home Calculators What does an East European Shepherd look like? East European Shepherd dog (photo): a hardy protector and a loyal friend. What does an East European Shepherd look like?

What does an East European Shepherd look like? East European Shepherd dog (photo): a hardy protector and a loyal friend. What does an East European Shepherd look like?

The East European Shepherd is a working dog, specially bred as an improved version of the German Shepherd.

East European Shepherd: frontal photo.

East European Shepherd: photo with a ball in its mouth.

Story

The country in which the breed was bred is the Soviet Union. Purposeful selection work, which began in the second half of the twenties of the last century, began with the creation of a special nursery. The breed that served as the basis for the selection of the East European Shepherd is the German Shepherd. It should be noted that in the Union exclusively purebred German shepherds were used for this work.

Breeders needed to develop a breed whose individuals would be more versatile and hardy dogs than the “Germans” and would differ from them in their behavioral reactions. They could also be used for the needs of the army and the national economy in various climatic zones throughout the country. And this work was successfully completed by the dog handlers.

In nineteen sixty-four, a standard was approved that established the requirements for individuals of the breed, and twelve years later its second edition was adopted. In the newly created Russian state, the breed is recognized by various cynological organizations. The breed has also gained fame internationally: it is recognized by organizations such as the UCI and IKU. But until now the breed has not received recognition from the FCI - the International Federation of Cynologists.

East European Shepherd in the snow.

Photo of an East European Shepherd.

Character of the breed

Devotion to the owner and focus on him is a fundamental characteristic feature of the behavior of individuals of the breed. Unquestioning submission to the will of the owner, willingness to sacrifice oneself and boundless courage for his sake. The East European Shepherd is a confident, balanced dog. She has strong nerves, therefore she does not show excessive aggression even towards strangers and does not show her power and strength unnecessarily. However, the instinct of a protector and guard forces her to instantly react to any threatening situation.

Individuals of the breed do not strive for independence and do not even try to dominate in relationships with the owner; they never show unforced aggression towards other pets. These shepherds are friendly, disposed towards children, play with them with pleasure and are not capable of offending them. All these wonderful character traits of dogs of the breed, determined by genetic heritage, need to be reinforced by proper education and training. Otherwise, the dog acquires character traits that are not typical for the East European Shepherd.

East European Shepherd and girl.

East European Shepherd with a puppy.

Description of appearance

The dogs of the breed are represented by large-sized individuals: the height measured at the withers varies for males from sixty-five to seventy-five centimeters, for females from sixty-one to seventy-one centimeters. Weight varies from thirty-six to sixty-one kilograms for males and from thirty-one to fifty-one kilograms for females. Although the bones are large, the dogs do not have a coarse body build. Its length exceeds the height at the withers by an average of fifteen centimeters. The muscles are well developed and have a prominent appearance. Gender is easily determined by appearance, since males are much more massive and larger than females.

The head is proportional to the body, quite massive and moderately long, has the appearance of a not particularly pointed wedge, and is located on a muscular, powerful neck. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark, of medium size, set obliquely. Nose with a black nose. The ears are set high, erect, triangular in shape and medium in size.

Photo of an East European Shepherd.

East European Shepherd with a wheel.

Cool photo of the face of an East European Shepherd.

Dogs of this breed have a rather hard, close-fitting coat. The guard hair is medium length, straight. The thighs and forearms are covered with relatively long hair, and the rest is covered with medium length hair. The dense undercoat is well developed, but does not extend beyond the outer coat. Individuals of the breed have the following color: saddleback or black with a dark-colored mask on a light background, the color of which can range from pale gray to fawn. Gray-zoned and red-zoned colors are possible, but not desirable.

Classification

Origin: USSR

Usage: dog for service in law enforcement agencies, dog for home protection, pet and family friend

Color: completely black or with a dark mask on a light gray to fawn background.

Dimensions: height: for males - 65-75 cm, for females 60-73 cm; weight: for males - 37-60 kg, for females - 30-55 kg

Lifespan: about 12-14 years old

The East European Shepherd is a strong, hardy, active and athletic dog that will become an excellent friend for the whole family, protector and guard.

She is distinguished by her intelligence and intelligence, ease of communication, and devotion.

This breed is extremely easy to care for; all it needs is attention and exercise with its owner, and it will reward you with a cheerful disposition, activity and hard work.

History of the breed

The East European Shepherd is a young dog. Its breeding began on the territory of the USSR.

Psychology

The East European Shepherd is a strong, resilient, but at the same time very attached to its owners dog that happily follows various commands and loves walks.

Intelligence. Previously, the East European Shepherd breed, like and, was used exclusively as a service dog that served in the police, guarded borders and important government facilities. Nowadays she is often kept as a pet. Do not forget that you need to constantly work with the East European Shepherd, set different tasks for it and develop its intelligence. She loves active pastime and will be grateful to you.

Friendliness. This breed will become a devoted friend for the whole family, it loves children, and dotes on its owners. Of course, everything depends on upbringing, but the East European Shepherd dog picks up everything on the fly, is easy to train and understands the owner’s requests and commands the first time.
Similarly, such a dog quickly gets used to its owner and has a very difficult time withstanding even short-term separation. This is exactly the pet that will happily wait for you, often follow you, and happily wag its tail.
Performance. East European Shepherds are hardy, hardworking, and have been proven through years of faithful service to humans. Training an East European Shepherd is easy if you teach the puppy to follow the owner's commands from childhood. Such a pet will need to be walked often, devote a lot of time to it, and constantly invest energy in its mental and physical development. In return, you will receive a smart, hardy and loyal dog that can perform a number of tasks and just be a good friend.

Application

Initially, the East European Shepherd breed was bred to work in law enforcement and security.

Now she is bred both to participate in exhibitions and as a devoted family friend.

Despite its size, this dog can even live in an apartment, along with others, the main thing is that it has its own place and large bedding.

For those dogs that will live in the yard of the house, it is worth building a booth or enclosure.

Often those who are just planning to get a dog wonder how a German shepherd differs from an Eastern European one.

In addition to the fact that the latter are more hardy and resistant to harsh climatic conditions, they are also larger, taller, have good health and a balanced nervous system.

How to choose a puppy

Very often, when choosing a puppy and wanting to buy an East European Shepherd, many future owners mistakenly buy German Shepherds or half-breeds.

Therefore, if you want VEO, you should contact a special kennel of East European Shepherds, where you can find out the pedigree.

As a rule, East European Shepherd puppies can cost from 5 to 15 thousand rubles.

It is important to familiarize yourself with all the documents, find out about the health of the puppy and its parents, and whether the latter participated in exhibitions.

If you find out about the sale of an East European Shepherd for 550 rubles, you should think that most likely you will be offered a pet whose pedigree is not known or has some shortcomings.

Features of care

Combing

The East European Shepherd breed is easy to care for and does not require.

All she needs is enough walks, regular visits to the vet and hygiene.

It is worth washing your dog 1-2 times a year if necessary. In the summer, it is worth taking your pet to a pond where he can swim, this will be useful for the ligaments.

It is worth brushing your pet several times a week, and during shedding - every day, with the help of.

It is also important to check your teeth regularly, give your dog special food that he can chew, and clean his ears every 2 weeks.

Walk

The East European Shepherd will need frequent walks from an early age.

Health

The East European Shepherd is a hardy breed, so it rarely has health problems.

Characteristic diseases

Although representatives of this breed are not susceptible to eye diseases like eye diseases, they do have some ailments:

gastric volvulus;
joint diseases, arthritis;

The East European Shepherd is a hardy breed, so it rarely has health problems

Vaccinations

Mating

As a rule, the female is brought to the male for mating.

She needs some time to get comfortable in a new environment, but a male who is on his territory, as a rule, immediately becomes interested in a new acquaintance.

It is important that the mating is between representatives of the breed without similar disadvantages.

East European Shepherd dog: a hardy protector and a loyal friend

The East European Shepherd is a hardy and hardworking breed that will become a reliable guard for your home and a devoted family friend. She is easy to train and loves her owners.

The East European Shepherd (also East European Shepherd, abbreviated VEO, English East European Shepherd) is a breed of dog obtained in 1930-1950 in the Soviet Union for the army, police and service in border areas.

They have also been used as guide dogs and therapy dogs. In the territory of the former USSR, East European Shepherds have become popular for their intelligence and loyalty, but outside its borders they are rare and little-known.

This is a service breed, created for work and stress. Because of this, it is less suitable for living in an apartment, preferably a private house and a large yard. If the owner keeps the dog busy enough, he will be able to live in an apartment.

VEOs are smart, but they only listen to those whom they consider to be higher in status than themselves.

They are attached to one person and may completely ignore others.

They shed a lot.

They are not particularly suitable for families with children, as they avoid them and often do not understand them.

They get along with other dogs, but can attack small animals.

History of the breed

The history of the East European Shepherd began long before the creation of the breed. In 1914, Serbian revolutionary Gavrilo Princip assassinates Archduke Ferdinand, ruler of Austria-Hungary.

The Russian Empire, which considered itself the elder brother of this country, came to the defense of Serbia, and its allies, including Germany, supported Austria-Hungary.

This is how the First World War begins, and, it would seem, what does shepherd dogs have to do with it? Among the new products that the Russian soldier had to deal with were dogs. , schnauzers, and shepherd dogs.

They especially stood out: fast, smart, versatile, they were used in various tasks and worried opponents a lot. The Russian troops of that time did not have specialized military dog breeds, although there were quite a lot of ordinary ones.

When the Bolsheviks came to power, they began to rebuild the structure of the country and the army. Many of the military leaders of that time learned from the experience of the First World War and remembered German shepherds.

Unfortunately, these dogs were not able to work throughout the entire territory of the USSR and were not universal.

It can be cold in Germany, especially in the mountainous regions of Bavaria, where German Shepherds originated, but these cold temperatures cannot be compared with Karelia, Siberia, and Kamchatka. froze to death, and in more temperate climates they had to be warmed up every 4 hours.

In 1924, the “Red Star” nursery was created, which will breed new breeds for the Soviet Army. It is there that the Russian Terrier will later be bred, and first work on the East European Shepherd will begin. The task that was set for the kennels was difficult: to obtain a large, manageable dog, capable of working in different climates, including very cold ones.

However, the material support left much to be desired, and work really began after the end of World War II. Together with the Soviet troops, a large number of purebred German shepherds entered the country.

As a result, the basis of the East European Shepherd Dog was still the Germans, but the blood of Laikas, Central Asian Shepherds and other breeds was added to them. The authorities needed large dogs capable of guarding camps, and the new breed turned out to be larger than the classic German ones.

The first VEO standard was approved in 1964 by the Canine Council of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture. The East European Shepherd will become one of the most popular dogs among the military and other security forces, but will also find its fans among private individuals.

Together with the army, it will go to other countries of the Warsaw bloc, but will not achieve the same popularity. Interest in VEO will decrease significantly only with the collapse of the Union, when new, exotic breeds pour into the country.

Although VEO is still represented in many countries of the former USSR, the number of purebred dogs is steadily falling. For the most part, this is due to indiscriminate owners crossing them with other Shepherds.

The efforts of clubs and amateurs cannot save the situation and, although the future of VEO is still cloudless, in the distant future they may cease to exist as a purebred breed.

Description of the breed

East European Shepherds are similar to, and ordinary people cannot distinguish them from each other. Some of the obvious differences between the VEO and the German Shepherd are: larger size, thicker coat, different back line, different type of movement and fewer colors. But, since many dogs have crossed with each other and with other breeds, VEOs can vary significantly in appearance.

This is a medium-large breed, males reach 66 - 76 cm, females 62 - 72 cm. Since tall dogs look better in a show rig, they are preferred by breeders. Weight depends on the gender, age and health of the dog, but usually an adult East European Shepherd weighs between 35-60 kg for males and 30-50 kg for females.

However, they are prone to obesity and some dogs weigh significantly more. VEOs have a less inclined back line than German Shepherds and because of this they differ in the type of movement.

The head is proportional to the body, although rather large. When viewed from above, you can see that it is wedge-shaped, with a smooth but pronounced stop. The muzzle is half the length of the skull, although both are long and quite deep. Scissor bite.

The ears are medium in size, pointed and pointed forward and upward, erect. The ears of East European Shepherd puppies go up at 2 - 4-5 months. The eyes are medium in size, oval in shape, and their color is brown, amber or hazel. General impression of the dog: confidence, seriousness and hidden threat.

The coat is of medium length with a well-defined undercoat. The standard color is scoop with a mask (let's say deep) or black. Zone-gray and zone-red colors are acceptable, but not desirable.

Character

East European Shepherds are a service breed that works in the army and police, and its character corresponds to the tasks performed. This breed is known for its loyalty and devotion; they form such a strong relationship with their owner that it is almost impossible to give them away to another family.

This is definitely a one person dog that bonds with one family member and ignores others.

Although she may be affectionate with him, she is not servile. Most breeders do not recommend VEOs as family dogs, as they are not particularly affectionate with children (unless they choose a child as their owner) and some do not tolerate them well.

Although socialization helps build relationships, VEOs play with children with exactly the same intensity as they would play with adults. But, the main thing is that they cannot stand rudeness and can bite back if the limit of their patience has come to an end.

East European Shepherds are extremely suspicious of strangers. Without training and socialization, they are usually aggressive towards them, but even well-mannered ones are distrustful and aloof. If the dog is not prepared, then aggression towards humans is very likely. Moreover, these dogs need a lot of time to accept a new person in the family, for example, a spouse. Some may ignore them for years.

Despite the fact that VEOs are very sensitive, they are not the best guard dogs, as they work in silence and do not warn the owner about strangers. But they are excellent watchdogs; they will defend their territory and family until their last breath.

Only owners need to remember that they bite first and then sort themselves out. Naturally, this is an ideal bodyguard for the owner; anyone who wants to offend him must first deal with a powerful, purposeful and heavy dog.

If the East European Shepherd has been raised correctly, they get along well with other dogs, as they are designed to work in pairs or in packs. However, there are also aggressive individuals, especially males. They are characterized by dominant, possessive and same-sex aggression.

But in relation to other animals, it all depends on the character of the particular shepherd. Some attack any four-legged creature, others are not interested in them at all. They can live quietly in the same house with a cat if they grew up together and attack unfamiliar cats.

In terms of learning ability, they are excellent, how could it be otherwise if they served in the army and special services? This is one of the smartest dog breeds, there are practically no tasks that VEOs cannot cope with. But at the same time, for beginning dog breeders, raising a VEO is a difficult and thankless task.

They are dominant and will not listen to the commands of someone they consider below them on the social ladder. The owner needs to take the role of leader, and people who have not had dogs do not always know how to do this. In addition, they can ignore commands if they are not given by the owner. An experienced trainer who works with the East European Shepherd will have it perfect, although even they think it is a tough nut to crack.

Built for hard, long hours of work, this dog is active and energetic. The level of physical activity required for her is at least an hour a day, and preferably two.

Those dogs that cannot find an outlet for energy in running, playing or training find it in destructiveness, hyperactivity, even aggression. Moreover, physical activity alone is not enough; they also need mental activity.

General disciplinary training, a general obedience course in the city, agility and other disciplines are desirable and necessary for the education of a controlled VEO.

Due to their load requirements, they are poorly suited for keeping in an apartment; they need a private house, yard, aviary or kennel.

Care

The East European Shepherd does not require special care. Regular brushing and occasional baths are all she needs. Naturally, you need to check the cleanliness of the ears and trim the nails, and you need to train a puppy, not an adult dog.

VEOs shed, and they shed thoroughly and profusely. If there was a top 10 shedding breeds, she would definitely be on it. Wool can cover carpets, furniture and clothing throughout the year, and becomes even thicker as the seasons change.

Health

Since no studies have been conducted on the health of East European Shepherds, it is difficult to say so confidently. However, these dogs inherited the genes of several breeds, and they were created for serious needs.

VEOs are considered a healthy breed, especially in comparison with modern, purebred dogs. This opinion is shared by dog owners, saying that they did not notice any special diseases. The lifespan of the VEO is 10-14 years, which is excellent for a large dog.

They are characterized by diseases that large dogs suffer from - dysplasia and volvulus. And if the first causes changes in joints and pain, then the second can lead to the death of the dog. Volvulus occurs more often in large dogs with deep chests than in small ones.

A common cause is activity after heavy feeding. To avoid it, you need to feed the dog in small portions and not load it immediately after eating.

Post navigation

According to the breed description, the East European Shepherd, or VEO, is a service dog with a large size and an obedient character. Its reputation remains unshakable even with a large number of other breed lines of “servants”. The basis of breeding was the German Shepherd, but other breeds were also used in selection. In Soviet times, VEO was one of the most recognizable dogs; everyone had respect for her.

History of the origin of the East European Shepherd

With the coming to power of the Bolsheviks in the 20s of the last century, an urgent need for service dogs arose. German shepherds were not universal, as they could not work throughout the entire territory of the USSR. In Siberia, Karelia and Kamchatka, animals froze to death or had to be warmed up every 4 hours. In 1924, the Krasnaya Zvezda nursery was created, which was engaged in breeding the domestic VEO breed. The task of Soviet dog handlers was to obtain a universal dog with the following characteristics:

large;
controlled;
hardy;
which could work in any climate.

A large number of German Shepherds were included in the selection, but Central Asian, Laika and other breeds were added to them. The founder of the line was the dog Abrek, who starred in the film Gaichi in 1938. The primary standard was formed in 1964. It was approved by the Canine Council of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture. In modern times, the breed remains popular in the territory of the former Soviet Union, but the number of purebred individuals is steadily falling.

FCI breed recognition

If we talk about world opinion, the Eastern European breed is still not recognized by the FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale. Its experts remain loyal to the German line. Only the following cynological organizations recognized the breed:

UCI – International Union of Kennel Clubs;
MKC – International Kennel Union.

What does an East European Shepherd look like?

Externally, the East European Shepherd is similar to the German one. Ordinary people practically cannot distinguish them from each other. The breed belongs to the medium-large category. Males at the withers reach 66-76 cm, and females - 62-72 cm. Weight depends on the health of the dog, its gender and age. The body weight of males can be in the range of 35-60 kg, and that of females - 30-50 kg. Some representatives of the breed may weigh significantly more due to a tendency towards obesity.

How is it different from German?

Although outwardly these two beautiful breeds have many similar features, there are still differences between them. Representatives of the Eastern European line have larger sizes, fewer color options, thicker coats, a different back line and type of movement. VEO also differs in its mental properties. The German Shepherd's temperament is fiery, while the Eastern European's is reasonable and calm. Other characteristic differences:

Wool. The German has a more elegant covering coat. It is longer, especially on the hind limbs.
Addition. The Eastern European has less pronounced limb angles, a higher neck projection, a short tail and a steeper pastern.
Movements. The creeping trot of the German Shepherd is not typical of the Eastern European.
Wool color. A German Shepherd's paws can be any red shade, and a pronounced one. Eastern European - the owner of a light fawn, gray or almost white tan color.

VEO standard

Before buying a pet, you should study the breed standard in order to purchase a purebred representative. This is especially true for those who plan to participate in exhibitions and competitions. It is recommended to contact a kennel club, because German Shepherd puppies are very similar to Eastern European ones. The standard describes the following characteristics of the breed:

The head is large, has the shape of a regular wedge, and is proportional in overall dimensions. The frontal part is wide, rounded, smoothly blending into the muzzle. The cheekbones are muscular and rounded. When viewed from the side, the bridge of the nose is parallel to the extended line of the forehead.
The lips are dry and thick, fitting tightly to the muzzle and not drooping.
The teeth are straight, white, and tightly set. According to the standard, only a complete set of incisors and canines is allowed - 42 teeth. Bite without gap, scissor bite.
The nose and eyes are set slantingly and have an oval shape. The eyelids are dry, dense, completely covering the whites. The outer corner is raised towards the ear.
The ears are medium, triangular in shape, only erect ears are allowed. Set wide apart, can't be too big.
The limbs are muscular, proportional, and sinewy in the lower part. The front legs are parallel with the elbows pressed to the chest. The hips are noticeably elongated, the back is strong.
The tail is saber-shaped, reaching to the hocks or below. In its natural state it trots low or between its hind legs. When working, it rises to the spine or higher.

Breed defects

In dog behavior, cowardice, lethargy, unbridled aggression and indifference are considered vices. Minor faults are shortcomings in the external characteristics of the animal. More pronounced deviations, due to which the East European Shepherd loses its working qualities, are considered disqualifying defects:

East European Shepherd color

The coat of a representative of this breed is strictly defined by the standard. The dog's guard hair is smooth, hard, fits tightly to the body, and is of medium length. The undercoat is well developed. It is felt-like and may differ in color from the guard hair. The standard VEO is black or scooped with a mask. Zone-red and zone-gray are also acceptable, but they are undesirable.

Character and temperament

Initially, the Eastern European was bred as a service breed for military dog breeding. She works in the police, border troops and army, because her character corresponds to the tasks performed in these structures. Other distinctive character traits of the East European breed type shepherd dog:

Sensitivity. Even with this quality, VEOs are not the best guards, because they do not inform the owner about strangers.
Security qualities. The pet will be the best guard. The animal protects its family and territory to the end. Anyone who wants to offend the owner will first have to deal with a powerful and purposeful dog.
Goodwill. With proper socialization, the dog does not show aggression towards other animals. Although it all depends on the character of a particular representative: some are not at all interested in other pets, others, on the contrary, attack any four-legged animal.

High intelligence and balanced character

The East European Shepherd is highly intelligent. They have good learning abilities, are very obedient and are not prone to escape. The pet happily obeys all commands of the owner. In terms of trainability, this dog is considered simply magnificent, otherwise it would not have been accepted into the army and special services. For an East European type shepherd, there are practically no tasks that it cannot perform. In addition to high intelligence, the dog’s character is distinguished by its complaisance and restraint. The animal experiences pleasure from serving humans.

Relationships with people

The dog is neutral towards children. If the dog is not attached to the child as to the owner, then it may even bite in response to rudeness. The pet plays with children in the same way as with adults. Some representatives of the breed cannot even tolerate small family members. Without training, dogs can be aggressive towards children. The main difference of this breed is loyalty and devotion, more often to one person. Some dogs can ignore or become accustomed to another member of their owner's family for years. The animal is affectionate towards only one person, but not servile.

Features of training

Dogs of this breed love to learn, so they are easy to train. They look into the coach's eyes to understand what is required of them. A distinctive feature is that the shepherd dog equally well perceives both commands with instant reactions and those that require endurance. It is easy to train the Eastern European dog even at home, without the help of a dog handler. To do this, you should follow the following rules:

first learn commands with the puppy at home;
then move the classes outside when the dog is already confidently fulfilling the requirements (if at first he doesn’t obey, it’s not scary);
carry the puppy until the end of quarantine only in your arms, not allowing him to communicate with other pets;
constantly change walking locations, walk in crowded places, take him on public transport or by car, so that the dog reacts calmly to any situation.

Service dog training

In the absence of training and control on the part of the owner, the Oriental will easily break off the leash at the first cat running nearby. For this reason, the puppy is trained from an early age. Thanks to its impeccable obedience, the shepherd dog is easy to train. When training, you need to use treats and praise. The approach to education involves:

the beginning of serious training from 6 months of age;
training without the use of physical punishment;
constant support of already learned skills;
completing a general training course (GTC), if there is no experience working with large dogs.

Care and conditions of detention

The East European Shepherd is suitable both for keeping in an apartment and in an enclosure if the owner lives in a private house. The pet has excellent adaptive abilities in relation to any climate conditions. Although the animal is little susceptible to heat and cold, it still needs a canopy that would protect it from the sun and precipitation. An insulated booth is also required.

How to properly care for your fur

The East European Shepherd is an unpretentious animal. Thick coats need to be brushed regularly, at least once a week. During shedding, you need to do this daily. This procedure is mandatory, because VEO sheds a lot. Wool can be found on carpets, clothing and furniture. There is especially a lot of it during the changing seasons. Bathing is carried out 2-4 times a year if necessary.

Regular walks and exercise

Regardless of where the dog is kept, it requires regular exercise and walks. This could be swimming, cross-country, walking uphill, running in shallow water or snow. This strengthens the animal's muscles and ligaments. Every day your pet needs at least 1-2 hours of walks. They help the animal socialize and begin to better understand the owner and make friends with him.

Hygiene procedures

Eyes, ears and teeth should be examined daily and cleaned as needed. All hygiene procedures begin at an early age so that the animal gets used to them and behaves calmly. It is better to do them in the form of a game. This way the VEO puppy will accept the whole process more easily and will not react aggressively to it. You also need to take care of the claws. If you don’t grind them down on time, at least once a month, it will cause inconvenience to the dog.

What to feed your East European Shepherd

Proper feeding of puppies affects the full development, growth and appearance of the pet. In the first days in a new living space, it is worth feeding the animal in the same way as the breeders did. Most of them advise the buyer on the correct diet. During the first month, the puppy is fed 6 times, up to 2 months - 5 times, up to 3 months - 4 times, and from six months - accustom to 2 feedings a day. At an early age, the animal is fed mainly dry food. It is better to switch an adult dog to natural food.

Natural products

A large pet needs a high-calorie diet. The East European Shepherd requires a diet consisting of 70% meat. The rest consists of dairy products, fish, vegetables, porridge and greens. To brush your teeth, you should give your dog apples and carrots. The meat is used raw, gradually increasing the serving size. If the product is not trustworthy, then it must first be scalded with boiling water.

Specialized feed

The use of specialized premium feed is recommended during periods of intensive animal growth. At this time, puppy and young dogs can be given brands such as Ekanuba, Acana, Bosch, Belcando. When your pet reaches physical maturity, it is worth switching to ProPak, Pro Plan, and Dog Chow food. Such a diet must be supplemented with a sufficient amount of liquid, so keep an eye on the animal’s bowl all the time.

East European Shepherd puppies

It is better to purchase a puppy from well-known nurseries that have a good reputation. You should first call several organizations at once and study their offers and conditions. It is not recommended to buy an animal from random breeders, especially without documents from the RKF (Russian Cynological Organization). There is a high risk of purchasing an animal that is not purebred, and sometimes even a sick one with various mental defects or hereditary pathologies. When contacting a nursery, you need to ask the breeder:

give the opportunity to observe the puppy;
look at the pet's parents;
provide a veterinary passport and pedigree of the puppy.

Where can I buy

There are several trusted kennels where fans of this breed can purchase a purebred East European Shepherd. They are especially important to know for those who plan to have not just a pet, but a future winner of exhibitions and a participant in breeding shows. Among the popular nurseries are the following:

Lutar RKF - http://www.veolutar.ru;
Moncher Virsal - http://veoworld.ru;
National Club of the East European Shepherd Dog breed - http://www.veorkf.ru/;
Veovita - https://vk.com/veovita;
Olan Olzheks - olan-olczeks.jimdo.com.

How much does a puppy cost?

The price of a dog with a good pedigree and other necessary documents cannot be low. You can buy a puppy cheaply without a veterinary passport or not a purebred. If you need a good, healthy and purebred pet, then you should not expect low prices. The average price of an East European Shepherd is 30 thousand rubles. This is the cost of a promising puppy with good characteristics. Most nurseries offer approximately this price.

Health and hereditary diseases

It is difficult to talk about the health of this breed. According to Soviet canine reference books, only two ailments are typical for VEO, such as:

Gastric volvulus. The reason is the increased elasticity of the ligaments that support the organs. Because of this, during physical activity, the intestinal loop or stomach overlaps. The first symptom is swelling of the peritoneum, after which the disease develops very quickly. Due to the deprivation of circulatory organs, necrosis occurs, which leads to the death of the animal.
Arthritis. This is a joint disease. Develops as a result of delayed bone tissue recovery or degenerative changes associated with age.

In the first years after the collapse of the USSR, monopolists dishonestly used only their own dogs for selection, which caused damage to the breed. Such omissions in the development of the VEO breed led to an expansion of the list of characteristic diseases. It began to include:

Rickets. Develops more often at an early age. Characterized by irreversible curvature of the limbs.
Enteritis. The disease belongs to the acute viral category. The dog is vaccinated against it while still a puppy.
Dysplasia. This pathology is associated with age. Its cause is considered to be untimely renewal of articular tissue.

How long do East European Shepherds live?

The average life expectancy of a representative of this breed is 12-16 years. With good care, the animal can live longer. For a dog of large stature and build, this is the optimal life expectancy. Breed-specific diseases occur in dogs of any age, so at the first symptoms you should consult a veterinarian.

Photo of an East European Shepherd

Video

In the first photo there is a dog named Taif White Feng. Owner Natalya Polishchuk, Kyiv, Ukraine

Brief characteristics of the East European Shepherd breed

Other possible dog names: VEO, East European Shepherd.
Adult dog height: 63-75 cm.
Weight: 32-58 kg.
Characteristic color: black-backed, gray, red, with a darkened “mask” on the muzzle.
Wool length: medium length, straight and rigid.
Lifespan: 12 years old.
Advantages of the breed: brave, strong dog, good protector. Gets along easily with other animals.
Difficulties of the breed: Once a dog begins to show aggression, it is almost impossible to correct it.
What is the price: the price for an East European Shepherd is about $250.

History of the origin of the East European Shepherd

This breed appeared not so long ago - only in the thirties of the 20th century, on Russian territory. Initially, the breed was bred as universal service dogs that would be able to serve in a variety of weather and climatic conditions.

The progenitors of this breed are . As a result of long-term selection and competent mixing with other breeds, the East European Shepherd appeared. The breed standard was formed by the seventies. By now, these dogs have already gained well-deserved popularity due to their many advantages.

East European Shepherds have proven themselves well as service dogs. They were specially bred for police and military service. Many years of selection work have led to the appearance of a brave, devoted dog, which is still used to this day for guard duty.

In addition, representatives of this breed can be wonderful companions and even rescuers. They are full of inner confidence and dignity, thanks to which they become not only excellent bodyguards, but also full members of the family.

The main feature of this dog is owner-oriented. At any moment she is ready to give her life for him. She does not trust those around her, but, thanks to her strong nerves and balanced psyche, she treats them calmly and does not show aggression unless necessary. If a dangerous situation arises, the dog instantly takes an active defensive position.

The breed is easy to train and demonstrates obedience and willingness to obey its owner. She rarely shows independence. The dog is friendly towards other pets, especially if they grew up together.

East European Shepherds have good character– they are devoted friends of humans, love children and are ready to play with them at any time. These dogs will never hurt a child, even someone else's. The only condition for the formation of all these positive qualities is proper education from puppyhood.

Video review of the East European Shepherd breed

This video talks about the history of the origin of East European Shepherds, their character, advantages and disadvantages. The story reveals the basics of raising a dog of this breed, proper care and maintenance. Any dog breeder will benefit from the information presented in this video review.

According to breeders and veterinarians, you can adopt a puppy of this breed no earlier than 1.5 months of age. By this time, the puppies are no longer so dependent on their mother and can easily become attached to their new owner.

According to the rules, dogs undergo certification for up to 45 days - inspection for the presence of various defects and disqualifying signs. It is allowed to purchase an older puppy, but if he is already 5 months old, it will be quite difficult to accustom him to new habits.

When choosing an East European Shepherd puppy, before buying, you should pay attention not only to the presence of all the necessary documents, but also to breed standards:

Head. It should be proportional to the body, massive, wedge-shaped, with slightly rounded cheekbones. The skull is flat, with a small longitudinal groove. The forehead is somewhat rounded when viewed from above and from the front.
Muzzle. It is wedge-shaped and gradually tapers towards the nose. The length of the muzzle should be equal to or slightly less than ½ the length of the head.
Lips. Close tightly together, dry, dark in color.
Teeth. Large size and scissor bite. The incisors are located at the same level.
Eyes. Dark in color, oval in shape, dry, eyelids tightly touching.
Ears. Erect, medium length, set high. The shape of the ears is pointed, the tips are pushed up and forward.
Back. Wide, strong, slightly convex. The withers are well defined, the croup is rounded, wide, with a slight slope towards the beginning of the tail.
Breast. Oval, medium width.
Front paws parallel, straight. The hind legs are set slightly back. The paw shape is oval.
Dog movements well balanced, free. When a shepherd trots, the croup and withers are in line.

Nicknames for the East European Shepherd

Puppies of the same litter of this breed are usually named by the same letter. The nickname is chosen so that it emphasizes the characteristics of the dog. This is a very serious dog and its nickname should be appropriate. Such nicknames as: Arwen, Agat, Palmyra, Tokay, Buran, Versailles, Vyuga are good.

For males you should choose a nickname that is not very long, but sonorous, for example: Kim, Asgard, Ruslan, Zeus, Boy, Pirate, Prime.

Females East European Shepherds are much more cunning and smarter than males. Such nicknames are suitable for them: Grace, Agatha, Jasper, Valda, Cora, Montana, Aurelia, Marcy, Tara.

Nicknames can be geographical or fantasy in nature: Tasmania, Narnia, Astana, Tauriel. It is very important that The nickname was liked by all family members and the dog itself.

East European Shepherds not picky about living conditions. They are able to live in enclosures, in a private house, and in an apartment. The only condition is that the dog must have its own place. It is recommended to place bedding that is soft and easy to clean. If you plan to keep your dog outside, you need to build him a kennel with insulation.

Food and water should be given in different bowls, and it is advisable to install the bowls on special stands - this will protect the dog from disturbing the exterior.

You need to spend a lot of time on your shepherd’s hygiene: brushing his teeth, giving him special rubber bones to chew on, if necessary. It is recommended to wash your dog no more than once every six months. In the warm months, it is advisable to take your dog to rivers or lakes, where he can swim and frolic to his heart's content.

What to feed your East European Shepherd

To keep the dog strong and healthy, her diet should be balanced, corresponding to activity and . The basis of nutrition should be food of animal origin: chicken, duck, beef meat and cartilage, low-fat sea fish, eggs, milk. Food should be given only fresh and always raw.

In the diet of puppies must be present fermented milk products and calcined cottage cheese, as well as cereals, vegetables, herbs and vitamin supplements.

Feeding frequency depends on the age of the dog: up to 2 months – 6 times a day; 2-4 months – 5 times; 4-6 months – 4 times; 6-9 months – 3 times; 10 months and older – 2 times.

It is recommended to feed your dog strictly at the same time. The food should be served warm and thick in consistency. Immediately after eating, you cannot take your dog for walks; he needs to rest for about 2 hours. Access to water the pet must have a permanent one.

Dogs of this breed require, and to deal with it recommended to a professional. East European Shepherds are a very serious breed and need to be raised correctly from a very early age.

In this case, it is necessary to comply with certain rules:

the puppy should not be allowed to do anything that was not allowed before;
It is not recommended to scold a dog; you need to talk to it strictly, but without unnecessary emotions;
if the dog is stubborn, you need to repeat your demands to it again and again - over time, it will understand what the owner wants and that he must obey him;
We must not forget about rewarding the dog after the correct execution of commands.

If the dog trained to protect the owner, before going out for a walk, you must put a muzzle on her and walk with her on a leash. Any careless movement by people around you can be perceived as a threat and provoke an aggressive reaction.

Pros and cons of the East European Shepherd breed

Advantages. Dogs of this breed are loyal protectors and best friends. They are easy to train, get along well with other animals, and love children. For decades, the qualities cultivated in them make East European Shepherds excellent bodyguards and devoted “servants.”

To the disadvantages The only thing that can be attributed to these dogs is that if they are not raised correctly, they will often show their character, listen poorly, and sometimes show aggression. In addition, the standards of this breed are extremely strict and improper care can spoil the dog’s appearance.