East Siberian Laika

Other names: Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika

East Siberian Laika

The largest of the wolfish Laika breeds of Russia is a lean and work-lady type, as are her cousins the Karelo-Finnish Laika, Russo-European Laika, and West Siberian Laika. Informally developed to hunt, to pull a sled, and even as a drover, she has enjoyed more purposed breeding by professionals over the past half-century after her numbers declined dramatically. She is said to have the closest connection, among her cousins, to her wolf heritage, and as such she can be a little hunty and independent and therefore unsuitable for some young families. However, were you to locate one of these rare beasts for adoption, you would likely find her a loyal and serious companion.

Key facts about the East Siberian Laika

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Affectionate Intelligent Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The East Siberian Laika is an exotic mix of Siberian wolf with the Chinese and Japanese spitz-type dogs that passed through the region centuries ago. It wasn’t until 1947 that she was granted her own breed name aside from that of her Laika cousins. Her number dipped as this all-purpose dog lost out in popularity to more specifically-purposed dogs, but efforts were made to build her number, and today her numbers are now safe, if still quite low.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

Section

Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs

Physical characteristics of the East Siberian Laika

    Adult size

    Female : Between 21 and 24 in

    Male : Between 22 and 25 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 44 and 66 lb

    Male : Between 44 and 66 lb

    Coat colour

    Black
    White
    Red

    Type of coat

    Short
    Hard

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    Wolfish with a little less discipline to her look than the more cartoony West Siberian Laika, the Eastie is all the same easy on the eye: her proportionally large, serious head may give the impression of being slimmer than it is due to a wedgy outline that borders on the triangular. Her face is economical, with a short, blunt muzzle, tight lips, and slanting oval eyes. Her ears are erect and V-shaped. Her body is broad but tight, muscular, and poised for action, while the fluffy, sickle-shaped tail of this hunter of the former Soviet Union adds relief.

    Good to know

    The East Siberian Laika is hard to get hold of outside of her native region.

    Temperament

    • 100%

      Affectionate

      The East Siberian Laika will usually be affectionate, kind, and trustworthy towards her family.

    • 66%

      Playful

      This dog likes to be kept stimulated with play and challenges, but she can also keep herself entertained.

    • 33%

      Calm

      She is constantly on the alert.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      This is one very intelligent hound, who can be used for many hunting or sledding missions.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      The East Siberian Laika is a natural hunter and however domestic she may appear, those instincts linger still.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      She may be wary of unfamiliar people and can be very protective of her family. 

    • 100%

      Independent

      She is an independent-minded dog, since her ancestors needed to use their initiative in the field; this means she can be a bit stubborn today.

      Behaviour of the East Siberian Laika

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        Loneliness is not a problem for her, as long as she is not constantly isolated from her social group.

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        The East Siberian Laika is clever and eager to please, so training can be a joy – except when she rears that stubborn nature of hers.

      • 100%

        Barking

        She has a pretty active voice.

      • 100%

        Tendency to run away

        Her hunting instinct compels her to follow tracks, which may lead her astray of her familiar environment if it is not well secured.

      • 66%