West Siberian Laïka
Zapadno-Laïka
The West Siberian Laïka is a hunting dog of the spitz type that was originally developed to hunt game birds and small prey such as squirrels. They can also be used to hunt large prey such as deer and boar, and are occasionally used to pull sledges. Today their specialty is pursuing valuable sable and ermine. They are one of three Russian Laïkas (or 'barkers'), the other two being the Russo-European and East Siberian Laïkas. At one time a fourth Laïka was recognized, the Karelo-Finnish Laïka, but this breed was merged with the Finnish Spitz in 2006 due to having minor differences.
West Siberian Laïka Standards
- FCI (Group 5)
- UKC (Northern)
- 21-24"
- 40-50 lbs
- medium to large-sized spitz
- triangular, prick ears
- tail is tightly curled and carried over back
- coat is medium length, straight and coarse
- black
- grey
- red
- salt and pepper
- white
History of the West Siberian Laïka
Descending from spitz-like aboriginal dogs kept by native tribes, the West Siberian Laïka comes from the Ural Mountains, specifically the Khantu and Mansi regions. This is the most common of the three Laïkas.
Related Breeds: