East Siberian LaikaCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the East Siberian Laika is one of the main hunting breeds of the taiga and mountains of Central and Eastern Siberia. It was formed from the descendants of the Tungus, Yakut, Baikal and Amur laikas. The first description of the Amur laika, on which the standard was based, dates from the beginning of the 20th century.

Wikipedia says that before the 1940s there were several local laikas in eastern Siberia, used for sledding, hunting and herding reindeer. In the Soviet era these types were grouped by region, and in 1947 the East Siberian Laika was given breed status.

How the breed developed

• Early 20th century – The first description of the Amur laika appears.
• 1947 – The East Siberian Laika is given breed status.
• 1949 – The provisional standard is published.
• 1980–1981 – The FCI recognises the breed and the final standard is approved.
• 1988 – The Soviet post office issues a stamp featuring the East Siberian Laika.
• 13 October 2010 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“balanced temperament, friendly and trusting with people”) and the Wikipedia description.

The standard describes it as a medium to large, strong and compact dog with solid bone. Wikipedia says it is almost square and slightly higher at the withers than at the croup.

General appearance

The head is strong and wedge-shaped. The oval, slanting eyes are brown, with a friendly expression. The erect, V-shaped ears are very mobile. The tail is curled or carried in a sickle over the back.

The most typical colours are black and tan, black, black and white, white, and white with patches. Wikipedia also mentions grey, red and brown in many shades. Genetic brown, blue, brindle and albinism disqualify.

The standard describes a dog with a stable, balanced temperament, a very good nose and a strong passion for hunting, especially big game. When hunting it is very independent, but with people it is friendly, gentle and trusting.

As it is independent, it needs patience in training and an owner who understands hunting dogs. Recall must be practised a lot.

Tips for effective training

• Practise recall. When hunting it works very independently.
• Be patient. It is a primitive dog that thinks for itself.
• Watch out with small animals. It has a strong hunting instinct.
• Give it work to do. It is happy when hunting or pulling a sled.

Wikipedia says it is very well adapted to hard work in the harsh conditions of the Siberian mountain taiga. It needs a lot of exercise every day and plenty of space.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is not suitable for a flat.
• It copes very well with cold.
• In summer, give it shade and water: its coat is thick.

Coat and skin care

The double coat should be brushed once a week, and daily during the moult, to remove the dead undercoat.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any large, active dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check its paws after outings on rough ground.
• Check for ticks after hunting.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

A very active hunting dog needs a lot of energy during the season. The portion should match its actual weight and daily activity.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Increase the portion on days of hunting or pulling.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It hunts bears too. It is used on game ranging from squirrels and sables to elk and bears.
• Several types. Wikipedia mentions the Evenk and Irkutsk types, as well as Yakutia, Amur and Tofolar.
• It can pull a sled. It is also used as a sled dog.
• On a Soviet stamp. In 1988, the Soviet post office issued a stamp featuring the East Siberian Laika.
• Valued in Scandinavia too. The standard says the breed is also appreciated there.

The 1988 Soviet stamp

In 1988, the Soviet post office issued a stamp dedicated to the East Siberian Laika, with the name of the breed written on it. Wikipedia uses a Soviet stamp to illustrate the breed.

What does the East Siberian Laika hunt?

Everything from squirrels, sables and capercaillies to elk, bears and wild boar.

How big does it get?

Males measure 57–64 cm and females 53–60 cm at the withers.

Is it friendly with people?

Yes. The standard describes it as friendly, gentle and trusting with people.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. It needs a lot of space and plenty of exercise.