It may seem to an ignorant man that an East European shepherd is no different from his German "sister." And there is some truth to this. After all, the “material” for breeding the breed was exported from Germany. But the climatic conditions, and most importantly - the efforts of breeders and dog handlers, brought to light a new breed. Who is she - a shepherd from Eastern Europe? What is its resemblance to a German ancestor? What is the difference from it? What is the breed standard? What kind of character does this dog have? You will learn about this from our article.
Before talking about this wonderful breed, we give simple data. In the 50-60s of the twentieth century, in the territory of the Soviet Union, people simply did not know other shepherd dogs, except for Eastern European. It was they who carried out border and watch service. And some especially gifted with "acting talents" East European shepherds even became heroes of the movies (faithful Ruslan, Mukhtar and the dog Scarlet).
Breed formation
In the twenties of the last century in the young state of the USSR there was an urgent need for powerful service dogs. The Soviet dog handlers were tasked with breeding a breed that could be used to perform service in harsh climatic conditions. The dog had to be smart, hardy, loyal to the owner ... and at the same time very strong. Dog handlers took the German Shepherd as a basis for breeding a new breed.
In 1924, in the nursery "Red Star" began breeding with the instillation of blood husky and dog-like. But there was not enough “imported” material; close relatives had to be crossed. Things went better after World War II, when a lot of captured 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), they gave it the name VEO - that is, an Eastern European shepherd.
A crisis
Breeding work continued. Dog handlers 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. The dog handlers also had the task of changing the dog’s behavioral skills. She was required to obey, watchdog qualities, 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 arose for everything Western. The Iron Curtain fell, and people began to breed German shepherds in large numbers. And for the "Soviet" breed entrenched unflattering image of the guards of the Gulag. But the lovers of the "East" united in clubs. Specialty shows were held. There were private kennels, where males of the East European Shepherd Dog played a big role in preserving the breed. The "reproducer" usually had a powerful exterior and a smooth transition from the withers to the tail.
New recognition
Such selfless activity of amateur dog handlers has led to the fact that the herd of East European shepherds has not disappeared. On the contrary, it has increased. Dogs were requested not only by the border service and the military. Their intelligence allowed them to be kept as companions. Unlike the “Germans," the East European Shepherd is very attached to the children and takes them under its protection. With all this in mind, the breed has gained new recognition. It happened in 2002. The RKF Kennel Organization considered an independent breed of VEO. A new standard was enshrined. Now the breed is highly respected in Russia. But according to the FCI classification, East European Shepherds are not recognized.
Standard
We recall once again that the German Shepherd served as the main source material for breeding the breed. Eastern European differs from its German ancestors in a more powerful physique. Dogs reach a height of 66-76 centimeters at the withers. The bitches are a little lower - 62-72 cm. The muscles should be well developed. Unlike the German, the East European Shepherd Dog has a rectangular silhouette. She does not make the impression of falling on her hind legs, squat or short-legged. But the withers are well defined.
The color, like that of the "Germans", is black or with a dark mask on a light background. Less desirable zoning-red, fawn or gray. The nose is always black. The ears are triangular, erect, like many shepherds. The eyes are smart, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely. The hind legs, unlike the German breed, are straight, with well-defined hock joints. In principle, the breed is characterized by body power, as well as muscle.
Unacceptable deviations from the standard
The physique of a dog of this breed must be powerful, but not coarse. 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 mastiffs. A thin East European shepherd is allowed to the exhibition only if such frying is combined with a powerful skeleton and the absence of thin and flat ribs. Also, "overweight" is considered too "marriage", too much weight. Profitable fingers need to be removed, since the standard assumes that the East European Shepherd Dog has rounded paws collected in a lump. This breed should have a flat back. Only a very slight angle of inclination of the spine from the withers to the tail is allowed. An allure on the site should be a creeping light trot with a strong push of its hind legs.
The main differences between the East European and German Shepherd
As already 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. Firstly, growth. The "East" by the standard is slightly higher than the "Germans". Secondly, the Soviet breed is more massive than its German brothers, its representatives have a wide chest. But the main thing, the difference immediately evident is the dog’s back. In a German shepherd she is oblique. Therefore, it seems that the dog is falling on its hind legs. The Shepherd East European has a flat back, and her withers are only slightly above the sacrum. Hence, another, rather than “German,” gait - strong shocks with hind legs, free movement of limbs. There is a difference in character. East European Shepherd Dogs are more reasonable and calm. This breed often has a lighter color.
Character
If a German shepherd is often bred as a companion, then representatives of this breed are raised for service. It consists in the protection of property, 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 incredulous to outsiders, and in the case of the slightest danger, exhibit 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 shepherd dogs. Such a dog will be more playful and obedient. Indeed, in the USSR, the breed was bred so that the dog itself, if necessary, made decisions. For the protection of the territory would be an ideal mixture of East European Shepherd and Caucasian.
How to get a puppy
This breed is quite common in our country. Puppies with or without a pedigree can be purchased even through announcements 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 (East European and German, Caucasian or Belgian) can cost from two thousand. But the most faithful place where you can get a puppy that fully meets the standard of such a breed as the East European Shepherd Dog is a kennel. There are quite a lot of them in Russia. After all, VEO is our domestic breed. You can recommend the nurseries "Valentlife", "Faithful friend", "Lutar" and "New Empire". Cynologists from the centers “Veolar” and “Moncher Virsal” proved to be quite good. Of course, the cost of a puppy there is much higher than in the "bird market". But then you will have a guarantee that the dog will grow exactly VEO, and not mestizo.
Dressura
The East European Shepherd Dog was bred as a universal service dog. For many years of the breed's existence, 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 that you can do without training. The protective and protective reflex in these dogs is at the genetic level. Therefore, they can rush at the person who approached you to ask time. It is necessary to raise such a powerful dog from the first months of life. Unconditional obedience should be instilled first. From four months you can begin training in agility, and from five months you can cultivate professional qualities (to guard objects, repel aggressor attacks).
Caring for an East European Shepherd Dog
The key to good health of your pet is proper feeding, as well as regular physical activity. A powerful and muscular dog needs a lot of protein. Therefore, in the feed must be meat products. Given that such animals usually eat a bowl of food at a time, you can mix cereals, boiled vegetables, dairy products, greens in the diet. At any age, but especially to puppies of this breed, it is recommended to give raw sea fish. And the meat should be a little boiled. 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. The coat of this breed requires minimal care. Do not bathe your dog more than twice a year. But you need to comb out regularly. Also, do not forget about caring for your teeth and ears.
Breed diseases
The East European Shepherd Dog was raised as a hardy and strong dog. And if you purchased a purebred VEO, then most likely it will be a long-liver. But this breed also has its own diseases. The main ailment that can affect a puppy is rickets. If a dog sits in a cage since childhood and does not receive enough calcium salts, then it begins to lose weight, and its bones become fragile. But the diagnosis of rickets is not always the answer to the question why the East European Shepherd is thin. Perhaps she is not getting enough protein. This dog cannot be fed leftovers from the table. It requires high-quality meat food.