Official Breed Description ICCF
Brief Historical Background
The East European Shepherd is a working breed developed in the USSR during the 1930s–1950s based on the German Shepherd. The goal was to create a larger, more resilient, and stable dog suitable for harsh climates, military service, and guarding. The EES was bred to have a stronger bone structure, a straight topline, a stable nervous system, and enhanced obedience. It was widely used in the army, border troops, internal security forces, and K9 service. Officially recognized in the USSR and post-Soviet countries as an independent breed. Today, it is valued as a guard, patrol, and service dog, retaining its strict working type.
General Appearance
The East European Shepherd is a large, strong, powerful, yet agile dog with a well-defined head and dry musculature. The body is slightly elongated, compact, with straight, firm lines. Compared to the German Shepherd, it has a longer back, straight topline, and a broader head. Movement is straight, free, and stable. The breed’s appearance reflects its working origin, strength, and endurance. Excessive heaviness, looseness, lightness, or decorative traits are unacceptable, as is a show type that does not align with working purpose.
Important Proportions
The body is moderately elongated: length exceeds height at withers by 8–10%. Height at withers: males 66–76 cm, females 62–72 cm. Chest depth approximately 45–50% of height. Head length is about 40% of height. Topline is straight and firm. Proportions must support functionality, endurance, and stability during movement. Excessive compactness, square format, weak bone, or extreme elongation are faults. Anatomical harmony and strong constitution are essential to maintain full working suitability.
Behavior and Temperament
The East European Shepherd is balanced, loyal, and confident, with a well-developed guarding instinct and high trainability. It has a stable nervous system, stress resistance, and the ability to make independent decisions. Oriented toward cooperation with humans, it is reliable and obedient when properly trained. Shyness, unwarranted aggression, hysteria, panic, or insecurity are unacceptable. The ideal temperament combines courage, discipline, strength, and self-control. This breed requires an experienced owner capable of providing regular exercise and firm leadership.
Head
The head is large, proportional, dry, and wedge-shaped, with a well-defined stop. The skull is moderately broad, slightly convex. The muzzle is strong, straight, nearly equal in length to the skull. Nose is large and black. Lips are tight and dry. Jaws are strong, with a full complement of teeth and a scissor bite. The overall expression is confident, serious, and attentive. Faults include a short or coarse head, narrow muzzle, weak jaws, light nose, or insufficient pigmentation.
Facial Region
The muzzle is strong, dry, wedge-shaped, moderately tapering to the nose, without being pointed. Nose bridge is straight, with well-pigmented nose leather. Lips are tight, thin, and dry. Lower jaw is strong, but not coarse. Cheeks are dry, not protruding. Full, dark pigmentation is required. The facial area must express strength, attentiveness, and working ability. Faults: loose lips, wetness, insufficient pigmentation, overly short or pointed muzzle.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval, set slightly obliquely, expressing attentiveness, confidence, and calmness. Color is dark brown; slightly lighter shades are allowed, but light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are dry, tight, and fully pigmented. Expression should demonstrate stability, intelligence, and working concentration. Faults include round, bulging, small, or very light eyes, as well as an aggressive, frightened, or dull expression.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, erect, triangular, with pointed tips, set high and symmetrical. When alert, they point forward. Ears must not be too large, rounded, or low-set. Drooping, semi-erect, soft, or folded ears are unacceptable. Proper ear placement is a key breed feature, reflecting temperament and type.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, muscular, and set at approximately 40–45°. It must be long enough to allow free head carriage without being overly extended. Skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. A thick, short, or weak neck is a fault. The neck should support the working outline of the breed and ensure freedom of movement.
Body
The body is strong, elongated, with well-developed musculature and a firm, straight topline. The back is long but strong, without dips. The loin is short and broad. Chest is deep and moderately wide; ribs are slightly arched. Croup is long, slightly sloping, and muscular. Belly is moderately tucked up. Faults include square format, short torso, narrow chest, weak back, steep or roached topline, and lack of muscle tone.
Tail
The tail is saber-shaped, thick at the base, reaching the hock when relaxed. In motion, it may rise to the level of the back, but should not curl or rest on the back. Tail must not be shortened or stiff. Severe curl, high carriage, or deformation are faults. Correct tail placement is essential for balance and working type.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, parallel, with strong bone and good musculature. Shoulder blades are long and sloping, lying close to the ribs. The shoulder angle allows free movement. Elbows point backward, not turned in or out. Pasterns are strong, slightly sloping. Feet are round or slightly oval, compact, with firm pads. Faults include straight shoulders, splayed feet, weak pasterns, and outward elbows.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, with well-developed thighs and proper angulation. Stifles and hocks are strong and well-formed. Hocks are low-set. When viewed from behind, legs are straight and parallel. Feet are compact, oval, with tight toes. Faults include straight stifles, weak muscles, cow hocks, narrow stance, or poor joint stability.
Gait and Movement
Movement is free, strong, springy, with good reach in front and a powerful drive from the rear. The breed should move confidently and economically, with stability and endurance. Topline remains straight during movement. Faults include short stride, crossing legs, rolling, high stepping, or limited reach. Correct gait confirms sound anatomy and working capacity.
Coat
The coat is dense, double-layered. The outer coat is straight, harsh, of medium length, and lies close to the body. Undercoat is thick and soft, more developed in winter. Some feathering may be present on the neck and hind legs. Faults include overly soft, wavy, curly hair, lack of undercoat, or excessive length. The coat must be functional, reflecting the breed’s working heritage.
Permissible Colors
Accepted colors include sable (gray or red), black, black and tan, and black and silver. Shades of sable vary, but must reflect the working type. Small white markings on chest and toes are permitted but undesirable. Disallowed colors include merle, blue, chocolate, spotted, or dilute coats. Full pigmentation of nose, lips, and eyelids is essential.
Size
Height at withers: males 66–76 cm, females 62–72 cm. Weight: males 35–60 kg, females 30–50 kg. The dog should be large, strong, and well-muscled without excessive bulk. Undersized individuals are faults; overly heavy or overly light build is undesirable. Size is evaluated along with balance, proportions, and working functionality.
Faults
Faults include weak pigmentation, light eyes, soft expression, lack of bone or muscle, poor angles, loose skin, short or long back, splayed feet, timid behavior, or lack of confidence. Faults must be assessed based on their impact on health, structure, and working ability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include unwarranted aggression, extreme shyness, panic behavior, lack of control, full depigmentation, blue eyes, heterochromia, incorrect bite, missing teeth (except P1), non-standard or dilute colors (merle, blue, chocolate), cropped ears or tail, spinal deformities, cryptorchidism, shortened limbs, or severe gait defects. Any trait compromising health, working suitability, or breed type leads to complete disqualification from breeding.
Important Notes
Only fully healthy, mentally stable dogs with clear breed type, working suitability, and correct temperament are allowed for breeding. Selection must prioritize working traits, nerve stability, pigmentation, joint health, and structure integrity. The East European Shepherd is a working breed, not a decorative one, and breeding should honor its service origins.
Conclusion
The East European Shepherd is a powerful, intelligent, and reliable working dog designed for security, protection, and service under challenging conditions. With proper training and handling, it becomes a devoted protector and partner. This breed requires an active lifestyle, disciplined structure, and close relationship with its owner. Maintaining its working qualities, temperament, and strong constitution is the primary goal of responsible breeding.
