Russian-European Laika

Black with white, all white, or all black.

Double: harsh, straight outer coat and thick, woolly inner coat.

Dark brown.

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.

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

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

He is always ready for action.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

‘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.

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

He can become destructive if left alone for long periods.

Treats can be used as a reward for good behaviour.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

He sheds considerably twice a year as the seasons change.

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.

This dog is hardy, hearty, and ready to go.

Water and shelter should be available in a heat wave.

He is well-designed for cold weather.

This active and sporty breed is not concerned with weight issues.

• Cryptorchidism
• Umbilical Hernia

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.