The East European Shepherd—also called the Owczarek Wschodnioeuropejski and Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka (VEO)—is a breed

Dog breed

Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....

 of dog

Dog

The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...

 that was created by mixing German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog , also known as an Alsatian or just the German Shepherd, is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with its origin dating to 1899. As part of the Herding Group, the German Shepherd is a working dog...

s with local Russian breeds in the 1930s. These dogs were bred initially for military use.

Appearance

The East-European Shepherd is larger than an average dog: males are 26–28 inches at the withers, while females are 23–26 inches. Along with a short coat of dense fur, they have strong (but not coarse) bones and well-developed muscles. Their coat is medium in length with a well-developed undercoat. The acceptable colors for these dogs include saddled, (that can be saturated to give an almost black-and-tan or black-and-red appearance), blanket-back black and tan, solid black, and solid liver. Some rare colors include: blue, (saddle, blanket-back, and solid), silver, and solid white. Agouti—gray and red is permitted for breeding but not desired.

The head of an East-European Shepherd is proportional to its body. It is larger and wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded forehead. The muzzle is equal in length to the skull, and the lower jaw is well developed. With large teeth in full complex, they have a "scissors" bite. Their ears are medium in size and pricked. Their eyes are medium, oval, and dark, with close-fitting, well-colored eyelids. Acceptable colors for breeding are brown, hazel, and green.

Their backs are strong, wide, and long. The loins are short and wide, well-muscled and slightly arched. Their croup is wide, long, and slightly sloping. The chest is moderately wide, while the belly is reasonably tucked up. The chests are scimitar in form, reaching the hocks or slightly longer in some cases. The legs are strong and straight; feet are oval and compact.

Temperament

The East-European Shepherd is fierce, loyal, and devoted to its owners. The East-European Shepherd is balanced, confident, intelligent, and playful; however, it is known to be unsure of strangers. It is a tough breed, and can be aggressive, making it a great guard dog. Though social and mild-mannered, the East-European Shepherd may not be the right family pet if there are small children in the home; its tendency toward playful jumping could be dangerous, considering its size as a large breed.

East-European Shepherds are working dogs and need to be exercised properly. They were bred to stand many extreme climates, and they can live well outside.

Origin

This breed was created in 1930 as a working dog adapted for service in the army, and a national economy in various climatic conditions. The first standard which has formed the breed type of East-European Shepherd was approved in 1964 by the Cynologic Council of the Ministry of Agriculture of the USSR.

Recognition

The East-European Shepherd is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Russian Kynological Federation, and the Continental Kennel Club.