Photo of an East European Shepherd. VEO (East European Shepherd) standard

Eastern breed european shepherd descended from German Shepherds of the East European type. Over a long period of selection (more than 70 years), the differences in appearance between modern “easterners” and those with whom it all began have become obvious, and mostly positive. Modern VEOs are distinguished by improved, higher-quality anatomy.

Characteristics of VEO

When dog handlers want to bring shining example excellent service dog, smart, loyal and loyal dog, they remember such legendary dogs as “Dake”, who played “Mukhtar” in the film “Come to me, Mukhtar!” or "Brutus" from the film "Scarlet the Border Dog". But both dogs belong to the East European Shepherd breed.

The characteristics of the breed cannot but rejoice: it is a reliable, unpretentious breed of service dog, perfectly adapted to the Russian climate.

We can say about VEO that these are time-tested dogs. In addition, “Eastern dogs” have an amazing ability to work, which is especially important in service dog breeding. Compared to German Shepherds, the VEO standard is different. They are larger, more massive, more physically developed.

It is best to keep VEO in a private home. It is also possible in an apartment, but it is less comfortable for both the owners and the dog.

Temperament and character

Compared to other service breeds, VEOs stand out due to their strong nervous system, balanced character, and good ability to train. Compared to the German Shepherd, the Eastern Dogs are slightly inferior in speed and maneuverability due to their larger dimensions. For the same reason, “growing up” happens the same way, a little later.

The East European Shepherd cannot be called loyal and trusting in relation to strangers. As a rule, they have an active defensive reaction and are moderately aggressive.

Areas of use

As service dogs, the East European Shepherd is used in search, escort, to search for explosives and devices, and drugs. In addition to the listed “specialties” of VEO, the characteristics of the breed of these dogs eloquently indicate that they make excellent family companions, rescuers and/or guides.

Breed standard

The VEO breed standard was initially recognized by the Union of Cynological Organizations of Russia and the club " Good world" Then the Russian Cynological Federation joined them. Today, the East European Shepherd breed has received recognition from the UCI (United Clubs International - International Union of Kennel Clubs), ISS (IKU - International Kennel Union, which is translated as the International Kennel Union). However, the FCI (FCI - F?d?ration Cynologique Internationale. From French. International Canine Organization) does not yet recognize the breed.

The East European Shepherd is considered a giant breed. These dogs have a strong, dry constitution, a well-developed musculoskeletal system and prominent muscles. The gender type of the “Easterns” is noticeably pronounced: males are much larger than females.

VEO, height and weight: height at the withers in cm for males in the range of 66-76, for females - 62-72, live weight - 35-60 and 30-50 kg. respectively. The proportions of the “Easterns” are such that the body length is 10-17% greater than the height at the withers, while the size of the skull is 40% of the height at the withers. The boneiness index is 1-19, and the leg height index is 50-53.

Front part

Head has a wedge shape, is quite dry, clean lines. It should not be overly rough or light. The length of the head is 40% of the height at the withers. The transition from the forehead to the nose is of medium length and is quite moderately expressed. The bridge of the nose is smooth and straight. Slight hump nose is acceptable.


Muzzle It also has the shape of a blunt cone - it tapers to a rather large nose of pure black color.

Forehead area flat and moderately wide. The longitudinal groove is poorly marked or absent. The occipital protuberance and brow ridges are not very pronounced.

The forehead and bridge of the nose should be parallel to the horizon line as standard.

Lips black, closed. The color of the gums is also predominantly dark shades.

Both jaws powerful, well developed.

Teeth covered with white enamel, smooth, large, well adjacent. The dental formula, like that of German Shepherds, implies the presence of 42 teeth. The normal bite is scissor bite.

Language quite long, from pale to dark pink.

Cheekbones slightly rounded, do not stand out forward.

Eyes harmoniously located. Size is medium. The iris is brown to almost black. The eye shape is oval. On the muzzle, the eyes should be set quite wide, but not too wide, and slightly slanted. Eyelids dark color, smooth, even, tightly closing.

Ears They are of medium size, proportional, have the shape of a triangle (isosceles), erect, with the ears set quite widely forward, with slightly rounded tips. In a relaxed state, the ears look slightly to the sides, and in a state of excitement they stand clearly vertical in relation to the horizon and parallel in relation to each other.

Neck developed, muscular, dry, widening towards the shoulders, proportional, without dewlap, in relation to the horizon at an angle of 40-450.

Frame

Body slightly elongated format, with voluminous breasts. The length of the body according to the standard is 10-17% greater than the height at the withers. The skeleton is strong and heavy.

Wide and deep breast(depth chest reaches 47-50% of the height at the withers) accommodates large-volume lungs, which ensures good endurance. The chest has the shape of an oval (in cross section) and is lowered to the level of the elbow joints.

Well defined long withers.

Back strong, sturdy, long, straight and fairly wide. A slight slope towards the croup is allowed. The lumbar region of the back is wide, strong, and short.

Croup long, muscular, moderately sloping, round in shape. The belly line is tight.

Tail from the base it is a continuation of the koop line and descends down in a smooth arc. It should be long enough - at least to the level of the hock joints, maybe a little lower, saber-shaped, moderately fluffy. When emotionally excited, it is allowed to raise the tail in the first third of its length to the level of the dog’s back, and then smoothly bend upward, but only to the level of the dog’s back.

Reproductive system

Male dogs must have two healthy, full-fledged testicles descended into the scrotal cavity.

Limbs

Front legs should be straight, with smooth hair, parallel to each other. The height to the elbow joints is equal to or slightly exceeds 1/2 the height at the withers.

Fingers closed, trace oval shaped, pads and claws are dark in color. The pasterns are elongated and strong.

shoulder blades medium in size, located obliquely, at an angle of 450 relative to the horizon and fit snugly to the chest area.

Forearms even, straight, parallel in relation to each other. The humerus bones themselves should be moderately long. The angle of articulation of the scapulohumeral joint is approximately 1000.

Hind legs They have a wide set, moderately drawn out. When viewed from behind, they are straight and parallel to one another.

Hips distinguished by well-developed muscles.

Knees round, not prominent.

Hocks dry, have a pronounced angle of approximately 450. The lower legs are quite long and proportional.

Metatarsus dry, collected, placed almost vertically.

There should be no dewclaws. If a puppy is born with such toes (6th toe), they must be removed.

Nature of movements

The movements of the “Eastern” look smooth, free and sweeping, well coordinated. The trot is a typical VEO gait. It should be high and have a fairly strong push. When moving, the dog has a good opening of the joints of the limbs. The level of the withers and croup at the trot should be equal. With increasing speed at this gait, the limbs reach midline, back, and lumbar region are moderately springy.

Coat

Wool East European Shepherd thick, quite hard, with a rich undercoat of light gray, silver color. In the head area and on the front side of the limbs it should be short, in the neck area, in the collar area, longer. In the area of ​​the back of the thighs, the coat is just as long and forms a kind of “pants”.

The color of VEO is reminiscent of the color of German shepherds. They are also characterized by saddleback, black and zoan colors. On the muzzle there is a traditional black mask, only often deeper than that of the “Germans”. The “deep saddle coat,” almost “black and tan,” is also characteristic of the East European Shepherd. Quite bright distinguishing feature– the light zones of the “easterners” are painted light gray, silver colors, then, when among the “Germans” they are more likely to have a red color. Zone colors (zone-red, zone-gray) may well be present in the breed. They are not a conformation defect.

Disadvantages, defects and defects of VEO

Minor deviations from the listed breed standards in conformation are considered faults (or defects). More significant and pronounced deviations that negatively affect the working qualities of the dog are defects, incl. and disqualifying.

Vices:

  • Rough, light or loose constitution.
  • Weak muscles.
  • The coat is too long or too short.
  • Weakly expressed gender identity.
  • Missing teeth.
  • Weak ligamentous apparatus.
  • Curvature of the limbs.
  • Unbalanced movements.
  • Deformation or weakness of the ears.
  • Light color of the iris.
  • Uncertain, cowardly behavior in the presence of unfamiliar stimuli.
  • Red or brown “tan” with saddle color.
  • The tail is corkscrew-shaped or curled into a ring.

Disqualifying faults:

  • Complete or unilateral cryptorchidism (undescendancy of one or both testicles into the scrotal cavity).
  • Any deviation from a scissor bite.
  • Any non-standard color.
  • Inconsistency with the breed type.
  • The nose is not black.
  • Boobtail (tail of insufficient length).
  • Dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints.
  • Expressed cowardice or unreasonable excessive aggression in behavioral reactions.

Choosing a puppy

It is best to purchase puppies from trusted breeders with a good reputation. These can be both private individuals and specialized nurseries. In both the first and second options, breeders must conduct breeding work and keep records on it. It would also be useful to first visit the VEO monobreed exhibition, get to know the breed firsthand and communicate with experienced owners of dogs of this breed.

After determining the place of purchase, you should choose the puppy wisely. For this:


1. Ask the breeder to show the puppy’s parents and their pedigree documents and show awards. Also find out if there is a conclusion on them veterinarian about the presence/absence of dysplasia. When examining the parents, make sure that they are at least visually healthy.

2. Choose a puppy with the support of an experienced dog handler. He will help you choose a baby with a strong nervous system, without exterior and behavioral defects.

3. Remember that, as a rule, by the time of weaning, puppies must already be treated against helminths, fleas, and vaccinated.

4. When choosing a puppy, be sure to pay attention to its health. The ears must be clean. Eyes – clear, without discharge. There should be no formations or hernias on the stomach. The anus should be clean, without any adhering traces of feces. All primary teeth are required. The puppy must be active and have a good appetite.

5. The color and size of the puppy must correspond to the breed standard. Below is a table of VEO's height and weight by month.

Males
Bitches
Age in months

Height at withers (cm.)

Weight, kg.)
2
30-35 25-30 8-12
3
40-45
35-40 13-18
4
45-50
40-45 20-23
5
50-55
45-50 25-28
6
55-60
50-55 28+/-5
7
60-65
55-60 30+/-5
8
65-70
60-67 32+/-5
9
Slightly
Slightly35+/-5
10
Slightly
Slightly35+/-5
11
Slightly
Slightly40+/-5
12
Slightly
Slightly40+/-5

Most active growth in offspring VEO is observed for up to 7-8 months. At the 9th month of life, muscles are actively formed; after 12 months, body volume increases due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. The growth of “easterners” is finally completed only by 2-3 years.

Photo of East European Shepherd | Dreamstime.com

basic information

Estimation of breed characteristics

Adaptability A definition that refers to how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life.

Shedding level Level and frequency of hair loss in an animal.

Level of tenderness The level and amount of tenderness and affection that a dog gives in return for attention to itself.

Need for exercise The dog's daily activity level.

Social need The required amount of contact between the dog and other animals, as well as people.

Apartment ratio A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can cause to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog.

Grooming Number of baths, brushing, and required amount professional grooming sessions required by the dog.

Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment Peculiarities of dog behavior in society with strangers or in unfamiliar surroundings.

Tendency to bark Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume.

Health issues The dog's potential health status.

Territoriality A dog's tendency to protect its owner's home, yard, or even car.

Friendly to cats Tendency towards tolerance towards cats and reduced expression of hunting instincts.

Intelligence The dog’s ability to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning ability!).

Education and training The level of difficulty in training a dog to perform certain actions.

Child Friendly A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether it likes to play with them and tolerate some children's pranks.

Game activity The concept is defined by its very name, and, as a rule, occurs in almost all dogs.

Observation A dog's ability to detect the presence of a stranger in its territory.

Friendly to other dogs Dog's tendency to find mutual language with his other relatives.

Brief description of the breed

Noble East European Shepherds are the brainchild of Soviet breeders; the main idea of ​​​​creating the breed was to create a dog for military service that would be hardy and comfortable in difficult climatic conditions. East European Shepherds are also bred as guide dogs. Their calm disposition and self-control allow these dogs to be excellent friends of humans - they are loyal and adequate.

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. Beginning in the 1930s, active work was carried out to develop a new breed, adapted to the climatic conditions of the Union, but preserving best qualities 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

When properly trained, 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 for themselves, 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. These qualities are what make 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 fairly good health, but the most common diseases they suffer from are gastric torsion and arthritis (arthrosis).

If the animal behaves restlessly, its abdomen is enlarged, its front and hind legs fail, and there are prerequisites for vomiting, then the owner has every reason to suspect that the animal has a gastric volvulus. 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 by a doctor.

Arthritis or arthrosis in East European Shepherds often occurs in old age. The development of the disease is influenced by the animal's excess weight. 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 involves removing pain, whereas 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 the dog, but also threaten the development of serious illnesses. 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 and 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 especially carefully monitor the presence clean water in her 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 passed away in the early morning of May 19, 2005 - his 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, a faithful friend of the East European Shepherd breed, had been living in the family since 1993. 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 tasty food nor good relations they were unable to 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.

The East European Shepherd was developed in the Soviet Union. The breed is not recognized by the FCI, so it is little known and unpopular outside its homeland. In appearance and in character, VEOs resemble their closest relatives – German shepherds.

The East European Shepherd was developed from the breed in the 20s and 30s. When breeding it, special attention was paid to strength and endurance, which are decisive when choosing dogs for service in the army and police. Despite the name "shepherd", the dog was never used for herding.

In 1904, German shepherds began to be imported to Russia, which were used in the Russo-Japanese War as ambulance dogs. Later, around 1907, they began to be used in the police service. After the First World War, the attitude towards everything German was negative, the Soviet Union needed dogs with the characteristics of German shepherds, but the knowledge to breed their own breed was not enough, and the existing population was degenerating as a result of illiterate breeding work. Only in 1924 did more or less targeted breeding of “Easterns” begin after the creation of public service dog breeding organizations, departmental schools and service nurseries. Unfortunately, there was nothing special to work with; the livestock was very small and was not renewed due to the impossibility of buying dogs in other countries for foreign currency. Many VEOs were lost during wartime.

The East European Shepherd is a Soviet line of German shepherds, which were infused with the blood of huskies, mastiffs and some other breeds.

The influx of new blood and the restoration of the population began after 45 thanks to the import of trophy dogs from Germany. Under the influence of climatic conditions and as a result of targeted selection, its own type was formed. Army General G.P. Medvedev, who headed the council of dog handlers, called VEO a “patriotic dog” and suggested that clubs in large cities legalize the name East European Shepherd. In 1964, the type was approved by the Federation of Working Dogs, and in 1976, the East European Shepherd was officially recognized as a separate breed with its own standard. Active work to improve the breed continued until 1990.

Purpose

The East European Shepherd is successfully used for security, police investigations, and also as a search dog and border guard dog. Representatives of the breed have proven themselves to be excellent in military service and at work in police stations. Sometimes VEOs are used as guide dogs. In addition, they are excellent friends and companions. High intelligence, good flexible character, strength and extreme endurance ensure the versatility of their use.

Video review of the East European Shepherd dog breed

What should an East European Shepherd look like according to the standard?

The East European Shepherd is a moderately elongated dog, above average and large in stature, strong build with strong bones and developed muscles. Sexual dimorphism is well expressed. The preferred height for males is 66-76 cm, for females - 62-72 cm.

The head is proportional, massive, and has the shape of a slightly pointed wedge. The length of the head is 40% of the height. The skull is flat with a slightly noticeable longitudinal groove. The forehead is rounded. The stop is noticeable, but not sharp. The muzzle is wedge-shaped. The bridge of the nose is straight or with a slight hump. The lips are dry and fit tightly. The nose is black and large. The bite is correct, the teeth are completely complete. The eyes are medium-sized, oval, set obliquely, dark in color. The eyelids are dry and tight fitting. The ears are shaped like an isosceles triangle, erect, of medium size, pointed.

The neck is moderately long, located at an angle of 45° to the horizon. The withers are well defined. The length of the body is 10-17% greater than the height. The back is strong and wide. The loin is slightly convex and short. The croup is rounded with a slight slope. Unlike the German Shepherd, the Oriental does not have such a pronounced slope of the topline. The chest is wide, long, oval. The depth of the chest is 47-50% of the height. The abdomen is moderately tucked. The tail is saber-shaped and reaches to the hocks or slightly below. In a calm state it is kept lowered, in an excited state the last third is curved upward. The forelimbs are straight and parallel. The length of the front leg to the elbow is 50-53% of the height. The hind legs are set moderately extended. Parallel when viewed from behind. The hips are long, wide, and set at an angle. Paws are oval, pads are dark. Dewclaws should be removed.

The coat is dense, thick, of medium length, consisting of straight, hard hair and well-developed shorter undercoat. On the back of the thighs and shoulder the spine forms moderate fringes. Shorter hair covers the head, ears and the front of the legs.

Several colors are allowed:

  • Black with a mask on a lightened background (from silver-gray to rich fawn);
  • Black solid;
  • Pronounced zone-gray and zone-red colors are allowed, but undesirable.

Character

East European Shepherds are very brave and courageous dogs; they are practically devoid of feelings of fear and cowardice. An incredibly strong-willed and courageous character provides them with self-confidence. VEO - faithful friends and life partners, they show devotion and respect for the owner from an early age and retain it until the end of their lives. At proper education They get along well with other animals in the house and are friendly with children. Can be a tireless partner in games and travel or a reliable partner in work, energetic and curious, but at the same time quiet and inconspicuous when needed.

VEO has a very good character and a devoted heart. These dogs are balanced, self-confident and distrustful of strangers with a pronounced active-defensive reaction.

VEO has an innate protective instinct and developed sense territoriality. In addition, these dogs are able to think and make decisions independently in the absence of the owner. It will be difficult to get into the area they protect. In reviews about the breed, owners repeatedly emphasize high intelligence and loyalty of East European Shepherds, as well as unpretentiousness and ease of training in any direction.

Content Features

Endurance and the ability to adapt to any living conditions make the East European Shepherd suitable for living in any conditions, be it private yard, nursery or apartment, but she should always have close contact with a person. When keeping Eastern European dogs in an apartment, it is necessary to provide them with a sufficient amount of physical activity and walks. outdoors. It is also worth remembering that puppies are very active and constantly chew on something, especially during the teething period, so they should have a sufficient number of toys. VEO is important to ensure complete balanced diet. This can be either natural food or ready-made food above the premium class.

The structure of the coat changes depending on the season. In winter, a thick undercoat grows, and in summer it is shed. Spring shedding is most abundant during this period useful thing turns out to be a fuminator. In dogs that live in apartments, seasonal shedding is less pronounced.

Physical activity is the key proper development and good dog health. East European Shepherd training can be divided into two parts: general physical training and special. General includes strengthening and healing the body. First of all, this is trotting, swimming, and long walks. Some dogs have weak extensor muscles of the hind limbs and, as a result, a weak push and shortening of the step; to correct this deficiency, special training is used: towing or running uphill. Intensive training should be increased gradually. Exercises and number of cycles are selected individually

Education and training

East European Shepherds are highly trainable. Their extraordinary intelligence allows them to make independent decisions in difficult and unexpected situations. The East European Shepherd is smart and disciplined, it learns with great pleasure and loves to work, but when it gets tired of training, it will be lazy and not follow well-known commands.

Even an inexperienced dog breeder can handle raising and training VEO.

When training an East European Shepherd, the main thing is to instill in it restraint and tolerance, which will allow it to remain calm towards its relatives and felines. It is also important to control distrust of others and territorial instinct.

Care

The East European Shepherd has a very bushy coat that requires proper weekly grooming. Only careful combing with a comb will provide it with glossy shine and beauty. In the off-season, the dog is brushed every day. The ears are cleaned as they become dirty, for some dogs once a week, for others less often. With sufficient physical activity and walking on asphalt, the claws wear down on their own.

Health and life expectancy

German shepherds gave the Eastern European a whole bunch of health problems, and the problem was aggravated by illiterate selection of inexperienced Soviet dog handlers. Modern breeders do their best to prevent dogs with problems from being bred, but some problems and hereditary diseases cannot be completely eradicated:

  • Dysplasia of the elbow and hip joint;
  • Tendency to volvulus;
  • Diabetes;
  • Intervertebral disc diseases;
  • Dermatological diseases;
  • Aortic stenosis;
  • Hormonal dwarfism;
  • Eye diseases;
  • VEO are sensitive to intestinal equatorial infections.

Choosing a puppy

The East European Shepherd is a very common and popular breed. On the one hand, this is very convenient, since potential owners are provided huge selection puppies of different colors and origins. But on the other hand, the breeding of the breed, or rather the reproduction, is often carried out by people who are far from cynology, and even more so from selection. The character and working qualities of a VEO are difficult to spoil by improper pairing, and it is easy to develop health problems. From the above, a simple conclusion follows: it is better to buy a puppy in nurseries or from a competent breeder through breed clubs.

A guarantee that the dog has a balanced psyche and good working qualities will be a diploma of working tests, without which VEOs are not allowed for breeding.

VEO puppy price

The price of an East European Shepherd is greatly influenced by the geography of the kennel and the merits of the producers. So dogs with a pedigree can cost from 7,000 to 30,000 rubles. Puppies without documents usually cost up to 5,000 rubles.

Photos

Photos of puppies and adult dogs of the East European Shepherd breed. The photographs clearly show what VEOs look like of different ages, gender and color.

It has been very popular with us for a long time. Films, TV series, books, stories, photos by Veo, the memories of employees - all this brought to the fore the intelligence, intelligence, obedience, devotion and incredible courage of dogs of this breed. But is this really so?

In our country, until recently, Orientals prevailed over all other breeds. People took these because they could easily master many professional areas, although its main purpose was faithful service to man. Veo, This dog with an excellent psyche, a stable nervous system and a sanguistic type of character.

If the dog’s nervous system is not damaged from puppyhood, if the owner competently approaches the upbringing and maintenance of this pet, then as a result the owner will have a calm, balanced pet.

Veo dog will not bark in vain, even unforeseen situations do not make her nervous, a dog of this breed is self-possessed at any time, confident and unquestioningly follows the owner’s commands.

Other animals living with veo shepherd, they are perceived by her quite peacefully, this one does not express aggression, it can play with children for a long time or calmly sit nearby. A striking feature of this breed is its strong attachment to humans. Only when the owner is nearby, this dog for real happy.

This breed tolerates loneliness very poorly, although the pet can easily wait for its owner as long as necessary (for example, waiting from work). If her person is next to her, then the pet tries in every possible way to attract his attention, although importunity is not characteristic of the veo. She wants and knows how to work, she can easily learn even very complex tricks.

The appearance of the Eastern European is harmonious. There is hardly a person who denies the beauty, strength, dexterity and intelligence of the Oriental. Compared to the “Germans,” Orientals are larger, which is why Veo puppies mature a little later.

Description of the Veo breed (standard requirement)

VEO is expected to have a lean body structure, well-developed muscles and a strong musculoskeletal system. Males veo noticeably larger in size than females, that is, all representatives of this breed have a well-defined sexual type.

Height, weight and other body parameters must meet the standards confirmed by the Union of Cynological Organizations of Russia. So the height at the withers of males should be from 65 to 76 cm, and for females from 62 to 72 cm. The weight of males should be from 35-60 kg, and females 30-50 kg.

The head of the Oriental is elongated, a short muzzle is not welcomed and is considered a disadvantage. A small head is not allowed; there are clear parameters - the size of the head must be at least 40% of the height of the shepherd at the withers.

Eyes black or Brown. The teeth are strong, healthy, without defects, Veo has 42 teeth. Ears have triangular shape, are standing. Other ear shapes are not permitted.

The body is flexible, harmoniously developed, has a little elongated shape. It's with strong bones. The back should be straight and not arch - this is an indicator of insufficient physical development.

The chest is deep, reaching down to the elbow of the front paw. Moving dog veo easily, without straining, movements are not constrained. The coat is black, black or zonular in color.

Owners who wish to show their pets at shows should be aware that there are some factors due to which the dog may not achieve excellent diplomas or, even worse, the dog may be removed from the show and not allowed to be bred.

Many of these factors can be corrected with physical exercise, but there are also those that cannot be corrected. And yet, even with such deviations they can work great or be pets.

Care and maintenance of veo

Care and maintain shepherd veo not quite difficult. The main thing is regularity and patience. The Oriental's luxurious coat requires combing, but you should not constantly wash and bathe your pet.

The owner must ensure that the dog has a place, proper feeding, timely walking and training. The place should not be in a draft, not next to a radiator and, preferably, where the traffic of residents is not too high.

Proper feeding, this is ready-made, purchased food or food cooked only for a shepherd dog, with well-balanced ingredients. Feeding your pet leftover human food can lead to serious illness.

VEO must be walked at least twice a day. It must be remembered that it is not enough for an animal to just satisfy its physiological needs, long stay exposure to air is necessary for the health of the pet. Walks should be long, with games, training, and sufficient physical activity.

It is better to train under the supervision of a specialist. Easy commands can be learned independently, however, it is the dog trainer who will be able to advise how, when and with which command to introduce the pet in order to ensure their obligatory execution.

Price and reviews from owners about the Veo breed

The color of the Veo is not at all rare among outbreds, so it is too easy for an unknowing buyer to confuse a purebred Veo puppy with a mongrel. Because of this, it is highly recommended to purchase puppy veo exclusively in trusted nurseries or responsible breeders. It is better if the owner chooses the baby with a dog handler. When choosing, you need to ask to see your parents and present all documents.

By the time puppies go for sale, ideally, they have already been treated for fleas, helminths, and have had their first vaccination. Also, the puppy must be microchipped or branded. Therefore, it is worth asking for the puppy’s veterinary passport, which indicates the date of vaccination and other procedures.

It is very important that the puppy is healthy, for this you need to examine the eyes, ears, the belly is clean, the baby must be playful, mobile and active. Price VEO available, you can find a puppy for 10,000, although it is very difficult to say specifically.

It depends on how rich the pedigree is, on the breed qualities and even on the region where the pet will be taken.

But, I want to say, no matter how much this one costs, it will be worth the money spent. Oriental dog owners write about their pets only positive reviews. A lot of owners have tested the Oriental as a working dog and, according to them, a more perfect and versatile veo for serving humans has not yet been invented.

It’s hard to disagree with them, because the Eastern European is a dog whose reliability, endurance, devotion and intelligence have been tested for decades.


The East European Shepherd is an excellent friend, comrade and co-worker: these are full members of the work team serving in the army and police, and are also positioned as good guides. The endurance of this breed can be the envy of many four-legged animals.

Description

The first East European Shepherd standard was adopted in 1964, followed by the second in 1976. At that time, the breed was considered a subspecies of the German Shepherd and was not listed as an independent breed. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics.

Character of the East European Shepherd. The breed has a balanced temperament, but at the same time, it is characterized by distrust of strangers and a rather aggressive reaction to them.

What does an East European Shepherd look like?. The dog's color is black or black with a mask on a light silver or fawn base color.

The coat has a good down, the length of the guard hair lengthens significantly in the transition to the back of the dog's body.

Description of the breed. The height of the East European Shepherd is greater than average: when walking, the height of the cable is 66-76 centimeters, in females - 62-72 centimeters.
The dog is built large - the length of the body is 10-17% greater than the height from the withers, the back is strong and wide, the tail is saber-shaped, the paws are long and well mobile. Average weight individuals - 35-60 kilograms.

Important! Today the breed is recognized as a full-fledged breed by the International Union of Kennel Clubs and the International Kennel Union.

History of the breed

For service in the armed forces big country with different climates in different parts of the country, it was necessary to develop a “universal soldier.”

Thus, in the late 1930s, a breed of service dogs appeared - the East European Shepherd (VEO). The relative on the basis of which this breed was bred is the German Shepherd.

Choosing a puppy

If, when choosing a shepherd dog, the Eastern European breed is your priority, you need to purchase a puppy only in a specialized nursery, where they can provide you with a pedigree.


The cost of a purebred “Eastern” starts from $350. When choosing a breeder from whom you will take a puppy, please note that the prices of nurseries for this breed should not differ much.

Important! If you are offered a low price, be prepared to receive a non-purebred dog.

Accommodations

This breed, despite its large size, gets along well both in an apartment and in the courtyard of a private house. The condition for the dog's comfort is sufficient space and the presence of his own corner.

The ideal is spacious. The main thing is to immediately decide on your pet’s place of residence, since a dog accustomed to a house or apartment will have difficulty adapting to a kennel and enclosure.

Care

Wool

Regular brushing of the coat not only makes it more well-groomed, but also healthy in appearance. It is also necessary to carry out treatment and prevention from time to time.

Ears, eyes, teeth, claws

Clean your dog's ears of wax at least once every two weeks. If her eyes do not bother her, then simply wiping them with a damp cloth is enough. cotton pad as needed.

The teeth also need to be cleaned from time to time; if this is not done, the dog is guaranteed to get tartar.

Monitor the length of your dog's nails - very long nails can become a source of various infections and will also cause discomfort to the dog. Trim them at least once a month to avoid the above problems.

Bathing

You should not wash your entire dog more than twice a year. It is highly recommended to carry out water procedures as needed, and then only partially. Brushing is enough to clean dog hair.

Walks

It is very important to give your animal regular physical exercise. Obesity is the number one problem in all dog breeds. Daily running and jumping is the key to animal health.

As an adult, a dog's walk should last a total of about 5 hours. It is very important to play with the dog using retrieving objects: balls, toys, sticks.

Nutrition

The basis of the shepherd's diet consists of protein products: eggs, meat and milk. Periodically include vegetables and herbs in your East European Shepherd's diet.

Everything should be given raw, except river fish; Also make sure your dog always has fresh water. Feed the animal twice a day: morning and evening.


Education and training

The East European Shepherd lends itself well. Already as a puppy, she easily remembers her place, name and walking time. The main thing is not to demand the impossible from the puppy and teach commands gradually.

At the age of two months, they learn the command “Sit”, then “Lie down”, and soon “Stand”. From six months it is worth accustoming your dog to the commands “Fu!” and “Give”, which will help if during a walk the dog grabs an unknown object or food.

Did you know? If your dog starts wagging its tail to the left while walking-it warns you of possible danger.

Health and characteristic diseases

The East European Shepherd is a very hardy breed and suffers extremely rarely. How many years an animal will live largely depends on genetics, care and the health of the breed itself. The average lifespan of a VEO is 12-14 years, but it often lives much longer.
The following diseases are typical for this breed:

  • the first and most common is dysplasia hip joints. Its prevention should begin as early as one year of age;
  • A less common occurrence is gastric volvulus. It is very important to leave the dog alone for at least an hour and a half after eating, and reduce all physical activity to zero;
  • joint diseases. The dog is like a kind of athlete - after prolonged mobility there comes a time that is potentially dangerous for the bones.

Regular examinations of the dog and proper care will protect the animal from possible complications health. Also don't forget the importance of anthelmintic medications.

Difference from the German Shepherd

There are a number of differences between the old ancestors, the German and East European Shepherd:

  1. Dimensions. VEO is much larger and taller than a German Shepherd.
  2. Back. The angle of the back of the VEO is not as large as that of the German one.
  3. Mobility. VEO is more impetuous and its movements resemble pushes.
  4. Color. VEO has a lighter base coat color.
  5. Service. VEOs are more conservative in behavior than Germans.
  6. Temperament. VEO is calmer than easy-going German Shepherds.

Did you know? Dog from the film "Gaichi" (1938)-the founder of the first German Shepherds of the Eastern European type, Abrek.

The East European Shepherd can become a reliable friend and assistant for you. But if you want to buy a dog of this particular breed, be sure to take into account all its features.

Know that you will need a lot of effort and dedication when raising a pet, and always remember that we are responsible for those we tame.