West Siberian Laika dog. West Siberian Laika: description and characteristics of the breed West Siberian Laika grins at the owner

One of the best hunting dogs is the West Siberian Laika. It has long become a national treasure and enjoys great success not only in Russia but also abroad. When getting a dog of this breed, you need to understand all its advantages, features of maintenance and needs.

The history of breeding Laikas began in Russia long before the advent of Soviet power. The indigenous peoples of the North bred these dogs to hunt animals in the forest and tundra. Furs were highly valued all over the world, so likes were valuable.

However, for a long time no one was professionally engaged in the breed. It was described for the first time only at the end of the 19th century. In 1908, F. F. Krestnikov, who himself was engaged in breeding, identified these dogs as a separate group.

In the USSR, huskies began to be bred in the 30s of the last century. Of the 70 kennels of the Soviet Union, created for breeding breeding hunting dogs, 25 were engaged exclusively in huskies. Thanks to this, the gene pool was preserved during the war.

N. B. Poluzadov supervised the breeding work. By order of Stalin himself, the best producers were selected from the Ural dogs. New standards were approved in 1954 and as a result this breed was ideally suited for hunting, combining high intelligence and wolf hunting instinct.

West Siberian Laikas gained the greatest popularity in the 60s and 70s of the last century. Hunters appreciated the excellent scent of dogs, their intelligence, endurance and loyalty to the owner.

Hundreds of West Siberian Laikas were shown at exhibitions, thousands of puppies were sold abroad. In 1980, the breeds received recognition from the FCI.

Description and characteristics of the breed

West Siberian Laikas are divided into two large groups - Mansi and Khanty. They are slightly different in appearance.

• Mansi dogs are above average height at the withers, with large ears, an elongated head, a pointed muzzle and round eyes.
• Khanty huskies are slightly shorter, stronger, the neck is set like a wolf, the ears are small, the slit of the eyes is oblique.

Recently, many city dwellers have adopted West Siberian Laikas and keep them as companion dogs.

This is not entirely correct, because these dogs live much better in an aviary than in an apartment. They are born hunters.

A characteristic feature of huskies is a sonorous voice. They find an animal in the taiga, and then notify the owner about it. The hunter can be several kilometers away, and all the time while he is walking, the dog must notify him of his location by barking.

West Siberian Laikas are distinguished by their cheerful nature, but they are calmer compared to other Laikas. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of wolves, you can distinguish them from a distance by the tail twisted on the back.

Lifespan of the West Siberian Laika

The life expectancy of the West Siberian Laika is from 10 to 12 years.

She is able to survive in the harshest conditions. The breed does not have hereditary diseases, weak individuals were culled during natural selection. The dog quickly heals wounds received during the hunt, although other animals from them could die.

Purpose and character of the dog

The West Siberian Laika dog breed is closest to the natural, wolf type, it was formed due to centuries of rigorous selection. People selected dogs with excellent hunting qualities, and nature culled weak and sick individuals.

The main purpose of huskies is hunting. They are universal assistants with which they get furs, pursue a large animal - an elk, a wild boar, a bear.

The Khanty-type Laika is suitable for hunting in the harsh cold conditions of the tundra and the Arctic. Long-legged huskies are good for chasing animals in the dense taiga. Dogs have upper and lower instincts, they can lead the beast on the trail, call the owner with the help of sonorous barking. Some dogs are capable of diving to help hunt wild waterfowl. The wild hunting instinct of the wolf is surprisingly combined with friendliness to people and devotion to the owner.

Breed standard and puppy selection

Outwardly, the dog looks like a wolf, it is often used in feature films to depict this beast. If it were not for the tail twisted into a donut, the correspondence turned out to be complete.

Description of the West Siberian Laika breed and standard requirements:

• height - up to 60 cm;
• weight - up to 22 kg;
• the head is wedge-shaped from above;
• the muzzle is sharp and long;
• smooth transition from forehead to muzzle;
• nose black or brown;
• high set ears;
• deep-set brown eyes with an oblique slit;
• the coat is hard, with a thick undercoat;
• the tail is bent into a ring to one side or on the back.

The coat color is zoned gray, white, black, brown or red with white spots. While hunting, the dog runs at a trot or gallop.

Puppies are born blind and deaf, their ears open on the 7th day, and animals begin to see on the 10th or 12th day. Small puppies have a dark coat from birth, and then it brightens. The final color in dogs is established by 8 months.

You need to choose a puppy that is small, three months old, so that he gets used to the new owner, learns to understand. It is difficult to make a mistake, almost all purebred representatives of the breed have good health, good working qualities and a friendly character. You need to ask the breeder if they have been vaccinated, ask for documents about the health of the puppy's parents.

The animal is well adapted to cold winters and hot summers, needs a lot of work and freedom of movement, so it is better to keep it in an aviary. If necessary, the dog adapts to a city apartment, but will actively express dissatisfaction if you do not walk with it in the morning and evening for at least 1 hour.

The dog sheds profusely twice a year. At this time, it must be combed out daily with a special comb or slicker. Often you should not bathe your pet, because of the thick undercoat, the dog dries for a long time.

The physiology of the husky is close to the wolf, so it requires special nutrition. It is advisable to give daily raw meat, frozen in the freezer.

In addition to meat, they give boiled cereals, vegetables, cottage cheese or dry food. During the hunt, the dog can go without food for a long time due to its efficient metabolism, and after the end of the work it quickly restores strength if it is fed.

Training and education Laika

Laika has an independent character, but is always devoted to only one owner. With a dog up to a year, it is advisable to go to the forest once a week or even more often.

This breed is unique in that it no longer needs training, like service dogs, but education. During forest walks, the dog is taught to distinguish commands using gestures and voice.

She must understand the direction - right and left. The dog has a natural hunting instinct. While walking, she looks for mice, looks at the trees. The task of the owner is to develop hunting qualities by training the husky for himself, depending on what kind of game he goes to.

Pros and cons of the breed

Laika is hard to imagine without hunting animals in the forest. She is ideally suited for this - an independent character, strength and endurance, seething energy and a sharp scent were inherited from her ancestors. It is impossible not to admire how beautiful and energetic this dog is, however, it is worth weighing the pros and cons of the West Siberian Laika before buying.

The main advantages include the following qualities:

• lack of aggression towards a person;
• energy and indefatigability;
• quick wits;
• ability to hard and exhausting work for several days;
• quick adaptability to any living conditions;
• goodwill to all family members, children and adults;
• devotion to the owner;
• balance of character;
• activity;
• complaisance;
• unpretentiousness in food;
• quick assimilation of the commands necessary for hunting;
• excellent vision, hearing, flair, developed hunting instinct and good orientation in space.

If you want to get a dog, you need to take into account the peculiarities of its behavior. The independence of character, characteristic of all hunting breeds, cannot be broken with the help of cruel treatment. It makes no sense to mechanically memorize commands day by day, likes quickly grasp everything and perform only what they see the point in.

Laikas, like other dog breeds, have their drawbacks:

1. They shed heavily. The coat is thick, and during shedding it takes a lot of time to comb out dead hairs, there are so many of them that you can make yarn and knit socks.
2. During the hunt, the dog is threatened by injuries, infection with fleas, ticks, helminths. It is necessary to carry out preventive treatments of wool, at least twice a year to do deworming. Annual rabies vaccinations are mandatory, as wild animals often carry this terrible virus.
3. Huskies can lose teeth due to the development of plaque and calculus. The veterinary doctor does a cleaning once a year or independently carry out the procedure with a special toothpaste for animals with a taste of the liver and treat the oral cavity with a special spray.

The love for hunting is in the blood of the West Siberian Laika, you should not turn this dog into a decorative animal for exhibitions or a sofa pet. Only in pursuit of the beast along the forest paths will she be able to feel her dog's happiness.

The West Siberian Laika (ZSL) is a breed of hunting dog that was bred in the USSR. Such dogs are born hunters, they are distinguished by endurance, versatility, and quickly adapt to any climatic conditions. Their task is to chase the beast and make it clear to the hunter by voice where the prey is. The West Siberian Laika is considered the pride and national treasure of Russia. It is also quite popular all over the world.

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Origin

The ancestors of the West Siberian Laika are the Zyryansky, Khanty and Mansi Laikas, which were bred by these peoples. In the climatic conditions of Siberia and the Urals, the character of dogs was formed. Only the strongest dogs survived. As a result of further breeding, the breeders decided to keep only the Khanty and Mansi types.

The first species was distinguished by a stockier body, a broad head and a shortened muzzle, while the second was characterized by a lean body and an elongated muzzle. Such diversity did not harm the breed, but gave breeders scope for work to improve it. In 1925, a congress of cynologists was held, at which the standard of the Laika breed was described for the first time.

Such dogs became more and more popular every year, as with their help a person obtained furs, which were valued on the world market. A large number of professional kennels were created throughout the country, which were engaged in breeding hunting dogs. During the Great Patriotic War, they transported cargo and blew up enemy tanks.

In 1952yearstandard was approvedbreeds. Thanks to active breeding in professional nurseries, by 1970 the final formation of the breed took place. In 1980The International Cynological Association has officially recognized the West Siberian Laika.

The main purpose of dogs of this breed is hunting. The pet is suitable for working with any game. He can chase large ungulates, track down a predatory animal, and is considered the best bear hunter. The dog finds small game (sable, marten, squirrel) and does not allow it to run away. Helps during the hunt for waterfowl, looking for and raising it on the wing for a shot.

Description

The West Siberian Laika is a medium-sized dog with a strong build. She has strong bones and developed muscles.

The male is easy to distinguish from the female: males are much larger and more powerful than females.

Description of the breed is presented in the table:

Options	Characteristic
Growth	Males at the withers - 55-62 cm, females - 51-58 cm
The weight	16–22 kg
Head	In the form of a wedge, dry, proportional to the body. Elongated skull, occiput prominently prominent. The occipital part is rounded
Nose	Small, black nose
Muzzle	Its length is slightly less than the cranial part
Lips	Fit tight and dry. There are no wings
cheekbones	Fairly underdeveloped
Jaws	Scissor bite, lower jaw tightly overlapping upper
Teeth	strong, white
Eyes	Oval, small in size, brown in color, deep set, set obliquely
Ears	Erect, pointed tips, set high
Back	Straight, strong, muscular, not too broad
Small of the back	Short, slightly convex
Breast	Wide and long, oval
Stomach	toned
Tail	Twisted into a tight ring, tilted to the side or on the back
limbs	straight, parallel
Leather	Dense, subcutaneous tissue is poorly expressed, there are no folds and sagging
Wool	Thick, rough to the touch, with a soft undercoat. On the ears and head it is short, on the neck and shoulders it is much longer, forming a collar. On the back side of the hind limbs forms "trousers"
Color	Fawn, red, gray, zoned-red, zoned-gray, reddish-brown of various shades, pure white or two-tone (spots of the above colors are located on a white background)



West Siberian Laika

Many people confuse the West Siberian Laika with the East Siberian Laika, as these breeds are quite similar. The main difference is the color."Easterners" have a solid black or black and tan color, and in the "Westerners" this is a serious vice.

The breeds can also be distinguished by the shape of the ears: in the East Siberian Laika, the ends are slightly rounded, while in the West Siberian Laika they are sharp.



East Siberian Laika



Character

West Siberian Laika - smart and loyaldog. He loves his owner and his family members. It is extremely active, so it should be started by a hunter or a person leading a sports lifestyle. In the process of training, the pet is able to show character and stubbornness, but with the right upbringing, it grows up as a true friend and an excellent assistant.

Laika is energetic and hardy, quickly orienting itself on the terrain. Friendly with other pets with which he lives. However, on the street it can chase someone else's cat as prey. Shows no aggression towards strangers.

During the hunt, the husky from a good-natured pet turns into a vicious and ruthless animal, but only in relation to the beast. The dog clings to the prey and holds it until it receives a command from the owner to release it.

Laika has a balanced psyche and loves children very much. The dog prefers to be near a person, so it is not recommended to put him on a chain. He can hardly tolerate loneliness or lack of communication.

Advantages and disadvantages of the West Siberian Laika:



Choosing a puppy

Before you buy a husky puppy, you need to decide for what purposes it will be used. If a dog is needed for hunting, it is best to purchase a baby from the same avid hunters or in a specialized nursery. In this case, the breeder will provide all the necessary information about the puppy's parents, a pedigree and a document with all vaccinations made according to age.

You should carefully examine the pet. A healthy baby is active, curious, has a good appetite and plays a lot. The optimal age for acquiring a dog is 1.5-2 months. You should not take an adult dog, since a husky is attached to one owner from early childhood and will not be perceived as a leader by another.

Education and training

Raising a puppy begins with the fact that he is taught the right attitude to prohibitions. Since the dog has a freedom-loving disposition, the sooner she learns to obey the owner, the better. Having outlined prohibitions once, in the future you should never deviate from them, otherwise the owner will lose his authority in the eyes of the pet.

Laika, at the level of instinct, takes a small dog or cat for game and begins to pursue it. To avoid this, the puppy should be brought up from early childhood in such a way that he has a clear idea of ​​​​the area in which to hunt and where to live peacefully.

The nuances of dog training:

• before teaching a dog professional training, he must know the basic commands - “fetch”, “next”, “lie down”, “stand”;
• when the puppy's milk teeth are replaced, its moral maturity is established and they begin to train the game and the beast;
• they begin to teach them to hunt a certain animal only after the dog knows the basic commands perfectly and can quickly find the thrown object and bring it to the owner;
• the pet should be taught not to react to unnecessary noise and distractions during the hunt.

During training, you can not use physical force with respect to the husky or shout at her. A dog of this breed is independent and freedom-loving, so it can hold a grudge.

Features of hunting with a dog

The West Siberian Laika is used for hunting almost any animal. Most often it is taken to hunt for squirrel, badger, mink, ferret and hare, less often - for game birds and large animals (bear, wild boar).

The main goal of the dog is to find the beast and bark to inform the owner about it. If the dog is trained correctly, he can drive the beast with his voice or silently.

In the case of game birds, the husky will look for the duck and, as soon as it gets closer to it, it will lift it on the wing, under the hunter's shot. The bear and the wild boar are usually pursued by voice, trying to wear down the beast and drive it into a corner before the owner arrives.

The West Siberian Laika can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house, but it is forbidden to put it on a chain. A place for a pet is arranged away from drafts and heating appliances.

The animal has a huge supply of energy that it needs to splash out, so it is necessary to walk with a husky often and for a long time. Typically, daily walks should last 4-5 hours.

Laika care has some features:

Part of the body	Procedures
Wool	Comb out once a week with a comb or wire brush. During molting, do this daily using a furminator or slicker. They rarely wash the dog - only in case of severe contamination of the coat or before the show
claws	Trim with a nail cutter once a month
Eyes	Checked regularly. Small gray lumps in the corners of the eyes are allowed. They are removed with a soft cloth dipped in chamomile decoction.
Ears	Checked daily. If the ear is healthy, it is pink. There should be no unpleasant odor and excess sulfur. To remove wax and dust from the inside of the ear, wipe it with a damp cloth.
Paws	Wipe after each walk with a damp cloth and inspect the pads for injuries and wounds

Feeding

The diet of the West Siberian Laika should be balanced and contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Dogs of this breed are not picky about food and have a good appetite, but due to improper feeding and an inactive lifestyle, they can begin to gain weight.

A puppy up to two months of age is fed 6 times a day, and by the year they gradually switch to two meals a day.

The ration of likes should consist of the following products:

• lean meat - beef, chicken, rabbit, lamb;
• offal;
• sea ​​fish, from which all bones are removed;
• vegetables - cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin, carrots;
• chicken and quail eggs;
• fermented milk products - natural yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese;
• buckwheat, rice

It is recommended to add 1 tsp to a serving of food daily. vegetable oil. The pet needs two bowls - for food and water. The water tank must be freely accessible. Food is given at room temperature. Feed the dog only after a walk.

Products that are banned:

• pork;
• cakes, sweets, pastries, chocolate;
• River fish;
• nuts, grapes, raisins;
• smoked meats;
• pasta;
• potatoes, beans;
• garlic, onion.

Diseases and vaccinations

The West Siberian Laika does not have hereditary diseases that are characteristic of thoroughbred dogs. Most dogs get injured while hunting. The appearance of other ailments is associated with improper maintenance and care. Most often, these are infectious diseases, from which the pet is protected by vaccinations.

Vaccination is extremely important for hunting dogs, as they are constantly in contact with wild animals.

Instill a like against:

• plagues of carnivores;
• rabies;
• leptospirosis;
• parainfluenza;
• infectious hepatitis;
• parvovirus enteritis.

The first vaccination is given to a puppy at the age of 8–9 weeks, and repeated a month later. After that, animals are vaccinated once a year.

The average life expectancy of the West Siberian Laika is 10–12 years.

The appearance of a wild wolf, and inside the wild instinct of a hunter - this is exactly what the West Siberian Laika is. In this article, we will talk about it in more detail.

The West Siberian Laika is one of the most intelligent and noble hunting breeds. This breed of dog is highly valued and respected among hunters. The West Siberian Laika is one of those breeds that practically did not mix with others, but was bred by natural selection. In this case, the human task was not to change the appearance and character of the huskies, but to consolidate its unique hunting qualities and appearance.

The first description testifies that the Siberian husky's long-time ancestors were the most diverse types of huskies, which were then bred by the local residents of the Urals and Siberia. The West Siberian Laika has formed its qualities in the severe harsh climate of Siberia. By natural selection, the toughest and strongest dogs survived. In addition, there was also the human factor. People did not allow weak and unsuitable huskies to reproduce offspring. At this time, the first standard of the Siberian Laika breed and its description began to take shape.

Initially, dogs were classified according to the nationality where they were most popular. There were more than 10 varieties of dogs. Each dog with a unique appearance. A single breed standard has been approved for several decades. The only breed standard was finally approved in 1952.

Characteristics of the breed

West Siberian Laikas are dogs with a powerful physique, strong skeleton and well-developed muscles. Animals move at a trot and gallop alternately. Average height 58-60 cm, weight 23-28 kg. Owner reviews say that the best breed of hunting dogs cannot be found. They are distinguished by a stable psyche and wonderful endurance.

It is these dogs that can chase the beast for several hours in a row without rest. It is difficult to find other such dogs when it comes to finding and chasing a wild animal. In addition to excellent hunting qualities, they have a friendly character, they are very companionable dogs and true friends.

Appearance and standard

The single standard of the West Siberian Laika: dogs of medium height, have a strong physique, a well-developed muscular corset and a strong skeleton. These are very energetic dogs. The head looks like a triangle. The muzzle is long, the skull is wide. The West Siberian Laika is a dog with charming almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes.

The breed standard calls for brown eyes only. The ears are upright, resembling triangles. The standard does not allow hanging or other shaped ears. The chest is strong and wide. The limbs are strong and sinewy. The tail of the dog in a calm state is thrown over the back or side.

The coat is soft, dense, relatively short, with a dense undercoat. The neck is adorned with a thick wool collar. Color is completely different.

Most popular shades:

• gray with white;
• ginger;
• gray-red;
• white.
  The breed standard does not include black and white.

Varieties

Laika is divided into several subspecies:

• Russian-European;
• East Siberian;
• West Siberian Laika;
• Yakut;
• Karelian bear;
• Karelian-Finnish;
• Norwegian;
• Finnish spitz.

Character

The dog has a friendly and positive character. This is a very kind and moderately cunning dog. This is perhaps the best description of this dog. Sometimes the kindness of a husky is so powerful. It seems that she is the owner and knows what is best to do. Cunning and even a little cunning, these qualities are exclusively designed for hunting.

At home, it is a family pet and companion. Pets with great joy enter into games and fun with children, if necessary, they will always stand in defense of a human cub. Education is based on respect and mutual understanding with the owner.

With proper care, a dog adapts to the conditions of life in a house and in an apartment in exactly the same way. But do not forget that the roots of this breed are wolf. And their natural habitat is nature. This is the basis of education and training.

The animal has a very strong hunting instinct. And if she doesn’t have the opportunity to hunt, her neighbor’s pet can become her subject. Animals have a unique ability to act simultaneously as hunters, guards, protectors and man's best friends.

Conditions for keeping

An ideal option for keeping an animal is a warm booth or aviary. It also happens that it is not possible to keep a pet in such conditions. Living in an apartment is also a good option, subject to proper care and constant walks. Then the upbringing and training of the dog should be more carefully organized.

Owner reviews say that dogs get along well in apartment conditions, their upbringing is at the highest level. Provided that in the life of a dog there is proper training and reasonable education.

The main success of good health and longevity of the animal lies in its activity. And this means that walks should be long and frequent. Be sure to take a leash with you, this dog is very freedom-loving and will not miss the moment to run and even bark from the heart. Walks should take at least 4-5 hours a day.

The owner of the dog, who lives in the apartment, will literally have to devote himself to the pet. Another great feature of Siberian huskies is their easy adaptation to any climate. Training should start at an early age, and be based only on respect and love for the dog.

Care

Caring for this animal will not require much effort from you. Particular attention should be paid to wool, especially during molting. This is the difference between the care of huskies in apartment conditions and at home. In order for hair care to be correct and timely, you will need a hard comb and an antistatic comb.

It is recommended to comb your pet 2 times a week and every day during the molting period. It is better to bathe the pet as it gets dirty, so as not to harm the coat. You can not use shampoos for human, it can be bad for both the coat of huskies and health. Do not forget about regular walks in the fresh air. Be sure to watch your friend's diet. This is a mandatory standard for a comfortable stay for a dog.

Optimal Diet

The diet, as well as caring for it, requires you to be responsible and regular. Siberian huskies eat little and are unpretentious in nutrition. Puppies of the West Siberian Laika eat 4-5 times a day, adult dogs need to be fed 2 times. Make sure that the portion of food always remains average. Avoid overeating as this can be bad for your pet's health.

What should be the diet of Siberian huskies? Hunting huskies need meat. It should be more than 50% of the diet. It is better to choose beef or lamb. The meat should be boiled or scalded with boiling water.

Vegetables - a whole source of vital vitamins must be included in the menu. It is not necessary to give raw vegetables, add them to the meat. Dairy products must be present in the diet of huskies.

Regardless of the type of feeding, you need to buy a vitamin complex that will make up for all the missing vitamins and minerals. Near the bowl of food should always be only clean water.

• sweets;
• smoked products;
• hot spices and herbs;
• chocolate.

Such products spoil the health of the dog, lead to various diseases and disorders. And shorten the life of your pet. The average life expectancy of the Siberian Husky is 12-14 years. Sometimes reviews of attentive owners testified to the age of more than 15 years.

What to feed a puppy? Caring for and feeding a puppy is no less a responsible task. Up to 2 months, Siberian Laika puppies are fed only milk. The ideal option is mother's milk. When the puppy is one and a half months old, food or dry food is gradually introduced into his diet. It depends on the power system.

Video "Amazing Animal"

This video will talk about the West Siberian Laika, the channel is My Planet.

West Siberian Laika (English West Siberian Laika, WSL) is a breed of Russian hunting dogs related to Spitz. These dogs are universal hunters, but most often they specialize in large game.

Although the exact origin of the Spitz is unknown, it is believed that all dogs of this type hail from the Arctic regions. Genetic studies have shown that they are closest in genome to the wolf and are one of the most ancient breed groups.

They probably appeared as a result of crossing ancient dogs and wolves, and natural selection created many different breeds that have survived to this day.

The West Siberian Laika is a versatile, bold, intelligent hunting dog. It is used for specialized hunting, unlike other huskies (for example, the Russian-European husky).

The West Siberian Laika is trained for one type of game, which is why it was able to survive and become one of the most popular hunting dogs in Russia.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, it was extremely important to get the animal with the most valuable fur and that the dog was focused only on it and did not react to other animals. The money received from the extraction of one sable could support a family for six months.

Accordingly, the well-being of the hunter and his family depended on whether the dog was concentrated on prey or not.

The first West Siberian Laikas originated from the selective crossing of Mansi and Khanty Laikas. These huskies won the hearts of Russian hunters with their beauty, strength, endurance and working qualities. Dogs that could work on any animal were excluded from breeding.

Versatility, together with the ability to specialize in work on one animal and excellent hunting qualities, made the ZSL a unique breed. Versatility means that it is able to selectively work on fur-bearing animals, upland and waterfowl, ungulates. However, most often it is used when hunting a large animal, a wild boar, a bear, an elk.

Industrialization and deforestation led to the fact that the demand for huskies fell significantly in the second half of the 20th century. If in the 19th century experts counted dozens of types of aboriginal huskies, then their number decreased significantly.

Each type of Laika was associated with different tribal groups living in Siberia and northern Russia. Breeders tried to keep some of the Laikas by transporting them to central Russia and trying to keep the breed purebred.

After World War II, four breeds of Laikas were formed: Karelian-Finnish Laika, West Siberian Laika and East Siberian Laika. All of them are descendants of aboriginal huskies, selectively selected from vast territories and concentrated in four breeds for breeding in nurseries.

Description

Initial selective breeding from the Khanty and Mansi Laikas resulted in the Western European Laika inheriting features from both lines. Males at the withers 58-65 cm, females 52-60 cm, dog weight 16-22 kg.

The coat is double, with a straight and harsh guard hair and a thick, soft undercoat. Around the neck and shoulders, the outer hair is especially hard and long, forming a collar. Tail with long and straight outer hair, but without dewlap.

The most common colors are: white, gray, red, sable. With white color, a brown nose is acceptable.

Character

The West Siberian Laika is predominantly a hunting dog. Those who are thinking about acquiring such a dog should understand its psychology, that this is a hunting Spitz.

This is an emotional dog that is not only extremely affectionate and devoted to its owner, but very observant, knows its owner's habits, moods and can often anticipate his owner's intentions.

These dogs do not like to be locked in an apartment or a cramped yard, it causes them stress and they may bark incessantly. If possible, the husky will try to undermine the fence or jump over it. This dog needs a lot of activity and freedom, he is not made for life on a chain or in an aviary.

West Siberian Laikas protect their owner, his family and property. If guests come, then she meets them with barking and calms down only when the owner appears. However, she remains wary, does not allow herself to be stroked and watches them. This attitude may vary, depending on the situation, the mood of the owner and the dog, but is rarely hospitable.

If a husky meets with another dog, it can start a fight, since it does not belong to its pack. They don't fight for fun or kill, they fight to establish hierarchy within the pack.

Fights between familiar likes can take place for a favorite toy, food, place. This is a good fighter, but not a killer, and attempts to make a fighting dog out of a husky will not be successful.

Laika is used to ignoring large domestic animals: goats, horses, pigs. However, small animals such as cats or rabbits give her a hunting instinct.

She can be trained to respond to them, but it all depends on the upbringing and character of the dog. Although training gives good results, everything can change if the dog is in an unknown situation for him.

By nature, the West Siberian Laika is a born hunter. However, her instinct is quite specific and she hunts for the sake of hunting, and not for the sake of killing an animal.

Care

Since this husky has a double coat, with a coarse guard hair and a thick undercoat, it is necessary to take time to care for it.

They usually shed twice a year, but dogs living in warm climates may shed evenly throughout the year.

On ordinary days, it can be combed once a week, during molting it is better to do this every other day or daily.

Health

The West Siberian Laika is one of the healthiest dogs on the planet. There are currently no known genetic diseases specific to the breed. Like all purebred dogs, she is sick, but fatal diseases are rare.

Most West Siberian Laika girls go into heat once a year, usually in February or March. For some, it is not tied to a particular season. The first estrus can be between one and two and a half years old.

Experts do not advise knitting before two years of age. The number of puppies in a litter is from one to nine, but usually 3-7. Bitches of the West Siberian Laika are good mothers, and, if conditions permit, they dig holes for themselves, give birth to puppies and raise them without human help, sometimes foraging themselves.

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Hunting breed of dogs of the forest belt of the Urals, Western and Central Siberia. She is a born hunter and shows excellent results in hunting wild animals: marten, squirrel, sable, arctic fox, mink, wild boar, roe deer, elk, bear, upland game: black grouse, capercaillie, hazel grouse and waterfowl. The task of the husky is to follow the beast, and give the hunter a signal with his voice where the prey is. This breed with the appearance of a wolf is hardy, versatile, has excellent working qualities and is able to adapt to any climatic conditions.

ZSL is the pride and national treasure of Russia, as it is one of the few indigenous breeds bred in the USSR. The blood of the Khanty, Mansi and Zyryan Laikas, who lived with these peoples, flows in the veins of modern ZSL. The breeders did not set a goal to change the appearance of the dog, but on the contrary, they only strengthened its natural hunting instincts. Each species had its own characteristics, and in further breeding it was decided to keep the Khanty and Mansi types, which are recognizable in modern West Siberian Laikas.

Since its ancestors accompanied hunters, shepherds and nomads everywhere, WSLs were bred under the harsh conditions of natural selection. Only the strongest individuals that benefited people survived. The “loafers” were eliminated, because in those days no one was fed for nothing. If the West Siberian Laika was not useful, did not hunt, did not pull a team with goods, no one needed it.

The modern West Siberian Laika is able to quickly restore strength, easily digests food, and tolerates malnutrition more easily than others. Thick coat allows ZSL to easily adapt to severe frosts and snow, it tolerates high humidity and wind well.

The breed is quite young, since it was bred in the 20s of the XX century. Its first standard was adopted in 1949. In 1952, an amendment was made that is still in effect today.

In 1980, the West Siberian Laika was recognized by the International Canine Association.

Description of the breed and characteristics of the West Siberian Laika

1. Country of origin: Russia.
2. Usage: general purpose hunting breed.
3. FCI classification: Group 5. Spitz and primitive types of dogs; Section 2 Northern hunting dogs. With performance tests.
4. Important proportions of the West Siberian Laika:

• The ratio of the length of the body to the height at the withers in males is 100/103-107; bitches 100/104-108.
• The height at the withers in males exceeds the height at the sacrum by 1-2 cm, in females the height at the withers is equal to the height at the sacrum or exceeds by 1 cm.
• The length of the head considerably exceeds the width of the head.
• The length of the muzzle is equal to or slightly less than half the length of the head.
• The length of the forelegs from the ground to the elbows is slightly more than half the height at the withers.

Photo West Siberian Laika outdoors in a side stand

• Skull : elongated (longer than wide); seen from the front, flat or slightly rounded. The parietal crest and occiput are well defined. The occipital part of the skull is rounded. Superciliary ridges are poorly developed.
• The bridge of the nose is parallel to the top line of the skull.
• Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle): slightly pronounced.

• The color of the eyes of the WSL is dark brown or brown in any color.

In the photo, West Siberian Laikas near the river

• Shoulder blades : Long and laid back.
• Shoulders: sloping, muscular. Good angulations between shoulder blades and humerus.
• Elbows : Close fitting to the body. The elbow joints are well developed and directed strictly backward, parallel to the plane of the body. Should not be turned in or out.
• Forearm : Straight, not coarse, muscular, oval in cross section.
• Pasterns: Not long, seen from the side, slightly sloping.
• Forefeet: Oval, arched, pollen collected in a ball. The middle fingers are slightly longer. Paw pads are elastic.

• Thighs : Moderately long, set obliquely.
• Knees : Well angulated.
• Lower legs: Moderate in size, set obliquely, almost equal to the thighs.
• Metatarsus : set almost vertically. Seen from the side, the perpendicular from the ischial tuberosity to the ground should pass near the front of the metatarsus. Dewclaws on the hindquarters are undesirable.
• Hind feet: slightly smaller than the front. Oval, arched, toes tight. The middle fingers are slightly elongated.

• The limbs are covered with short, harsh, dense hair, which is slightly longer on the back of the forelegs. The hair on the back of the hind legs forms trousers, but without feathering.
• The hair between the fingers (protective hair), hard, like a brush.
• The tail is profusely covered with straight and coarse hair, which is slightly longer on the underside, but without dewlap.

• Weight: 16-22 kg
• Height at withers: Males 55 - 62 cm. Females 51 - 58 cm.

Photo West Siberian Laika - teenagers

Any deviation from the above is considered a fault/defect, and the full severity of the fault/defect must be judged in proportion to its degree of severity, and its impact on health, well-being and the ability to perform its traditional work is also taken into account.

• Mild sexual dimorphism
• Hyperexcitability or aggressive behavior
• Weakly expressed parietal crest and occipital protuberance; hook nose
• Light brown eyes
• Partial depigmentation of the nose, lips and eyelids
• Lack of teeth: no more than 4 premolars missing (from PM1 and PM2 in any combination)
• Straight bite after 6 years
• Low set ears; slightly hanging, with weak cartilage; sedentary
• Horizontal croup; overly sloping croup
• Straightened humeroscapular joints; elbows turned out or in.
• Flat ribs, small chest
• Flat paws, loose paws
• Slight speck on the head and limbs in the same color tone
• Weakly developed undercoat, brushes, muff, sideburns (not in the shedding period)
• Excess height of 2 cm in females. 2 cm below the minimum height for males.

• Excessive excitability
• Males in bitch type, females in male type
• Excessive obesity/thinness
• Sharp stop, upturned nose, short muzzle; saggy lips
• Depigmentation of the nose, lips, eyelids
• The eyes are round; directly set, convex, yellow; insufficiently fitting eyelids
• Lack of teeth, small, sparse teeth
• Ears set on the sides of the head; rounded at the ends; excessively large; with protruding urine
• Sagging or hunchbacked back
• The loin is long; narrow; straight, humped or sunken
• small chest
• Tail too long or too short or not touching the back
• Feet turned inward or outward; clubfoot or twisted front. Failed pasterns
• Excessively pronounced or straightened angles of the hind limbs; twisted knees; cow or goat hindquarters
• heavy, limited movements; stilted or unnatural gait
• Significantly elongated hair on the back of the forelegs, pronounced dewlap on the hind limbs and tail
• Wavy, curly, soft or too long coat; elongated coat with collapse at the withers, back
• Significant speckling (roan) of the same shade as the main color on the head and limbs, speckling on the body
• Speck of a different color than the main color
• Black or black and white color
• Deviation from the standard height by more than 2 cm in either direction; height at withers less than height at croup

• Aggressiveness or cowardice
• Any West Siberian Laika clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities will be disqualified.
• Malocclusion
• Jaw distortion
• 4 or more missing teeth, including PM1 or M3. Extra incisors
• Cloudy cornea, eye color with patches of a different color
• hanging ears; semi-erect ears
• The tail is in the form of a sultan, a rod or a saber tail; stubby
• Shorthair or longhair
• Color genetic brown; genetic blue; brindle or albinism.

Note: Males should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

West Siberian Laika color

• zoned gray
• zone red
• Grey
• Ginger
• Pale yellow
• Reddish-brown of all shades
• Pure white or bicolor (piebald), that is, white with patches of any of the above colors.
• With white color, a brown nose is acceptable.

West Siberian Laika character

By nature, the West Siberian Laika is a brave, loyal, intelligent and friendly breed. She adores the owner and all members of the family in which she lives. This active cheerful dog needs an experienced owner-hunter or a person leading a sporty and active lifestyle.

It is common for the West Siberian Laika to show character and stubbornness during training, but with early and proper upbringing, an excellent helper and faithful friend will grow out of it. Like a true born hunter, the ZSL is hardy, energetic, courageous and has an excellent orientation to the terrain.

He gets along well with other pets (dogs, cats), especially if he grows up with them. But on the street, a strange cat is more likely a prey for her, so stop any attempts to chase cats or small dogs during walks the first time.

The West Siberian Laika never shows aggression towards people, but on the hunt, in the forest, it completely changes its good-natured appearance. In relation to the beast, she is vicious and ruthless. She is able to cling to the prey, and hold until the last breath, until the owner gives the command to let go.

Photo ZSL - three kids

One of the most important moments in the upbringing of the West Siberian Laika is communication with people. If the pet is not deprived of the attention of the owners during the apartment maintenance, since you are obliged to educate and walk with it at least 2 times a day. But the huskies kept in the aviary are alone and idle all day long (which is unacceptable when keeping lycoid dogs). The owner is simply obliged to regularly take aviary dogs to the forest for hunting or in the field, to give them the opportunity to run and release energy.

Experienced hunters know better than anyone how important mutual understanding in hunting is for both the owner and the dog. The pet must unquestioningly obey the commands of the owner, and understand the owner - the leader of the pack, he gets the beast, the dog is an assistant, a tool, she just directs the prey to the leader.

The West Siberian Laika can be seen more and more often in the city as a companion and pet, but the active breed needs energy, physical and mental stress. If you are not a hunter, of course, you can engage in various dog sports with your pet: canicross, bikejoring, but all these sports are designed for CEC (North Sled Dogs), and the West Siberian Laika is a hunter, and this cannot be taken away from her.

The upbringing of the West Siberian Laika begins from the first day of its appearance in your home. He must understand that the owner is the leader of the pack and unquestioningly carry out commands, that is, obey. Laika cannot be brought up with rudeness, they are very touchy. Only affection and proper upbringing will help you grow a reliable companion with a healthy psyche.

Photo West Siberian Laika female with offspring

• Bitches are more calm, obedient, more attached to the owner and the house, good fur and bird hunters, neat and calm. They are obedient, rarely show character during training, while hunting they work close to the owner, cally, but do not tolerate rough treatment. They have loud voices.
• Males are stronger, more enduring, more aggressive towards the beast, viscous for prey, better suited for hunting wild boar, elk or bear. But the tendencies to show character, stubbornness, often run away. The voice is not as sonorous as that of bitches, respectively, they are worse heard at a long distance.

Care of the West Siberian Laika of medium complexity. Laika has a northern-type coat with a hard outer hair and a dense soft undercoat, sheds. Shedding is seasonal, plentiful. When kept in an apartment with dry and warm air (especially during the heating period), shedding will be constant, and the coat will be less fluffy and dense.

But if you notice excessive hair loss, bald spots, reddening of the skin, a rash or peeling, be sure to reconsider the diet of the husky, perhaps some foods cause an allergic reaction, or there is a shortage of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for skin health and coat shine.

Photo West Siberian Laika in the snow

Combing: 1-2 times a week with a metal brush or comb to remove dead hair and dust. During the molting period (especially in spring), the West Siberian Laika must be combed out every day with a slicker brush or furminator.

Bathe rarely, as needed or before a show. In summer, the West Siberian Laika enjoys swimming in open water bodies, and in winter she cleans her hair, swinging in the snow.

Trim nails once a month with a nail cutter for large breeds.

Laika's eyes should be checked regularly. If the eyes are clean, shiny, without tear ducts, they should not be touched. Small gray lumps at the corners of the eyes are acceptable as the West Siberian Laika is active and the eyes are thus cleared of dust. They are easily removed with a soft dry cloth or chamomile soaked in a decoction.

Inspect the ears every day to notice inflammation in time. A healthy ear of a pleasant pink color without excess sulfur and an unpleasant odor. Wipe the inside of the ear with a damp cotton pad to remove dust and wax.

Paws after walks are wiped with a damp towel or washed with warm water. After walking in the woods, and especially after hunting, always inspect the paws for wounds, cracks and other injuries. Treat the wounds with an antiseptic, and to prevent the appearance of cracks, especially in winter, rub vegetable oil (linseed, olive, sea buckthorn, etc.) into the paw pads and be sure to include it in the diet 1 tsp. in a day.

Ticks and fleas of the West Siberian Laika

Symptoms of piroplasmosis (babesiosis) in dogs:

• High body temperature (above 39 degrees)
• Refusal to eat, drink
• Apathy
• Red-brown urine
• Does not rise on hind legs
• Yellow whites of the eyes

If you notice these symptoms, immediately seek help from a veterinarian, as huskies will need medical treatment.

Deworming: huskies are wormed 4 times a year.

Photo Siberian Laika outdoors in summer, how to care for a pet

Keeping a West Siberian Laika in an apartment

The place in the house is carefully thought out and prepared in advance. When kept in an apartment, place a sunbed in a cozy corner so that the West Siberian Laika feels safe and does not spin under the feet of the household. On the aisle, in a place where there are drafts or near heating radiators, do not place a lounger. Place a bowl of water next to the sunbed and lay a diaper for the toilet (you can put a rubber-based car mat under it). As soon as you bring the baby home, put him on a diaper, after the road he will probably want to go to the toilet, if he does his dog business, be sure to praise him, and then put him in a sunbed and command “Place”.

If you are going to lock your pet in a cage during your absence (in order to protect the apartment from being destroyed), you should teach it from an early age, and even better from the first day of its appearance in your house, so that it perceives it as a house. Lay a sunbed inside, put a bowl of water and, of course, a diaper for the toilet.

Keeping a West Siberian Laika in an aviary

This will save you from wool and constant cleaning in the house, in addition, life on the street keeps the husky healthy and allows you to better adapt to different climatic conditions. The coat of huskies living on the street is more magnificent and more beautiful than that of individuals kept in apartment conditions. The aviary is made spacious, with a roof, part of the platform is covered with wooden boards, and part can be left with the ground so that the husky can dig it. The booth should correspond to the size of an adult West Siberian Laika, a bowl of clean water is placed next to it.

Choose toys for baby huskies from thick rubber, squeaker balls, ducks, chickens, rope toys. Do not allow children to pull the cords too hard with the puppy during the game, so as not to damage the bite and teeth of the baby. Don't use a wooden stick as a toy and don't let your dog chew on it. A puppy can swallow chips, and this is fraught with problems with utilities. After 6 months of age, the puppy is given tendon toys.

Walk at least 2-3 times a day. Walk in the city on a leash (can be long to ensure freedom of movement). It is impossible to go without a leash in the city, because huskies are able to run away, attracted by different smells and hunting instinct. In addition, West Siberian Laikas are true hunters who love to "disguise themselves". They are able to smear themselves in all sorts of filth, whether it be garbage, animal excrement, rotten product or dead meat. They do this not from maliciousness, but simply so that the game does not smell them on the hunt.

Provide active and long walks with elements of training. Laika should not be bored, otherwise she will destroy your house from an excess of energy.

Nutrition of the West Siberian Laika

The nutrition of the West Siberian Laika is selected as balanced and nutritious, with a complex of vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth. The West Siberian Laika is not picky about food and has a good appetite. But with improper nutrition and an inactive lifestyle, it is prone to obesity.

With natural feeding, the main foods are those containing protein: meat (ideally raw), sea fish, dairy products, eggs.

Photo West Siberian Laika - kids are waiting for dinner

Number of feeding puppy ZSL:

• up to 2 months the puppy is fed - 6 times a day
• from 2 to 4 months - 5 times a day
• from 4 to 6 months - 4 times
• from 6 to 9 months -3 times
• from 9 months and an adult husky is fed - 2 times a day

Healthy foods:

• Lean meat - beef, lamb, horse meat, turkey, rabbit, chicken (raw, scalded with boiling water or boiled) cut into small pieces for puppies.
• Offal (tripe, heart, lungs, liver, heart, etc.), but they should not completely replace a serving of meat (no more than 15% of the meat part of the diet). Offal boil or scald with boiling water in order to avoid infection with worms.
• Poultry offal (innards, heads, necks, etc.)
• Beef ears and noses can be given as a treat
• Sea fish without bones (boiled) 2 times a week
• greens, lettuce,
• Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber) add raw or stewed to meat
• Quail eggs 1-2 times a week
• Chicken eggs (boiled soft-boiled, steamed omelet)
• Dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, natural yogurt)
• Cereals (rice, buckwheat)
• Apples
• Rusks made from rye or gray bread
• 1 tsp vegetable oil per day - linseed, sea buckthorn, (add to serving)

Prohibited Products:

• Fat meat
• Chocolate
• Bakery products
• Smoked meats
• Sweets, cakes
• Raisins, grapes
• Nuts (peanuts, macadamia)
• Tubular bones of birds (injure the intestines)
• river fish
• Onion garlic
• Spices
• Legumes
• Pasta
• Potato (not digestible)
• Pickles, marinades

The West Siberian Laika will need two bowls for food and water. A bowl of clean water should be freely available. Water is changed 2 times a day. A bowl of food is placed only at the time of eating. A portion should be eaten in a crawl within 20 minutes, if she refuses to eat, we hide the food until the next feeding. The food is fresh, at room temperature (not hot and not cold). Always wash bowls with hot water. The West Siberian Laika is fed only after a walk.

In addition to fermented milk products, it is useful for ZSL puppies to give calcined curd.

How to cook calcined cottage cheese for a puppy

1. 2 tablespoons of 10% calcium chloride (sold in a pharmacy) add to 0.5 liters of boiling milk.
2. Stir until curdled.
3. Throw the curdled cottage cheese on gauze or a fine sieve so that the whey is glass.
4. Give the cooled cottage cheese to the puppy.
5. It tastes less sour, and dogs usually eat it with gusto. Whey can be added to porridge.

Diseases of the West Siberian Laika

Photo West Siberian Laika with a deep look

P.S.: Unfortunately, vaccination does not work against bear or wild boar attacks.

With a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight, it can have problems with the joints.