Before choosing between the two breeds, it's important to understand the differences between the East European Shepherd and the German Shepherd. Despite many similarities, the dogs have significant differences that can prove crucial.
What is the difference between a German Shepherd and an East European Shepherd in appearance?
Male East European Shepherds weigh 35–60 kg, while females weigh 30–50 kg.
The breeds differ in the following external characteristics:
- The Eastern European one is noticeably larger and weighs 7–10 kg more.
- The German Shepherd's back is at an angle of 20 degrees, while in other breeds it is almost level.
- The chest of Eastern European individuals is wider.
- The German Shepherd's front legs are longer than the back legs and are set further apart than the second breed.
- Eastern European dogs have medium-sized hair, while Germans may have longer hair.
- The basic color of German shepherd dogs is a tan (from light yellow to red), sometimes gray and black. The color palette of another breed is much more limited, consisting of pure black or mixed with tan, and shades from gray to fawn.
Both breeds prefer to trot, but the German Shepherd moves more smoothly. The East European Shepherd runs with sharp, sweeping movements.
The German Shepherd has better endurance, but is inferior to the Eastern European Shepherd in sprinting.
Character
More active German Shepherds are easier to train.
German Shepherds share many similarities in personality, but they also have differences. German Shepherds are more emotional and quick-tempered. They crave attention and are always happy to interact with people. German Shepherds also have low independence and are more reliant on their owner's commands. Dogs of this breed learn new information more easily. They don't have a single authority figure; they obey the entire family, including children, equally. During play, the dog often loses control and can cross boundaries.
East European Shepherds are calm and even-tempered, less likely to interact with people and dislike large crowds, which can make them nervous. They are more willful and stubborn. They choose one owner and obey only that owner. The intelligence of the two species is approximately the same.
Which breed is better?
For a large family with children, it is recommended to get a German Shepherd.
Both dogs are equally good, and the choice between them should be based on the goals and personality of the future owner. For active people, the German breed is better suited, while the Eastern European breed is the ideal companion for calm and even-tempered breeders.
The Eastern European breed is good for guarding a house or apartment.
If the goal is to participate in sports competitions, the German Shepherd is clearly superior to its counterpart in its ability to learn various skills. For single people, an Eastern European Shepherd is a better choice.
Each of the dog breeds described has its own unique characteristics. It's impossible to definitively choose the best, as both shepherds have pros and cons that must be considered.
