East Siberian Laika

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The East Siberian Laika is a versatile hunting dog originating from different parts of Siberia. There are four varieties of the Siberian Laika; one is the Russo European Laika which descended from the hunting laikas and originated in Northern Russia. Second variety is the Western Siberian Laika which originated in the northern Urals and is developed by crossing laikas with hunting dogs. The third variety is the Eastern Siberian Laika which originated in large forests in the east. It was developed by crossing several laikas together. It is used to hunt large game and this type is also unique and famous as it was used as first living ambassador from earth to space. The fourth and last is Karelo Finnish Laika.

The East Siberian Laika is a large, strong dog with almost square built and typical Spitz type head. The dog stands between 21.5 to 25 inches with bitches being smaller. The dog has a wedge shaped head with broad skull. Long muzzle is wedge shaped with black or sometimes brown nose. Obliquely set eyes are moderate size and oval in shape. Moderately long ears are erect and triangular shape. Neck is muscular and strong. Fore and hind quarters are well angulated. Body is square or slightly longer than tall with deep, broad and muscular chest. Tail can be ring shaped or sickle. The breed has double coat with outer coat being moderate to long, coarse, dense and straight and undercoat soft and dense. It comes in different colours.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI.

Color

Coat color ranges from white, black, grey, brown and red. Karamis coat is the most popular. It is a black and tan coat with light patches.

Coat

The dog has double coat with outer coat being long, coarse, dense and straight with an undercoat that is dense and soft. It protects the dog from weather extremes.

Personality

The East Siberian Laika is a versatile dog that was developed primarily for hunting small and large preys including squirrels, mortens, forest birds as well as large game like elk, wild boar, bear and mountain lions . The dog was also used as sled puller. It is a courageous dog that will not be intimidated by large and ferocious animals. Though a mean hunter of all sorts of game, the dog is calm and even tempered around humans. It is gentle and kind to its family but wary of strangers, thus makes a good watch dog. The dog is non-aggressive towards humans unless provoked but it is territorial and will not tolerate other dogs specially of same sex on its grounds. Its even temperament and calm attitude makes it an affectionate and loyal breed as family dog. The dog is very gentle and friendly with all the family specially children and gets along with them rather well. Early socialization and obedience training is a must for these dogs to curb their aggressive and dominant tendencies towards other dogs. With proper socialization and training, this accomplished hunter will make a great family pet.

Care

Though the coat is long but it is a low maintenance coat that will only need brushing once or twice a week. Bathe this dog when needed. Ears and teeth need to be cleaned regularly.

Training

The serene and even temperament of the dog makes it obedient to its owner and consequently not difficult to train. However, the dog will need a firm and consistent trainer who can win the respect and confidence of the dog. With positive training sessions, the dog can be trained without much difficulty.

Activity

As a working dog, the East Siberian Laika will need to run and play a lot when it is not doing a task. This high energy dog is not suitable for apartment living and needs a house with large yard to play and run as it likes. This dog should be taken for long daily walks and provided with ample running opportunity in a secure and open area like a dog park.