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Eastern European Shepherd – Reliable Guard & Service Dog from Russia

The East European Shepherd is the larger and heavier version of the German Shepherd. This breed thrives when allowed to show what it can do. She follows orders willingly and works with concentration and zeal. With this four-legged friend, you have a faithful companion at your side who carefully keeps an eye on the house and yard and reliably announces strangers.

Russian relative of the German Shepherd

The history of the East European Shepherd Dog began in the USSR at the beginning of the 20th century: From the 1930s, the military bred a service and working dog there that was supposed to be able to support soldiers, police officers, and other dog handlers in different climatic conditions. The German shepherd served as the basis. Since 1947 the kennel “Krasnaya Zvezda” has mainly taken care of the development of this type of dog. Both purebred dogs and talented mongrels were used inbreeding. The result was a resilient, reliable, and versatile working dog.

The strong-willed four-legged friend soon became the most widely used working dog in the USSR and is still one of the most popular service dogs in Russia today. In 1964, breeders established a uniform breed standard for the first time. This has undergone several adjustments over the years, the last one being in 2002.

In 1991 the Russian Federation came into being – and with it the Russian Breeding Association RKF. He recognized the East European Shepherd Dog as a separate breed. The national recognition of this dog breed among member countries of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has not yet taken place: The Russian representative of the shepherd dog is not considered an independent breed by the Association of German Dog Breeders (VDH), but it is in countries such as Denmark, the Czech Republic or Switzerland.

Nature of the East European Shepherd Dog

Eastern European shepherd dogs are known to be persistent working dogs with great courage and willingness to perform. They subordinate themselves to you without any problems and are loyal and affectionate companions. Many four-legged friends bind themselves closely to a single person and follow him at every turn. As a result, East European shepherds are only suitable as family dogs to a limited extent.

Eastern European shepherds are also extremely alert and always look at strangers with suspicion. There is also a strong protective instinct. If you are in need, these dogs will step in boldly and be ready to fight.

Training and keeping of the East European Shepherd Dog

The intelligent Eastern European Shepherd Dog is very alert and a quick learner. Due to the close relationship with its owners, training these dogs is relatively easy. With positive reinforcement, a lot of praise, and consistency, you will usually get a reliable and obedient partner with the Russian offspring of the shepherd dogs.

Due to its innate distrust of all strangers and alert demeanor, careful socialization is necessary. Attending puppy playgroups and a good dog school will introduce your young dog to other people and dogs. These positive experiences also make it easier for you to live harmoniously with the East European Shepherd Dog.

Since this breed is bred purely as a working dog, they have a high urge to move and want to be challenged. As service dogs for the police, army, and other institutions, they are in their element. This breed is also ideal as a search and guard dog.

If you want to keep the four-legged friend as a companion or family dog, he needs other activities in addition to the daily walks and games. Dog sports such as agility, flyball, dog dance, or obedience offer excellent opportunities for this. In addition, the Eastern European Shepherd likes to accompany you when jogging, cycling, or horseback riding.

These dogs feel most comfortable in a house with a large garden. On the other hand, these active, agile four-legged friends are less suitable for keeping in a small city apartment. Here the dogs must be regularly challenged and encouraged so that they are mentally and physically busy.

Grooming and Health of the East European Shepherd Dog

The East European Shepherd Dog has a weatherproof, hard-wearing coat. It is sufficient if you brush it once or twice a week.

The Eastern European Shepherd Dog is a robust and hardy breed. However, this branch of German shepherds also tends to have an upset stomach, so it is better to feed them several small portions throughout the day and allow them to rest for a few hours after eating.

In addition, joint diseases such as arthritis or hip dysplasia are more common in East European Shepherd Dogs. They are favored by obesity, overload or lack of exercise also promote the development of this disease. Only buy your Eastern European Shepherd Dog from a responsible breeder. Their careful selection of parent animals and regular health checks counteract these diseases. Species-appropriate husbandry and nutrition with high-quality food tailored to the needs of the dog also contribute to the long-term health of the animals.

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