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East-European Shepherd (Russian German Shepherd)

East-European Shepherd, often called the Russian German shepherd, is a Soviet dog variation of the German Shepherd. This Russian dog breed is larger and heavier built than its German ancestor.
East European Shepherd on the snow-covered hill
It has a powerful and muscular frame, a massive head with dark, oval-shaped eyes, and long, vertical ears. Its medium-length double coat is denser to allow this Russian dog to withstand cold winters. The usual coat colors are black, black and tan, black and red, brown, gray and red, sable, sometimes with a dark facial mask.


With its Russian name Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka (sheepdog in Russian), the East-European Shepherd remains one of the most popular watchdogs and guard dogs in its native country. Outside Russia, it is still not widely recognized and considered to be a rare dog breed.

East-European Shepherd (Ovcharka)

The East-European Shepherd originated in the 1920s-1930s as the result of crossbreeding German Shepherds with such Russian dog breeds as Caucasian dog, Central Asian dog, and Laikas. The Soviet military, impressed by the German Shepherd's working abilities, wanted to create a similar Russian dog more suited for the climate, with a stronger body and bite. The development of this Russian German shepherd started in the Byelorussian region, and the breed was initially called the Byelorussian Ovcharka.

east european shepherd training video
VIDEO: Young East European Shepherd Training

After WWII the careful and systematic breeding was resumed, resulting in a new Soviet dog breed, the East European Shepherd, distinctly different from the German Shepherd. Its first standard was approved in 1964, while the new Russian dog became the main military and the KGB service breed.

Russian Ovcharka Characteristics

The East European Shepherd is probably the most intelligent of the Russian guard dogs (Caucasian dog, Central Asian dog, Russian Sheepdog, Russian Terrier, and Moscow dog). It has not only an honorable protective instinct but also a very well-balanced character. This Russian German shepherd is resistant and aggressive to strangers as well as fiercely loyal and affectionate to its family. It is very devoted and will protect its master at all costs.

When on guarding duty, the East European Shepherd usually keeps silent, which makes it a perfect watchdog. It is very trainable and obedient, making this breed a favorite of many professional dog trainers.

This Russian dog doesn't have major health concerns though it may suffer from hip dysplasia and other common large dogs' issues. Its lifespan is 10-14 years.

Russian Ovcharka Shepherd

Owning the East European Shepherd doesn't create big problems for an experienced owner. Anyway, this Russian guard dog should be socialized early and is not recommended to apartment families with very small children. It is rather a very good companion for active people, especially in a rural environment.

East European Shepherd Size:

Height: 24 to 30 inches (males 26-30, females 24-28)
Weight: 66 to 132 pounds (males 77-132, females 66-110)

German Shepherd vs East European Shepherd

There are some notable differences between the German Shepherd Dog and the East European Shepherd.

German Shepherd dog on a lawn
German Shepherd. Photo by Dario Sgroi/Wiki

 

East European Shepherd on a snowy field
East European Shepherd. Photo by Meikel175/Wiki

Russian German Shepherds are a bit taller and generally look larger than their German ancestors. They don't have sloping backs and they are lighter in color. On the other hand, German Shepherds are more playful whereas East European Shepherds are calmer and more task-oriented.

International Recognition

The breed is officially recognized by national kennel clubs of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania,  Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine.

Russian dog bit the Kennedys banner

Breed Names:

East European Shepherd, Russian German shepherd, Russian Ovcharka, East European Ovcharka, Byelorussian Ovcharka, Byelorussian Owtcharka, Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka,  Owczarek Wsohodnioeuropejski, East European Ovtcharka, VEO, Russian: Восточноевропейская овчарка

Say it in Russian:

https://www.russiandog.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Vostochnoevropeiskaya-ovcharka-Oksana.mp3

Summing-Up

The East European Shepherd is a balanced, active, self-confident, attentive, and easy-to-train dog that becomes a good friend and reliable protector of its owner.

Find a Russian dog name for your Russian German shepherd puppy!
Learn some Russian dog commands!

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Tagged With: Big Russian Dogs, east-european shepherd, guard dog, ovcharka

Reader Interactions

Comments ( 61 )

  1. Khalid Bashir Khan says

    Hello my name is Khalid Bashir Khan I wants to know that where I can find the best breeds of Russian dogs in Russia

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Hello, there are over 20 Russian breeds to choose from. Please view this page https://www.russiandog.net/russian-dog-breeds

      Reply
  2. Beri says

    RMD EAST-EUROPEAN SHEPHERDS; We are a breeder of Champion Line East-European Shepherds (VEO), located in Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦. Please visit our Website (easteuropeanshepherds.ca) to learn more about this amazing breed and our Champion Line dogs.

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    Does anyone know of any breeders of these Russian German Shepherds in the United States?

    Reply
  4. Claudia Engelhorn says

    Hi
    On PuppySpot I found an adorable puppy that turned into a beautiful young dog. Her ears were huge and so were her paws. Her character every sweet and confident, her energy amazing, her obedience is great, though she does try to test. The more I learn about east German or Russian German Shepherds the more I know she has the genes of that side of the ocean.
    She has a straight back, is sable colored, has a beautiful face and expressive eyes.
    She is one beautiful dog inside and out.

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Glad for you Claudia. Good luck to you and your dog!

      Reply
  5. Alla says

    Felix,
    thank you so much for our Mukhtar! He’s 1.5 years old and he’s becoming an amazing dog. We love him so much! He’s so protective of our family and extremely intelligent, and so strong and handsome! A great combination of King and Hannah.

    Reply
  6. Maya Torgerson says

    Where can I purchase Russian German Shepherd puppy around Philadelphia or New York? How much does a puppy like that with papers (or without) typically run?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      It’s still a rare breed in the US. Closest to you is the Miami kennel. Try to visit their website russianshepherd_com

      Reply
  7. Longtime GSD lover says

    How can you research the ethics of these breeders when purchasing such an expensive dog? The Russians have a bleak reputation in the human adoption area, so can’t imagine how careful you’d have to be when mere animals are involved. I’m a 55 year GSD owner with showing and Schutzhund experience, and would love one of these dogs, but the process scares me unless I had references from Americans who have had positive experiences buying and importing a dog.

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Actually, there’s a breeding kennel in Miami owned by Mr Puga (see his comments and phone number in older comments).

      Reply
  8. Felix Puga says

    HELLO JACK TO BUY A DOG IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN TO BUY CLASSIC CARS. DOGS BECOME FAMILY MEMBER. THEY NEED CARE, LOVE AND DEDICATION.
    GOOD LUCK.

    FELIX

    Reply
    • Tatyana says

      Your website referencing last puppies 07/21/2018. Are you continue to breed East European Shepherd?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • FELIX PUGA says

        yes we do Tatyana. Thanks. Felix 12/25/2019

        Reply
  9. Jack says

    I’m interested in German shepherd puppies for sale in Russia. Old Russian classic cars. Anything that I can find interested.

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      You may probably google the Russian internet.

      Reply
  10. Jennifer beck says

    Do you have any puppies available now or in the near future?

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Thank you for your inquiry, Jennifer. We don’t sell dogs but you can view the older comments (on the next comments page) by Felix Puga. They’ve got a well-known Eastern European Shepherds kennel in Miami that often sells puppies.

      Reply
  11. Biswajit Mallick says

    I need a black German Shepherd puppy. Please tell me the price & details

    Reply
  12. Felix Puga says

    Hi Dannielle, we are located in the Redland in south Florida . At this moment, we have one beautiful female young dog. She is black with white star on the chest. 18 months old, she is fixed. Please call us at 305 461 2828 Donna or 786 402 3297 Felix for more information.

    Reply
  13. Dannielle says

    I am looking for a black Russian shephard puppy. Where can I find a reputable one, preferably near Alabama?

    Reply
  14. FELIX & JP says

    HI DEBRA, PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE russianshepherd_com YOU WILL FIND THE REAL GOOD SHEPHERDS. WE ARE LOCATED IN MIAMI FLORIDA. I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS.
    BEST WISHES.

    Reply
  15. Debra S says

    I’m impressed with the build of these dogs. I cringe at what the USA is breeding now… they are ruining the dog’s backs, making them look more and more like a hyena… It cannot be a good thing! NO wild dog anyway has that horrid slop to it’s back. I want a GSD very much, as a good family farm dog, but I despair of finding a correct healthy one here in the states.

    Reply
  16. Tom Pierron 2509999551 says

    Hi I emailed you about your shepherds but forgot to ask about pure black shepherds do they have any issues are they the same size and what is your personal thoughts on them . Tom Pierron

    Reply
    • Felix Puga says

      Hi Tom,
      there are not issues with pure black shepherds. They have the same size, and they are difficult to be seem at night. That is why the former KGB used them.
      Best regards.

      Felix and JP
      3054612828 Donna 7864023297 Felix

      Reply
      • Upendra says

        My Russian Shepherd is now 15 year + old n is still healthy n active.

        Reply
        • RussianDog says

          Congratulations! It’s just great!

          Reply
  17. Tom Pierron 2509999551 says

    Hi I talked to you on the phone a couple of weeks ago from British Columbia Canada I am really interested in this type of shepherd.Any pictures and info would be appreciated I have had shepherds most of my life but have been heartbroken by hip problems and temperament issues quite a few times but I love the breed.I read that the Russian shepherd doesn’t have these problems and plus they are a larger and stronger breed.If this correct I would love to have some information on them.I live in the mountains have horses and do a lot of camping fishing and hunting and would like to find a tall strong healthy dog or dogs in my future that listen and are family oriented. Thankyou Tom Pierron

    Reply
  18. FELIX says

    Hi there, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have three males and five females imported from RUSSIA and some borne in USA. Their pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.
    We have puppies for sale now, prices are from $800 thru $1800.
    Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.
    or east European shepherd at facebook
    contact us by phone at 305-4612828 Donna or 786-4023297 Felix

    Reply
  19. Terrance says

    Felix,
    This is Terrance. I have been searching some sites and came across your post here on this page; have also searched the East European Shepherd link because I’m interested in researching this breed for purchase, however I don’t read Russian and the link in very confusing even when translated. I’m in Alabama. You stated that you’re a breeder?

    Reply
    • admin says

      Try to click on Felix’s name. You should get right to their site.

      Reply
    • FELIX says

      PLEASE CHECK MY WEBSITE OUT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EAST EUROPEAN SHEPHERDS. OR FACEBOOK EAST EUROPEAN SHEPHERD, FELIX PUGA.
      WE PUPPIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE NOW.
      PRICES ARE FROM $1000 THRU $1800.
      YOU CAN CONTACT US AT 305-4612828 IN MIAMI FLORIDA USA. ASK FOR DONNA OR AT 786-4023297 FELIX

      MAY/25/2015

      Reply
  20. Екатерина says

    Oh, I have a dog of this breed :)) His name is Ricky (Fred Voybor), he is very smart, obedient, perfect guard. I want to say that your article is quite correct, but something is wrong, you have written. East European Shepherd was born in Moscow, Red Star in the nursery. This breed is never called “the Belarusian Shepherd.”..

    Reply
    • brian says

      where can I buy an east european shepherd?

      Reply
      • FELIX says

        Hi Brian, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have three males and five females imported from RUSSIA and some borne in USA. Their pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.
        We have puppies for sale now.
        Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.
        Follow me at facebook east european shepherd or Felix Puga

        Reply
  21. marksdorcel says

    I would like the men dog should be an huge system with hefty bone and huge go.colour should be with dark and full of tan.please information me and help so that I don't drop in the incorrect hands.

    Reply
  22. Felix Puga says

    Hi, I am a breeder of east european shepherd in United States (Miami Florida) I have the male and two female imported from RUSSIA. There pedegree are from champion parents. I am the only breeder in the United States with high quality east european shepherds.

    Please browers thru my website and enjoy the beauty of this breed.

    Reply
  23. turbold says

    hi I have a russian shepherd dog he is die in 18 years old he is die in 2006 i buy russian shepherd dog in Ulaan-Ude

    Reply
  24. Rahul says

    Hie… I am looking for oversized German SHEPHERD male pup. Anybody can help me. I am staying in Delhi. I am not interested in importing from outside lemme know
    if anybody knows any thing in India.
    Thanx Rahul

    Reply
  25. Rajiv Bhatia says

    Hello Jelena,

    i am Rajiv,l interested to buy east european shepherd, how can u help me

    my mail id is rbjeet(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com

    Reply
  26. Gene says

    william lgardjr says:

    10/25/2010 at 8:15 pm

    could you please tell me if there are any breeders for the russian germenan shepard in the united states i would really like to have one perferebly a male and a female

    Reply

    I couldn't find one here, so I am going to bring it from Belarus.Let me know if you want one too

    Reply
  27. Ravi says

    Hello admin,

    Can i know the life expentency of East European Shepherd.

    I own this breed, a male.

    I purchased him from a dog breeder from Bangalore, India.

    I love him. He is very friendly, playfull and obedient.

    And best thing about him if someone else offers him meat and I say no then he wont even go close to the meat or trt to eat it.

    and please do send a reply on my email id..

    RAVI

    India

    Reply
    • admin says

      Please read the article above.

      Reply
  28. Jelena says

    Hi!

    My name is Jelena, I'm a breeder of East European Shepherd dog. My nursery is located in Latvia (Europe).

    In February there was coupling between best representatives in our dog nursery, between true and real samples of the Eastereuropean shepperd species. The puppies are attended in the end of april.

    All my dogs are officially checked for health conditions and have no genetic desieases.

    The puppies will be sold with an FCI pedigree (0 group).

    The East European Shepperd is rather big and massive, and besides being an excellent guard dog, it is also a devoted friend and companion, a thinking dog, easy to train.

    Welcome to our homepage.

    With best regards,

    Jelena

    Reply
    • Valentina Kats says

      Hi Jelena,

      I am living in USA, but I am very interesting to by East Europian male puppy.Can you help me to have this dog?

      Best regards, Valentina.

      Reply
      • admin says

        Hi Valentina,

        The address provided by Jelena has probably changed, and is rejected by mail system.

        Reply
  29. Vishant Yadav says

    Admin I visited websites you mentioned but did not find what I am looking for (Long coat East-European Shepherd). Thats why I asked you. If you know any please let me know.

    Regard

    Vishant Yadav

    Reply
    • Jelena says

      Dear Vishant Yadav,

      Long coat East European Shepherds are defective by standarts of the breed, so you would not be able to find a nursery with Long coat EES, I am sure.

      Brg,

      Jelena

      Reply
  30. Vishant Yadav says

    Hi,

    I want to import both male and female puppies (obviously from different parents)of Russian German Shepherd. Could you please tell me any good breeder. Looking forward to your reply.

    Regards

    Vishant Yadav

    New Delhi

    India

    Reply
    • admin says

      Please view above.

      Reply
  31. prakash says

    hello,

    I am from kerala in India .i have been having dogs for the past 20 years which is to say that i know to take very good care of dogs. i am very impressed with russian german shepherd's size and character.i would like to import a male and a female from two different mothers. i would like the male dog should be an extra large body with heavy bones and massive head.color should be with black and rich in tan.please guide me and help so that i dont fall in the wrong hands. awaiting your response

    regards

    prakash

    Reply
  32. Nicole says

    The only way you'll get one of these dogs is to get it imported – as far as I know. We got ours imported from Europe just a few months ago, and he was worth every dollar we paid for him. Just a note: if you're interested in these dogs getting ready for a high price tag. He's such a beauty though, he has a black and silver agouti colored plush coat. And he's a very- very big boy. He's very intelligent too. He's made such a great companion!

    Reply
    • admin says

      Thank you, Nicole. Could you please share your experience in more details and send us a picture of your puppy. We'll be glad to publish it in My dog & Me section for all our readers.

      Reply
  33. ninon says

    bonjour, je recherche un berger allemand de russie. Je suis de belgique et je ne trouve pas de chien de ce type. pouvez vous m'indiquer ou je pourrai en trouver un? merci

    Reply
    • admin says

      Vous pouvez trouver un bien chiot en Russie ou en l'Est membres de EU (la Lettonie et les autres Etats baltique, la République tchèque, la Hongrie, la Pologne, etc)

      Reply
  34. Jorge says

    I have one east european shp he is the best dog very smart and big I have a lab and the east shp its just smarter

    Reply
  35. cody says

    nice dog

    Reply
  36. admin says

    Please send us its picture and story.

    Reply
  37. sohrab says

    i have a dog

    and i don't know what is it

    it is a dog or shepherd dog

    how we know what is it?

    please answer this question

    Reply
  38. admin says

    Finding a good East European Shepherd pup in the US is quite a problem. The breed is rare here and not recognized by AKC. I’ve found only one ad: Contact KATE, LOS ANGELES, CA Phone: 323-3501074
    Why not try importing both male and female puppies from Russia or Eastern Europe? It’s quite easy these days.

    Reply
  39. william lgardjr says

    could you please tell me if there are any breeders for the russian germenan shepard in the united states i would really like to have one perferebly a male and a female

    Reply

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