VEO (East European Shepherd) standard. East European Shepherd: description of the breed, color, character What kind of shepherds are the East European Shepherd

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 brought them out as separate breed in the USSR 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 have been working hard to breed this 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 it appear in nurseries sufficient quantity German shepherds, 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 Shepherd and was not recognized as 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. VEO stopped breeding, recognizing mongrel dogs and tried to completely destroy it. 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 physique 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, calm state omitted.

The fur fits tightly to 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 emergency situation, thanks to its lightning-fast reaction, instantly enters into battle 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 focusing solely on executing the master’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. At 5 one month old puppy, if desired, you 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. For training you can use unknown dogs people, 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 keeping, but they need to be provided with daily training for fresh air And 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 to pet light massage and improve blood circulation.

IN constant care the teeth, ears and eyes of the “Eastern” are needed. 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 can only be removed veterinarian. 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.

For most dog lovers, the East European Shepherd breed is closely related to the German Shepherd, many even believe that they are the same breed. In fact, there is some truth in this; the fact is that the German Shepherd is the direct ancestor of the VEO, which became an independent breed on the territory of the Soviet Union. This transformation was associated with the purposeful activities of Soviet dog handlers. The influence of a different climate than in Germany on the formation of the breed also played a certain role, but the most important thing was the purposeful work of people.

The working qualities were appreciated in many countries, but due to the negative attitude after the First World War towards everything that had German roots, this breed was renamed and modified. It was the Soviet dog handlers who achieved particular success in working with the breed, since the young state needed workers strong dogs. Therefore, the removal new breed was not just an amateur hobby, but a task that was set by the Soviet government for professional dog handlers.

In 1924, the Krasnaya Zvezda kennel was created in Moscow, where work began on creating a new breed based on the blood of the German Shepherd. Due to insufficient funding for this industry and the inability to buy imported manufacturers for foreign currency, a massive injection of new blood happened only in 1945. After the end of the Second World War, many trophy German shepherds appeared in Soviet nurseries and were actively used in breeding work.

Cynologists set themselves the goal of creating a breed that would differ in behavioral reactions from the German Shepherd and would be more massive and hardy, and they succeeded. Despite the external similarity, which also shows a number of differences, the “Easterners” are very different from the “Germans” in behavior and character. Also, VEO was supposed to become a more universal dog, suitable for use throughout the entire length of the Soviet Union, from southern Asian territories to Kamchatka.

After the end of the Great Patriotic War, General G.P. Medvedev proposed officially recognizing the new domestic breed and giving it the name East European Shepherd. For her heroism and services during the war, she was named the most patriotic dog. The first BEO standard was adopted in 1964, the next standard with some additions was recognized in 1976. It is characteristic that this breed was a domestic subspecies of the German Shepherd, that is, there was no division of these two breeds into two independent ones. Breeding work to improve the breed was actively carried out until 1990, then a turning point came in the history of the East European Shepherd.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of his achievements were questioned and criticized. This fate did not spare the “Easterners” either, who, at someone’s instigation, began to be associated with Stalin’s repressions. Although the track record of this breed was much broader: during the Second World War they were messengers, mine detectors, and were later used for service on the borders, in rescue work, in searching for explosives, and for protecting people and their property.

However, in 1991, the German Shepherd was recognized at the world level and received an international standard by the FCI. This fact immediately put the VEO in an illegal position, and even attempts were made to completely eliminate the breed. Representatives of this breed were simply excluded from kennel clubs and associations and were not allowed into exhibitions as mongrel dogs. Only thanks to the efforts of true Vostori connoisseurs, who sincerely loved these dogs, was it possible to preserve this interesting breed. They continued to breed VEO in private nurseries, in clubs, and held their own special breed exhibitions. One can even say that this “black” period in the history of the breed also made a positive contribution to its development, since all the random people whose interest was connected with self-interest left the breeding.

The response to the beginning of persecution of the breed was the formation in 1991 of the “Association of breeding nurseries VEO”. In 1999, the Unified Pedigree Book of Matings VEO appeared. The breed continued to actively develop, not only in terms of exterior characteristics, but first of all, training and development of unique service qualities continued.

The activity of connoisseurs of the breed led to the fact that it was preserved, the number of the “Eastern” livestock grew slowly but surely, and gradually they began to be recognized by cynological associations in Russia. The result of this activity was the recognition of the East European Shepherd as an independent breed by the cynological organization RKF in 2002. Has been approved official standard, and the breed was restored to its former respect and honor.

Representatives of the VEO breed created a beloved image of man’s faithful friend in our country in such films as “Border Dog Scarlet”, “”, “Come to Me, Mukhtar!”. The last film starred two brothers Vargun Luthar and Duncan Luthar.

The East European Shepherd is a large dog above average height: males at the withers - 66-76 cm, females - 62-72 cm. The bones are strong, but the physique is not coarse; the body is characterized by elongation, which is 10-17 cm higher than the height at the withers . The muscles are prominent and dry. Males are larger and more massive, so it is easy to determine their gender by appearance.

The head looks proportional. It is moderately long and massive, shaped like a slightly pointed wedge. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is not very pronounced, but noticeable. Dark lips fit tightly to the jaw. The nose is black. The ears are in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The eyes are almond-shaped, obliquely set, dark or lightish in color. The look is smart and confident.

Scissor bite. Complete set of 42 teeth. The jaws are well developed.

The neck is strong and muscular.

The chest is oval, the stomach is tucked. The withers are well defined.

The back is straight and strong. The croup is rounded, smoothly transitioning to the line of the tail.

The tail is saber-shaped, and in a calm state is dropped below the hock joint.

The forelimbs are muscular and located at an angle allowing free movement.

The hind legs are straight and parallel, the hock joints are well defined and dry.

The paws are rounded, collected in a ball, the toes are removed.

The typical gait is a creeping trot with a strong drive from the hindquarters.

The coat is hard and lies tightly to the skin. More long wool is located outside forearms and thighs, in other places the hair is of medium length. The dense undercoat is well developed.

The desired color type is saddleback or black with a dark mask on a light background, which varies from light gray to fawn. A deep saddle-back color is also allowed; zoned gray and zoned red colors are possible, but less desirable.

East European Shepherds participated in the Victory Parade on Red Square in May 1945, and were recognized as the most patriotic dog breed.

How is the East European Shepherd different from the German Shepherd?

Despite the fact that the International Canine Federation does not recognize the individuality of the VEO, considering it a type of German Shepherd, it has many distinctive features. The main differences between these two shepherd breeds:

• Easterners are larger and taller than Germans,
• the back is not so inclined, the withers are slightly higher than the sacrum;
• the chest is wider;
• movements are more sweeping, with a strong supporting push;
• differences in colors: VEO often has a light background;
• Easterners are calmer, Germans are more active and playful;
• Orientals are a universal service dog, they are more suitable for performing various services, while Germans are more often purchased as a human companion.

Character of the breed

The most striking feature character of VEO is its focus on its owner. She is ready to give her life for him, showing miracles of courage and obeying his will. He is distrustful of strangers, but has a balanced psyche and strong nerves, therefore he does not show his strength unless necessary and does not show obvious aggression. At the same time, it has a lightning-fast active-defensive reaction to a dangerous situation.

The breed is ideal for training and readily demonstrates obedience without trying to dominate the owner or show its independence. A dog will never offend other smaller animals. If a puppy has grown up surrounded by other pets since childhood, then later, having already become big and strong, he will not only be friends with them, but even take care of them. “Easterns” are friendly by nature, but they show this quality only when surrounded by their family, and when they do not sense danger. The innate instinct of a guard and protector is developed so strongly that the slightest suspicion of a threat to the owner or his property puts the previously peaceful dog on alert.

Dogs of this breed have a very good character in all its manifestations. This is a devoted friend of man, who is always cheerful, active and ready to protect his owner and his family. East European Shepherds love children, can play with them and will never offend them. But we should not forget that all this excellent genetic heritage must be accompanied by proper upbringing, otherwise a dog will grow up that does not correspond to the ideas about the character and behavior of VEO.

In Moscow, on Poklonnaya Hill, there is a bronze monument to a front-line dog, which became an East European Shepherd. During the Great Patriotic War, more than 60 thousand dogs of this breed took part in hostilities.

Education and training

The East European Shepherd's natural abilities for training must be developed from the first months of the puppy's life. This process must begin by establishing contact with the puppy; the owner and dog must learn to understand each other. In order to develop basic obedience skills, you need to spend at least 15 minutes a day exercising your puppy. Anyway, at this age the dog will not be able to exercise for hours; some puppies cannot even concentrate on following commands for more than 5 minutes. In this case, you need to divide total time, for example, train for 5 minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening.

At first, the main stimulus for the development of reflexes is food. After executing the command, give the puppy a piece of treat, and soon the reflex of executing the command will be developed, and he will carry it out automatically.

From 3 months of age, the shepherd dog needs to be taught obedience during walks. There is always extraneous noise on the street, and some distractions can always arise: a running cat, someone screaming, a car horn. Against the backdrop of all this, the dog must learn to carry out the owner’s commands, without being distracted by extraneous impressions.

From the age of 4 months, teach your “Eastern” to overcome barriers, carry out the fetch command, and then you can do scent tests, forcing him to look for hidden things by smell. From the age of 5 months, the shepherd dog needs to develop service qualities, if, of course, you are interested in this. These are exercises involving strangers when the dog is given the task of guarding things, chasing and detaining an intruder. It should be said that many “Easterns” have this knowledge at the genetic level, so the training process is very easy provided experienced owner or instructor. In such staging, it is important to create preferential conditions for the puppy so that he always achieves victory. Otherwise, he may become unsure of his abilities.

An East European Shepherd that has passed must follow the following commands: “Come to me!”, “Next to me!”, “Sit!”, “Stand!”, “Lie down!”, “Walk!”, “Fetch!”, “Crawl.” !”, “Place!”, “Barrier!”. She must also be able to overcome booms and stairs, not be afraid of shots and not take food from strangers or pick it up from the ground.

Usually, such a list of commands already makes a well-mannered and disciplined friend out of a dog, but you can go even further and undergo special training. As a rule, this is required if the dog will be used for service. Depending on the plans for the use of the East European Shepherd, it is taught the skills of protective guard, search, guard and other types of services.

At the Moscow metro station Ploshchad Revolyutsii there is a bronze sculpture of a Border Guard with a VEO dog. People believe that rubbing a bronze shepherd's nose or touching its paw will bring good luck.

This breed is quite unpretentious, and all it needs is to provide minimal hygiene procedures, regular exercise and proper feeding. You can keep an East European Shepherd either in an enclosure or in an apartment, although due to the size of the dog, the first option is, of course, preferable.

The ideal place to keep it would be a spacious enclosure with a booth, but it should be remembered that if the dog first lived in a house, then it will be difficult to accustom it to life in an enclosure: it will howl and ask to go home. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately decide on a place for the dog, and from the first days of its appearance in your home, accustom it to this place.

The Shepherd does not need to be completely washed more than twice a year, and this should only be done when necessary. Usually it is enough to brush your dog regularly and it will look clean and well-groomed. Regular combing is also a kind of useful massage that improves blood circulation, so do not be lazy in performing this procedure.

Also, don’t forget about caring for your pet’s teeth, ears and eyes. If the dog is healthy, then there is no need to do these procedures daily. But still, once every 2 weeks you need to clean the dog’s ears with a dry cotton swab to remove excess wax. Occasionally, you need to brush your dog's teeth to remove plaque, which leads to the formation of tartar, which only a veterinarian can handle. This is especially important for show dogs, because the condition of the teeth also affects the final assessment. If the eyes do not bother you, then it is better not to touch them, but when discharge appears from the eyes, you need to remove them with a cotton swab.

Periodically treat your dog against fleas, it is especially recommended to do this at the beginning and end of the flea season: in May-June and then in October. Don't forget to give your pet anthelmintics.

East European Shepherds served heroically in Chechen war. In the city of Primorsk-Akhtarsk there is a monument to the dog Elga, who saved dozens human lives, detecting mines and ammunition depots of militants.

Feeding

How to choose and buy a good VEO puppy?

Due to the fact that not long ago they tried to eliminate the East European Shepherd as a breed, there are some difficulties with purchasing puppies. Often people who want to buy a shepherd do not understand the difference between “Germans” and “Easterners”, and they buy a “German”, thinking that it is a VEO, or they buy a half-breed. In a word, if you really want to buy an “Eastern Dog,” then you need to contact specialized nurseries that trace the pedigree of dogs and keep strict records of all matings and litters. When buying a shepherd dog from an advertisement or on the market, it is difficult to get reliable information about its origin.

For interested people, it will not be a problem to visit a special breed exhibition or find videos from this exhibition. This way you can find exemplary representatives of the breed, contact their owners, and find out about planned matings. If you take this issue seriously, you can always buy a purebred East European Shepherd, even if you have to wait a few months waiting for the puppies to be born. More easy way- this means following advertisements on nursery websites and negotiating with breeders to book and purchase puppies.

Prices for puppies

East European Shepherd puppies with RKF documents are standing from 15 thousand rubles and above. Much depends on the presence of eminent ancestors in the pedigrees, awards at exhibitions, and the service achievements of the parents. More affordable prices: from 3000 rubles and above they say that the puppy’s parents do not have a pedigree. In this case, there is also a chance to purchase good dog with all the typical characteristics of the breed, but this is already a risk, since you can buy a mestizo or not a VEO, but a German shepherd. Therefore, if the choice of the “Eastern” is important for you, then it is better to spend more money, but get guarantees of your friend’s thoroughbred.

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

Historical reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description of the breed

Due to the similarity of breed descriptions, the East European Shepherd Dog and the German Shepherd individuals They confuse the two breeds with each other. In fact, there are a number of cardinal differences.

1. Country Russia.
2. The group is not recognized by international canine organizations.
3. Life expectancy is 10-13 years.
4. The physique is strong and athletic. The dog is large, the bones are strong, the muscles are well developed.
5. The body is slightly stretched, the bones are well developed. The gender characteristics are very different in appearance. Males are much larger than females, with a large head and developed chest.
6. The head is large and proportional. The bite is scissor-shaped.
7. The ears are set high and erect.
8. Height: at the withers, males reach 66-76 cm, and females - 62-72 cm.
9. The average weight of females is 30-50 kg, males - 35-60 kg.
10. The coat is thick, rough, and has a dense undercoat. On the head and ears coat short.
11. Color: black, black with tan, black and tan, zone-red, zone-gray.

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

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

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

Character of VEO

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

Regarding temperament, VEO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A dog’s remarkable intelligence and intelligence are considered a valuable quality; the dog perfectly distinguishes between a training ground and work situation, where it is quite capable of independently making a decision to protect the owner without receiving commands.

Caring for the East European Shepherd

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disadvantages and diseases of the breed

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

What to feed

For avid dog lovers and experienced dog handlers There is a well-known saying: “The breed enters through the mouth.” From proper feeding depends on the external data or exterior of the VEO puppy, the pet’s health, growth and full development. Feeding the puppy is consistent with the baby's growth rate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To protect your dog from diseases, enter correct mode days, with obligatory long walks and physical activity. Exclude from your diet:

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

Pet training

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

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

Photo of an East European Shepherd Dog | Dreamstime.com

basic information

Estimation of breed characteristics

Brief description of the breed

Appearance dogs of the East European Shepherd breed have long been known to the common people since the times of the USSR, since they often star in films and TV series (“Come to me, Mukhtar!”, “Border Dog Scarlet”, etc.). These dogs, as a rule, have a characteristic black-and-white color (black-gray, black-fawn), less often - black. The dogs' muscles are strong, their heads are massive (according to their build), and their necks are muscular. They are distinguished by a rather wide, elongated back and pelvis. The loin is slightly inclined towards the tail, which is saber-shaped. The East European Shepherd has muscular shoulders and thighs, as well as long, straight forelimbs and long hindquarters. The coat of dogs of this breed is hard, elongated on the back and hips and shortened on the ears, paws, and muzzle. The height of males is 66-76 cm, females - 62-72 cm, females are much smaller in appearance and musculature than the opposite sex. The weight of males is about 35-60 kg, females - 30-50 kg.

Photo of the East European Shepherd:

Photos of dogs of the East European Shepherd breed | Dreamstime.com

Origin story

It is not for nothing that the East European Shepherd is confused with the German, since these two breeds are inextricably linked with each other. From the mid-20s of the 20th century, they began to be imported into the territory of the USSR, which were distinguished by their balanced character, capable of carrying out commands even stranger. Such qualities of German shepherds were determined by their obedience during the training process. It is not surprising that such dogs were ideal for guard and border service and detective work. Since the 1930s, active work has been carried out to develop a new breed, adapted to the climatic conditions of the Union, but preserving the best qualities of German shepherds. The first breed standard was approved in 1964 by the Canine Council of the USSR Ministry of Agriculture. The breed is recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF), the International Union of Cynological Clubs (UCI), the International Cynological Union (ICU), but is not yet recognized by the International Cynological Federation (like some other breeds bred in our country).

Character of the East European Shepherd

At proper training East European Shepherds are good-natured towards their family members. They are playful, obedient and very intelligent. However, shepherd dogs are wary and unfriendly towards strangers and people who seem suspicious to them. They are excellent guards of the territories entrusted to them, protecting the home and their owners. These dogs are tolerant of other animals. It seems that East European Shepherds are endowed with a special intelligence, so much intelligence and self-esteem are in their eyes.

As a rule, those people who have dealt with dogs of this breed never forget them. These dogs are smart, obedient, kind. The human warmth given always remains in their memory. Despite their devotion, East European Shepherds still have one leader, whom they always love selflessly.

East European Shepherds are distinguished by balanced decisions; they are rarely subject to instincts; analysis of ongoing actions and the degree of seriousness of what is happening come to the fore. Pets living with a dog of this breed are not subject to hunting and cruelty from the East European Shepherd. These dogs are not uncontrollable attack machines on all living things. But on occasion they are always ready to attack.

The East European Shepherd does not require special care; the dog should be bathed when dirty, about 5-6 times a year. In this case, you should use shampoos that will not harm the animal, that is, from a pet store. It is advisable to comb out at least 2 times a week, which means the presence of special brushes. East European Shepherds can be kept both indoors and outdoors. In the latter case, the owner must provide the dog with warm housing and eliminate the possibility of colds and hypothermia. These dogs, even at an advanced age, are quite playful and active, so they do not miss the opportunity to run and frolic with their owner. They should be provided with toys, as well as the opportunity for daily (at least twice) promenade.

Training and education

East European Shepherds are highly trainable and obedient. Their main advantage in training is that they accept commands not only from people close to them, but also from strangers. As a rule, trained dogs strictly follow the orders given to them. Such qualities are what made them so attractive as service dogs. East European Shepherds always put the task first, and only then do their own ambitions come into play.

It is advisable to teach your dog basic commands from an early age, which will allow it to become disciplined and obedient. Training classes should be daily (at least an hour). They must take place on special areas where the dog can turn around. As a rule, encouragement and coercion are used as methods for forcing the East European Shepherd to carry out the owner’s tasks. Trained dogs listen to human words throughout their lives.

Health and illness

As a rule, East European Shepherds are quite strong when young. Timely vaccination against distemper, enteritis and rabies is necessary not only for animals of this breed, but also for others. East European Shepherds have quite good health, but the most common diseases they have are gastric torsion and arthritis (arthrosis).

If the animal behaves restlessly, its abdomen is enlarged, the front and hind legs, there are prerequisites for vomiting, then the owner has every reason to suspect gastric volvulus in the animal. You should immediately contact a veterinarian for help, since inaction will inevitably lead to the death of the dog. Gastric volvulus requires immediate surgical intervention doctor

Arthritis or arthrosis in East European Shepherds often occurs in old age. The development of the disease is influenced overweight animal. The owner should be attentive to a dog that has become indifferent. A change in the animal's gait or limping should alert the owner. It is worth remembering that treatment of joints most often consists of relieving pain, while it is sometimes impossible to cure the disease.

Treatment and prevention of fleas and worms in East European Shepherds is a prerequisite for keeping them. Bloodsuckers not only annoy your dog, but also threaten the development of serious diseases. The diet of these dogs must be balanced. To do this, you should choose a diet that will include useful substances and minerals. East European Shepherds love natural food, enjoy eating dairy and meat products. Under no circumstances should you overfeed your dog or give it indigestible foods (bones, especially sharp ones). In cases where the dog eats ready-made dry food, you should be especially careful about the presence of clean water in its bowl. One-time feeding can lead to gastric volvulus and other digestive problems.

Some interesting facts

• These dogs have repeatedly proven their superiority over other dogs during filming. They perfectly adapt to the plot of the film, which makes them so attractive as actors. Obedience and the ability to overcome difficulties are the main trump cards of East European Shepherds.
• I would like to add one very sad fact that proves the devotion and intelligence of these dogs. My father is gone early morning May 19, 2005 - the heart suddenly stopped. Waiting for an ambulance and an absolutely strange state when you realize that absolutely nothing can be done, and the realization of grief has not yet come, took me and my family members by surprise. At that time, Jerry had been living in the family since 1993, true friend East European Shepherd breed. The amazing fact is that literally a couple of minutes after dad’s death, he began to howl so much that it became simply creepy. Before this, this had never been noticed about him - neither the noise of trains, nor sirens, nor fireworks caused Jerry to worry or howl. It is worth noting that it was the father who was the dog’s favorite; his dog obeyed him unquestioningly. Literally immediately after dad’s death, our friend lost interest in life, it was visible to the naked eye. Neither delicious food nor a kind attitude could support the dog. Jerry became seriously ill and soon died, but this East European Shepherd will forever remain in his memory and heart. Smart, kind and loyal, this dog seemed to become for me an example of friendship between an animal and a person.