Russian-European Laika

Other names : Russo-European Laika, Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka

Photo: puppy of Russian-European Laika breed

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!

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Life expectancy	The Russian-European Laika has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years
Temperament	Affectionate Intelligent High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 19 and 21 in Male Between 20 and 23 in
Adult weight	Female Between 44 and 66 lb Male Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour	Black White
Type of coat	Hard Long
Eye colour	Brown

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.

More details about the Russian-European Laika

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.

Here is a list of 10 of the most popular Russian dog breeds

Physical characteristics of the Russian-European Laika

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.

FCI classification of the Russian-European Laika

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs

Russian-European Laika: Characteristics

Very affectionate

The Russian-European Laika is affectionate and loyal towards his family.

Moderately playful

This intelligent and eager dog is very keen on play, particularly research and tracking games.

Not very calm

He is always ready for action.

High intelligence

This is one “smart bear” as the Americans might put it.

High prey drive

Yes. His favourite victims are squirrels, raccoons, and ducks, whom he is adept at hunting.

Fearful of strangers

He is usually wary of strangers, and will not like to be touched until proper acquaintance is made.

Very independent

He can be independent and may snub your calls in favour of chasing a coquettish squirrel.

Russian-European Laika: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

He can tolerate a little alone time, as long as his needs have been met.

Moderately easy to train

An experienced owner will have little trouble training this clever and engaged dog. His education requires patience, firmness, and gentleness, and his lessons should be interesting and varied.

Tends to be very vocal

‘Laika’ means barker, and this particular strand of the Laika family likes to live up to that promise; he’ll bark at almost any new arrival at the home, or any other event of condition of his surroundings that he believes you should note.

Has a tendency to run away

His strong hunting instinct compels him to run away if he detects a track.

Can be destructive

He can become destructive if left alone for long periods.

Moderately food motivated

Treats can be used as a reward for good behaviour.

Very good watchdog

He is a very alert and dutiful watch dog who will bark to let you know when anyone, friend or foe, approaches. Further, he will issue warnings to visitors that they better not overtread the mark – and if he starts to step over this line from watchdog to guard dog, you’d better hope he’s been appropriately trained.

Training a Russian-European Laika

An experienced owner will have little trouble training this clever and engaged dog. His education requires patience, firmness, and gentleness, and his lessons should be interesting and varied.

Russian-European Laika: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

Being barky and a rural kind of dog, the Russian-European Laika rarely makes for a good flatmate.

Needs a lot of exercise

This is a highly energetic and athletic dog. He needs to run and play vigorously for some time every day, in addition to basic walks and mental stimulation at home.

Difficult to travel with

He will soon become uncomfortable on a long car journey and is entirely unsuited to public transport.

Breed compatibility Russian-European Laika

Not very compatible with cats

It is not advisable to give the Russian-European Laika access to cats as he considers them highly viable hunting targets.

Moderately compatible with other dogs

The Russo-European Laika will get on well with his peers if he is well-socialized from his youth.

Compatible with children

The Russo-European Laika is generally friendly and playful with children, although again it is essential to ensure that he is used their presence as a puppy and the group are always monitored by adult humans.

Not compatible with senior owners

Lots of elderly people are energetic. The Russian-European Laika is really, really energetic. If you are an elderly person, do the maths very carefully before adopting a Russo-European Laika.

Moderately recommended for a first-time owner

The Russian-European Laika may make an appropriate first dog, but only to those who are really aware of his nature and needs, and are willing to invest long hours of patient work to meet do right by him.

Russian-European Laika: Purchase price

We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.