Discover Everything About Laika (West Siberian)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The West Siberian Laika is a breed of dog from the far north that is characterized by its attractive appearance and robust build. It belongs to the group of Spitz and primitive dog types, more precisely to the section of Nordic hunting dogs. Their appearance is that of a typical Laika: robust and resilient, with a compact body, a broad chest and strong bones. The head is wedge-shaped, the eyes are almond-shaped and the ears are pointed and erect. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines. The West Siberian Laika was originally bred for hunting game and predators and is still often used for this purpose today. However, it can also be kept as a companion and family dog as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation.
| Height | 51 - 58 cm (Female), 55 - 62 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, energetic, intelligent |
| Coat | Dense, straight, double undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varies between white, black, gray, brown, and more |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € € |
History
The West Siberian Laika, as the name suggests, comes from western Siberia, an area stretching from the western foothills of the Ural Mountains to the Yenisei River. This breed has a long history and probably dates back to dogs used for hunting by the indigenous peoples of Siberia. The systematic breeding of the West Siberian Laika only began in Russia in the 20th century. Dogs from different regions of Siberia were brought together to create a new breed that would combine the best characteristics of the original Siberian hunting dogs. However, the exact origin of the breed is difficult to determine because the boundaries between the different Laika breeds are often blurred and there is a lot of overlap. The West Siberian Laika was officially recognized as an independent breed in 1947 and has since been very popular, especially in its native Russia. It is used there not only for hunting, but also as a working dog in rescue, for pulling sleds and as a companion and family dog.
The West Siberian Laika was bred as a versatile hunting dog for hunting various game species in the forests of Western Siberia.
Russia
2000
Character & Temperament
The character of the West Siberian Laika is an exciting mix of independence, loyalty and intelligence. Originally bred for hunting, she is a very active and energetic dog that constantly wants to be on the move and discover new things. She is not a dog for couch potatoes, but needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. The West Siberian Laika is very loyal and affectionate to its people, but can also be very independent. She is not a “beginner dog”. and needs a person who can handle her active and independent nature and is willing to devote a lot of time and attention to her. As a hunting dog, the West Siberian Laika has a strong hunting instinct. This can cause her to have a tendency to react to anything that moves, be it a small animal, a leaf blowing in the wind, or a car driving by. It's important to keep this in mind and take appropriate precautions when you're out with her. The West Siberian Laika is also a very alert dog. She quickly becomes aware of unusual noises or movements and is always ready to defend her territory and her family. This makes them an excellent watchdog. However, it is important that you make sure that she does not become too aggressive or overprotective. When dealing with other dogs, the West Siberian Laika can sometimes be dominant. She often gets along better with dogs of the opposite gender and can have conflicts with dogs of the same gender. It is therefore important that you socialize them early and well and seek professional support if necessary. The West Siberian Laika can easily learn to stay alone as long as you train it properly from the start and make sure it has enough exercise and activity. However, it is important that you remember that she is a very active and sociable dog who wants to spend a lot of time with you and your family. In summary, the West Siberian Laika is an active and independent dog that needs a lot of exercise and activity. She is loyal and affectionate to her people, but can also be very independent. However, with the right leadership and consistent, loving training, she can become a wonderful companion and friend.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the West Siberian Laika is an excellent climber? Thanks to her agility and strength, she can even climb trees!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The West Siberian Laika is an intelligent and hardworking hunting dog from Russia. It is characterized by its endurance and adaptability and is mainly used for hunting wild boars, birds, and other animals. The Laika is alert, loyal, and requires consistent training as well as sufficient activity. It is well suited for active families who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Housing & Care
As an active and robust dog, the West Siberian Laika is less suitable for keeping in the city. She needs a lot of exercise and activity and feels most comfortable in a house with a garden. She can adapt well to life with children as long as they treat her with respect. However, there should always be a supervisor with smaller children. Other pets can pose a challenge for the West Siberian Laika because it has a strong hunting instinct. However, with early and consistent socialization, she can learn to live with other pets.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The West Siberian Laika is intelligent and willing to learn, but also very independent. She needs consistent but loving upbringing with clear rules and structures. It is important to respect and channel their independence and hunting instinct. This breed requires a lot of mental and physical activity to be happy. It can therefore be used well for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or mantrailing. The West Siberian Laika runs the risk of becoming a “ball junkie” if she spends too much time with the ball. becomes. Therefore, you should keep her involvement with the ball moderate and include other activities to stimulate her senses and mind. Impulse control and frustration tolerance are particularly important in this breed in order to control the strong hunting instinct. Training in these areas can help her cope better with everyday and social life and deal with challenges better.
Nutrition & Care
The West Siberian Laika is adapted to the harsh conditions of Siberia and requires a high-quality diet rich in proteins and fats. She gets along well with commercial dry or wet food as well as with biologically species-appropriate raw feeding (BARF). Caring for the West Siberian Laika is relatively straightforward. She has a double coat with a dense undercoat that protects her from extreme temperatures. That's why she gets along well with the German climate. She loses her undercoat twice a year, during this time she sheds more than usual and requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent skin irritation.
| Care Level | |
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| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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