Slovak Cuvac vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs East European Shepherd - Breed ComparisonEast European Shepherd is originated from Russia but Slovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia. East European Shepherd may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Slovak Cuvac. East European Shepherd may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Slovak Cuvac. Both East European Shepherd and Slovak Cuvac has almost same life span. Both East European Shepherd and Slovak Cuvac has almost same litter size. Both East European Shepherd and Slovak Cuvac requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Russia
Slovakia
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Colors Available:
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
White
Coat:
Medium length and dense
Thick, medium length, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east european shepherdThe 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.

slovak cuvacLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Temperament:

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.

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

Characteristics

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe 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.

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

Health Problems

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded 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.

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe 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.

Exercise:

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.

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Slovak Cuvac vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Slovak Cuvac vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Slovak Cuvac vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Slovak Cuvac vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Slovak Cuvac vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Slovak Cuvac vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Slovak Cuvac vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Slovak Cuvac vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Slovak Cuvac vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovak Cuvac vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovak Cuvac vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovak Cuvac vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Slovak Cuvac vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Slovak Cuvac vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Slovak Cuvac vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Slovak Cuvac vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Slovak Cuvac vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovak Cuvac vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Slovak Cuvac vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Slovak Cuvac vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Slovak Cuvac vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Slovak Cuvac vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Slovak Cuvac vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Slovak Cuvac vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Slovak Cuvac vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. East European Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. East European Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. East European Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. East European Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. East European Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. East European Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. East European Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. East European Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. East European Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. East European Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. East European Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. East European Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. East European Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. East European Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. East European Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. East European Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. East European Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. East European Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. East European Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. East European Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. East European Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. East European Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. East European Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. East European Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. East European Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison