West Siberian Laika

Quick Take

• The West Siberian Laika's name is hiding a clue about exactly how it hunts, and the answer is not what most people expect from a dog breed name. See how it hunts →
• They're labeled great family dogs, but a specific family situation exists that can trigger jealousy and aggression in this breed. Explore jealousy triggers →
• Miss one narrow socialization window as a puppy, and you could be dealing with a much harder dog to manage for life. Check the socialization window →
• Their exercise needs go beyond walks, and there is one activity the breed is wired for that nothing else can quite replace. Discover its ideal outlet →

West Siberian Laikas were originally used as farm dogs by aboriginal people living in the outlying parts of Russia until they were recognized for their hunting ability. Part of the Spitz family of dogs, with wolves as their ancestors, they use their bark to locate small game and birds when hunting. The breed derives from West Siberia and North Ural, so it’s no surprise that its name originates from the Russian language. The word laika comes from the Russian verb layat, meaning to bark.

Owning A West Siberian Laika: 3 Pros And Cons

Size And Weight

West Siberian Laikas are medium- to large-sized dogs that weigh between 40 and 49 pounds. Males measure between 21 and 24 inches, and females have a height between 20 and 23 inches.

Common Health Issues

West Siberian Laikas are known to be a healthy breed, but they still struggle with several health issues. Umbilical hernias can occur in puppies. If the umbilical ring does not close completely after birth, a swelling hernia will appear under the skin. Cryptorchidism can also affect male puppies. When one or both testicles do not descend to the scrotum, cryptorchidism occurs.

Common health issues in other breeds can occur in West Siberian Laikas as well. For instance, bloating can occur in larger dogs and, if left untreated, can compress or damage their internal organs. Hip or elbow dysplasia can cause joint discomfort, arthritis, and even the inability to walk. To help prevent hip and elbow dysplasia, regular exercise and appropriate food portions are recommended.

Other common issues like halitosis, periodontal disease, heartworms, and intestinal worms are preventable but may appear in this breed. Certain eye and heart diseases can affect any breed of dog, including the West Siberian Laika. Annual or twice-yearly checkups scheduled with a veterinarian can help prevent health issues or mitigate their effects on the dog.

Temperament And Behavior

Although they bark to locate animals to hunt, West Siberian Laikas are relatively quiet dogs. Highly alert dogs, they will bark at strangers as a warning, but they may engage in aggressive behavior if these strangers do not heed their signal. They have an affectionate and loyal personality and are protective of their family, although they need plenty of exercise. If they do not release their energy through hunting or playing often, they can resort to aggressive and destructive behavior. They may bark, dig, or chew if they become bored and aren’t exercised properly. As part of their trait of protectiveness, they do not get along well with unfamiliar dogs because they want to defend their territory and assert dominance. As hunting dogs, West Siberian Laikas might attack small animals not considered game. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep these dogs in a large, enclosed space outside.

How To Take Care Of West Siberian Laikas

This pet needs a lot of engagement as both a puppy and an adult. They shed often and love being outside, so proper grooming is necessary for their health and happiness. In addition, West Siberian Laikas are energetic by nature and need plenty of exercise to release their abundant energy. Inexperienced or busy dog owners should start off raising another breed of dog because this breed requires time and energy daily.

The Best Dog Food

While some owners choose to feed West Siberian Laikas a raw diet, most veterinary organizations recommend a balanced commercial or home-cooked diet formulated to meet established nutritional standards, as raw diets can pose health risks. They prefer meat, such as chicken or beef, and fish. When feeding a raw diet to this breed, their weight must be considered. It is recommended that for every 2.2 pounds that the dog weighs, they should be fed 0.35 to 0.88 ounces of meat and fish, depending on how often they hunt, work, and play. Their portions should consist of 1/3 fish and 2/3 meat. As a pet, two meals a day should suffice. If the dog hunts and works often, three to four meals a day are recommended.

Keeping up with a raw diet for the West Siberian Laika can be difficult. Luckily, other premium dry foods will suffice in place of a raw diet. Dry foods with the main ingredients of pork, chicken, or beef are the products that should be considered first. These dogs also require plenty of protein, so at least 25% of the dry food should consist of protein. The grain amount within the dry food should be as low as possible.

Maintenance And Grooming

West Siberian Laikas should be brushed once or twice a week to decrease shedding, untangle their coats, and identify or expel fleas and ticks. If they begin to shed often and copiously, they should be brushed daily. They only need to be bathed a few times a year. However, their nails should be trimmed, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed weekly at home. Brushing their teeth can reduce the chances of halitosis or periodontal disease in this breed.

Training

West Siberian Laikas are extremely intelligent dogs, so training should be an easy process. It is crucial to be kind and gentle in training them. Negative or frustrated responses aimed at this breed may cause them to become discouraged or agitated.

Exercise

West Siberian Laikas require a large amount of exercise, or they will become restless and destructive. Runs, walks, and hikes are viable ways to release pent-up energy in this breed. They should also be allowed to run freely in a large, enclosed yard. Bred and born hunters, West Siberian Laikas find that locating and catching game is the best form of exercise for West Siberian Laikas.

Puppies

West Siberian Laika puppies are prone to problems like umbilical hernia and cryptorchidism, so veterinary consultation is necessary when raising these pups. Puppies should be vaccinated to reduce the risk of disease, and they should be spayed and neutered before six months of age. In addition, they should begin socialization programs at approximately eight or nine weeks old so that their likelihood of showing aggressive behavior toward other breeds decreases. Puppies also need lots of exercise daily and should be trained from a young age to ensure obedience and reduce the likelihood of erratic or aggressive behavior later in life.

Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old need to be fed four meals a day. From 12 weeks to six months, three meals a day are required. From six months to one year, puppies should be fed two meals a day. After one year, West Siberian Laikas can be fed one meal a day but may require a second meal if they are highly active. Their food should be high-quality, and water and food bowls should be cleaned frequently.

West Siberian Laikas And Children

Generally, West Siberian Laikas are good with children. They are energetic and love to play, so they can match the energy of children as well. However, some can become jealous of children and babies who are shown attention by their families or owners. Because they are loyal to their family, they may perceive attention shown to children as a sign of disloyalty by their owners. Due to this fact, West Siberian Laikas could engage in aggressive or destructive behaviors to gain attention back.

Dogs Similar To The West Siberian Laika

Dog breeds like the West Siberian Laika include:

• Finnish Spitz: This breed also originates in Russia but lives in Finland today. They are hunting dogs and are known for their playful and affectionate qualities.
• Yakutian Laika: This dog is a type of Laika breed, like the West Siberian Laika. They are sled, herding, and hunting dogs from Siberia. They are also easy to train due to their high intelligence.
• Siberian Husky: Siberian Huskies are sled dogs from Northeast Asia. This breed makes for a superb family dog but requires plenty of maintenance and attention, much like the West Siberian Laika.