Petzlover
East European Shepherd is originated from Russia but Franzuskaya Bolonka is originated from France. East European Shepherd may grow 49 cm / 20 inches higher than Franzuskaya Bolonka. East European Shepherd may weigh 45 kg / 100 pounds more than Franzuskaya Bolonka. East European Shepherd may live 4 years less than Franzuskaya Bolonka. East European Shepherd may have more litter size than Franzuskaya Bolonka. East European Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Franzuskaya Bolonka requires Low Maintenance
The East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.
This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.
The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.
The Franzuskaya Bolonka in France is known as the Tsvetnaya Bolonka in Russia and in Germany as the Bolonka Zwetna. All of these translate to Colored Bolognese. It is known as the “Pride of Russia” and was rediscovered by the Russians following the thaw of the Cold War. It is also sometimes translated as a colored lapdog.
The Bolonka is a rare breed in the toy category with ancestors in the Bichon Friese line. This little dog looks very much like the national dog of Cuba – the Havanese. In addition to the Bichon other small dogs in this ancestral line include the Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Pekingese as well as the French, Italian and German Bolonka. They are often confused with the Bolognese as both breeds appear in various countries and have many similarities.
In all countries the common name for this dog is the Bolonka. They have a variety of names and nick names depending on the country. In addition to being the “Pride of Russia” he is called a Russian colored Bichon, Czechs call it the Bareyny Bolonsky, the Germans since 1980 have called it the Bolonka Zwetna but the Nordic Kennel Union does not recognize the Zwenta only the Russian Twetnaya.
The French version is seen to be the original with its ancestry dating back to the 18th century when Russian nobles were presented with a Bolonka by Louis XIV of France, and others migrated with the army of Napoleon to Russia. They were still known as the Bolonka of France. Small dogs were not popular in Russia due to the need for dogs that could work on farms and/or hunt. Particularly during the Soviet years, they were considered unnecessary. No Bolonkas were imported to Russia during the Soviet regime, so only localized breeding took place. The goal of breeders in the Soviet Union was to develop a toy dog, lap sized with an apartment living temperament.
During the cold war the Russians sent a pair of breeding Franzuskaya Bolonka to East Germany and they began to develop the breed there as well. At the same time the colored versions of the Bolonka were being bred. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is recognized by the Verband Dur Das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDF) while the other colored breeds are not. The white Bolonka is not recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale as a breed separate from the Bolognese but as simply another version. Individual clubs throughout the world recognized one or more versions of the Bolonka. They are thought to be the rarest within the Bichon family.
Today’s Bolonka is owed by Prince William and Princess Kate, giving the breed more publicity than it has had in many years.
The East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.
The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.
The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.
The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.
He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.
There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.
It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.
The Franzuskaya Bolonka is neither heavy boned nor fine boned. They are a toy breed with a moderate bone structure. The ears are neither long nor short and they have tails that touch the back at the tip. Like others in the Bichon family the Franzuskaya Bolonka does not shed. He is a sturdy little dog and the male has a distinct beard and moustache that the females of the breed do not. They have long coats that are wavy and curly. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is of course only white. The Russian version might be brown, red, black, wolf-gray, gray and of course white.
The East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.
They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.
He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.
When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.
The Bolonka is great with kids, just avoid too intense play.
The Bolonka is a playful, lap dog with a lot of love to offer
Good adaptability great in the city in apartments and great in the country as well
They are very smart and love to learn. Being firm but beyond firm is also kind.
Regarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.
Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.
Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.
Medical issues are not fully documented because of the rarity of the breed and the years of isolation in the Soviet Union.
The coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.
His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.
The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.
A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.
Feed at least 3 meals a day. Feed one fourth of a cup daily split into three meals of a high quality puppy food.
Feed at least 2 meals per day. Feed one half of a cup daily split into two meals of a high quality dry food.
Fairly healthy breed due to isolation during cold war
The Franzuskaya Bolonka is developed as a lap dog but that does not mean he doesn’t need daily exercise. He loves to play but play gently and not for any length of time. They like to chase balls, play hide and seek and any tricks you want to teach them.