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The West Siberian Laika hails from the Ural mountains and the forested areas of Western Siberia.
Originating from northern Russia, the Laika has been kept by various indigenous peoples as a hunting and sled dog for millennia. Boasting a wild appearance and a brave, lively spirit, Laikas are truly extraordinary canines.
Beneath the Laika moniker lie various Nordic dog breeds. They share many characteristics and typically only differ in the minutest of details. Systematically, they belong to Group 5 “Spitz and Primitive Types” and within that, Section 2 “Nordic Hunting Dogs.”
The FCI, the world’s largest cynological organisation, recognises the following breeds:
There are also additional regional strains only recognised as separate dog breeds by Russian associations, such as the Chukchi Laika, Evenki Laika, and the Nenets Laika or Reindeer Spitz.
The name Laika stems from the Russian word “layat,” meaning “to bark.” So, a Laika is essentially a “Barker” or “Yapper.”
Did You Know? The dog Laika, the first living being in space, wasn’t part of any mentioned breed. Launched into orbit in 1957 as part of the Soviet space program, she was a mixed breed, likely a Husky-Terrier mix.
All Laikas share a primitive appearance, reaching a height at the withers of approx. 53 to 65 centimetres and weighing about 21 to 30 kilograms. The East Siberian Laika is the largest of all officially recognised Laikas, while the Russian-European Laika is the smallest.
These dogs possess coarse, straight top coat with plenty of undercoat, providing excellent protection against the biting cold of their native lands. Fur colours vary from breed to breed.
For example, the Russian-European Laika typically sports a black-and-white coat, while other Laikas may also exhibit shades of grey, brown, red, and fawn.
The Laika’s wolf-like appearance is distinctive. With their wedge-shaped heads, pointed muzzles, erect ears, and bushy, curved ring or sickle tails, they strongly resemble their wild canine cousins.
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Laikas are fearless hunting dogs that can track down game independently, confront it, and alert the hunter with loud barking. They owe their nickname “Barker” to their ability to silently spot wild animals, corral them, and inform their handler with boisterous barking.
As diligent, highly capable hunting dogs, Laikas possess endurance and a strong desire for activity. They form close bonds with their handler, maintaining regular contact throughout the hunt.
A well-exercised dog of this breed group can be calm and gentle at home, usually getting along well with children. However, as a pure companion or family dog, they may not be suitable.
Ideally, this dog should reside in a rural area, in a house with a garden. Their proclivity for barking could become problematic in a city apartment.
Furthermore, these breeds need a lot of exercise.
If not kept for hunting purposes, this energetic creature should be engaged in dog sports like Agility, Treibball, or Obedience. Dog sledding sports are also suitable, considering Laikas are often employed as sled dogs in their Russian homeland.
As search and rescue dogs, these willing-to-work furry pals also perform admirably.
Coat care for a Laika is minimal. Occasionally brushing the fur is typically sufficient, except during shedding periods when it should become a daily routine.
In terms of diet, they are unfussy eaters. It is important to choose a food with a high meat content, as this breed group does not tolerate carbohydrates well. The hunting dog prefers raw meat and meaty bones, making the Barf feeding method suitable.
Laikas are considered robust, resilient dogs with few breed-specific ailments known. Some instances of genetic eye diseases or hip dysplasia have been noted in certain dogs, most notably in the Yakutskaya Laika.
The life expectancy of these Nordic hunters is approximately twelve years.
The history of these creatures goes way back. Since ancient times, native peoples in various regions of Northern Russia have kept these rugged, sturdy working dogs.
Their range extends across Eurasia, from Finland to the Bering Sea.
Classic tasks include hunting large and small game and pulling sledges. They were also, and still are, commonly used as guard dogs.
In 1947, the Soviet Union established breed standards for four breeds: the West Siberian Laika, East Siberian Laika, Russian-European Laika, and Karelo-Finnish Laika.
Their recognition by the FCI followed in 1980. Since 2019, the Yakutian Laika has also been provisionally recognised.
Most strains are difficult to obtain outside of Russia, with the Russian-European Laika being the most widespread.
Prospective buyers should contact a reputable breeder who is a member of an official association.
For a Laika puppy, you can expect to pay at least £1,300.
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Laikas want to fulfill their purpose: running, tracking game, pulling sledges. They prefer to be outdoors and require active, experienced dog owners.
This lively bundle of energy is not suited for beginners.
| Distinctive Features: | Term for several Nordic hunting dog breeds. Independently tracks and barks at game. |
| Character: | Enduring, fearless, intelligent, affectionate |
| Wither Height: | 53–65cm |
| Weight: | 21–30kg |
| Fur: | Thick, with lots of undercoat. Fur colour varies among different breeds, including black-and-white, grey, red, brown, yellow |
| Coat Care: | Low maintenance |
| Exercise Needs: | High – Requires lots of activity and enjoys movement |
| Suitable for Beginners: | No |
| Barking: | Prone to barking |
| Life Expectancy: | 12 years |
| Typical Diseases: | Robust breed, few inherited diseases, occasional hip dysplasia |
| Price: | Starting from £1,300 |
| FCI Group: | 5 “Spitz and Primitive Types” |
| Origin: | Russia |
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