The "West Siberian Laika" (Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka), is the product of crossbreeding between the closely related species of Laïka de Chanteisk and Mansijak with Russian hunting dogs from the north of the Urals and Western Siberia. Outside its area of origin in areas mainly populated by hunters, This race has widely spread to central areas of Russia; This type of dog that abounds on these sites, they are reared in large installations. In different hunting regions there are special kennels for raising the West Siberian Laika.

Since 1980 the Russo-European Laika just like him East Siberian Laika have been recognized as independent breeds by the FCI in addition to the West Siberian Laika. But, the Yakutian Laika, as well as other types of Laïka, as the Jezdoraja Laika, the Nenezker Weather or the Karelo-Finnish Laika, are not internationally recognized until now. Within the FCI the three breeds of Laïka are classified in the group 5, Together with the Gray Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog, form the Section 2 "Nordic Hunting Dogs" within this group.

It is a hunting dog of variable utility, but also shooting or for sledge. Is medium-sized, Slim and strong Constitution. Her bone structure is well developed, is not mass or rough. Muscle is strong and well developed. It has a strongly coiled tail, He takes her on the back or the back.

Its fur is hard, short, with developed internal fluff. The outer layer is thick and straight. The internal fluff is abundant and dense hair's outer layer which gives a distant and leafy appearance. In the head, You ears and part of limb hair is short. On the cross, neck and back of legs the hair is longer than forming a collar in the region of the neck and a beard in the cheek area; the rear extremities presents some feathers.

Is white, salt and pepper, Red or gray in all colors. Allow the color black, also spotted or with the same color plates.

Strong similarity to the wolf

With the often hairier males, it even produces a kind of mane. This feature is reminiscent of a wolf, with which the Laïka not only share the pointed and high ears, narrow wedge-shaped head and small oblique eyes, but also strong teeth and coat color, often similar to wolf.

Assorted coat colors and a typical striped tail

But, the colors of him West Siberian laika they are very diverse according to the wide area of ​​distribution of the breed and the large number of local traits, ranging from pure white to black, pepper and salt, the color of the wolf, reddish brown, grey, the pied or the spotted. characteristic of all races Russian Laika is the striking striped tail, worn both on the side and on the back.

Independent hunter and close ally.

Like most hunting dogs, the West Siberian Laika also has some independence. Not only in hunting, but also as a watchdog, companion dog or sled dog, sometimes acts independently and autonomously. But, this does not mean that it cannot adapt to its humans. On the contrary: the Laïka feels closely connected to her reference person and always seeks their proximity. Even when hunting, never strays too far from his guide and makes sure each 20 or 30 minutes of hunter following.

The intense relationship with humans allows him Laïka – despite its original roots – be used as a herding dog, protection, guard or shooting.

Life in the family

Once an owner has earned the trust of his Laïka, even the most demanding training goals can be achieved. It is important that the West Siberian Laika has a firm place in his "pack" from the beginning and is allowed to participate closely in the life of his people. In doing so, bonds closely with its "pack leader", but also shows himself as a patient and loving companion when dealing with other family members, especially with the children. If you socialize early and comprehensively, living with other dogs and pets usually works without problems.

Despite these characteristics, the West Siberian Laika is and remains primarily a working dog, for whom his “job” is as important as his people. A life as a pure domestic and family dog ​​certainly does not do justice to its nature.. Only if you can sufficiently demonstrate your stamina, agility, speed and intelligence, will present himself at home as a calm and balanced companion.

The West Siberian Laika wants to be "needed" and, therefore, you should definitely be given a task that challenges you both physically and mentally. Owners who don't run their Laïka like the hunter he is, they must provide for sufficient substitute employment, for example, in sport form (Agility), training dog sport, runway and nose work or training as a rescue dog.

Unlike many other dog breeds, which often developed rather by coincidence, Russian dogs already had very early exact ideas about the useful characteristics of this breed. The baby of him West Siberian Laika was soon put under strict controls and took place in central state approved breeding stations. In order to preserve the excellent qualities of hunting, officially organized tests were introduced. Dogs that did not meet the high usage requirements were systematically excluded from breeding..

Healthy and robust working dogs

Strict breeding requirements and tough selection led to the good hunting dog qualities and excellent sensory perceptions of dogs being preserved to this day. At the same time, high concentration on utility ensured that outward appearances became less of an affair. A breeding of pure beauty, that as the examples of other dog breeds show, often led to health problems, was avoided in the West Siberian Laika. Hereditary diseases typical of the breed, with which fashionable dogs often fight, are not known in this original breed. Even generalized joint diseases, such as dysplasia of the hip joint (HD), rarely occur in this Laïka.

Dog owners shouldn't change their diet too often either.. Although the West Siberian Laika is not very picky about his diet, the constant changes in the food plate could overload even his robust stomach. As a descendant of the wolf, dogs don't need many different foods to stay healthy. Unlike us humans, that we should have a diet as varied as possible and whose menu includes meat, fish and vegetables, as well as potatoes, noodles and other cereal products, dogs need meat above all. Both their teeth and their digestion are oriented to the processing of foods based on meat. Different types of meat and changing tastes are, by the way, desirable with respect to this main ingredient.

Discover our selection of dog food.

Pay attention to your dog's nutritional needs. Whether you feed your dog moist meat, dry, raw (BARF) or cooked, it is important that the quantity and content of the food meets the specific nutritional needs of your dog. These requirements depend on very individual criteria such as race, size, age, activity level and health status and may vary accordingly. If the composition is correct, a Laïka adult can get by on one or two meals a day. after feeding, the feeding bowl should be cleaned and should only be available again the next day or for the next meal. It is better to avoid snacking between meals or the constant administration of treats. But, fresh drinking water should always be available for your dog.

With his healthy nature, robust and original, the West Siberian Laika satisfies many dog ​​lovers' desire for something "wild" in our modern, civilized everyday lives. And finally, but not less important, the wolf appearance of this breed fascinates people. This natural beauty, coupled with excellent hunting performance, made of him West Siberian laika one of the most popular dog breeds of the former Soviet Union already in 1960.

How much does a “West Siberian Laika” puppy cost??

In Europe, the Time to fall still rarely seen. So it is extremely difficult outside of Russia to get a purebred Laika from a proven breeding line.. Long, arduous roads and a comparatively high puppy price between 1.300 and 1.500 EUR are the rule. Even if you have found a suitable breeder after a long search, you may be advised not to buy a Laïka. Don't be surprised if during the first meeting you are asked very personal questions about your profession., their living conditions, your future plans and marital status. For committed and serious breeders, the welfare of dogs is, as a last resort, more important than financial benefit. After all, keeping such a demanding animal takes a long time, experience and space.

People who are mainly attracted by the appearance and originality of this Laïka they must therefore carefully consider whether their living conditions and character really fit this breed. If in the end you are still convinced that the West Siberian Laika is the correct breed, You must prepare well for the purchase of the new "family member". Not only are you doing yourself a favor, but above all the dog, because this Laïka He demands all the attention of his handler and does not tolerate a change of owner very well..

Although the West Siberian Laika he is a very robust dog, you need not only a healthy diet but also proper care to stay healthy and vital. Its hard and soft top layer repels dirt and water well, but you still need to brush regularly (about twice a week). During the change of coat, you Laïka should be brushed daily to remove dead hair and strands. In general, owners of this dog breed should not be bothered by dog ​​hair in the house, because although the West Siberian Laika he is basically a very clean dog, lose a lot of hair, that spreads across the sofa, the carpet and the floor. In addition to the toilet, the claws should be regularly shortened and the ears, teeth and feet should be checked and cleaned.

Keeping

Regarding the attention, the time required can be manageable, but the use of a Laïka alone takes a lot of time (free). Who chooses a West Siberian Laika should therefore not have to work full time. This human-oriented working dog is not cut out for long periods of solitude. As an original hunting dog needs a lot of career, an appropriate task and lots of contact with your reference person. A hatchery in a small town flat is, therefore, as unsuitable as a kennel. The Siberian breed dog feels more comfortable in a house with a large fenced garden, where you can be close to your humans at all times.

No dog for beginners

Also for the education of this Laïka a close relationship between dog and human is a basic requirement. If your dog trusts you, can trust your competence and sovereignty as “pack leader” and is assured of your closeness and love, will follow you willingly – despite its original roots as an independent hunting dog. But in order to reliably fulfill the role of a competent leader of the pack, technical knowledge is required, consistency and strength of character. The West Siberian Laika certainly not a beginner dog.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "West Siberian Laika" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Laïka 6

Laïka 5

Laïka 4

Laïka 3

Laïka 2

Laïka 1

Photos:

1 – «Laika de Siberia Occidental» by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Siberian_Laika.jpg
2 – «Laika de Siberia Occidental» by ecured
3 – Riga, Baltic Winner -2013, 9-10 Nov by Thomas / CC BY-SA
4 – Riga, Baltic Winner -2013, 9-10 Nov by Thomas / CC BY-SA
5 – First-generation (F1) wolf-dog hybrid from Wildlife Park Kadzidlowo, Poland (photos: A. Krzywinski) by Maris Hindrikson et al / CC BY
6 – This is a 4 month old West Siberian Laika female pup. It is at this stage when a WSL pups unique natural hunting instincts become evident by Meribelles at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA

West Siberian Laika (English subtitles)Wild boar hunting in Spain

West Siberian Laika / 99+1 Dog Breeds

WEST SIBERIAN LAIKA: ULTIMATE SMALL GAME HUNTER

Laïka (video not complete ) West Siberian laika .

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group :
• Section : . .

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 5 – Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs. ⓘ

Use:

Variable Utility Hunting Dog.

General appearance:

Medium to medium large dog, substantial with a strong and defined structure. The length of the body, measured from the sill to the buttock is slightly higher than the height measured from the withers to the floor. higher than the height measured from the withers to the floor.

Clearly pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are larger than females and clearly male. Well-developed muscles and strong bones.

PROPIMPORTANT ORTIONS:

The length of the body exceeds its height at the withers by 100 to 103-107%, in males and in 100 to 104-108% in females.

Height at withers exceeds height at croup by 1-2 cm. (males) and is equal to or exceeds the height at the croup in 1 cm. (females). The length of the head considerably exceeds its width.

The length of the muzzle is equal to or slightly less than half the length of the head.

The length of the extremities from floor to elbow slightly exceeds half the height at the withers.

Lively, balanced temperament. A vigorous dog with a well-developed sense of smell to detect prey. A pronounced passion for hunting, alert, sensitive. He is just as enthusiastic about hunting birds as he is hunting wild animals. Confident and alert to strangers.

Head:

• Craging: Elongate, obviously longer than wide. Seen from the front flat or slightly rounded. The nasal bridge is parallel to the top line of the skull. Sagittal crest and occiput well pronounced. The occipital area of ​​the skull is rounded. Superciliary arches slightly developed.
• Dnaso-frontal depression (Stop): Slightly pronounced.

facial region:

• Trufa: Medium size, black. In white dogs a lighter color (Brown) of the truffle is tolerated.
• Horcico: Moderately pointed widening in the mouth area. The length of the muzzle is half or slightly shorter than the
• head length. Seen on side, muzzle is moderately wedge-shaped.
• Labios: Tight.
• Jaws / Teeth: Whites, large, strong, well developed, evenly placed without being overcrowded. Complete dentition according to dental formula (42 teeth), scissor bite.
• Cheeks: Sharp cheek bones.
• Ojors: Not big, Oval shaped, inclined, insert somewhat sunken (more than in the other Laika) with a determined and intelligent expression. The color of the eyes is dark brown or brown according to the color of the hair.
• Obars: erect, high insertion, “V” shape with pointed edges, Mobile. Slightly developed pavilion.

Neck:

Body:

• Línand the top: Firm and solid, slight inclination from the withers to the insertion of the tail.
• Cruz: Well pronounced, especially in males.Back: Strong, straight, well muscled, moderately wide.
• Itmor: Short, moderately wide, well muscled with a slight arch.
• Glikeness: Wide, moderately long, slight incline.
• Pecho: Moderately deep, width (chest reaches elbow level), long, oval-shaped.
• Línand the bottom / belly: Withdrawn; the lower line rises slightly from the chest to the abdominal cavity.

Tail:

Tips

PREVIOUS MEMBERS:

• ApGeneral arience: Seen straight ahead, placement moderately apart and parallel. Its height from the elbow to the floor is slightly higher than the height at the withers.
• Hormbros: Long and well sloped.
• Antarm: Long, placed obliquely, muscle. Good angulation between the scapula and the forearm.
• Elbows: Well on the body, well developed elbow tips set back, parallel to the body axis.
• Brazo: Long, straight, not rough, muscle, oval.
• Metacarpus: Not long, slightly sloping viewed from the side. Dewclaws are unwanted.
• Pinis previous: Oval, arched, fingers well together. Somewhat longer middle fingers.

LATER MEMBERS: Muscular, strong with well defined angulations of all joints. Seen from behind the limbs are straight and parallel.

• Thigh: Moderately long, oblique placement.
• Knee: Well inclined.
• PinScheme: Moderately long, oblique placement, no shorter than thigh.
• Metatarsus: Vertical placement. Seen from the side a perpendicular line from the back of the thigh to the floor should fall just in front of the metatarsus. Dewclaws are unwanted.
• Pinis later: Somewhat smaller than the previous ones. Oval, arched with fingers close together. Somewhat longer middle fingers.

Movement:

Mantle

PIEL: Thick and elastic with no folds or little subcutaneous tissue.

• Plink: Bushy outer hair, hard and straight. Well developed undercoat, soft, thick and woolly. The hair on the head and ears is short and bushy.

The hair on the shoulders and neck is longer than on the body forming a necklace. On the cheekbones it forms lateral whiskers. In males the hair on the withers is longer.

Limbs covered with short hair, hard and bushy that is somewhat longer in the back of the forelimbs. The hair on the back of the hind legs forms pants without having feathers.

There is a protective brush-like hair growth between the fingers. The tail is profusely covered with straight, hard hair that is somewhat longer at the bottom without forming feathers..

• Colorr: Gray with reddish brown, red with reddish brown, grey, red, fawn and reddish brown in all shades. Pure white or particolor, that is to say, white with patches of any of the aforementioned colors similar to the base color.

Size and weight:

Alturto the cross:

• Males: 55 – 62 cm..
• females: 51 – 58 cm..

Fouls:

Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria is considered a fault and its severity is considered to the degree of deviation from the standard and its consequences on the health and well-being of the dog and the dog's ability to perform its traditional task..

• Deviations of sexual dimorphism.
• Slightly nervous or lack of confidence towards strangers
• Absence of pronounced sagittal crest or occiput, roman nose

• Light colored eyes.
• Pale pigmentation of the truffle, lips or eyelid
• Absence of teeth: absence of no more than 4 premolares considering PM1 & PM 2.
• Pincer bite after 6 years of age.
• Low ear insert, soft with a weak bearing, still
• Horizontal Croup, levemente wolves
• Right shoulders, elbows turned in or out
• Chest with flat ribs, slightly sunken chest.
• Flatfoot, open foot.
• Stained (roano) in the same shade as the base color on the head and limb
• Absence of undercoat, absence of collar and side whiskers (except for a natural change)
• Restricted movement.
• Exceeding the maximum height in + 2 cm in females, 2 cm below the minimum in males

FALTAS GRAVES:

• Obvious deviations of sexual dimorphism.
• High excitability.
• Males of female type, male type females.
• Obesity or thinness.
• Abrupt stop, snout with upturned nose, short snout, loose lips.
• Lack of pigmentation in the nose, lips, eyelids.
• Round eyes, horizontal placement, protruding, yellow eyes, loose eyelids
• Absence of teeth, small, separate placement
• Ears spread to the sides of the head, round tips, too big, overdeveloped pavilion.
• Sunken back, back encarpado.
• Long loin, Strait, sunken or arched, over built.
• Sunken chest.
• Tail that is too long or too short or does not touch the back or hips
• Obvious feet this- West, pigeon foot or arched forehead. Low hocks
• Posterior over angled or right, knees turned out, cow hock or narrow on the back.
• Heavy movement, restricted, forced or prim.
• Too long hair on the back of the forelegs, pronounced feather on thigh and tail.
• Wavy, curly, soft or too long, hair parted on the back and on the cross.
• Excessive staining (roano) in the same shade as the base color on the head and limbs.
• Staining of a different color than the base color.
• Black or black and white color.
• Size deviation by more than +/- 2 cm.; height at withers less than height at croup.

FALTAS DISQUALIFYING:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified..
• Wrong bite.
• Twisted mouth.
• Absence of 4 or more teeth, including PM 1 o M3. Incisor excess
• Eyes gazeos, stained eyes.
• Drooping or semi-dropping ears.
• Feathered tail, otter tail, saber-shaped tail, muñón.
• Hair too short or too long.
• Brown genetic hair color, blue genetic, striped, albino.

• Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

1. WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka (English).
2. Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka (French).
3. Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka (German).
4. Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka (Portuguese).
5. Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka (español).