One of the few dog breeds bred at one time in our country is the European Shepherd. Today it is an example of a classic service dog. She can often be found next to a policeman or a military man; she perfectly carries out guard duty and is an incorruptible watchman devoted to only one owner.
Breed features
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. Usually used for patrol, for security. The special physique of the European shepherd allows her to work productively in the harsh Russian winter and in the sultry desert.
Breed history
The European shepherd was hatched from the breed of German shepherds imported to Russia at the beginning of the last century. Then the breeding work began, as a result of which the first lines of the dog breed were created, which quickly gained recognition as an official. From the German Shepherd, these dogs received most of the positive qualities. Therefore, one of its species has long been considered an East European Shepherd. Photos and descriptions of dogs of these breeds are quite similar. Only in 1964 the first standards of the European Shepherd were determined by Soviet dog handlers and it was recognized as a separate breed.
Characteristic
The European Shepherd is a brave, courageous dog, which is both very attentive and balanced. Remaining calm outwardly, she constantly keeps the environment under control. This dog is focused on the owner, it gives her great pleasure to serve, carry out commands, she is very easy to learn. Alertness to strangers is combined with a lack of causeless aggression. The shepherd is self-confident and will never raise an alarm if there is no particular reason.
This is a serious dog, requiring an appropriate approach to education from a very young age. With proper training, an elderly person and a child can easily cope with it. The shepherd never demonstrates its strength, plays very carefully, trying not to cause harm.
Dogs of this breed need loads. 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 to visit training sites or take active long walks.
Breed description
Unlike the German Shepherd, these dogs are larger. The height at the withers is 66–76 cm for males and 61–66 cm for females. The length of the body is 12-15 percent greater than the height of the dog. Short and wide loins smoothly into croup. The withers and croup in trot should be on the same level. The head is massive, slightly elongated, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly pronounced. The nose should be black. The medium-sized ears are set high, have a wide base and tips directed up and forward. A strong, muscular neck is at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the back line. The saber-shaped tail is lowered down in a calm state and slightly raised, as if continuing the line of the back, if the dog is excited.
Strong shoulders with a well-defined shoulder-scapular angle are well developed. The front limbs in front view are parallel to each other. The muscular hind limbs are set obliquely.
The color may be different for representatives of such a breed as a European shepherd. Photos of dogs of black, black-and-white colors can be found especially often. Zoning 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 the cold and from overheating thanks to a well-developed undercoat, which has a lighter shade.
Disqualifying Defects
A serious flaw that disqualifies a dog and excludes it from breeding is one-sided or complete cryptorchidism. Representatives of the breed that have a tail that is too short or bent into a ringlet, with a nose not black, but some other color, light eyes, overshot or snack, lack of one of the fangs are not allowed to breeding.
Significantly reduce the quality of the dog and other deviations from the standard: loose constitution, weak muscles, too long coat, curvature of the extremities, black color in combination with a red tan.
The East European Shepherd is a service dog, therefore, its character and behavior must comply with the requirements of 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 completely burdensome. During molting, the animal needs to be thoroughly combed out. Periodically, you should examine the eyes, ears and paws of your pet, not forgetting about hygiene procedures. Only wash the dog if necessary. It is important to ensure a balanced diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals. The dog should always have free access to water and the ability to hide from direct sunlight.
Animals are great for keeping both outdoors and in the apartment. Given that the breed was bred as a working, service, the main thing for these dogs is regular physical activity, jogging, training and just communication. If there is enough time for walks and classes, then not only experienced owners, but also beginner dog breeders can keep a dog like a European shepherd. Orientation to the owner, unpretentiousness and a high degree of learning contribute to the creation of a real tandem of the owner-dog.
European Shepherd Puppies
It should be very responsible approach to the question of choosing a puppy, if you plan to participate in exhibitions and breed the breed in the future. It is preliminary recommended that you study the information on the kennels, individual breeders, visit several exhibitions where you can see what requirements are imposed on a breed such as a European shepherd. Photo in magazines, which sometimes choose the parents of their future dogs, does not give any guarantee of obtaining good offspring. If it is not possible to see them live, then it is worth looking at least 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 communicating with children with pleasure. It requires a lot of attention. You must first adhere to the diet that was in the breeder’s house where the dog was purchased. This will help to prevent indigestion. Be sure to ensure that the puppy receives all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. In combination with active classes and walks in the fresh air, this will allow him to maintain health and vitality.
Disease
This breed is distinguished by good health, so there are no special problems here. In order to prevent bites of blood-sucking insects, which are very often carriers of an infection, it is necessary to conduct treatment with special preparations for dogs and be regularly examined by a veterinarian.
The European Shepherd is a working dog with a great need for physical activity. You should not start such a breed for people who are very busy, who do not have enough free time for walks and classes.