East Siberian Laika
Overview
The East Siberian Laika is a Russian breed of dog which belongs to the Spitz family. Spitz's are characterized by long, thick fur, and pointed ears and muzzles. The East Siberian Laika retains many characteristics of their close ancestor, the wolf. The East Siberian Laika is the largest of the four Russian Laika breeds. They were traditionally used as a hunting dog but can also be used as a sledding dog.
Temperament
The East Siberian Laika is friendly towards humans and can make excellent family dogs. They are loyal and protective. Given they were originally developed for hunting, they can be a strong-willed and independent breed. They have a strong prey drive which can be problematic for local wildlife and is something prospective owners should consider when choosing this breed.
Given their hunting background, the East Siberian Laika can be very protective and territorial, which means they can be aggressive towards other animals. Therefore, more time needs to be dedicated to training and socializing them from an early age. However, overall, the East Siberian Laika is a gentle and doting dog that forms strong bonds with the members of its household.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the East Siberian Laika is a very energetic dog requiring lots of exercises. They have exceptional endurance and will require long, vigorous walks where they are able to run off-leash. However, given their high prey drive, it is important that this is done in a safe environment away from livestock. The East Siberian Laika is best suited to a home where a large, enclosed yard is available for them to stretch their legs.
Training
The East Siberian Laika is an intelligent breed and can be easily trained. However, they require firm, confident trainers given their dominant and stubborn tendencies. The dog is particularly receptive to positive reinforcement training methods. Given the dog’s intelligence, it is important to avoid unnecessary repetition but to remain consistent throughout their training.
Shedding & Grooming
The East Siberian Laika is a breed that sheds fur frequently in addition to heavy shedding seasonally. The East Siberian Laika has a thick double coat like all other Spitz-type dogs. The double coat consists of a harsh, non-wiry, medium-length outer coat and a soft undercoat. Consequently, they require regular brushing, which will increase in frequency during their seasonal shed. The fur on their feet will also need to be regularly trimmed.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the East Siberian Laika is 12-15 years, which is a typical length for a breed that size. The East Siberian Laika is a relatively healthy breed that is susceptible to very few illnesses.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | # |
| Origin: | Russia |
| Breed Group: | Hound Northern Breed (UKC) |
| Size: | Large |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 12-15 years |
| Temperament: | Aggressive Even Tempered Fearless Loyal Protective |
| Height: | Male: 22–26 inches (55–66 cm) Female: 20–24 inches (51–60 cm) |
| Weight: | 45-55 pounds (20-24 kg) |
| Colors: | Black Brown Grey White |
| Litter Size: | 3-5 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $800 - $1000 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlie | Lucy |
| 2 | Bentley | Roxy |
| 3 | Buster | Gracie |
| 4 | Zeus | Sasha |
| 5 | Henry | Pepper |
| 6 | Sammy | Layla |
| 7 | Jasper | Olive |
| 8 | Beau | Roxie |
| 9 | Rusty | Angel |
| 10 | Shadow | Callie |
| 11 | Simba | Phoebe |
| 12 | Boomer | Minnie |
| 13 | Prince | Fiona |
| 14 | Chester | Madison |
| 15 | Kobe | Grace |