Laika Breed description: Character & Co

About

Laika - the Russian dog breed which is very similar to the Alaskan Malamute in the breed profile

The name "Laika" is a generic term of various Russian dog breeds. The original home of the Laika is the Russian north. In many ways they resemble the Alaskan Malamute. The FCI has recognized three of these typical representatives of the Laika. Among them are the

Russian-European Laika
East-Siberian Laika
West-Siberian Laika

The FCI has classified them with the standard numbers 304 to 306 in group 5 (point and primitive type dogs) and in section 2 (Nordic hunting dogs).

What is the origin of the Laika?

The Laiki is an ancient and primitive breed. This type of dog is widespread throughout northern Eurasia. For thousands of years, the Laika has served humans as a hunting, working, and guard dog. In the cold season, villages could sometimes only be reached with a sled dog.

Already in the Middle Ages the Laika was mentioned as a perfect sable hunter. Due to these hunting successes in old Russia, it was presented at dog shows in Moscow around 1880. Detailed descriptions of this dog breed also date from this time.

The name is derived from the Russian word "lajat" for bark. The Laika was and is used for stalking. Silently it stalks the game and by its barking it indicates the location of the game. He "barks" at the game.

What are the breed characteristics of the Laika?

All three breed types of the Laika are excellent hunters and should be exercised accordingly. Their former activity as a working dog can be lived out in the field of rescue work. In addition, dog sports such as

Agility
pulling dog sport

are a good compensation for these animals.

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Alternate Name	Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka, Russo-European Laïka, Vostotchno-Sibirskaïa Laïka, East Siberian Laïka, Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka, West Siberian Laïka
Origin	Russia
Life expectancy	12 - 15 years
Care requirements	high-maintenance

Activity level	high
FCI group	Nordic Hunting Dogs
AKC group	not recognised
KC group	not recognised

Characteristics

Character of a Laika - different depending on the species

A Laika is not suitable for a beginner. With the education you should consider that your quadruped has the following characteristics:

Character

agile
affectionate
athletic
intelligent
quietly
confidently
fearless

Usage

Working Dog
Hunting Dog
Race Dog

Breeding

What are typical diseases of the Laika?

The Laika is an original and robust dog breed. There are no known hereditary diseases.

The Laika breeding - where, how, what?

The Laika was bred in the "old way" in Russia until the 40s of the last century. Only the best animals for the job were mated.

Three different breeds of the Laika were later documented for modern breed breeding. Especially the European-Russian Laika became famous in the former GDR. Since 1950 this pedigree dog was used for hunting in the GDR area.

Until today the Laika is looked after in the VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) and in the JGHV (Jagdgebrauchshundverband). The German Club for Nordic Dogs e. V. is responsible for the breeding care. The Laika is almost unknown in Western Europe and only about 40 puppies are registered annually.

Laika dog, West Siberian Laika, big white dog with red spots, dog similar to Husky

Appearance and coat of the Laika

The Laiki have the typical appearance of the Nordic dogs. Their dense coat has a lot of undercoat. But it is easy to maintain. The tail is carried curved upwards. The standing ears are set on the side. Between the three breeds of the Laika there are small differences in the exterior:

Russian-European Laika
The skull is broader and sits on a dry build. Mostly the coloration of the coat is black and white. Sometimes there are also monochromatic specimens.
East-Siberian Laika
On the strong body sits a large and wedge-shaped head. It also has a broad chest and a strong back. Its coat colors are black, white and brown. Either the base color is marked with spots or the coat is plain.
West-Siberian Laika
This type has an elongated build and a broad back. The coat colors are white, fawn, red, gray or reddish-brown. Sometimes the coloring is combined with the shades of the basic colors.

How big is a Laika?

In this medium-sized dog breed, the shoulder height differs slightly between the individual breed types.

The East Siberian Laika is the largest representative of this dog breed (height at withers from 53 to 64 cm). The somewhat smaller West Siberian type is 51 to 62 cm. The Russian-European Laika is the smallest with a withers height of 48 to 58 cm.