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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Tom Pierron 2509999551 says
Hi I talked to you on the phone a couple of weeks ago from British Columbia Canada I am really interested in this type of shepherd.Any pictures and info would be appreciated I have had shepherds most of my life but have been heartbroken by hip problems and temperament issues quite a few times but I love the breed.I read that the Russian shepherd doesn’t have these problems and plus they are a larger and stronger breed.If this correct I would love to have some information on them.I live in the mountains have horses and do a lot of camping fishing and hunting and would like to find a tall strong healthy dog or dogs in my future that listen and are family oriented. Thankyou Tom Pierron
FELIX says
Hi there, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have three males and five females imported from RUSSIA and some borne in USA. Their pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.
We have puppies for sale now, prices are from $800 thru $1800.
Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.
or east European shepherd at facebook
contact us by phone at 305-4612828 Donna or 786-4023297 Felix
Terrance says
Felix,
This is Terrance. I have been searching some sites and came across your post here on this page; have also searched the East European Shepherd link because I’m interested in researching this breed for purchase, however I don’t read Russian and the link in very confusing even when translated. I’m in Alabama. You stated that you’re a breeder?
admin says
Try to click on Felix’s name. You should get right to their site.
FELIX says
PLEASE CHECK MY WEBSITE OUT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EAST EUROPEAN SHEPHERDS. OR FACEBOOK EAST EUROPEAN SHEPHERD, FELIX PUGA.
WE PUPPIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE NOW.
PRICES ARE FROM $1000 THRU $1800.
YOU CAN CONTACT US AT 305-4612828 IN MIAMI FLORIDA USA. ASK FOR DONNA OR AT 786-4023297 FELIX
MAY/25/2015
Екатерина says
Oh, I have a dog of this breed :)) His name is Ricky (Fred Voybor), he is very smart, obedient, perfect guard. I want to say that your article is quite correct, but something is wrong, you have written. East European Shepherd was born in Moscow, Red Star in the nursery. This breed is never called “the Belarusian Shepherd.”..
brian says
where can I buy an east european shepherd?
FELIX says
Hi Brian, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have three males and five females imported from RUSSIA and some borne in USA. Their pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.
We have puppies for sale now.
Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.
Follow me at facebook east european shepherd or Felix Puga
marksdorcel says
I would like the men dog should be an huge system with hefty bone and huge go.colour should be with dark and full of tan.please information me and help so that I don't drop in the incorrect hands.
Felix Puga says
Hi, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have the male and two female imported from RUSSIA. There pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.
Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.