Russian-European Laika
Other names: Russo-European Laika, Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka
This adorable Russian hunting dog emerged from among the Laika breeds in the middle of the twentieth century; a fine specimen of the Russo-European Laika might be considered the most visually attractive of the Laika, since he retains much of the charming Asian spitz heritage that he has gathered along the way, with a healthy dose of wolf in the mix, as well. The Russo-European Laika is very family-oriented and can be both protective and affectionate towards those humans in whose bosom he is held. His hunting instinct remains strong, so beware local squirrels!
Key facts about the Russian-European Laika
Origins and history
First noted around the European forest areas of Russia at the end of the 19th century, Laika dogs from regions such as Komi, Udmurtia, Arkhangelsk, and Yaroslavl, were united under the banner of Russian-European Laika in 1947.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Russian-European Laika
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 21 in
Male : Between 20 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 66 lb
Male : Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour
Black with white, all white, or all black.
Type of coat
Double: harsh, straight outer coat and thick, woolly inner coat.
Eye colour
Dark brown.
Description
This cartoony doggo has a very Japanese look about him thanks in part to the abundance of fur around his neck, which forms a collar or scarf and lends him the feel of a Shiba Inu. Strongly-built and neatly-proportioned, he also looks like a petit Karelian Bear Dog, and his triangular, ink-drawn face is teddy-bearish to the point of irresistibility. Indeed, the only draw-back is that this handsome hound is almost too perfectly drawn to be believed. Once on the move, he performs with a grace and suppleness of gesture that seems to belie his strength and potential ferocity. His tail, as with the other Laika breeds, is a bushy sickle of a thing, and it suits him much better than it does the East and West Siberian Laikas. He consistently looks clever and engaged, which he more or less is.
Good to know
It can be hard to find a Russian-European Laika pup so start your search as soon as possible. This is a dog who does not think twice before tackling animals much bigger than him, while maintaining his composure. He avoids attacks from his opponents using a technique of feints, jumps and twirls unknown in other races.