a rule, by the time of weaning, puppies must already be treated against helminths, fleas, and vaccinated.

4. When choosing a puppy, be sure to pay attention to its health. The ears must be clean. Eyes – clear, without discharge. There should be no formations or hernias on the stomach. The anus should be clean, without any adhering traces of feces. All primary teeth are required. The puppy must be active and have a good appetite.

5. The color and size of the puppy must correspond to the breed standard. Below is a table of VEO's height and weight by month.

The most active growth in VEO offspring is observed for up to 7-8 months. At the 9th month of life, muscles are actively formed; after 12 months, body volume increases due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. The growth of “easterners” is finally completed only by 2-3 years.

For many dog ​​lovers, the East European Shepherd dog is associated with the German Shepherd, and some are sure that they are the same breed. There is some truth to this, since VEOs actually originated from German Shepherds and were bred as a separate breed in the USSR in order to adapt the German Shepherd to the harsh Russian climate.

For many dog ​​lovers, the East European Shepherd dog is associated with the German Shepherd, and some are sure that this is the same breed

The German Shepherd was valued for its unique qualities in many countries of the world, including Russia, but due to the negative attitude of most people towards everything German after the war, the breed had to be renamed and modified several times. Since the Soviet Union was in dire need of hardy service dogs, dog handlers worked hard to develop such a breed.

In the 20s of the last century, the Krasnaya Zvezda kennel was created in the capital, where they bred this breed of shepherd dogs. But funding was insufficient, it was not possible to purchase German shepherds, and work on the East European Shepherd dragged on. Only after the end of the Great Patriotic War did a sufficient number of German shepherds appear in the kennels, which made it possible to resume work.

The main task of the dog handlers was to breed a powerful, hardy and easily trained dog that would be superior to its ancestor. And soon this problem was solved. There are still similarities in appearance between German and Far Eastern Shepherds, but the new breed has acquired a different character. VEO became a truly universal dog, easily adapting to both the southern Asian climate and the harsh Siberian frosts.

After the war, the new breed of shepherd dog was officially recognized and named a patriot dog for its heroism during the Second World War. During the war, East European Shepherds carried out important assignments, searched for mines, and later served on the border, were rescuers, searched for explosives and protected people and territory. More than 60,000 dogs of this breed were involved in hostilities, and a bronze monument was erected to a front-line dog of this breed on Poklonnaya Hill in the capital.

For many years, the East European Shepherd was a subspecies of the German one and was not recognized as an independent breed. After the collapse of the USSR, a turning point came for dogs of this breed; many of the dogs’ exploits and merits were forgotten. They tried to eliminate them completely, excluding them from specialized clubs and exhibitions. They stopped breeding VEOs, recognizing them as mongrel dogs, and tried to completely exterminate them. True lovers of this breed continued to breed puppies illegally in private nurseries, despite the prohibitions. They continued to be trained and develop new service qualities.

The “black” period in the history of this breed ended at the beginning of the 21st century, when East European Shepherds were officially recognized by the dog handlers organization as an independent breed.

Gallery: East European Shepherd (25 photos)

East European Shepherd (video)

Characteristics of the appearance of the East European Shepherd

VEOs are large dogs. Their height is above average, males at the withers can reach 70 cm, and females - 65 cm. The body is muscular, but despite the strong bones, it is not coarse, the body is slightly stretched. Males are easy to distinguish from females, as they are much more massive and muscular.

The head is proportional to the body, slightly elongated and shaped like a sharp wedge. The lips fit tightly to the jaw, the eyes are almond-shaped, black or brown, and set slightly askew.

The jaw is well developed, the neck is muscular. The stomach is tucked, the chest is oval in shape, and the back is strong. The tail is saber-shaped and lowered when at rest.

The fur fits tightly to the skin. It is quite tough and the undercoat is very thick. As a rule, East European Shepherds are saddle colored. Dogs are also black in color with a dark mask on a light gray or fawn background.

VEOs differ from their ancestors, German Shepherds, by having a wider chest, sweeping movements, and a calm and less playful character. “Easterners” also differ slightly from “Germans” in color and large build. German Shepherds are more often used as a companion, when, as VEOs, they are universal and are excellent for performing any kind of service.

Characteristics of VEO

The main character feature of the East European Shepherd is its selfless devotion and trust in its owner. She is ready to sacrifice her life for him at any moment and completely obeys his instructions. The dog treats strangers with a certain degree of distrust, but without a good reason he will never rush or show aggression, since the dog is balanced and restrained. Despite this, in an emergency situation, thanks to its lightning-fast reaction, it instantly enters into combat with an ill-wisher.

The dog is very easy to train and is always ready to follow the owner’s commands. Does not try to take a leadership position and place himself above the owner. VEOs are very obedient, submissive and never show their independence. Dogs get along well with other pets, including miniature ones. They will never hurt or offend them.

East European Shepherds, who grew up from puppyhood next to any pet (including a cat), will not only make friends with it, but will also protect and protect it in every possible way in the future. This breed of dog is very peaceful and sincerely loves the entire family of its owner, but in case of any attempt on his territory or on the owner himself, he will immediately come to their defense.

All about the breed (video)

Training and raising a dog

Dogs of this breed have excellent natural abilities that need to be developed from puppyhood, namely from the first months of life. First, you need to establish contact so that the owner and the dog learn to understand each other perfectly. It is necessary to instill basic obedience skills and devote about 10-15 minutes to classes. in a day. If the puppy initially cannot concentrate his attention for 15 minutes, then the training sessions should be divided into 3 sessions per day, 5 minutes each. each.

As soon as the shepherd reaches 3 months of age, it needs to begin to be trained during walks. It is necessary to teach the puppy not to be distracted by extraneous sounds while executing commands and to focus solely on fulfilling the owner’s task.

After another 1 month, you can begin active training of the VEO puppy and teach him to overcome obstacles and search for hidden objects by smell. If desired, a 5-month-old puppy can begin to develop special service qualities. During such training, the dog must guard the objects entrusted to it and, if they are stolen, chase the thief and rush at him. You can involve people unfamiliar to the dog for training, but only the owner should control it. An experienced owner will very quickly teach his pet these commands, since East European Shepherds are quite easy to train. During such tasks, it is important to give in to the puppy if necessary and make sure that he always defeats his imaginary opponent. If this rule is not followed, the dog will grow up insecure.

Features of keeping and caring for the East European Shepherd

Dogs of this breed are quite unpretentious in their maintenance, but they need to be provided with daily exercise in the fresh air and a balanced diet. VEOs are equally well suited for keeping in a small apartment and a country cottage, but the dog will be more comfortable in the countryside due to its considerable size.

It is necessary to decide in advance where the dog will live; it is not advisable to constantly transport the shepherd from the apartment to the dacha. Having become accustomed to a city apartment, the dog will not be able to get along in an enclosure outside the city and will whine, asking to be returned.

An East European Shepherd should be bathed no more than 2 times a year. It is advisable to do this only when absolutely necessary. To make your dog look beautiful and well-groomed, he needs to be brushed daily. The combing procedure will also serve as a light massage for your pet and improve blood circulation.

The teeth, ears and eyes of the “Eastern” require constant care. Once every 2 weeks, be sure to clean your dog’s ears with a dry cotton swab. It is worth paying attention to cleaning your teeth from plaque, which can lead to the formation of tartar, which only a veterinarian can remove. It is advisable not to clean your eyes unless necessary, but if discharge appears, you should immediately remove it with a cotton swab.

It is advisable to treat your dog for fleas, preferably 2 times a year - in the middle and end of spring. At this time, fleas are most active.

VEOs have an ideal character. They are devoted to their owner, always ready to play with him and protect him in case of danger. They love children and enjoy playing with them. Do not forget about raising the dog, which must begin from puppyhood, so that in the future he grows into a brave defender and faithful companion.

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