Laika: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
Temperament: Fearless, Loyal, Even Tempered
Weight: Male: 18–23 kg, Female: 18–23 kg
Height: Male: 55–66 cm, Female: 51–60 cm
Colors: Black, White, Tan, Brown

Allen Laiki has in common a strong passion for hunting. They have an excellent sense of smell and prove to be very sensitive and bright hunting dogs that can be versatile and used. A special talent prove the Laiki in the rummaging of wild animals; the barking after the silent hunt, all Laiki races owe their common name. The West Siberian Laika hunts in part only one game species, but is generally suitable for hunting for fur and game birds alike. The less well-known East Siberian Laika in Germany is, above all, an avid hunter for large prey animals.

The type of hunting that Laiki traditionally uses requires extraordinary endurance and resilience; two characteristics that the Laiki races still share today. They embody robust and capable dogs that prove to be intrepid helper during the hunt. They are able to move for hours, even through high snow. 

In dealing with humans, the Laiki pose as calm, self-assured and well-balanced dogs. While they give themselves gently and affectionately to their owner, they show a certain mistrust in the presence of strangers. In care and attitude, the Laiki prove to be undemanding and adaptable.

The Laiki are still very original dogs, whose passion and primary use is hunting. They act independently and confidently, set like no other hunting breed all their senses and are suitable for hunting large game and deer equally.

In Western Europe, the Laiki breeds are relatively rare, since they are almost exclusively kept as hounds and not as a pure family or companion dogs. However, with their balanced and decent nature, they fit harmoniously into the family of their owner and also get along well with other pets, as long as they have constant contact with their family. As a substitute for hunting Laiki can also be trained as a rescue and trail dogs. They are also suitable for dog sports such as agility and the train dog sport.

The Laiki races owe their name to the Russian word for barking, "lajatj". He points to the traditional hunting of the Laiki, who bark the game after a silent hunt and thus indicate the hunter. Towards the end of the 19th century, the earliest records of dogs with a long-eared history became known, which were used for hunting in many parts of Russia. Originally, a large number of Laiki beatings were known throughout Northern Russia. In 1947, the All-Russian Cynological Congress convened them in six Laiki races, of which three are now recognized by the FCI: the Russian-European Laika, the East Siberian Laika and the West Siberian Laika.

The Russian-European Laika has a dry physique with a dull and broad skull. His neck is short, slender and strong, the trunk of striking square shape. The back is strong and muscular dar. The lower profile line is raised with a pronounced line between the chest and abdominal cavity. The coat makes a collar around the neck and shoulders. It is mostly of black and white mixed color; occasionally, however, there are also monochrome black or white animals.