East Siberian Laika

The East Siberian Laika is a unique breed distinguished by its close ties to its hunting heritage. This breed of dog originated in the Siberian steppes and was bred to help hunters locate and capture game. The East Siberian Laika, beloved by outdoor enthusiasts, is a versatile dog that excels in a variety of terrains thanks to its extraordinary stamina and keen sense of smell.

These dogs make devoted companions in addition to being expert hunters. They thrive on social interaction and regular exercise, which makes them well-suited to family life. They also have a friendly disposition and are intelligent. With their human families, East Siberian Laikas develop close relationships and frequently show affection and humor.

You will learn about the special qualities, maintenance requirements, and ways that the East Siberian Laika can enhance your life as a working dog and a cherished pet as you delve deeper into their breed. The East Siberian Laika has many amazing qualities that are sure to impress, whether you’re thinking about bringing one into your home or you’re just curious to learn more about this fascinating breed.

Breed	East Siberian Laika
Origin	Russia
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Thick and double
Color	Various, including white, gray, and brown
Temperament	Energetic, loyal, and intelligent
Exercise Needs	High; requires regular activity
Grooming	Moderate; regular brushing needed
Training	Responsive, but needs consistency

Characteristics of the breed

In Eastern Siberia and the Far East, East Siberian Laika, or VSL, was widely used. For this reason, the term "Far Eastern Laika" is also used. These dogs can replace a setter or hound because they are naturally good hunters and adaptable in the workplace. They can easily follow a trail and have excellent hearing, vision, and a keen sense of smell. They have been used for a very long time to hunt birds, bears, seals, fur animals, and other animals, totaling about thirty species.

Huskies were also used by the locals to carry water, firewood, and equipment. They can pull sleds and boats. Despite not being at all aggressive toward people, these dogs protect their home and domain. Laikas have been kept as companions recently; they are highly athletic and active, and they enjoy going on walks, jogging, and cycling with their owner.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	East Siberian Laika
Country	USSR
FCF classification	Spitz and primitive breeds
Use	Hunting, sled dog, companion
Life expectancy	12-15 years
Height	53-64 cm
Weight	18-23 kg

Pros

Hunters are familiar with East Siberian Laikas, and they are becoming more and more popular as companions. Owner reviews claim that they have a host of benefits.

• have a balanced psyche;
• sociable, cheerful, playful;
• friendly, welcoming;
• loyal, faithful to one owner;
• hardy, hard-working, agile;
• clean, self-cleaning coat;
• have robust health.

Cons

The East Siberian Laika, like other hunting breeds, is not suited for city living. Without hunting, she grows extremely bored and feels uncomfortable in small spaces. These dogs also have a number of additional drawbacks:

• they cannot stand loneliness;
• they like to bark loudly;
• shed a lot;
• cannot be a guard;
• are prone to dominance;
• can run away;
• need active long walks.

Differences from other northern hunting dogs

Given their many similarities, it can be challenging for a non-specialist to distinguish between the various varieties of Northern Laikas. The East Siberian Laika and the West Siberian Laika are the most similar of the Russian Laikas. The primary distinction is that it is somewhat bigger and heavier. Its ears are positioned at eye level, and its coat comes in a wider range of colors—black and white are both acceptable. The tips of the ears may also be rounded.

Characteristically, the VSL is different from the West Siberian Laikas. They are less inclined to dominate and more amiable and people-focused.

The images show the distinctions between the East Siberian Laika and other Laika breeds:

The adaptable and clever East Siberian Laika is renowned for its prowess in the field of hunting and its close relationship with people. These dogs, who are native to Siberia, do a variety of jobs well, including companionship and herding, and they thrive in cold environments. Their high energy needs necessitate regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their friendly and devoted nature makes them great family pets. The East Siberian Laika is a unique breed that enjoys socializing and being active, whether they are in the field or at home.

History of the origin of the East Siberian Laika breed

Scholars surmise that the Evenki hunting Laikas are the breed’s progenitor. These dogs may have descended from the Baikal, Primorsky, or Yakut Laikas; there are relationships to other species. However, the breed’s formation happened independently. The strongest, healthiest, and most resilient individuals were chosen by breeders.

In the latter half of the 19th century, researchers first described Laikas and decided to categorize them into breeds based on the territorial principle. Four breeds of Laikas were identified in the 1940s by Russian cynologists based on their analysis of the variations in color and physique: Russian-European, Karelian-Finnish, East and West Siberian.

Although a standard was created, breeding efforts persisted. Particularly well-known were the Irkutsk and Leningrad Kennels; these Laikas were also widely distributed throughout Moscow, the Smolensk and Tver areas. The FCI recognized the breed in 1981 along with the approval of the final standard.

The breed was close to going extinct in the 1990s, with many kennels closing. Although it is currently undergoing restoration, its fame has diminished. The Scandinavian nations and Russia are the primary markets for these Laikas.

Appearance

The medium-sized East Siberian Laika is an exquisite canine. It is well-proportioned, with a robust and well-developed skeleton and a small, nearly square-shaped or slightly elongated body. Males exhibit sexual dimorphism; they can reach heights of 64 cm and weigh approximately 25 kg, while females typically reach heights of 60 cm and weigh up to 20 kg.

Head

The head is large and wedge-shaped, with a flat forehead and a wide, rounded skull. The stop is smooth and the occipital protuberance is well defined. The nose bridge is smooth, and the muzzle is elongated rather than pointed. Large, open nostrils and a black coloration characterize the nose lobe; in dogs with light coloring, the color may be brown. The jaws are strong, the teeth are big and robust, and the cheekbones are flat. Tight and thin lips.

Ears are high, at eye level, erect, and mobile. Shaped like a triangle, the tips can be rounded or pointed. Small, oval, and slightly slanted eyes. You can have light or dark brown iris color. Glance is perceptive, amiable, joyous, and wise.

Body

The body is powerful and muscular. The neck is medium in length, robust and thick, and has high withers. Wide and straight in back, with a sloping topline toward the croup. Wide croup and a slightly convex loin.

The belly is somewhat tucked in, the chest is oval, and the depth is to the elbows or lower. The tail is fluffy, long, and set high. remained semicircular in shape, with tip resting on thigh.

Limbs

Legs are powerful, strong, and quite long. Elbows are pointing backwards, forelegs parallel and straight. a hind with broad, muscular thighs, long shins, and distinct joint angles. Compared to the front ones, they appear a little shorter.

The toes are gathered, the paws are round and compact. There are tufts of wool between them to act as protection. Free motion is accompanied by a strong push from the hind legs. The dog can run at a gallop or a trot.

Wool and colors

The dog’s thick, double-layered coat keeps it dry in the water and shields it from the Siberian cold. The guard’s hair is stiff and straight. Denser and softer is the undercoat. The medium-length coat has a rich collar around the neck, a shorter length on the head and ears, and a fluffy tail.

The VSL’s color can vary; it can be speckled on the limbs or monochromatic with spots. Typically, colors in any shade of white, black, gray, and red are found. Common hues include fawn, zonal, black and tan, and black and white.

Disqualifying faults

The 1981 standard must be followed in terms of the VSL’s appearance. The following negative factors may result in a dog being taken out of breeding and exhibition programs:

• deviation from growth norms by more than 2 cm;
• incomplete pigmentation of the earlobe, lips;
• light eyes;
• pointed muzzle;
• hump on the bridge of the nose;
• dewclaws;
• straight tail;
• sagging back.

Character traits

These dogs are characterised by versatility. They work hard, are energetic, and have a great desire to hunt. However, they are submissive, loving, and calm at home. They are friendly to everyone, do not act aggressively toward strangers, and readily adopt their owners’ personalities. If raised with a cat, they can even grow accustomed to it, even though they primarily hunt birds and small pets and can be aggressive toward other people’s dogs.

VSLs are loving and caring toward their family members. They get along well with kids and are constantly eager to play. They will never hurt a child’s feelings, and they will always leave if they don’t like something. When a dog works with its owner, it will obey without question. Laikas do not take well to having a new owner because they are very attached to him and will stay faithful to the end of their lives.

Additionally, don’t leave the VSL alone for an extended period of time because they can become very bored and start chewing things and misbehaving around the house. As a result, it is advised to give the pet a wide variety of toys and chew bones when using this keeping technique.

These dogs have a calm demeanor and a kind nature. They are talkative and require someone to talk to all the time. The qualities listed below are apparent:

• loyal;
• fearless;
• purposeful;
• sociable;
• cheerful;
• docile;
• gambling;
• independent;
• smart;
• touchy.

Education and training

VSL are incredibly intelligent and simple to train. Gaining authority over the pet and beginning training as soon as possible are the most important things. Laikas pick up commands quickly if they are taught as games without physical punishment or yelling. Although they will not put up with rudeness, training issues can be avoided if the owner and they can reach a mutual understanding.

It is not advised by cynologists that huskies take a general training course. The simplest commands—"come," "heel," "stand," "place," "no," and so on—will suffice. The puppy gets used to the location, restroom, and nickname right away. It’s also important to practice approaching on a whistle, looking for, and retrieving different objects during class. No command should be given more than three times at a time, or the pet will become bored.

Hunting with a husky

The East Siberian Laika is regarded by many hunters as one of the most valuable hunting dogs. They combine high intelligence, strength, endurance, and universal working qualities. They can work independently and are intelligent and obedient.

Hunters have observed that VSLs can locate trails with ease, track game with focus and enthusiasm, and maneuver through terrain with ease while maintaining sight of their owner. Additionally, they bark loudly to alert others when they spot prey. They trot slowly while searching, then pick up a light gallop.

At five to six months old, training and acclimatization to shooting should begin. Laikas are naturally good hunters, but a lot of traits are inherited. As such, you should research the parents’ genealogy before purchasing a puppy for hunting. They won’t develop into competent hunters if they have only been shown and kept in the house.

It is not advised to keep the VSL in an apartment in the city because it will become bored and possibly ill if it does not have the freedom and space for physical exercise. These Laikas require labor and strenuous walks. They can live outside and sleep in the snow during the severe Siberian winters, but it is preferable to keep them in a private residence.

For the Laika, you must set up a roomy enclosure with an insulated booth. The most important thing is to give it more attention and allow it to roam freely around the site. All you have to remember is that these canines are intelligent and have a tendency to get away—they can burrow tunnels and scale fences.

They do not make a good guard, since they are friendly even to strangers. However, they always alert the owner when someone approaches by barking, and they will boldly run to safety if they feel threatened.

It’s crucial to spend more time in nature and at dog parks if the owner doesn’t hunt. It is advised to practice agility and coursing with the husky. You must walk for at least one to two hours, three times a day. The dog will gladly chase after a ball, a stick, or a bicycle. It will also seek out and retrieve hidden objects. Because of their propensity for escape, dogs of this breed can be allowed off the leash in fenced areas.

Care

The VSL’s thick coat is only combed during the warm season; the winter months are not worth it. It only needs to be brushed two or three times a week, or every day when it’s shedding. Husky shed particularly heavily in the spring; you’ll need different combs and a slicker deck to remove the hair and fluff.

After shedding, it’s advised to take a bath and use only specific shampoo. If the dog gets dirty at other times, you can wipe it down with a damp towel or rinse it under clean water. The coat does not retain dirt; it is capable of self-cleaning. Laikas enjoy swimming in ponds and in the snow during the winter.

Other than that, taking care of the VSL is not hard. You must routinely wash your ears and eyes. Give chewing treats, firm veggies, and beef bones to avoid tartar. Claws naturally grind down; all you have to do is check and trim as needed. In order to prevent dermatitis during the warm season, check the skin every month and treat it with anti-parasite medications. Once the dog has gone hunting or on a nature walk, check it for wounds, ticks, and remove any twigs or debris from its fur.

Nutrition

Laikas can consume both natural and dry food, demonstrating their unpretentious nutritional style. They must be fed twice daily, roughly an hour following walks or other physical exertion. Since these dogs are accustomed to eating "in reserve," which allows them to consume a large amount of food at once, it is important to precisely dose the food. A daily portion of no more than 3% of body weight is recommended. You can give the dog more food, but only by 1%, if it hunts.

Natural food should be fed to VSL, especially if it will be utilized for hunting, according to cynologists. Half of the diet needs to come from animal sources, such as lean meat, offal, seafood, eggs, and cottage cheese. Dogs also receive greens, kefir, fresh and boiled veggies, and porridge. A course of vitamin therapy should be administered with such feedings twice a year.

If the pet’s owner decides to feed it commercial food, you must select ultra-premium brands. They ought to be meant for medium-sized dogs, the more active kinds that are better suited for hunting. These foods have every nutrient required.

Health

VSLs are generally well and seldom get sick. For large dogs, they have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but under the right circumstances, they can live up to 16 years. Poor grooming and diet can contribute to health issues. In addition, a husky may sustain injuries during hunting or develop heart, joint, or eye problems as it ages.

How to buy an East Siberian husky puppy

A puppy should be the only time a husky is purchased. Adult dogs of this breed are monogamous and cannot adjust to having a new owner. Thus, before investing in a puppy of this breed, you should consider your options carefully. It is advisable to get in touch with a kennel; they are easily found in Russia. Additionally, a dog of this breed costs between 15 and 35 thousand rubles. The class of puppies, the parents’ lineage, and the kennel’s reputation all affect the cost.

They start selecting a puppy after meeting the mother and breeder and going over the paperwork. It is advised to focus on the bravest, busiest, and friendliest. The puppy should not exhibit timidity or aggression, stand tall on its own, and eat on its own. Boys are the preferred gender for hunting partners, as girls are not as suitable.

Video about the East Siberian Laika breed

A fascinating video about this breed of dogs:

East Siberian Laika in video. Qualities. Attention.

Dogs that hunt in a video. East Siberian Laikas, Season 2.

Remarkable in breed, the East Siberian Laika is prized for its adaptability and loyalty. These dogs are ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts because they thrive in active environments. Their reputation as exceptional working dogs is partly due to their strong hunting instincts and keen senses.

It can be a rewarding and challenging experience to train an East Siberian Laika. They have a strong sense of independence in addition to being intelligent and eager to please. They learn best from consistent, positive reinforcement that strengthens their bond with their owners.

East Siberian Laikas can make wonderful family pets if given the right attention and socialization. They develop close relationships with their humans and frequently show signs of protection. When given the proper exercise and mental stimulation, this breed’s distinct personality and active temperament make them a pleasure to be around.

Video on the topic

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