The West Siberian Laika is a medium to large dog breed native to Russia. They are sturdy, well-proportioned dogs with a thick, harsh coat. They are known to be passionate hunters, possess a balanced temperament and are vigorous in their work.
General details
The average weight of the West Siberian Laika varies between 18 and 20 kilograms for males, while females tend to weigh between 18 and 25 kilograms. Height in males is between 53 and 60 cm and in females between 52 and 58 cm. As for life expectancy, it is estimated that this breed lives approximately 12 to 15 years. The breed belongs to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Spitz and primitive type dogs.
Breed history in brief
The West Siberian Laika is a hunting dog breed originating from Russia, specifically from the Ural region and the forested areas of eastern and western Siberia. Its history dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1947, a classification was proposed that unified the closely related Khanty and Mansi specimens into a single breed, resulting in the Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka. The new standard for this breed was approved in 1952.
Today, the West Siberian Laika is one of the most popular hunting breeds in Russia and is widely distributed throughout the forested areas of Karelia and Kamchatka. The West Siberian Laika continues to play its role as a versatile and reliable hunting dog in Russian forest environments.
Breed characteristics
The West Siberian Laika is a medium to medium-large dog with a strong, well-defined build. It has a body slightly longer than tall, with a slender, wedge-shaped head. The eyes are of moderate size and oval in shape and the ears are erect, high set and "V" shaped with pointed edges, being mobile. The tail is tightly curled and carried over the back or hip.
The coat of the breed is dense and harsh on the outside, with a soft, woolly undercoat. The hair on the neck and hindquarters is longer, forming a featherless ruff and breeches, respectively. As for color, the West Siberian Laika can be gray with reddish brown, red with reddish brown, gray, red, fawn and reddish brown in all shades.
The West Siberian Laika is a dog with a lively and balanced temperament, ideal for hunting. It is energetic, alert and possesses a strong sense of smell. In addition to its passion for hunting, it also shows affection and loyalty to its human family. It is intelligent, collaborative and adapts easily to different activities.
Common health problems
The West Siberian Laika breed is characterized by good health. However, they are prone to develop certain disorders or pathologies such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and volvulo-gastric dilatation.
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