East Siberian Laika
12-15 yrs
40-51 lbs
20-24"
Siberia

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East Siberian Laika

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East Siberian Laika

40-51 lbs

20-24"

Siberia

Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika

The East Siberian Laika is the largest of the Russian Laika breeds and is used as an all purpose dog. In the past, he was mostly used for hunting both large and small game; however he was also used as a sled dog and a drover. He is known to be territorial and can become aggressive to any dog, especially dogs of the same gender that come onto his property. While he is not usually aggressive towards people, the East Siberian Laika can easily become violent when not properly socialized or trained. He is not the right dog for the first time dog owner.

                
                Purpose
              
Hunting Small and Large Game

                Date of Origin
              
1947

                Ancestry
              
Wolf, Japanese and Chinese Dogs

East Siberian Laika Health

Average Size

Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-51 lbs

Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 40-51 lbs

Major Concerns

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

None

Occasional Tests

Yearly Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

East Siberian Laika Breed History

The East Siberian Laika is one of four different Laika dogs in Russia: Karelo-Finnish Laika, Russo-European Laika, East Siberian Laika, and West Siberian Laika. The East Siberian Laika retains much of the traits of the wolf, his close ancestor. He also has ancestors from Chinese and Japanese dogs of unknown ancestry that were brought into Siberia by immigrants hundreds of years ago. This spitz-type dog is thought, along with the other three Laika breeds, to be the closest in relation to the wolf. The exact date the Laika was developed is unknown but it is known that the East Siberian Laika was established as a separate breed in 1947. The East Siberian Laika lost a lot of his popularity when hunters began using dogs that were bred for specific purposes such as bird dogs, sight hounds and scent hounds. There was a point when the East Siberian Laika teetered on the verge of extinction. There were only a few scattered throughout the north in small villages. These few dogs were gathered and the East Siberian Laika was separated from the other three Laika breeds. A controlled breeding program was implemented in between 1930 and 1950 to restore the Laika breeds and develop a written breed standard for each. A government controlled kennel was started in the 1960s for the East Siberian Laika. By 1970 there were only 39 purebred East Siberian Laikas recorded. The breed standard was re-evaluated and modified in the 1970s. Since then the breed has increased in numbers but is still considered a rare breed.

East Siberian Laika Breed Appearance

The East Siberian Laika is a spitz-type dog with a dense, medium length, double coat. His topcoat is harsh to the touch, but not wiry, and straight with no wave or curl. His undercoat is wooly and soft to the touch. The most popular colors of the East Siberian Laika are black and tan, solid black, black and white, piebald or mostly white. Other acceptable colors include pepper and salt, red, and brown. His tail is the typical spitz-type and curls over his back. The East Siberian Laika has a black nose unless he is lighter colored such as white or yellow, then a brown nose is acceptable. He has oval shaped eyes that are medium sized and should never be round or overly large; the eye set is oblique. His eye color is dark brown. His ears are medium sized, triangular in shape and stand erect. The East Siberian Laika should closely resemble the wolf but be more compact and less rangy.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Gray

Brown

Red

White

Pied

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

East Siberian Laika Breed Maintenance

The East Siberian Laika does shed often and hair will collect around your home. He does also shed heavy seasonally. Expect to brush your East Siberian Laika at least once a week; except during seasonal shedding when he needs to be brushed daily. When grooming your East Siberian Laika, use a pin brush or slicker brush and a metal comb. A deshedder may also be used although with his coat being so dense, the deshedder might not be as effective. Only bathe him a few times a year, preferably when he is shedding seasonally. Use a mild shampoo when bathing him and ensure that he is thoroughly rinsed. The hair between his toes and foot pads should be trimmed every few weeks. His toenails need to be trimmed as needed. Clean his ears weekly and check for any redness or foul odor that might indicate an infection. The East Siberian Laika is not a hypoallergenic dog.

Brushes for East Siberian Laika

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Comb

Scissors

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

East Siberian Laika Temperament

Developed initially as a hunting dog for small and large game, the East Siberian Laika evolved into an all-around dog through the years. He is a stubborn and independent dog but will generally make a good family companion. He usually does well with children that he is raised with although he may not be a tolerant of very young children that do not respect him. The East Siberian Laika is a territorial dog and will generally not do well with other dogs, especially dogs of the same gender. Early socialization is important, but even then he must be constantly watched around other dogs. The prey drive of the East Siberian Laika is very high and he will not do well in a household with other pets. When properly trained he will be a well adjusted family member and will bond closely to his family and will act as protector for all family members. The East Siberian Laika makes an excellent watchdog; however, he can become aggressive towards strangers.

East Siberian Laika Activity Requirements

The East Siberian Laika is a very high energy dog and he does require a lot of daily exercise to keep him happy. Long walks or hikes are a great way to let him wear down. Dog parks are not recommended because of his intense dislike of most other dogs. Certain dog sports such as cart pulling, agility or even obedience trials would be a good way to bond with him and give him plenty of exercise. He requires a sturdy, heavy duty fence that will keep him contained and other animals in the neighborhood safe from his hunting prowess.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to East Siberian Laika

Similarly Sized Breeds to East Siberian Laika

East Siberian Laika Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00

East Siberian Laika Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 18.5 inches
                  Weight: 22.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 16.5 inches
                  Weight: 22.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 22.0 inches
                  Weight: 35.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 20.0 inches
                  Weight: 35.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 24.0 inches
                  Weight: 45.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 22.0 inches
                  Weight: 45.5 lbs

Written by a Rough Collie lover Holly Ramsey

Published: 02/15/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

East Siberian Laika Owner Experiences

Jenna

18 Months

3 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

The best dog, friend, good with cats and other dogs

5 years, 7 months ago

Djeki

7 Years

4 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walking

Cuddling

Hiking

The friendliest dog ever! He hasn't got proper training when he was younger, so he is not very obedient. He receives a lot of love and attention from all family members and he's very spoiled. He usually gets along with other dogs but is also very jealous. He is very athletic and in great health.

3 years, 8 months ago

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