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
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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.
Temperament
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Affectionate
The Russian-European Laika is affectionate and loyal towards his family.
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Playful
This intelligent and eager dog is very keen on play, particularly research and tracking games.
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Calm
He is always ready for action.
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Intelligent
This is one “smart bear” as the Americans might put it.
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Hunter
Yes. His favourite victims are squirrels, raccoons, and ducks, whom he is adept at hunting.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
He is usually wary of strangers, and will not like to be touched until proper acquaintance is made.
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Independent
He can be independent and may snub your calls in favour of chasing a coquettish squirrel.
Behaviour of the Russian-European Laika
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Tolerates solitude
He can tolerate a little alone time, as long as his needs have been met.
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Easy to train / obedience
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.
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Barking
‘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.
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Tendency to run away
His strong hunting instinct compels him to run away if he detects a track.
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Destructive
He can become destructive if left alone for long periods.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Treats can be used as a reward for good behaviour.
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Guard dog
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.
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First dog
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.
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Is the Russian-European Laika right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Russian-European Laika in a flat
Being barky and a rural kind of dog, the Russian-European Laika rarely makes for a good flatmate.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
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.
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Travelling / easy to transport
He will soon become uncomfortable on a long car journey and is entirely unsuited to public transport.
Compatibility
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Russian-European Laika and cats
It is not advisable to give the Russian-European Laika access to cats as he considers them highly viable hunting targets.
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Russian-European Laika and dogs
The Russo-European Laika will get on well with his peers if he is well-socialized from his youth.
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Russian-European Laika and 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.
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Russian-European Laika and the elderly
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.
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.
Grooming
Weekly brushing around the year, with daily brushing while he’s shedding.
Nutrition of the Russian-European Laika
A traditional diet of quality meat, vegetables, and starchy foods, is preferable.
Health of the Russian-European Laika
Life expectancy
As long as he’s well-exercised, the Russian-European Laika will usually keep good health. Its average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
Strong / robust
This dog is hardy, hearty, and ready to go.
Withstand heat
Water and shelter should be available in a heat wave.
Withstand cold
He is well-designed for cold weather.
Tendency to put on weight
This active and sporty breed is not concerned with weight issues.
Common illnesses
- Cryptorchidism
- Umbilical Hernia