Shorkie vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Shorkie vs East European Shepherd - Breed ComparisonEast European Shepherd is originated from Russia but Shorkie is originated from United States. East European Shepherd may grow 52 cm / 21 inches higher than Shorkie. East European Shepherd may weigh 43 kg / 95 pounds more than Shorkie. East European Shepherd may live 3 years less than Shorkie. East European Shepherd may have more litter size than Shorkie. Both East European Shepherd and Shorkie requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Russia
United States
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
16 - 22 cm
6 - 9 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Shorki • Shorkie • Yorkie Tzu Shorkie Tzu
Colors Available:
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
Black and tan • Brown and white • Gold • Red • Gold, black, and white • Particolored
Coat:
Medium length and dense
coat type soft and relatively long coats. They should be silky and never coarse
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

shorkieThe Shorkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. This little dog actually thinks he’s quite big. He is a great watchdog and a barker, and he is a loyal and loving member of his family. He will let you know if he thinks something is going on that shouldn’t be.

This hybrid combines two breeds known for their good looks, cuteness and personalities. Shorkies get their watchdog instincts and their loyalty to their people from the Shih Tzu and their personalities and good looks from the Yorkie. This designer breed has no known standard and every puppy is different, but traits from its founding breeds will remain. Both breeds have great personalities.

Regardless of the differences within the litter, because the personalities and adorableness of the two founding breeds are equal, all of the puppies will have those characteristics. They will all be energetic, playful and think they are big dogs. They will all love people and especially kids – playing and watching over them.

The Shorkie is intelligent, trainable, and snuggly. They will also have the stubborn trait that the two founding breeds can show at times. Developed in the United States, this crossbreed is extremely popular even though they have been in existence for only ten years or so. Breeders in the U.S. began to mix these two breeds in order to develop a cute, friendly and intelligent little dog that will cuddle on your lap – perfect lap dog.

Even if we already have breeds similar to the Shorkie, its development allows breeders to diversify and improve the genetics of the dogs. It is important that these be responsible breeders whose intentions are not financial but to legitimately improve the positive traits of each breed while sorting out the undesirable or weak traits. This is the positive side of the new designer breeds.

Even though it is still being developed, at least the Shorkie seems to be a success story for designer breeds as a loving, popular little dog. It will take a lot more time and a lot more development before the Shorkie becomes an actual recognized breed. At the moment it remains a hybrid, a crossbreed, a so called designer dog.

It will be at least 7-10 generations of careful and quality breeding before the Shorkies are potentially recognized as its own pedigree breed. It is important to breed Shorkies to Shorkies in order to develop a standard that could be accepted for a new breed by the AKC and UKC. Over time the puppies must become more and more standardized in their conformity to that new breed standard. Their physical appearance and their temperament will be standardized. At this stage the second generation of Shorkies is rare. Their popularity is rising in the United Kingdom. Both Britain and Ireland have a growing interest in this hybrid.

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.

shorkie puppy - descriptionThe Shorkie, being a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, and as such has physical and temperament characteristics from both breeds. They could be 50-50 but most likely each puppy will be more like one of the founding parents than the other. Because there is a lot of similarity between the founding breeds there is a lot of similarity between the Shorkies.

Their hair is either wavy or straight, but it is soft. It can be a wide variety of colors and usually they have a darker mask on the face. Usually they have the eyes of the Shih Tzu – large -but not protruding. Their muzzle is short, and the skull is round with triangle ears. Their bodies are compact, small with plenty of muscle for their size. They also have fine bones and short legs, with a thin curled tail.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are very child friendly.

2.Special talents – Loyal and loving.

3.Adaptability – The Shorkie could happen.

4.Learning ability – Highly intelligent, but they can be stubborn.

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.

shorkie puppies - health problemsMany hybrids are in better health at least genetically than their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will breed any genetic issues out of their puppies. Still there are many health issues that the Shorkies are prone to. These include:

  • Tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease caused by dental overcrowding.
  • Joint issues – can cause lameness.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Liver disease and potential shunt.
  • Progressive Retinal Apathy - visual imparity.
  • Patellar Luxation – can cause arthritis.
  • Hypoglycemia. – low blood sugar.
  • Collapsed Trachea.

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – “smashed face” causes problems with breathing, heat, flying and more.

• Glaucoma – Yorkshires have this, and it can be secondary to the lens Luxation.

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.

shorkie dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy - The Shorkies need a high-quality, well-balanced dry kibble. Make sure it is a formula for small, active dogs. It should have lean meat and essential minerals and vitamins. Make sure it is puppy food not adult. The puppy needs 300 -550 calories a day in 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Obesity is a problem for the Shorkie as it is for many small dogs. Don’t overfeed your adult but give her the same kind of high quality small breed dog food, only for adults. They need about 200-300 calories a day in 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health – Few genetic diseases.

4. Games and Exercises – These are very active little dogs and need exercise every day. They needs walks, games, and time with you. They also love to cuddle with you at the end of the day. They love squeaky toys and playing fetch outside or inside.

Comparison with other breeds

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