Differences of a German shepherd from East European

The East European Shepherd Dog is sometimes mistaken for a subspecies of a German fellow. This is not true. The differences of animals are manifested in the signs of the exterior, and in the history of breeds. Let's take a closer look at the nuances of the breeds, their character, in order to understand for myself which of these dogs is better to choose.

Let's look at the history of the two breeds.

From one among the other versions it follows that the progenitor of the breed is the small Indian wolf. The beast was found in Europe many centuries ago. About 6 thousand years ago, a so-called bronze dog originated from him, in whose veins blood of wild and domesticated animals flowed. The bronze dog is followed by the shepherd's dog, which was called the Hofovart. And already from this animal appeared German shepherds, which, however, at first outwardly were far from those that we can observe today.

The first mentions of these dogs date back to the 7th century. The West German Aleman tribe describes in its lawbook the type of punishment to which people who have killed a dog with a shepherd are subjected. During the 18th century, cattle breeding was actively developing in Germany. Farmers needed animal guardians capable of managing their livestock. Sheepdogs coped well with this role. At the same time, selection was carried out to obtain animals with desired performance without paying attention to the external appearance of the dogs. Because of what the new individuals were very different from their counterparts.

Shepherd shepherd breeding was put on stream. There were no standards for the breed. There were two kennels: Württemberg and Thuringia, but the breeding of dogs was carried out throughout German soil. If we compare the animals obtained in these two centers, the exterior of the dogs differs significantly. Pets from Turing had:

• wolf coat color;
• flexible tail folded into a ring;
• mean growth and sharp ears.

Animals were more active and mobile in comparison with individuals from Württemberg. But the latter are calmer and more balanced in character. The exterior of the dog is impressive, the skin is stained, the ears are sagging.

And although there were differences between these species, the owners quietly crossed the animals. In 1882, the breed was first introduced to the general public. Two males, Greif and Kyras, who were distinguished by the light color of their wool, won the admiration of the crowd, which triggered further breeding of the breed. It is believed that the dogs from Turing became the ancestors of the breed that we see today.

In 1891, the first society of shepherd lovers was formed, for the first time standards appeared in the breed. After the club was closed, Mr. Richelmann continued to work on the selection of sheepdogs in order to preserve the achievements of the community. In 1899, Max von Stephanitz meets a sheepdog. The first dog he acquired was named Horand von Grahfarth.

Stephanitz had a veterinary education, allowing him to make his dream a reality.He wanted to bring out the perfect shepherd dog. And in order to make it look solid, Max first organized the Union of German Shepherd Dog Owners (SWNO). This company was not engaged in commercial gain from breeding the breed.

Sheepdog Grafart differed phenomenal parameters of the exterior. For breeding, Stephanitz did not spare his time and energy:

• traveled all over the country in search of suitable individuals of the opposite sex;
• collaborated with the owners of nurseries, explaining to them the nuances in breeding work.

After 100 years, SVNO has become the most impressive officially registered organization among all such communities. The breed standards put forward by Max von Stephanitz are considered to be the standard.

Thanks to the work of SVNO, the whole world was able to meet the German shepherd breed. Interest in the Germanic individuals was also shown by not very picky owners, who for personal gain decided to deviate from the breed breeding rules. The blood of ornamental and other breeds, animals with an unstable psyche began to flow into the gene pool of German shepherds. Large pets were very popular. In order to save the purebred breed, in 1925, the SVNO decided to hold a conference, which included all breeders who wanted to maintain the standards of the German Shepherd breed. A selection of dogs participating in various championships was made, among them revealed a dog named Claudo von Boksberg. It was from Claude that the main genetic branches of the breed originated.

Max von Stephanitz died in 1936, but members of the Union continued his work. During the Second World War, German shepherd kennels began to disappear. In mid-1946, it was decided to nominate for the championship not one individual, but a group of dogs. For the first time in history, the elite was a group of eight representatives of this breed. The sixties of the last century - the time of active animal breeding. At that time it was fashionable to attend competitions and dog shows, to train pets. The focus of all activities: excitement, playfulness, activity. On the exterior of pets did not pay attention, the main thing - the mobility of the dog, its tirelessness. At the same time, the first "sports" breeders appeared. The canine community decided to single out two areas of purebred dogs: elite individuals, working animals.

For the first category, it was necessary to pass a test for physical endurance, absence of defects, balance, cleanliness of the line and exterior. Compliance of origin was performed by the method of DNA analysis of the animal. The value of sports individuals was in the number of victories at the championships, and the rest - the mind, appearance, and so on - was not evaluated.

The Eastern European breed was bred with the participation of German shepherds. Over time, the "Europeans" found a number of differences that separated the breed from the source. The animals became larger in size, massive, which allowed them to be used in the guard-guard service. Today, the appearance of the Eastern European breed is significantly different from the German counterparts.

The breed standard was formed in 1976, but it was not recognized as an independent breed. The individuals were equated with the German Shepherd variety. In 1990 there was a crisis of this breed, the popularity of animals began to decline sharply. The “Europeans” began to knit with the German colleague, but the puppies still remained “Europeans”. However, this method of selection has a beneficial effect on the breed - it turned out to get rid of the following disadvantages:

• Soft back;
• lowered sacrum;
• twisted limbs.

Despite the acquired advantages, breeders were extremely wary of "Europeans", which could lead to the disappearance of the breed. In 1991, a union of nurseries of Eastern European breed was organized on the territory of Russia. At the beginning of the XXI century was created a single genealogy book mating.After a couple of years, the canine community officially adopted the standard for "Europeans." Cynologists wanted the breed to be able to perform many different tasks: guard, protect, guard, escort, patrol, and carry out investigative work.

To understand which breed is in front of you, you should compare the appearance of animals. Each breed has its own differences. The exterior of the German Shepherd is characterized by the following parameters.

• Head. The ears of the animal are erect, pointed upward, set high. At puppy age, ears hang. The eyes are dark brown, almost black. Dogs with bright eyes are considered defective and are not subject to breeding. Jaws developed, scissors bite. The nose is painted black.
• Body The body is elongated. The back is straight, closer to the tail goes downhill. The front area of ​​the body is located above the rear.
• Growth. Males reach a height of about 65 cm at the withers, females no more than 60 cm. The weight of a male varies around 40 kg, girls - 32 kg.
• Wool cover may be short, long soft and cruel type. The coat color is varied: from zonary clarified to tan with black. Individuals with spots are allowed, a black mask is formed on the muzzle.

The "Europeans" are different.

• Torso pet more massive. Long-legged animals, rectangular silhouette of the body. Body length in relation to height (at the withers) is 17% longer. The loin is short, the pelvis is lowered. Thoracic region wide, belly taut. The tail is saber, at rest down, the tip of the tail is located at the level of the knees.
• Head its shape is similar to a blunt wedge, eyebrows are pronounced, a small bump is permissible on the back of the nose. The nose is black. Eye color from dark brown to nut hue. The ears are erect.
• Growth is higher than the "Germans". Males reach 75 cm, females grow to 70. Dog weight is 50 kg, girls - in the region of 40.

Animals also differ in characters. German Shepherd temperaments, easy to train, psychologically resistant. Pets are prone to unquestioning obedience, always respond to the nickname. Loyal to strangers are calm, not showing aggression. For children friendly, support them in games.

The East European Shepherd Dog is also a balanced breed with a sharp mind. Animal bold, active, able to quickly make decisions, in a short time gets used to the owner.

There is a difference in the training of these breeds. For the "Europeans", training is vital, the process requires perseverance, perseverance, and the help of a dog handler. The German Shepherd is more intelligent, it is not difficult to teach her even if you know at least the basics of training.

If you are going to engage in the protection, control or other activities that require a guard dog, then it is better to take the "European". This breed is widely used in the work of special services, MOE. Keep these dogs better in large enclosures.

According to dog handlers, the German shepherd will be better suited for keeping the house. It will be a good company in sports and active recreation.

Similarities and differences between Eastern European and German Shepherd Dogs are discussed in the following video.