East Siberian Laika – The Courageous

What makes the East Siberian Laika Unique?

The East Siberian Laika is a versatile dog that was developed primarily for hunting small and large preys including squirrels, mortens, forest birds as well as large game like elk, wild boar, bear and mountain lions . The dog was also used as sled puller. It is a courageous dog that will not be intimidated by large and ferocious animals.

SnapShot

Size: Males – 48 to 56 cm (22 to 26 inches)
Females – 51 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches)
Weight: Males – 16 to 25 kg (35 to 55 pounds)
Females – 16 to 25 kg (35 to 55 pounds)
Origin: Russia
Life Span: 10 to 12 Years
Colour: all black, black and white, grey, red or any shade of brown
Litter Size: 6 to 10 puppies

Is the East Siberian Laika Right For You?

The East Siberian Laika is the quietest and most even tempered of the four recognized Russian Laikas, and although this breed is not typically aggressive toward humans, they do make a good watchdogs and when encouraged can become aggressively protective toward human intruders. The East Siberian Laika breed is very affectionate and devoted to his master and his masters family.


In 5 Words

  • Calm
  • Energetic
  • Affectionate
  • Loyal
  • Courageous
Fun Fact

The breed designation was established at the All-Union Cynological Congress in 1947, along with that of the other three Laika breeds.

Characteristics

Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the East Siberian Laika

Description

Description

The East Siberian Laika is known to be a very beautiful dog breed that is very similar to a wolf in its appearance. Males are 55 to 66 centimetres (22 to 26 in), while females are on the smaller side at 51 to 60 centimetres (20 to 24 in). Black and tan, with light patches (called karamis), grizzle, patched, ticked, white, grey, black, red and brown of all shades. The East Siberian Laika is a large strong beautiful dog. It has a wedge-shaped head, with a broad skull. The muzzle is equivalent to the length of the skull. The breed mostly has a black nose, but some dogs are known to have brown noses too. The East Siberian Laika is a large strong breed of dog that is utilized to hunt and to pull sleds. This breed is the largest among the Russian hunting Laikas. The dog has impressive looks. The head is wedge shaped and the skull broad. East Siberian Laikas are highly aggressive towards large predators, they are calm and well-tempered with people, although they can be good watchdogs and if encouraged will be protective against human intruders. Generally they seem to be good companion dogs. they can also be trained in obedience.

Short History

Short History of the East Siberian Laika

The origin of the East Siberian Laika can be traced back to 19th century Siberia. Enthusiasts believe the breed to date back as far as the 17th century, though this has never been proven scientifically. The breed designation was established at the All-Union Cynological Congress in 1947, along with that of the other three Laika breeds. The breed originated with dogs from the Lake Baikal region,Irkutsk Province, Evenki National Territory, the Amur River basin and Maritime Territory.

The first breed standard was set by wildlife biologist K. G. Abramov. Systematic breeding began in the 1970s in government kennels at Irkutsk and in Leningrad. The East Siberian Laika is descended from the Spitz-like Aboriginal dogs that were most likely brought to the areas of the Baikal Lake region, Irkutsk Province, Evenki National Territory, Amur River basin and the Maritime Territory by tribes that were migrating from the west. Early Laikas in the east of Siberia were diverse in their size, head proportions, size of ears and shape and carriage of tail.

Temperament

Temperament

The East Siberian Laika has a calm and well balanced temperament, making it an affectionate and loyal companion. It makes a good watchdog, since it is highly alert and has an innate distrust of strangers.

Caring for Your East Siberian Laika

Health

General Health

While the East Siberian Laika is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, likeliness to develop cancer, digestive issues, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, chronic ear infection, and bloat. East Siberian Laikas are some of the healthiest dogs in the world. Currently there are no serious hereditary health problems known to be associated with them. However, minor abnormalities typical of all purebred dogs may occur among East Siberian Laikas.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Since the East Siberian Laika possess a thick double coat of fur, that consists of a thick, dense, soft undercoat and a coarse longer topcoat some grooming and ritual brushing is going to be required if you plan on letting them in the house. Since the East Siberian Laika breed is most found in cold and harsh weather conditions this dog is also known for its harsh and straight hair that is known to protect this breed from the elements of nature during bad weather.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

The serene and even temperament of the dog makes it obedient to its owner and consequently not difficult to train. However, the dog will need a firm and consistent trainer who can win the respect and confidence of the dog. With positive training sessions, the dog can be trained without much difficulty.