Russo-European LaikaCharacteristics, history, training and care
Russo-European Laika. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Russo-European Laika is a medium-sized Russian hunting spitz from the forests of European Russia, usually black and white. It is an all-round hunting dog. The standard describes it as balanced and calm, with a very well-developed sense of smell and ability to detect game.
Quick facts
| Common name | Russo-European Laika |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Russia |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 3 June 1980 (group 5, Nordic hunting dogs, with working trial; standard no. 304) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 52–58 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 48–54 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Harsh, straight topcoat, thick, woolly undercoat |
| Common colours | Black with white, white with black, black, white |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Balanced, calm, with a very good nose |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Poor with small animals; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says it is a Russian hunting breed from the forests of European Russia. The first mention of northern dogs with pricked ears was published by A. A. Shirinsky-Shikhmatov in the “Album of Northern Sled Dogs – Laika”, in 1895.
In 1947, the descendants of the laikas from Arkhangelsk, Komi, Karelia and other regions were united into a single breed under its present name, and the standard was approved in 1952. Wikipedia says the breeding programme began in 1944, led by E. I. Shereshevsky.
How the breed developed
- 1895 – The first description of northern laikas.
- 1944 – The breeding programme begins, according to Wikipedia.
- 1947 – Several types of laika are united into a single breed.
- 1952 – The breed standard is approved.
- 3 June 1980 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
It is a medium-sized spitz with a lean head, wedge-shaped when seen from above, triangular and longer than it is broad.
General appearance
The topcoat is harsh and straight, and the undercoat is well developed, thick, soft and woolly. On the shoulders and neck the hair is longer and forms a collar, and on the cheekbones it forms whiskers.
| Feature | Russo-European Laika |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 52–58 cm; females: 48–54 cm |
| Coat | Harsh, with a thick undercoat |
| Head | Wedge-shaped |
| Colour | Black and white |
| Type | Hunting spitz |
The most typical colours are black with white or white with black. Solid black or solid white also occur.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as balanced and calm, with a very well-developed sense of smell and ability to find game.
Like any laika, it is an independent hunter that needs a patient, consistent owner.
Tips for effective training
- Be patient. It is an independent hunter.
- Practise the recall. On a trail, its instinct may carry it away.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Give it a job. It enjoys search games.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a hardy hunting dog that needs a lot of exercise every day and outings in nature.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in the forest | daily | Stamina |
| Tracking work | several times a week | Very good nose |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It copes very well with cold.
- It is best suited to hunters.
- In summer, give it shade.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The double coat should be brushed once a week, and more often during shedding periods.
Common health problems
No health studies have been published for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any active medium-sized dog, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
Other care
- Check its paws after outings.
- Check for ticks after outings in the woods.
- Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
Diet and nutrition
An active hunting dog needs good-quality food, suited to its workload and to the cold.
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 21 kg | 1,100 kcal | 1,240 kcal | 280–350 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
- 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.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
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 dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Collar and whiskers. The hair forms a collar on the neck and whiskers on the cheeks.
- Several laikas united. In 1947, several types of laika became a single breed.
- An album from 1895. Northern laikas were described in an album from 1895.
- Black and white. The most typical colour is black with white.
- An all-round hunter. It is used for all types of hunting.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
It is an all-round hunting dog.
How big does it get?
Males measure 52–58 cm, females 48–54 cm.
What colours does it come in?
Mainly black with white or white with black.
Is it suited to an apartment?
No. It needs a lot of exercise.
