I’ve always been fascinated by big, strong dogs. Two breeds that often catch my eye are the East European Shepherd and the German Shepherd. They look alike, but they’re not the same.
Some people might say that the East European Shepherd is just another type of German Shepherd. But he is not, he is a completely separate dog breed.
The East European Shepherd is bigger and stronger than the German Shepherd. Males weigh up to 100 pounds compared to the German Shepherd’s 90 pounds.
Both breeds are smart and good at working. German Shepherds are famous for helping police and doing search and rescue. East European Shepherds are tough and can work for a long time without getting tired. They were first bred to herd sheep in Eastern Europe.
I think both dogs make a great family pet if you can give them lots of exercise and dog training. They’re loyal and love their families. But they need a firm hand and plenty of space to run around.
If you’re thinking about getting one of these breeds, make sure you’re ready for a big, active dog that needs lots of attention. Let’s get deeper into the comparison of Eastern European Shepherd vs German Shepherd dog breed.
Key Takeaways
- East European Shepherds are bigger and stronger than German Shepherds
- Both breeds are smart and good at working, but have different jobs
- These dogs need lots of exercise, training, and space to be happy pets
Origin and History
The German Shepherd and Eastern European Shepherd have fascinating backgrounds. Let’s take a closer look at where these amazing dogs came from and how they got to be the breeds we know today.
Ancestry of German Shepherd
The German Shepherd‘s story starts in Germany in the late 1800s. A man named Max von Stephanitz really loved dogs and wanted to make the perfect working dog. He found a dog at a show that he thought was great and bought him right away. This dog, named Horand, became the first German Shepherd.
Von Stephanitz started a club to breed these dogs. He wanted them to be smart, strong, and good at working. The dogs were used to help farmers with their sheep. They were so good at their job that soon police and military started using them too.
German Shepherd dogs came to America in the early 1900s. They became super popular after World War I when soldiers brought them home. Now, they’re one of the most loved dog breeds in the US, among the top 5 in popularity by the American Kennel Club.
Background of Eastern European Shepherd
The Eastern European Shepherd, also called Vostochno Evropeiskaya Ovcharka (VEO), has roots in Russia and other nearby countries. After World War II, people there wanted a dog that could handle really cold weather and do tough jobs.
They started with German Shepherds but bred them to be bigger and stronger. They mixed in other local dogs too, like the Laika. The goal was to make a dog that could work hard in harsh conditions.
The Eastern European Shepherd breed became official in Russia in 1964. It’s been used a lot by the military and police there. These dogs are really good at guarding things and can work for a long time without getting tired.
In Belarus, they have a similar large dog called the Byelorussian Owtcharka. It’s a lot like the VEO and some people think they’re the same breed. These native Russian breeds are tough and loyal, perfect for the cold Eastern European winters.
Physical Traits and Health
East European Shepherds and German Shepherds have some key differences in their looks and health. I’ll break down their sizes, coats, and common health issues to help you understand these breeds better.
Comparing Sizes
East European Shepherds are bigger than German Shepherds. Male East European Shepherds can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 88 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, reaching 24 inches and 71 pounds.
German Shepherds are smaller, with males growing to about 25 inches and 90 pounds, and females around 22 inches and 70 pounds.
The size difference is clear when you see them side by side. East European Shepherds look more muscular and sturdy. German Shepherds have a sleeker build. This size difference affects how much space and food they need.
Coat and Colors
Both breeds have thick double coats that shed a lot. I’ve found that regular brushing helps keep the fur under control.
East European Shepherds often have longer, coarser outer coats. Their colors are usually black and tan, or solid black.
German Shepherds come in more colors. You might see them in:
- Black and tan
- Solid black
- Sable
- Blue
- White
Their coats can be short or long. The texture is usually softer than East European Shepherds.
Common Health Challenges
Both breeds can face similar health issues. Here are some problems I’ve learned about:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
These issues can cause pain and make it hard for dogs to move. Regular vet check-ups are key to catching problems early.
German Shepherds might also get skin allergies, which can make them itchy and uncomfortable.
East European Shepherds tend to live 10-14 years, while German Shepherds usually live 9-13 years. Good care, a healthy diet, and exercise can help them live longer, happier lives.
Temperament and Behavior
German Shepherds and Eastern European Shepherds have unique personalities that set them apart. Both breeds are smart and loyal, but they act differently around people and in various situations.
The Character of a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for being friendly and outgoing. They love to be around their families and are great with kids.
These dogs are super smart and easy to train, which makes them perfect for jobs like police work or search and rescue.
I’ve noticed that German Shepherds are always ready to play and have fun. They need lots of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy.
Without enough activity, they might get bored and act out.
These dogs are also very protective of their homes and families. They’ll bark to alert you if someone’s at the door, but they’re usually nice to guests once they’re introduced.
Nature of the Eastern European Shepherd
Eastern European Shepherds are a bit different from their German cousins. They tend to be more serious and reserved, especially around strangers. These dogs take their job as protectors very seriously.
I’ve found that Eastern European Shepherds are incredibly loyal to their families. They form strong bonds with their owners but might not be as cuddly as German Shepherds.
These dogs are super smart and love to work. They excel at tasks like guarding and herding. Eastern European Shepherds need firm training and lots of exercise to be at their best.
While they can be great family pets, they’re not always the best choice for first-time dog owners. Their strong personalities need someone who knows how to handle them.
Care and Training Insights
Taking care of an East European Shepherd or German Shepherd can be a lot of work, but it’s so worth it. These dogs are smart and loyal, and they need owners who can keep up with them.
I’ve learned a few things about caring for these breeds that I think could help you out. Let’s take a look at the Eastern European Shepherd vs German Shepherd comparison and talk about different training approaches.
Exercise Needs and Activities
These dogs need tons of exercise – way more than just a quick walk around the block. I try to give my shepherd at least an hour or two of active time each day.
Some things they love:
• Long walks or jogs
• Playing fetch
• Agility courses
• Swimming
• Tug-of-war games
Without enough activity, they can get bored and destructive. I found that out the hard way when my couch cushions became chew toys!
Mental exercise is important too. I like to use puzzle toys or hide treats around the yard for my dog to find.
Training Tips for Owners
Training these smart pups can be really fun, but you’ve got to stay on your toes. They pick things up fast, but they can also be stubborn. Here’s what works for me:
• Start training early – even as young puppies
• Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) but do them often
• Use lots of praise and treats as rewards
• Be patient and consistent
• Mix up the training with games to keep it fun
Both breeds make great guard dogs, but early socialization is key. I made sure to expose my pup to lots of people, places, and other dogs when he was young. This helped him learn when to be protective and when to be friendly.
Grooming and Maintenance
These dogs shed. A lot. I brush my shepherd at least 2-3 times a week to keep the fur under control. During shedding season, it’s more like every day!
Other grooming needs include:
• Bathing every 6-8 weeks (or when they get stinky) • Trimming nails regularly • Cleaning ears weekly • Brushing teeth a few times a week
Both breeds can have issues with hip and elbow dysplasia. I make sure to feed my dog good quality food and keep him at a healthy weight to help prevent joint problems.
Final Words
As you can see, there are quite a few differences between an Eastern European Shepherd and German Shepherd. Now, some people also make a difference between European German Shepherd and American German Shepherd.
But this is a different comparison.
