The East European Shepherd (short name of the breed in Russian is VEO - Vostochno Evropeyskaya Ovcharka) is an independent breed of guard dogs, bred in the Soviet Union in the middle of the last century for service in the army, the border troops, the police, in the national economy in different climatic conditions.
The base breed for creating the East European Shepherd were German Shepherds of various type and quality brought to the USSR from Germany in 1924-1936.
The Cynologists were tasked to create on the basis of these dogs a new breed of shepherd dogs, which would differ from the German Shepherd by behavioral reactions and would be more massive and sturdy. As a result of this large selection work produced over more than half a century in the USSR, a new breed was bred called East European Shepherd.
During the second world war (1941-1945) VEO were messengers, mine detectors, used for border service, in rescue work, in search of explosives, to protect people and their property.
East European Shepherds participated in the Victory Parade on the Red Square in Moscow in May 1945 and were recognized as the most patriotic breed of dog.
At the Moscow metro station “Revolution Square”, there is a bronze sculpture of a border guard with VEO. People believe that if you rub the bronze nose of the dog or touch its paw, it will bring good luck.
The first standard VEO was approved in 1955. Since 1999, a unified Pedigree book of VEO and mandatory marking of dogs bred in the clubs of VEO were introduced.
In 2002, the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) adopted a new standard for the breed.
East European Shepherd is one of the most beloved and popular breeds in Russia today. At the moment the breed is recognized by the following international organizations: UCI — United Clubs International, IKU — International Kennel Union. The breed is not yet recognized by FCI.
East European Shepherds are balanced, confident, attentive, trainable, reliable companions and bodyguards. The most striking feature of the nature of VEO is his focus on his owner.
VEO is wary of strangers, but has a balanced mind and strong nerves, so without the need doesn’t show his power and aggression. At the same time has extremely active-defensive reaction to a dangerous situation.
The breed is ideal for dog training and they willingly show obedience, not trying to dominate the owner and to show its independence. VEO gets along well with other pets and always takes care of them. The dogs of this breed are very good in nature in all its manifestations. They are devoted friends of man, always cheerful, active and ready to defend their owner and his family. The East European Shepherd loves children, can play with them and never hurt. The East European Shepherd is recommended for the active owners.
The East European Shepherd is distinguished for loyalty, courage and the ability to assimilate and retain training for a number of special services. VEO training is aimed at explaining to the animal what his owner wants from him. Understanding your desires, your puppy will be out of their way to try to fulfill them as exactly as possible. Training a puppy of this breed should be strict, but without violence, otherwise you risk developing a sneaky and aggressive animal. The natural ability of the East European Shepherd for training definitely needs to be developed from the first months of your puppy's life. To start this process it is necessary to establish contact with the puppy; the owner and the dog must learn to understand each other.
This breed is fairly undemanding, and all it needs is to ensure minimum hygienic procedures, to give regular physical activity and properly fed. East European Shepherds can live both in the aviary and in an apartment.
VEO doesn't require frequent bathing and it should be done only if necessary. Regular brushing the coat will keep it looking clean and well-groomed.
The East European Shepherd is a double coat breed. The outer coat is thick, harsh, straight, mid-length, tight-fitting. The undercoat is well developed, thick and soft, often lighter than guard hairs.
The coat comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and sable. The German Shepherd comes in three varieties: rough coat, long hair, and long rough coat. This breed is a continuous shedder with seasonal heavy shedding.
The hair on the head, including the inner surface of the ears, on the front of the legs, paws and toes is kept short, on the neck slightly longer and thicker. On the back of the thighs, the hair is longer.
The East European Shepherd requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient and quick to learn.
This breed has a high level of intelligence; they are perfectly trainable and happy to repeat the exercises during a workout. According to their psychological type, VEO are the ideal executors, the owner is perceived as the undisputed leader.
Successful training VEO need close psychological contact with the owner. Properly structured, a trust relationship with a dog of this breed lead to the rapid success of the animal in the development of teams in a fairly early age.
East European Shepherds are a large working dog, so this dog requires regular long walks, active physical activities to release her energy. In order for your puppy to grow up physically strong, properly developed, it also requires long walks, the correct physical activity, and games in the air. VEO is a dog for active people.
Male: 100-130; Female: 75-100 lbs
Male: 26-29; Female: 24-27 inches
Black and grey, black and fawn, black, grey-shaded, pepper and salt-red
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