Eastern European Shepherd

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Russia
Translation
Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
Belarus Shepherd
Beloruskaya Ovcharka
Beloruski Ovcar
Byeloruskaya Ovtcharka
Byelorussian Sheepdog
Eastern-European Shepherd Dog
Istocno-Evropski Ovcar
Owczarek Wschodnioeuropejski
Russian Black Shepherd
Vostochnik
Vostochno-Evropeyskaya Ovtcharka
Vostochnoevropeiskaya Ovcharka

A brief presentation of the Eastern European Shepherd

The Eastern European Shepherd is a large, attractive dog with an alert expression and protective behavior. They were developed from the 1930s onwards to cope with harsher cold climates and to overcome the hip and joint problems to which their parent dog, the German Shepherd, was susceptible. Obedient and eager to please their master, they respond well to training and you can expect less repetition with this dog. They make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners when an intruder enters the property, and they don't fear for their family's defense. The East European Shepherd needs to be raised with children so that the puppy can bond well with them and grow up as buddies. They can tend to be wary of strangers, including children, which makes socialization particularly important when they're young. Adaptable to where they live, the Shepherd will do well in an apartment but is best suited to a home with a yard for exercise and prowling. These adorable dogs love to work; they enjoy holding down a job and will fit in well in a busy working environment such as police work, search and rescue, etc. But they also excel as a devoted companion and four-legged friend, who will have your back whatever situation you find yourself in.

History of the Eastern European Shepherd

The development of the East European Shepherd began in the 1930s. The Soviet army was impressed by the German Shepherd's working ability, strong work ethic and attractive yet imposing presence. The army wanted to create a similar dog, but one capable of adapting to the colder, harsher climate. Consequently, development began using German Shepherds and crossing them with hardy Russian breeds such as the Caucasian Shepherd, the Central Asian Shepherd and the Laika. Development originally began in the Belarus region, and the resulting dogs were called Belarusian Owtcharka. World War II interrupted the dog's development, but it resumed after the war, giving rise to a new breed for the Soviets. Called the Eastern European Shepherd, their size and stature were markedly different from those of the German Shepherd. They also had strong, solid bodies and a powerful bite. The new breed was quickly assimilated into the army and became the main dog used by the KGB service. In 1964, the first standard for the Eastern European Shepherd Dog was approved. The new Shepherd had a tempered protective instinct and a balanced character. The main characteristic applauded by the Russians was their cautious, aggressive reaction to intruders and their greater loyalty and affection for their owner. One of their traits is that they remain silent, making them excellent guard dogs. Another characteristic that has won over skeptics is that the Eastern European Shepherd is willing to learn and responds well to training. Their obedience and work ethic make this Shepherd popular with professional dog trainers and professional forces such as the police. Although popular in Russia, this is a relatively rare breed of dog elsewhere, but we hope that in time this will change and we'll see more of this special dog in all parts of the world.

Appearance of the Eastern European Shepherd

While the East European Shepherd closely resembles a German Shepherd in appearance, the East European Shepherd is larger and heavier than the German Shepherd. The Eastern European Shepherd has a massive head with large, erect ears, big, bright, inquisitive brown eyes and a denser coat than its counterpart. This dense coat, with its soft undercoat, enables this working dog to withstand winter temperatures. They have a strong, muscular body, with a straight back sloping slightly towards the tail, which is long and soft. Their chest is moderately deep and their belly tucked up. Their legs are straight and strong, and their feet are oval and well padded. Eastern European Shepherd Dogs have a wolfish appearance with an alert, steady and intense gaze. They have a slightly rounded forehead and a long muzzle with impressive large teeth set in a powerful jaw with a scissor bite. The colors of this breed include the Russian KGB favorite, solid black, but they also come in black and tan with a black mask, as well as black and red, or even sandy gray or sandy red, which is rarer.

Temperament of the Eastern European Shepherd

Versatile, robust, loyal, protective and playful are just some of the words used to describe the East-European Shepherd. This breed is an intelligent dog that needs a strong leader/owner to get the best out of it. Being a big dog, they can be a bit stubborn unless they have someone up to the task. They were used in the army in the USSR, particularly appreciated by the KGB, who loved this imposing, calm and intense dog, but also in police work, search and rescue and even as a guide dog for the blind. Intelligent and devoted, they will be protective of owner and family, but can remain wary and aloof of others. They need to be well socialized when young to understand acceptable behavior with other dogs and people. The European Shepherd is a confident dog, well suited to colder climates. Although wolf-like, and imposing in statue when fully grown, they remain puppies in the minds of their beloved owners. They'll guard your home, your vehicle, your family and even other pets. Speaking of which, they generally get along well with other dogs, but some can be troublesome with cats unless they're bred together. Beautiful, gorgeous and with a lovely appearance and stable temperament without unnecessary aggression, they really are a breed we need to see more of.

Needs and activities of the Eastern European Shepherd

The East-European Shepherd loves to be active and longs for a good walk or two every day. It's a dog that lives for work and responds well to training from a respected owner. At home, they are lively, playful and amusing, but can become boisterous and unwittingly surprise family members with their exuberance. The East European Shepherd would make an ideal running companion, happily scampering alongside you. No one disturbs you under their protective gaze. They are ideal for obedience competitions, agility and other dog sports that involve following orders and using their high intelligence to solve problems. A yard or acreage is preferable for this athlete, as an apartment is a little too confining for this super dog.

Maintenance of the Eastern European Shepherd

The East-European Shepherd is a constant shedder, so if you can't tolerate hair at home, it may not be your dog. They have a thick, dense coat with a soft undercoat that will require brushing at least twice a week to keep it in good condition. Bathing is not often necessary, as it can interfere with the natural oil protection in the coat that protects the dog from the cold. If you do bathe this dog, use a mild dog shampoo for best results. As this dog can grow to a very large size, train him as a puppy, familiarize him with brushing his teeth and clipping his nails, and wipe his ears. It's easier to teach a puppy than try to educate a slightly more wary dog. The East European Shepherd is a devoted member of the family and will be a happy dog if he gets regular exercise and has a job to do, such as watching the property.

The latest updated breeds

  • Petite Labradoodle -- Labrador Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Labradoodle He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Canada <> U.S.A. <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Petite Labradoodle The Petite Labradoodle is a hybrid of the Labrador Retriever, the American Cocker Spaniel and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. It's a delightful blend of fun, intelligence,...
  • Petite Goldendoodle -- Golden Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Goldendoodle He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Petite Goldendoodle The Petite Goldendoodle is a hybrid mix of three breeds: Golden Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel and Toy or Miniature Poodle. The initial aim of the...
  • Penn-Marydel Hound

    Penn-Marydel Hound He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Penn-Marydel Hound The Penn-Marydel Hound is a variety of American Foxhound developed in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Deleware, from which its name is derived. This breed or strain of dog is a motivated and hardy hunter...
  • Pembroke Sheltie -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Shetland Sheepdog

    Pembroke Sheltie He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Sheltie The Pembroke Sheltie is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Shetland Sheepdog. This hybrid will make an incredible pet, combining the tenderness and gentleness of the parent...
  • Pembroke Corswiss -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Great Swiss Mountain Dog

    Pembroke Corswiss He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> Switzerland -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Corswiss The Pembroke Corswiss is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. This new hybrid has little or no information available on the hybrid...
  • Pembroke Cocker Corgi -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X American Cocker Spaniel

    Pembroke Cocker Corgi He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Cocker Corgi The Pembroke Cocker Corgi is a small hybrid of the American Cocker Spaniel and the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. This breed rarely exceeds 13.5 kilos and measures between 30.5 and...
  • Peke-Italian -- Pekingese X Little Italian Greyhound

    Peke-Italian He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Italy -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-Italian Although fairly established among hybrid dogs, Peke-Italians are not very popular or recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are a cross between two toy breeds: a Little Italian Greyhound...
  • Pekehund -- Pekingese X Dachshund

    Pekehund He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pekehund Pekehunds are a cute and curious cross between a Dachshund also known as a “Doxie” and a Pekingese. Many of the strong traits of both parents are balanced in this hybrid, such as energy level. However,...
  • Peke-A-Tese -- Pekingese X Maltese

    Peke-A-Tese He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Central Mediterranean Basin -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Tese The Peke-A-Tese is a fun, confident hybrid descended from two ancient, royal breeds: the Maltese and the Pekingese. It's easy to train and maintain, weighing just 2.5 to 5...
  • Peke-A-Pin -- Pekingese X Miniature Pinscher

    Peke-A-Pin He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Pin The Peke-A-Pin is a specific cross between a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Miniature Pinscher. They are small dogs, but full of energy and very sure of themselves. They'll need a firm hand to...
  • Peke-A-Pap -- Pekingese X Continental Toy Spaniel

    Peke-A-Pap He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> France and Belgium -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Pap The Peke-A-Pap is a small designer dog developed by crossing a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Continental Toy Spaniel. Both parent breeds were bred as companion dogs, but are much...
  • Peke-A-Chon -- Pekingese X Bichon frise

    Peke-A-Chon He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Chon The Peke-A-Chon is a specific cross between a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Bichon frise. They are small, friendly dogs that make excellent pets. If your pet follows the Bichon...
  • Peke-A-Boo -- Pekingese X Bolognese Bichon

    Peke-A-Boo He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Italy -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Boo The Peke-A-Boo is a hybrid breed composed of a cross between a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Bolognese. They have a distinctive underbite from their Pekingese ancestry and can have short or...
  • Pekarin -- Pekingese X Cairn Terrier

    Pekarin He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Scotland -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pekarin The Pekarin is a specific cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Pekingese. They are small dogs weighing up to 5.5 kilos and measuring around 25.5 centimeters in height. They often have the somewhat shaggy...
  • Pek-A-Rat -- Pekingese X Rat Terrier

    Pek-A-Rat He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pek-A-Rat The Pek-A-Rat is a hybrid breed. Its parent breeds are the Pekingese and the Rat Terrier. Pek-A-Rats are lively, spirited and funny little dogs. He knows how to make his family laugh, and once he knows...
  • Peka-A-West -- Pekingese X West Highland White Terrier

    Peka-A-West He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Scotland -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peka-A-West The Peka-A-West is the offspring of two very different miniature breeds: the West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, and the Pekingese. The combination of these two parent breeds...
  • Peek-A-Pom -- Pekingese X German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian

    Peek-A-Pom He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peek-A-Pom The Peek-A-Pom is a hybrid breed. Its parents are the Pekingese and the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian. It's a hypoallergenic breed that sheds very little. However, it will need regular grooming to...
  • Peagle -- Pekingese X Beagle

    Peagle He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peagle The Peagle is a hybrid dog breed. Its parent breeds are the Pekingese and the Beagle. This adorable little fellow is a gentle, affectionate dog whose popularity has recently soared. He's friendly and...
  • Patton Terrier -- Patterdale Terrier X Boston Terrier

    Patton Terrier He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Patton Terrier The Patton Terrier is a mixed breed dog. Its parent breeds are the Boston Terrier and the Pattendale Terrier. The Patton Terrier won't grow up to be a very big dog; in fact, for the...
  • Patterland -- Patterdale Terrier X Lakeland Terrier

    Patterland He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Patterland The result of crossing a Lakeland Terrier with a Patterdale Terrier is a strong little dog with a confident nature and devoted temperament. As expected, the Patterland breed has all the...
  • Patterjack -- Patterdale Terrier X Jack Russell Terrier

    Patterjack He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Patterjack The Patterjack dog is the result of crossing a Patterdale Terrier with a Jack Russell Terrier. Puppies from the same litter may vary in appearance and temperament, but they are generally robust little dogs...
  • Patterdale Shepherd -- Patterdale Terrier X German Shepherd

    Patterdale Shepherd He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Patterdale Shepherd The Patterdale Shepherd is a specific cross between the purebred Patterdale Terrier and the purebred German Shepherd. While the German Shepherd parent is well known in the...
  • Patterbea -- Patterdale Terrier X Beagle

    Patterbea He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Patterbea The Patterbea is a breed-specific cross between the purebred Patterdale Terrier and the Beagle. Both parent breeds are used for hunting, and the Patterbea serves as both companion and hunter. The...
  • Papi-Poo -- Continental Toy Spaniel X Poodle

    Papi-Poo He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin France and Belgium <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Papi-Poo This little dog is the one everyone loves as soon as they see him. Small, fluffy and adorable, Papi-Poo is like a living, moving stuffed animal. They're ideal for families, seniors or...
  • Papiox -- Continental Toy Spaniel X Toy Fox Terrier

    Papiox He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin France and Belgium <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Toy Foxillon Foxillon A brief presentation of the Papiox The Papiox is a specific hybrid cross between the purebred Toy Fox Terrier and the purebred Continental Toy Spaniel. Both parents are the size of a...