Nenets Herding Laika

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Nenets Herding Laika is also known as Reindeer Herding Laika. It is an ancient dog breed that was developed by Nentsy tribe perhaps during the same time that Samoyed nomads were creating and developing the Samoyed. These dogs were used as herding and flock guarding dogs but they are multipurpose dogs that can perform a number of tasks other than herding and protection dog.

This medium size dog looks similar to a wolf in appearance. These dogs have a height of 18 inches or more, and they weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. These dogs have a medium-sized, muscular body. Their head is powerful and wedge-shaped, and they have a medium-sized muzzle that is well-proportioned to their head. They have a black nose, and teeth that meet in either a level or scissors bite. These dogs have an erect neck with a strong mane. The chest of these dogs is deep and oval, and they have a curled tail that is carried over their back. Nenets Herding Laikas have powerful legs that lead to well-arched, strong feet that are covered with hair. These dogs have a thick undercoat and a stand-off, long outer coat. The acceptable coat colours for this breed include gray, black, white, and tan. They may be solid-coloured, or have a piebald pattern with markings that are white in colour.

Color

The Nenets Herding Laika is found in different colours that include gray, black, white and tan or piebald with or without white markings.

Coat

The breed has a double coat. The topcoat is long, harsh and stand-off while the undercoat is thick and soft. This coat protects the dog from harsh winter snow as the snow does not adhere to harsh guard hair while soft and wooly undercoat protects the dog from mosquitoes in the summer.

Personality

The Nenets Herding Laika dogs are very human oriented, intelligent and hard working. It is a free thinking dog that can go about its work with little guidance. It is friendly in nature but does have strong protective instincts that will make the dog to announce arrival of an stranger near its territory. This dog makes an excellent watch dog but its friendly nature makes it a poor guard dog. The Nenets Herding Laika is a hardy dog that loves to work and is accustomed to work in freezing and stern snowy conditions. It is friendly to other dogs and kind, gentle and playful with children. An excellent companion, this dog is known for its pleasant disposition and good nature. This multipurpose dog is used as herding, guarding, sled and companion pet.

Care

Long coat of Nenets Herding Laika will need fair amount of grooming. Regular brushing will keep the coat from matting.

Training

This dog is an intelligent breed that can learn fast and is easy to train with firm and consistent training.

Activity

It is a working dog with high energy levels and needs fair amount of activities. This dog can live in an apartment but does need to be taken for daily walks and provided with ample playing time in an open and secure area. This energetic breed can take part in different dog activities like dog agility trials, carting, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, mushing and herding events.