Karelian-Finnish hunting Laika (Karelka)

The distinctive Karelian-Finnish Laika, also referred to as "Karelka," is a hunting dog breed with strong instincts and a long history in Finland and Russia. This brave and spirited dog was initially bred to hunt small game like squirrels and birds, but it has since grown to be a cherished friend for both hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Renowned for their keen senses, particularly their keen sense of hearing and smell, Karelkas are extremely useful in the wild. They have a hunting heritage, but they are also amiable and devoted animals that build close relationships with their owners.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika is a compact but robust outdoor dog that thrives in harsh environments, including cold climates. They are dependable companions for anyone who enjoys being outside because of their thick double coat, which shields them from inclement weather.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Karelia and Finland
Size	Medium-sized dog, around 45-55 cm tall
Weight	Usually weighs between 12-20 kg
Temperament	Active, loyal, and independent
Coat	Thick, double-layered, typically reddish-brown
Purpose	Primarily used for hunting small and large game
Life Expectancy	12-14 years

Breed characteristics

Brief description
Origin:	USSR, Finland
Keeping conditions:	Apartment, house with a garden
Purpose:	Hunting dog, companion dog
Color:	Red-red, golden-red
Coat length:	Long (5-8 cm)
Adult dog size:	Females are 42-45 cm tall, males are 47-50 cm tall, males weigh approximately 12-13 kg, females weigh 7-10 kg
Average life expectancy:	12-15 years
Walking:	Required (2 times a day)
Exercise requirements:	High exercise requirements (regular or daily training for more than 3 hours a day)
Classification of the International Cynological Federations (FCI):	Group 5: Spitz and primitive breeds; Section 2: Northern hunting dogs
Price of a puppy:	From 5,000 to 70,000 rubles. Without a genealogy-5000-15000 rubles, Petrakhok-30,000 rubles, Brid Class-45,000 rubles, show class-60,000-70000 rubles

History of the origin of the species

Disputes about the breed"s affiliation to a specific country have not ended since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The fact is that initially the breed belonged entirely to Finland and was called the Finnish Spitz, but after the country joined the Russian Empire, patronage over the dogs was disputed. At the moment, the standard indicates only one affiliation – Finnish. Fiery-red dogs were first discovered and described by the French traveler Pierre la Martinard in 1675. According to the assumption, these ancient dogs were bred by the Suomi tribes. After this event, there are no mentions of this breed until 1880, when hunters Hugo Roos and Hugo Zanberg acquired two Laikas for themselves and began developing the breed.

Only hunters who were interested in capturing birds and furs kept such pets. People bred their own dogs, so as to avoid competition, breed lines were different between houses. The Laika were taken for yard dogs by the nobility, who failed to recognize them. However, the Finnish Spitz breed was acknowledged by the Finnish Kennel Club in 1892.

Since Finland had been part of the Russian Empire since 1809, the question of the dogs" ownership did indeed arise. In 1895, the Russian Prince Sharinsky-Shikhmatov described the red-and-orange Laika in his "Album of Northern Dogs". He admired their intelligence and hunting instincts. It was after this event that the KFL ceased to be a pet for the "servants". At the beginning of the 20th century, when the first Laika shows began to be organized, Soviet and British cynologists became interested in the breed. In 1927, Sir Edward Chikester brought Finnish Spitz to Britain, where the breed was registered in 1935. Laikas arrived in the USA closer to the 1950s. Russian cynologists were active selection work to improve the breed. Various tests were carried out, mainly on squirrel hunting. The main breeding centers are Moscow and Leningrad, where the individuals remained after the separation of Finland. Initially, the Finnish Spitz and the Karelo-Finnish Laika did differ in exterior and working abilities, but closer to 1970 they became almost identical.

Although the FCI standard does not distinguish between the breeds, it has recognized a distinct Russian population of Karelo-Finnish Laikas since 2006.

Distinctive features

• Head quite wide between the ears and narrows towards the occipital part. Convex when viewed from the front. The furrow on the forehead is small and short. Stop is weakly expressed. The width and depth of the skull are equal. The back of the head and superciliary arches are outlined.
• Muzzle quite long, relates to the length of the head as 3:4. Quite narrow (tapers towards the nose), the bridge of the nose is straight. The lower jaw is clearly visible. Cheekbones are outlined, but not particularly stand out. Jaws are strong, bite type "Scissors" (upper teeth fit tightly and overlap the lower ones). Lips are thin, not jowled, pigmented in black.
• Nose small, round, pure black.
• Eyes medium in size and almond-shaped, the inner corners are lower than the outer ones, which creates a slanted look. The color of the iris is mainly black or dark brown.
• Ears set high, standing firmly. Triangular in shape (wide at the base). Medium in size.
• Body dry, square format. Back is not long, straight, loin is short, croup is sloping of medium width. Withers are clearly defined. Chest is not very wide, but deep enough (to the middle of the elbows). Belly is tucked up. Neck is short, wide, covered with thick hair.
• Tail long, curled into a ring, lowered to the loin. The coat is long and fluffy.
• Limbs straight, parallel, strong, medium length. Hind with well-developed muscles. Paws cat-like, oval with tight toes and hard black pads. Movement is light, galloping.
• Coat long, fluffy, stands straight, does not part into parts. On the hips it forms trousers, on the neck there is a collar.
• Color bright red or golden red, light areas on the chest, ears, on the back of the limbs, under the tail and on the stomach.

Photo of an adult dog

Photo of puppies

Characteristics and behavior

There are conflicting opinions about the Karelian-Finnish Laika. While some breeders believe these dogs to be simply perfect, others are certain they are foolish and obnoxious. Many rely in one way or another on their upbringing and training.

According to standard characteristics, Finnish Spitz are intelligent, intelligent, and have excellent hunting instincts, but they can be very wayward and stubborn. Such a breed can be demanding to raise, even for seasoned dog breeders, so it is not advised for novices.

Advantages

1. KFL is a working breed that was created for hunting. Representatives have all the necessary qualities: endurance, efficiency, keen sense of smell, hearing, loud voice. They can decide for themselves what to do and chase game without the owner"s orders.
2. Good-natured, playful and cheerful. They like to spend time with the owner and family. They treat children well, especially if they live with them from birth. They do not hate their own kind. They often repeat the behavior of household members.
3. They have an extraordinary intellect. They know their own worth, they will not be sycophants, especially towards strangers. They are wary of people, they can become good guards.

Disadvantages

• The breed is really difficult. Spitz are stubborn, willful, freedom-loving. They have their own daily routine and life, which may not coincide with the rhythms of the household at all. They will not become chained dogs, they really need space and personal space.
• Cunning, they use their intellect against a person. They will not show tenderness and love, although they are quite devoted. They do not like training, but with proper upbringing, you can achieve unquestioning execution of commands.
• Vindictive, relate to people as they relate to them. Do not like small animals and take them for game. Prefer equal relationships, do not accept patronage of themselves, will strive to take a leading position in the house.

Incredibly gregarious, prone to damaging items, including furniture, and they won’t apologize for their actions.

Care and content

The ideal home for a karelki would be a country house with a garden because they are carefree and accustomed to living in both rooms and on the street. However, they do require privacy and independence. Likes can withstand drafts and frosts well because of their cover, but the heat can be harmful at times. The dog needs access to water at all times so she can cool off and get tipsy.

Prior to purchasing a puppy, you must furnish the booth or house; purchase a bed, toys, brushes, and other necessities for the dog.

• Ears and eyes need to be examined every day, if there is discharge or redness, you should contact a veterinarian.
• Teeth brush 1 time per week, claws are cut 1 time per month.
• Karelians need to be regularly treated for fleas, ticks and worms.

Nutrition

The secret to a robust skeleton and gorgeous fur in the KFL is high-quality, appropriate nutrition. Selecting a menu that is natural is preferable. While the breeder has the option to use dry food, in this instance, only premium class—ideally holistic—must be purchased (grain-free). Low-quality supplements harm the dog’s liver and erode the stomach walls.

Natural nutrition must include fats, complex carbohydrates, and proteins (which make up 50% of a daily diet). All of this can be found in:

1. Meat (chicken, beef, turkey, rabbit; raw and boiled are possible);
2. Sea fish (only boiled and boneless);
3. Vegetables and fruits (raw and cooked);
4. Cereals, grains, porridges (30% of the diet);
5. Eggs and dairy products (2 times a week).

It’s important to keep in mind the vitamin complex, particularly when your puppy is young. The dog may not get all the nutrients it needs from its diet, such as calcium, fluorine, and other essentials.

It is not possible to combine dry food with natural food to prevent upset stomach and diarrhea in your pet. There should always be access to clean water. Bowls should be cleaned with hot water and no detergent after every meal.

• Portions should be standard, the volume depends on the pet"s physical activity.
• Adult shepherds are fed 2 times a day, puppies – from 3 to 4 times.
• Food should not be cold or hot, medium in liquid.

Health

The Karelian-Finnish Laika breed originated on its own, independently. These dogs have excellent immunity because natural selection wiped out all the weak individuals. Although there aren’t many breed-specific illnesses, there is a considerable chance of contracting an infectious disease, particularly if the recommended vaccination schedule isn’t followed. Huskies live 12 to 15 years on average.

Vaccinations

A puppy’s vaccinations are a crucial process from the moment of birth. It is essential to build immunity against specific illnesses. Generally speaking, all breeds receive the same vaccinations.

1. The first is a complex (mumps, leptospirosis, enteritis, plague, salmonellosis, flu). It is given to a pet at 1.5 months, then at 2, 7, 12 and annually.
2. The second and very important is vaccination against rabies. It is necessary to vaccinate at 6months and every year after that. Without this drug, you cannot take your pet abroad.
3. Each vaccination is entered into the puppy"s veterinary passport. A specialist is required to paste in the labels from the medicine, put a stamp and date. You cannot vaccinate your pet yourself.

The dog needs to take anthelmintic tablets two weeks prior to vaccination. After that, the puppy cannot be bathed or walked for 14 days. Since that animal contact weakens the immune system, it is crucial to avoid allowing it.

Diseases

Although CFLs are completely painless, members of this breed are susceptible to a number of diseases:

• Hip dysplasia (a hereditary disease that develops with increased physical activity on the hind legs; incurable);
• Epilepsy;
• Joint dislocations (due to excessive activity and lack of calcium);
• Allergies;
• Cataracts.

Walking

For CFLs, an active lifestyle is essential to their happiness and general wellbeing. The dog needs to be walked two or three times a day for two or three hours when kept in a closed space (an apartment, a house without a garden, or an aviary). Regular training is necessary. Your pet needs to be loaded in more ways than one.

Laikas excel at hunting; if such walks cannot be arranged, you can take the dog into the forest, where it will demonstrate its abilities on its own. To help them develop their mental faculties, they should be given tasks like object searches and training commands.

Puppy Karelians are lively and inquisitive. They require continual supervision; keep an eye on their antics and activities. Recall that a husky is not a dog that is kept in a chain. They are not fit for life "on a leash."

Coat care

The stunning, thick coat of Karelian-Finnish huskies can be a sign of several different illnesses.

• Shedding is seasonal, but year-round when kept in an apartment.
• The dog needs to be combed at least 2-3 times a week with a thick brush with long teeth.
• It is recommended to bathe with special shampoos no more than 2 times a year, however, in case of heavy contamination, you can rinse with clean running water.
• Be sure to wash the dog with a hose or tap after taking "baths" in ponds.
• After walks, wipe the paws with a damp towel.

The Finnish-Karelian hunt The Laika, sometimes referred to as the Karelka, is a devoted and active canine breed that excels at hunting, especially in forested areas. In addition to being amiable and loyal to its owners, this small but tough breed is highly prized for its tracking skills, which include tracking everything from squirrels to larger game like elk. Karelkas are the perfect companion for seasoned dog owners who lead active lifestyles because they are independent, intelligent, and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Mating

Information regarding the mating habits of the Finnish Spitz is comparable to that of other breeds. By 1.5–2 years of age, cables reach full maturity; females reach this age at 18 months. The 15–20th day of estrus is when mating should happen. Prior to mating, keep the following in mind:

• it is necessary to walk the individuals together in a free area, if the act happens during a walk, the dogs must not be disturbed;
• after this, the bitch is taken to the male so that he can feel comfortable;
• during the process itself, pets need help (hold, put on, put pillows).

It’s important to confirm that both dogs are in good health, have received all vaccinations, and adhere to the rules before mating. You can invite an expert to help you resolve the problem and learn how to care for your pets properly.

Key points in training

Because of the KFL’s complex nature and extreme difficulty in controlling its temperament, not everyone is suited for education and training. Such a dog is best left to a professional or seasoned hunter. The owner needs to be firm and strict in order to get the husky to start obeying. But the secret to a happy, long-lasting relationship with your pet is respect. Karelian will not put up with insults or impolite behavior.

In three to four months, the puppy should be familiar with its daily schedule, nickname, and fundamental behavioral guidelines. After receiving the second vaccination, socialization can start. This is crucial so that the dog develops emotional self-control and respect for people and other animals.

The Finnish Spitz is a hunting dog that needs to be trained as such. You have two options for doing this: hiring an expert, or doing it on your own with the aid of instruction. Karelian is not a circus dog, and neither will it take part in agility or show programs.

See the article "Puppy training: effective methods from dog handlers, teach commands at home" for information on how to properly train a dog.

A remarkable breed, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is prized for its intelligence, loyalty, and outstanding hunting skills. An experienced owner who is aware of the active and independent nature of this breed would be ideal for this dog. It is a useful companion for hunters because of its capacity to function in difficult environments, particularly in northern areas.

In addition to its affinity for hunting, the Laika is renowned for its close family ties. This breed can make a kind and protective pet with the right training and socialization, especially in households where the dog’s energy is directed toward constructive pursuits.

A Karelian-Finnish Laika is an active dog that needs purpose, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking about getting one. For this special and talented breed, giving it enough exercise, mental stimulation, and a task to do is essential to a happy and well-balanced life.

Video on the topic

Boar hunting with a Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Karelian Laikas

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