East-European Shepherd, often called the Russian German shepherd, is a Soviet dog variation of the German Shepherd. This Russian dog breed is larger and heavier built than its German ancestor.
It has a powerful and muscular frame, a massive head with dark, oval-shaped eyes, and long, vertical ears. Its medium-length double coat is denser to allow this Russian dog to withstand cold winters. The usual coat colors are black, black and tan, black and red, brown, gray and red, sable, sometimes with a dark facial mask.
With its Russian name Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka (sheepdog in Russian), the East-European Shepherd remains one of the most popular watchdogs and guard dogs in its native country. Outside Russia, it is still not widely recognized and considered to be a rare dog breed.
East-European Shepherd (Ovcharka)
The East-European Shepherd originated in the 1920s-1930s as the result of crossbreeding German Shepherds with such Russian dog breeds as Caucasian dog, Central Asian dog, and Laikas. The Soviet military, impressed by the German Shepherd's working abilities, wanted to create a similar Russian dog more suited for the climate, with a stronger body and bite. The development of this Russian German shepherd started in the Byelorussian region, and the breed was initially called the Byelorussian Ovcharka.
After WWII the careful and systematic breeding was resumed, resulting in a new Soviet dog breed, the East European Shepherd, distinctly different from the German Shepherd. Its first standard was approved in 1964, while the new Russian dog became the main military and the KGB service breed.
Russian Ovcharka Characteristics
The East European Shepherd is probably the most intelligent of the Russian guard dogs (Caucasian dog, Central Asian dog, Russian Sheepdog, Russian Terrier, and Moscow dog). It has not only an honorable protective instinct but also a very well-balanced character. This Russian German shepherd is resistant and aggressive to strangers as well as fiercely loyal and affectionate to its family. It is very devoted and will protect its master at all costs.
When on guarding duty, the East European Shepherd usually keeps silent, which makes it a perfect watchdog. It is very trainable and obedient, making this breed a favorite of many professional dog trainers.
This Russian dog doesn't have major health concerns though it may suffer from hip dysplasia and other common large dogs' issues. Its lifespan is 10-14 years.
Owning the East European Shepherd doesn't create big problems for an experienced owner. Anyway, this Russian guard dog should be socialized early and is not recommended to apartment families with very small children. It is rather a very good companion for active people, especially in a rural environment.
East European Shepherd Size:
Height: 24 to 30 inches (males 26-30, females 24-28)
Weight: 66 to 132 pounds (males 77-132, females 66-110)
German Shepherd vs East European Shepherd
There are some notable differences between the German Shepherd Dog and the East European Shepherd.
Russian German Shepherds are a bit taller and generally look larger than their German ancestors. They don't have sloping backs and they are lighter in color. On the other hand, German Shepherds are more playful whereas East European Shepherds are calmer and more task-oriented.
International Recognition
The breed is officially recognized by national kennel clubs of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine.
Breed Names:
East European Shepherd, Russian German shepherd, Russian Ovcharka, East European Ovcharka, Byelorussian Ovcharka, Byelorussian Owtcharka, Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka, Owczarek Wsohodnioeuropejski, East European Ovtcharka, VEO, Russian: Восточноевропейская овчарка
Say it in Russian:
Summing-Up
The East European Shepherd is a balanced, active, self-confident, attentive, and easy-to-train dog that becomes a good friend and reliable protector of its owner.
Find a Russian dog name for your Russian German shepherd puppy!
Learn some Russian dog commands!
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Jelena says
Hi!
My name is Jelena, I'm a breeder of East European Shepherd dog. My nursery is located in Latvia (Europe).
In February there was coupling between best representatives in our dog nursery, between true and real samples of the Eastereuropean shepperd species. The puppies are attended in the end of april.
All my dogs are officially checked for health conditions and have no genetic desieases.
The puppies will be sold with an FCI pedigree (0 group).
The East European Shepperd is rather big and massive, and besides being an excellent guard dog, it is also a devoted friend and companion, a thinking dog, easy to train.
Welcome to our homepage.
With best regards,
Jelena
Valentina Kats says
Hi Jelena,
I am living in USA, but I am very interesting to by East Europian male puppy.Can you help me to have this dog?
Best regards, Valentina.
admin says
Hi Valentina,
The address provided by Jelena has probably changed, and is rejected by mail system.
Vishant Yadav says
Admin I visited websites you mentioned but did not find what I am looking for (Long coat East-European Shepherd). Thats why I asked you. If you know any please let me know.
Regard
Vishant Yadav
Jelena says
Dear Vishant Yadav,
Long coat East European Shepherds are defective by standarts of the breed, so you would not be able to find a nursery with Long coat EES, I am sure.
Brg,
Jelena
Vishant Yadav says
Hi,
I want to import both male and female puppies (obviously from different parents)of Russian German Shepherd. Could you please tell me any good breeder. Looking forward to your reply.
Regards
Vishant Yadav
New Delhi
India
admin says
Please view above.
prakash says
hello,
I am from kerala in India .i have been having dogs for the past 20 years which is to say that i know to take very good care of dogs. i am very impressed with russian german shepherd's size and character.i would like to import a male and a female from two different mothers. i would like the male dog should be an extra large body with heavy bones and massive head.color should be with black and rich in tan.please guide me and help so that i dont fall in the wrong hands. awaiting your response
regards
prakash
Nicole says
The only way you'll get one of these dogs is to get it imported – as far as I know. We got ours imported from Europe just a few months ago, and he was worth every dollar we paid for him. Just a note: if you're interested in these dogs getting ready for a high price tag. He's such a beauty though, he has a black and silver agouti colored plush coat. And he's a very- very big boy. He's very intelligent too. He's made such a great companion!
admin says
Thank you, Nicole. Could you please share your experience in more details and send us a picture of your puppy. We'll be glad to publish it in My dog & Me section for all our readers.
ninon says
bonjour, je recherche un berger allemand de russie. Je suis de belgique et je ne trouve pas de chien de ce type. pouvez vous m'indiquer ou je pourrai en trouver un? merci
admin says
Vous pouvez trouver un bien chiot en Russie ou en l'Est membres de EU (la Lettonie et les autres Etats baltique, la République tchèque, la Hongrie, la Pologne, etc)