East European Shepherd coloring book. History of the origin of the East European Shepherd. Breed standard East European Shepherd
She has gained sincere honor and respect from millions of people. The animal is naturally hardy and easily adapts to any conditions. It can live in small “Khrushchev” buildings and in spacious areas intended for keeping animals, in the courtyards of country houses. But don’t forget: this is a working dog that requires long walks and significant physical activity. The strong-willed, balanced, stately shepherd dog has a very interesting “biography”. Many are sincerely curious about the peculiarities of breeding, raising, and caring for these extraordinary animals. In general, there is something to understand.
In the service of man
You may hear that the East European Shepherd is a type of German Shepherd “in the Russian way.” The breed was formed in the USSR as follows. At the end of World War II, the winners returning from Germany to the Soviet Union brought back many trophy large dogs - German shepherds and their lesser-known relatives. From the late forties of the 20th century, on the basis of the motley four-legged guard, they began to breed animals capable of accompanying military personnel on patrols, serving at security checkpoints (roadblocks), and guarding temporary detention centers for persons under investigation.
The need for a myriad of guard and escort dogs was dictated by the need to unswervingly defend the gains of socialism and strictly control the machinations of external and internal enemies. Selection was aimed at obtaining large, massive individuals. In the course of a painstaking selection of the best representatives, they received such a now widely known breed as the East European Shepherd.
Tall, with a wide body and strong bones, the dog was welcomed by both the NKVD units and the Armed Forces (it is impossible to imagine, for example, the border troops without it). In the internal affairs bodies, where every day is associated with patrolling, escorting, searching for criminals, and protecting the territory, she can be said to have become an indispensable employee. VEO is also useful in peaceful life: sensitive, responsive, well-mannered guides are the “eyes” of the visually impaired.
Practical and cute
There is an opinion that modern Fashion for Dogs dictates its own canons. Citizens knowledgeable in cynology today increasingly want to have a pet from among the descendants of “herd” dogs (German shepherd). They are smaller. People who are far from cynology often wonder: what do East European and German shepherds look like in comparison? What is the difference between these breeds? It’s easy to get confused: there are even canine atlases that indicate that they are one breed.
But is it? VEOs are larger, their back line is not so inclined. As a result, the movements of the animals are not similar: the trot, like crouching “German women”, is smooth; The forward movement of the “Eastern women” is sweeping. The latter win when running for a long time and when you need to cover the distance quickly. During the “tedious” path along the trail, the “foreigner” works better.
What about temperament? In this, too, the Eastern European and German Shepherd are different. What is the difference, once comparing the dogs, everyone will understand: the “Eastern” is balanced, thoughtful, the “Western” is choleric, fidgety, sociable. There is an opinion that in the USSR, with its harsh morals, they deliberately “cut off” the dog’s unnecessary “freedom of morals”, selecting the most serious representatives. Russian border guards and other military personnel prefer to have an East European Shepherd dog next to them in military work. During exhibitions and sporting competitions, the easier-to-train “Germans” often shine (another difference is that they mature earlier than VEOs).
For help to the people
If you delve into the distant past, you can find evidence that Russia became acquainted with German shepherds back in one thousand nine hundred and four. Along with people, dumb “orderlies” saved the wounded when the Russo-Japanese War raged. Since 1907, they mastered service in police stations. In 1924, dogs from the German side filled the enclosures of the Central School of Dog Breeding of the OGPU, the School of Sniffer Dogs of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD).
Pedigree breeding in certain circles was not a concern, therefore, along with representatives of the best factory lines (large individuals, proportional heads, good build), there were unremarkable, but strong and reliable “workhorses”. From the first days, the attempt to breed German shepherds was accompanied by a number of problems: insufficient cash injections, scant knowledge of the breed, and the almost complete absence of specialists who would thoroughly know this breed of dog.
However, the East European Shepherd could not help but appear; no difficulties could interfere with the breeding plans. To get things moving, they appealed to the masses. In the USSR, in order to involve the people in solving pressing issues of defense, army, navy, etc., there was the OSOAVIAKHIM school. In 1927, the doors of the section were opened there, where dog breeders engaged in the business on an amateur basis were invited en masse. They were asked to provide all possible assistance in increasing the number of trained dogs with good heredity.
The East European Shepherd as its own national breed was still just a dream. In the meantime, caring citizens looked after the “German” pets and raised their puppies: each “growing up” one was included in the sectional mating plan. However, the quality of the resulting livestock left much to be desired. There were no rules for selecting manufacturers. This sharply reduced the efficiency of breeding work.
Father Edu, mother Bine, son Abrek
Not only did a sea of random and trophy dogs take part in the breeding, the quality of whose origin was simply impossible to trace, but the USSR Service Dog Breeding Federation also had a hand. Decrees were issued reducing “breeding requirements.” As a result of this “overlay,” defects in appearance, color, and characteristics of the nervous system were transmitted.
State nurseries helped volunteers as best they could by providing breeders for mating. In order to increase the number of amateur dog breeders, we have developed a system of exhibitions. But the main purpose of the regular introduction of four-legged animals into the world was to select the most thoroughbred representatives of the future “servicemen”. At the same time, they analyzed which manufacturers are better, where the combinational successes and failures lie.
The first Moscow exhibition was the one that delighted participants and spectators in 1925. A sensation was created by the male Bodo von Teufelsfinkel, exported from Germany, 70 cm tall at the withers. A German specialist of the highest class, V. Katzmair, noted that the elite dog is the best of all producers. To obtain offspring, a number of excellent males with exquisite “baronial” nicknames were selected. The first Soviet line of shepherd dogs was headed by a male with a more down-to-earth name - Abrek - the son of Edu von Geisengoff and his partner Bine von Brigoff. In other variations, none of them succeeded in producing special puppies.
Fog and Kare
Abrek had an expressive appearance: the middle part of the back was black (black color), regular, slightly weighted build, the head in the skull was slightly wider than necessary. There was something to work on: the East European Shepherd, whose ears are an important feature of the breed, had erect hearing organs directed to the sides. They are called suspended, they have weak cartilage. There were also folds under the larynx (“raw” neck). The height of the newcomer to Edu was 69 cm. Representing the most successful example of selection, the handsome man “grabbed” a 1st degree Diploma at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV). His person was included in the special list (VRKSS) at number one. Large, dry, easy to train, Abrek is the ancestor of many excellent dogs. It was widely used for propagation. Selection continued: it was necessary to increase the performance of dogs.
Ingul (grandson of the couple Devete von Furstensteg + Dux von Herzoghem) and Degay (their great-grandson) appeared. The appearance and build (the totality of exterior qualities) of the males are close to the norms of such a widely known breed today as the East European Shepherd. The standard seems to have been found. True, Ingul was diagnosed with a defect - undescended testicle into the scrotum, and cryptorchidism has been included in the list of defects that lead to disqualification since 1964.
Males with a genetic anomaly, like Ingul, were still used for mating until 1968. For a long time they turned a blind eye to the fact that some individuals have a defect in the dental system. Until 1974, complete liberalism reigned in color. There were all kinds of colors: straw (fawn), white, reminiscent of brindle... Plus, they unjustifiably raised the height bar, making 72 cm at the withers the standard.
After the Great Patriotic War, political motives were strong. They even affected the breed in which the word “German” sounded. The “Iron Curtain” made it almost impossible to leave such a name (“German Shepherd” was the popular name for all evil and nasty people back then). For a very long time, the phrase was almost synonymous with fascism and evoked negative memories of the horrors of the fiery years. Public opinion was categorically against the “German evil spirits.”
Well-deserved success
When the breed was renamed Eastern European and made into an independent breed, the situation became completely confused: they did not find their own standards, and they had already abandoned the world ones. But the process has begun. First, a subtype of the German Shepherd appeared in our country. It later became a separate breed (officially named VEO in 1951).
Another Soviet line is considered to be the one that starts from a dog named Edi von Blumenduft. A little over eighty years ago (in 1935-1936) we received offspring from him and the daughters of the first Abrek. This offspring became the main, basic one. Son Fog had a classic color (black and tan) without shades, silver or brown spots. His descendant Kare was recognized as an all-Union leader in 1940, and in the first post-war year - a Moscow leader. Even during the years of the fight against fascism in the occupied areas, dogs were destroyed. The nursery of the People's Commissariat of Agriculture of the USSR, where the selection import was located, was empty. After the Victory, canine centers in Russia (Leningrad), Ukraine (Kyiv), Belarus (Minsk) and other cities started from scratch. The East European Shepherd has experienced a rebirth.
They worked in an integrated manner for almost half a century. The titanic work was crowned with success: a new East European type of shepherd dog was killed, noticeably different from the Western European one. The dogs looked large, well-built, strong, and muscular. They were distinguished by their harmonious build, dryness and muscularity. The first standard, which described the breed type in detail, was adopted in 1964, then it was changed more than once, supplemented, and divided into lines.
As for the coat, many are sure: long-haired East European Shepherds are nonsense, this does not happen. Indeed, the description of the axial hair indicates that it is straight and hard, reaches medium length, tightly lying, with a well-developed felt-like undercoat. The front limbs, ears, and head are covered with an even shorter “fur coat.” You can read as many descriptions of lines as you like - nowhere is such a feature officially recognized as “fleece from which you can weave braids.”
Well-fed and well-mannered
And although long-haired East European Shepherds do exist, adherents of strict criteria are convinced that this is a deviation from accepted standards (classified as a defect). The result of the uncontrolled actions of some modern breeders-“inventors”. German Shepherds with “increased shaggyness” are from the same opera. Animals of the 1920s (“old type”) were only semi-longhaired.
A high level of intelligence, especially in animals, is always captivating. This is precisely the quality that distinguishes the smart and beautiful East European Shepherd. Training this dog is a difficult, but rewarding task. Looking at how zealously the four-legged animals carry out the trainer’s orders, we can conclude: they like this activity. Ideal performers, in the name of friendship with the owner, who is considered the unconditional leader, are ready to give themselves without reserve.
Therefore, when listing the features of developing behavioral skills, the first point mentioned is the friendly, trusting, sincere relationship between the puppy and the owner. In addition, the big-eared teenager must understand what is required of him, then he will complete the task without flaw. And finally, you need to alternate between “task” and affection, but make sure that severity does not border on cruelty (after all, the owner wants to raise a proud daredevil, not a coward or an aggressor).
There is no doubt: many people have a smart and kind East European Shepherd in their home. And the children love her, because due to her “protective” nature, she reminds them of a parent, an older brother. But you shouldn’t delude yourself. The animal is not ready to tolerate any extravagances of the children and is capable of fending off impudence. Teach your child from a young age to treat a pet living in a family with respect. Then you will be able to avoid many problems that cannot be called humorous. Subject to the rules of treatment, VEOs are sincere: they carefully “herd” little people, calm them down if they cry, and make friends with the owner’s grown-up cubs.
Where where?
They say that the East European Shepherd Dog feels great both in Kamchatka and Kazakhstan. In Karaganda, one of the regional centers of the Kazakh Republic, there are traditionally many nurseries. A catalog has been compiled that contains not only the names, but also telephone numbers for communication, and the characteristics of the dogs available. The list of achievements is a kind of quality license. Read the data carefully, check how far from the city this or that place of breeding and cultivation is located (if this is important to you).
The first signs to tell if you're about to make a good choice are easy to remember. If the owner has been at the market for a long time, cordially invites you to visit his property to get to know the animals in person, and is not “embarrassed” to present a license, then most likely you are dealing with a reliable partner. Noteworthy: a consistently large number of puppies is not the best signal. As a rule, the number of individuals varies.
Ask how many champions the breeder has raised and how he cares about the health of his charges. All these little things are very important. All animals must be well-groomed and vaccinated, and most importantly, the East European Shepherd. There are many owners in Karaganda who can be called trusted. They won’t sell you a “mixture of a bulldog with a rhinoceros”; they will give you the right advice on caring for your dog. They say that beginners can register in a single list of breeders. Specialty exhibitions are held in Kazakhstan. This is not a show, but a zootechnical event. Judging is the strictest. It's difficult to win. But successful participation increases the animal’s prestige by several points.
There is a choice
There are other regions where East European Shepherd puppies are raised in nurseries. In Blagoveshchensk, among private advertisements you can see the offer: “I’ll give it to good hands.” True, we are talking about crossbred specimens. But if anyone needs a good security guard, you can take it with confidence. Most advertisements contain a detailed description of the pedigree and appearance of four-legged babies. Many of the puppies sold came from parents from Moscow and other well-known nurseries.
In the south of Russia there are also many kennels where East European Shepherd dogs are bred. There are breeders in Sochi; you can buy pretty decent VEO puppies, even from champions with an elite pedigree. But more often there are advertisements for the sale of German and Caucasian shepherds. The Sochi Kennel Club holds mixed exhibitions.
Despite the breed's formidable past, there are people who doubt: is the East European Shepherd dog suitable as a watchdog? To protect the territory, some people want to adopt a meaner dog with an independent character. But VEO fans are sure: no one can handle the matter better than the calm, vigilant “East”. She acts thoughtfully, which is especially impressive. There is no need to wait for outbreaks of “automatic” aggression, which is present in the character of some other breeds.
A bit of poetry. There is a popular aphorism that happens to come from the lips of those who have encountered human ingratitude, cunning, and adventurism. Recognizing their surroundings from the bad side, someone once again sighs: “Dogs are better than people - they don’t betray.” But these are all emotions. When choosing a nickname for a thoroughbred friend, they are guided not by them, but by specific rules. Although there is no consensus on the classification of breeds, it is impossible to call purebreds simply according to the dictates of the heart.
What can you think of, buddy?
The approach to choosing a nickname for an East European Shepherd is as follows: one litter - one letter at the beginning of the newborns’ nicknames (the full name is made up of letters or syllables borrowed from the “full name” of the ancestors). Consonance with the obligatory factory prefix is required (how people's first and last names are combined). But the essence is not only in the letter. It is recommended to stay on topic. If “natural phenomena” are chosen, Blizzard, Buran are suitable, if the geography is Venice, Palmyra, etc. For boys it is better to choose short and sonorous nicknames, and for girls - magical, musical nicknames. They say this is a special breed of dog. The East European Shepherd even understands the nickname it is called at home. At shows, a clear, “on point” name is a sign that the owner correctly understands the “policy of the canine party and the government.”
In Moscow Lyubertsy there is a public club for animal lovers “Maximus”. The East European Shepherd is a constant participant in the traditional Charity Exhibition “My Shepherd”. German and Central Asian breeds, represented by various cynological federations, take part in the event. The collection goes to help and support dogs in trouble. During the exhibition, animals left without owners often find another family. The breeding prefix “Maximus” contains the passport data of many eminent VEOs, who confidently won not only all-Russian, but also international competitions.
You can purposefully purchase and simply accept puppies and adults as gifts in St. Petersburg. The East European Shepherd is in good hands by those who leave the country or move (there are many reasons). As mentioned above, most of these are mestizos or old, sick animals. But those who decide and take them into their home love four-legged friends with a difficult fate no less than prosperous purebreds, receiving in return boundless devotion.
Factor of color distribution of East European Shepherds
The need to study colors and their inheritance when working with the breed is dictated by their close relationship with pigmentation, and, consequently, with the constitution, nervous system, anatomy and physiology. The Domestic Breed Standard for the East European Shepherd and the International Breed Standard for the German Shepherd provide THREE MAIN COLORS: zonal, black, black, which have many variations and tones, often characterized as separate types of colors. Identifying the genotype of a particular manufacturer is not difficult; it is enough to know the pattern of inheritance of traits according to the simplest Mendelian Laws. Let's move on to a detailed description of each of the colors of East European Shepherds.
ZONARY color. In various sources, this color has different names: “wolf”, “gray”, “gray-haired”, “agouti”. All these names, in general, correctly reflect its essence. The zone color is characterized by an overall gray tone with a relatively light undercoat and base of the guard hairs and darker ends. In addition, the color is most intense in the back, on the tail and on the muzzle with a gradual weakening downwards. body, with lighter limbs. While maintaining the structure of the color, its variations are still very significant: from light gray, almost smoky or yellow to dark brown. Dark tones are characterized by black “strokes” on the dog’s toes and metatarsals. Puppies are born zoned. With age, the structure of the color does not change, but it is typical that after molting the general color background becomes significantly darker.
The zone color of the East European Shepherd is dominant over all colors. This explains the fact that when a zonal color is established in the genotype of a breed, it necessarily manifests itself externally, suppressing the effect of other colors that remain in a recessive (non-manifested) form. We can formulate the opposite - never, not a single dog of black or black color will have a zonal color gene in its genotype, because in its recessive form it simply does not exist. If we assume that zonal sires suddenly disappear from the breed, then this color will be lost forever - it is impossible to restore it on the basis of black and black dogs. From here it becomes clear why zonular puppies are born only when at least one of the parents has this color. When mating two zonular dogs, the offspring may produce puppies of both black and black color. If a zonal puppy was suddenly born in a litter of two saddle or black dogs, there is no doubt that the bitch was also bred to a zonal male. The zone color itself counteracts the weakening of the pigment in the breed, so the use of zone color producers in breeding is very appropriate and justified.
BLACK color .There are black-brown, black-yellow and black-gray saddle colors, depending on the color of the dog’s tan. Darker, richer tones of tan are preferable. What matters is the degree of spread of the “saddle cloth” and the background color. The VEO must have a “saddle blanket” of at least half the body area, covering the upper part of the dog’s neck and tail, back, and sides. A “mask” on the face is required. The weakening of pigmentation in saddle-back coloring should be considered, first of all, gray tan, regardless of the extent of the spread of the “shabrack”, as well as a weakly marked “saddlecloth” and the complete absence of a “mask” on the muzzle. Black puppies are born almost black, with light markings around the anus, under the larynx, on the limbs and belly. The darker the pigment of the future adult dog, the smaller and darker these marks are on the puppy. With age, black-haired puppies become significantly lighter in color. The black-and-white color is recessive (suppressed) in relation to the zonal color, but dominant (predominant) in relation to the black color. The birth of black-backed puppies is possible from the following combinations:
- saddle cloth + saddle cloth;
- black+black;
- saddle + zone;
- zonal + zonal (provided that one of the parents of these sires was black-backed);
- zonal+black (subject to the same conditions)
BLACK color. This color does not require any special characteristics. With this color, the dog has a uniform, glossy black color without any marks or shades. If there are white spots on the chest and (or) paws, which is a defect in the exterior, the color is also characterized as black. Dogs of a pure black color with light eyes, with a piercing brown or gray undercoat, with piercing tan or white spots are insufficiently pigmented, and the inheritance of weak pigment in such dogs is more persistent than in black-haired or zoned dogs. Puppies are born black and do not change color. Genetically, the black color is the least stable, as it is the result of the fusion of two recessive genes. This also explains the relatively small number of black dogs in the VEO population in relation to black-backed and zonal dogs. The birth of black puppies is possible from the following combinations:
- black+black;
- black+black;
- saddleback+saddleback (provided that each sire from the pair has black ancestors in its pedigree);
- black+zonal;
- zonal + zonal (since the zonal color itself is a carrier of dark pigment)
There is also a so-called BLACK AND TAN color , which cannot be considered as an independent type of color, since it is derived from other colors.
FIRST is a variant of the saddle color, darker in the head and neck area, with a “saddle” going down to the chest, shoulder area, forelimbs, hips and legs. The color is contrasting, but the contours of the “saddle cloth” are blurred. In essence, this is a sable color, but with the presence of a gene responsible for a darker tone. This variant of the black and tan color is desirable, is inherited like the black and tan color and is the source of dark pigment in the breed. Puppies with this gene are born almost black, but with an obligatory light (red, fawn, gray) rim around the anus and barely noticeable marks on the limbs.
Option TWO is a black color option, signaling a weakening of the pigment. Puppies are born purely black, but over time they develop a brown or yellow undercoat, lightening on the limbs, sometimes forming a very beautiful black and golden tan. But this impression is deceiving. The inheritance of this color is very unstable and contributes to the weakening of pigmentation in the offspring. Even when mated to dark-colored dogs of other colors, the offspring are much lighter.
The third OPTION is the so-called “Dobermannian” color, in which the dog has light gray or yellow symmetrically located markings on the limbs, chest, and under the larynx. The head pattern is specific, forming light markings above the eyebrows, on the cheeks and even on the front of the head, often with an almost complete absence of a “mask”. The color is very contrasting, with noticeably marked tan contours. The color is not characteristic of the breed; fortunately, it is extremely rare and although it is not rejected at exhibitions, the use of dogs of this color is not advisable.
CONCLUSION. The breed standard does not give preference to any of the colors. In the East European Shepherd breed, the preservation of all three main colors is very important. In a population where the color of the shepherd is not subject to fashion, the ratio between standard colors should be 3: 3: 1 (zone: black: black). There will always be fewer black shepherds unless there is special selection for this color. If there is a tendency in the population towards one of the colors, a weakening of pigmentation is inevitable. Moreover, in this case, lightening is often accompanied by such signs of degeneration as weakening of the bones, elongation of the shape of the heads, loss of working qualities, etc. As an example, one can cite the current state of color in the German Shepherd breed, where the number of zonal dogs is no more than 5% of the total number of dogs . Accordingly, the state of pigmentation leaves much to be desired.
INHERITANCE OF COLOR IN A SHEPHERD DOG in accordance with Mendel's Laws. A gene is responsible for the manifestation of color in a shepherd dog, let’s call it ‘A’. This gene has several modifications. The following are important for shepherds:
‘A’ – zonal color,
‘аt’ – black-backed color
A’ – color black.
In relation to each other they are in the following relationship: A>at>a.
In the diagram it will look like this:
Zone dog
1) AA the first option will give only zonal
2) Aat > puppies, second zonal and black-backed
2) Aat > zonal
3) Aa > black
Black-colored dog
1) atat the first dog will give only black puppies,
the second – saddleback and black 2) ata
Black dog
1) aa this dog can only give the black color gene
When mating we get :
1) zonal X zonal a) AA x AA P1 AA - only zonal puppies
B) AA x Aat P1 AA, Aat – only zonal puppies
C) AA x Aa P1 AA , Aa – zone puppies only
D) Aat x Aat P1 AA , Aat , atat – zoned and saddleback puppies
E) Aat x Aa P1 AA , Aat , Aa , ata – zoned and saddleback puppies
F) Aa x Aa P1 AA , Aa , aa – zone and black puppies
2) zonal X black-and-white
A) AA x atat P1 Aat – zonal puppies only
B) AA x ata P1 Aat , Aa – only zonal puppies
C) Aat x atat P1 Aat, atat – zoned and black-backed puppies
D) Aat x ata P1 Aat , Aa , ata – zoned and saddle-backed puppies
E) Aa x atat P1 Aat, ata – zoned and black-backed puppies
F) Aa x ata P1 Aat , Aa , ata , aa – zoned, saddle-backed and black puppies
3) zonal X black
A) AA x aa P1 Aa – zonal puppies only
B) Aat x aa P1 Aa, ata – zoned and black-backed puppies
C) Aa x aa P1 Aa, aa – zone and black puppies
4) saddle cloth X saddle cloth
A) atat x atat P1 at – black-backed puppies only
B) atat x ata P1 atat, ata - only black-backed puppies
C) ata x ata P1 atat, ata, aa – black and black puppies
5) sable X black a) atat x aa P1 ata – only saddle puppies
B) ata x aa P1 ata, aa – black and black puppies
6) black X black a) aa x aa P1 aa – only black puppies
Having bred any two shepherd dogs, you will definitely find a combination in the pattern, as well as all possible color options for the puppies.
INHERITANCE OF COLOR IN OTHER BREEDS In most other breeds, black color is dominant and is determined by another pair of genes. For example, gene 'B'. Those. in the dominant state it provides the dog with black coloration, and in the recessive state it provides any other color. Accordingly, a dog with the ‘BB’ or ‘BB’ genes is black, and with the ‘BB’ genes - any other color, but not black. In shepherds, the ‘bb’ genes are in a recessive state, and the coat color is determined by a pair of ‘A’ genes. STUDYING this issue is simply necessary! Breeders MUST know the characteristics of each color, the genotype of the animals with which they have to work, be able to regulate the inheritance of colors and avoid unwanted matings. Then the appearance of so-called “regional phenomena” in the VEO breed, when a zonal daughter “suddenly” appears from a black and black dog, will be simply impossible!!!
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, 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-back 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. “Easterns” 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.
She gives in very easily 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 this, she must guard the objects entrusted to her and, if they are stolen, pursue 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.
The owner of a four-legged pet is always interested in how correctly his pupil is developing. Therefore, the question of how old a dog of this breed grows is not idle. Every owner also needs to know how many grams a puppy should gain monthly and how many centimeters it should grow. The pet's parameters must match the average.
How old do East European Shepherds grow?
The East European Shepherd grows most actively during the first year of life. The dog’s appearance changes, its proportions are formed, it matures and gains body weight. The animal also grows in height. Moreover, from the very first days, male dogs differ from girls of the same age - they are larger, more powerful.
Until seven or eight months, the most noticeable thing is how their height and weight increase. A table of animal growth during different periods of life will help you analyze whether this process is happening correctly in your pet. It shows the weight of the VEO puppy by month.
At 1 year old, the dog already looks quite grown up. She acquires the weight of an adult VEO, which should not change for the rest of her life.
Deviations of parameters indicate physiological changes in the body. In bitches this happens during pregnancy, feeding puppies, and childbirth. Sometimes a slight decrease in weight is observed due to ignored estrus.
Height and weight are the main indicators of puppy development Important! After spaying and neutering, pets may begin to gain excessive weight. There are known cases of obesity after surgery.
If the weight of the East European Shepherd changes without an objective reason, this indicates:
- disease;
- incorrect content.
However, even after a year, East European Shepherds are still growing, as the body is being formed. They become adults at 2 years old. Some individuals grow up to 3 years, enlarging their chest.
VEO height and weight chart
| Age (in months) | Height at the withers of a male dog (cm) | Height at the withers of the bitch (cm) | Weight (kg) |
| 1 | 23-27 | 23-25 | 3-5 |
| 2 | 35-38 | 33-36 | 8-10 |
| 3 | 43-47 | 41-46 | 12-15 |
| 4 | 50-55 | 48-53 | 15-20 |
| 5 | 55-60 | 55-57 | 20-25 |
| 6 | 60-65 | 57-65 | 25-30 |
| 7 | 65-68 | 65-66 | 30-35 |
| 8 | 68-70 | 66-67 | 35-40 |
| 9 | 68-73 | 66-68 | 35-40 |
| 10-12 | 68-75 | 66-69 | 35-40 |
Changes also occur in other parameters of the shepherd dog.
Table of growth dynamics of the lengths of the body, front legs and head
| Age (in months) | Oblique body length (cm) | Chest (cm) | Front paw length (cm) | Pastern girth (cm) | Head length(cm) | Muzzle length (cm) |
| 1 | 25-30 | 36-45 | 11-16 | 8-10 | 12-15 | 3-4 |
| 2 | 37-44 | 47-55 | 18-25 | 10-12 | 16-19 | 8-10 |
| 3 | 47-54 | 55-62 | 24-30 | 11-12,5 | 19,5-22 | 12-14 |
| 4 | 55-62 | 60-69 | 28-34 | 11,5-13 | 22-25 | 15-18 |
| 5 | 61-66 | 65-74 | 31-36 | 12-13,5 | 24-27 | 20-23 |
| 6 | 64-71 | 69-78 | 33-38 | 12-14 | 25-28 | 25-28 |
| 7 | 66-73 | 71-81 | 34-39 | 12-14 | 26-29 | 30-33 |
| 8 | 68-75 | 74-83 | 34,5-39,5 | 12-14 | 26,5-29,5 | 35-43 |
| 9 | 71-76 | 75-85 | 35-40 | 12-14 | 27-30 | 35-43 |
| 10 | 72-77 | 75-86 | 35-40 | 12-14 | 27-30 | 35-43 |
| 11 | 72-77 | 78-88 | 35-40 | 12-14 | 27-30 | 35-43 |
| 12 | 72-78 | 80-89 | 35-40 | 12-14 | 27-30 | 35-43 |
The table shows that the completion of the formation of different parts of the body of a dog of this breed occurs at different periods of life.
VEO puppy development by months
To be sure that your pet’s health is in perfect order, you need to keep a diary from birth in which you note the weight and growth of the East European Shepherd by month. The parameters will be normal if they do not differ greatly from the average weight accepted by the standards. The growth of the East European Shepherd is also monitored.
Weight and height of the East European Shepherd at birth
The birth weight of puppies depends on many reasons:
- number of heads in the litter;
- parental genetics;
- age of the whelping bitch;
- her health status (weight norm);
- maintenance (feeding, exercise) of a mated dog.
In a multiple litter, there are puppies that are small, less than 400 g, or very large, weighing more than half a kilogram. And this despite the fact that a newborn shepherd cub should weigh 400-500 g according to standards.
Boys are smaller than girls at birth - this is not something to be afraid of. But they quickly catch up with their sisters, and then completely overtake them.
Knowing how much the puppy’s mother weighs and how much the father meets the standards, we can assume whether their offspring will be large or small.
Small differences from the average figures are acceptable.
One month
During the first weeks, the kitten grows very actively. 30 days after birth, the height of the withers becomes 23-27 centimeters. Veo weighs from three to five kilograms at this age.
At the age of one month, puppies still need their mother's milk At one month of age, small puppies gain weight faster than large ones, although they do not always catch up with them. But often even those who were smaller than standard at birth reach average parameters. During the first 4 weeks, the kitten increases its body weight by 6-8 times or more.
The monthly weight gain should be about 3-5 kg, and the height should increase by 2 cm. Cubs that weigh more than 5 kg per month subsequently grow into damp, loose dogs.
At the age of a month and a half, an East European Shepherd puppy looks like a small bear cub with rather short legs and an egg-shaped body. The hanging ears make him look like a cute soft toy.
Shepherd dogs are born toothless. By 4 weeks they already have both upper and lower canines.
Two month
At this time, the skeleton is actively being formed. The two-month-old puppy is trying to raise his ears, but the cartilage is still soft. The incisors should appear - the pet is trying everything around “by tooth”.
2 months - the period when baby incisors appear Its weight reaches 8-10 kg - this is 20 more than at birth and 2 times more than at the beginning of the previous month. But due to their disproportionately short legs, the cubs still look like toys.
Three months
Starting from 2 months, the puppy's milk teeth are replaced with permanent ones. The holds fall out first, then the middle ones.
Over the past two months, the pet has increased its weight by 3-4 times, and since birth - by 30 times. A three-month-old puppy weighs from 12 to 15 kg. The length of the front legs has also tripled. Now he doesn’t seem like a clumsy bear cub - he’s already a small dog, although due to the fact that his ears are poorly held in a standing position, he looks like a defenseless and cute little kitten.
At three months, the ears may rise and then fall again - this is due to the growth of teeth Four months
At this time, puppies are still changing their baby teeth. At four months, many Shepherd dogs develop their first molar from below.
The four-month-old puppy continues to actively gain weight. She already reaches 15-20 kg. The height at the withers has also doubled compared to a month-old kitten.
The dog's ears, paws, and tail grow rapidly. Therefore, the pet often carries its tail, lowering it low to the ground. Most ears stand up well. The final period for “ears to stand up” is six months.
The joints on the paws are large, very prominent, and seem disproportionate compared to the body.
At 3.5-4 months, “Eastern Europeans” begin their first molt. The soft puppy fur is replaced by a tougher, “adult” one.
At the age of 4 months, intensive growth of the limbs is observed Five months
After the fourth month of life, the shepherd's growth is a little slower than before. All parts of the body are formed and become more proportional. A five-month-old East European Shepherd reaches a weight of 20-25 kg.
Her milk teeth continue to be replaced by permanent ones, and molars appear - from 1 to 3 pieces.
Five months is the time when the first molars appear Six to eight months
During this period, the pet grows very slowly and changes little. His ears should be saddle-backed and not roll over to one side, and his paws should be proportional to his slightly inclined body. Outwardly, a six-month-old teenager completely resembles an adult.
All the baby teeth have already been replaced by permanent ones, and all the molars have grown in.
Some individuals show signs of puberty at six months: males mark their territory, and females may begin their first heat.
Important! You shouldn’t follow nature’s lead at this time: early matings have a negative impact on the health of the animals and will stop their further development.
At the age of 6-8 months the body becomes more proportional Nine to twelve months
The teenager's paws and head are already fully formed. The muzzle is no longer growing. In appearance, this is already a full-fledged dog.
However, it is impossible to say that the animal has grown. Slowly and almost imperceptibly, the shepherd continues to grow and take shape. Some individuals notice a slight increase in height at the withers.
By the age of one year, the shepherd's growth in height stops One or two years
The shepherd has acquired its permanent color since the shedding is complete. There are no changes to the main parameters.
But it still continues to develop. Without significantly gaining weight, the dog grows “in breadth”: the chest increases, the muscles become stronger.
After a year, the shepherd's weight increases due to muscle gain Two years and older
Finally, the owner can calm down: his pet has become quite an adult. The countdown has begun. From the age of one and a half years, shepherd dogs notice abrasion of their teeth: first the toes, then the incisors, then the canines.
Video: the process of growing up an East European Shepherd puppy
Among the huge number of very diverse dog breeds, special attention was paid to the European Shepherd, which is divided into several types that have their own characteristic features.
General signs
The average representative of this group of breeds is a large animal with a height of up to 75 centimeters and a weight of up to 60 kilograms for a male and up to 70 centimeters in height and 50 kilograms for a female.
The photo on the left shows a long-haired East European Shepherd.
What does it look like?
The strong body is proportionally built. The head is wedge-shaped, medium in size. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, the eyelids are dark and dry. The nose is smooth or slightly hump, and the nose is black.
These are dogs with the ability to train, great caution, and increased attention. Balanced, calmly tolerates children. This is a wonderful service and guard dog.
It is worth noting! Despite its impressive size, this breed of dog is distinguished by its elegant appearance, speed and ease of movement.
East European Shepherd
The character is calm, very serious. Service for VEO is above all.
Color may vary: saddle color, with a mask on a lighter background of various shades (from light gray to rich fawn); zone color with different shades, black, deep saddle. Photos of black East European Shepherds are provided in the article below.
Western European Shepherd
This breed can be safely called the standard of beauty and grace. Regular winner of contests and competitions.
She is slightly smaller than VEO, energetic and intelligent, amenable to training, and devoted to her owner and his family.
She is distrustful of strangers and moderately aggressive.
An excellent guard and service dog, but at the same time balanced and tolerant.
On a note! Keeping such a dog in an apartment is easier than, for example, . Thanks to these qualities it has gained great popularity.
The color and physique of the Western European are similar to the color of other breeds of the same group, but pure red individuals are found.
Black European Shepherd
Dogs are black common among representatives of all European Shepherd breeds. Their physique, size, and character traits correspond to breed standards.
Black East European Shepherd (photo):
A small drawback is a small amount of white fur on the chest, which is quite acceptable by the standards.
Photo of a black East European Shepherd:
South European Shepherd
Animals of this breed are close in size and build to VEO. Among them black ones are most common and dark-colored saddlebacks, but the red and gray zonal colors also fit into the breed standards.
Dogs have excellent guard abilities, are wary of strangers and require strict training. Like representatives of related breeds, they respond well to training.
East European Shepherd white
The Swiss line of the European Shepherd is white. Black nose, black paw pads and claws. Her physique is similar to that of VEO, she is also smart, easy to train and at the same time kind. A good guide dog, search engine and pet.
