East Siberian Laika: photo and description of the breed, character of the dog, features of care and maintenance, owner reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The East Siberian Laika, the description and photo of which will be presented in this article, has existed in its current form for about 2 centuries. Although the modern look was preceded by many modifications of the ancient types of dogs.

Likes are not a decorative breed, but their popularity has increased recently. Why are these dogs so cute for people? How to identify the breed among the rest? How to properly care for them, and how much do they cost?

East Siberian Laika: the history of the origin of the breed

The modern appearance of modern Laika dogs was preceded by thousands of years of modification. The progenitors of this breed were animals that live in the expanses of harsh Siberia. The peoples inhabiting this region needed strong, hardy helpers who could travel long distances in snow, strong winds and blizzards, and also carry considerable loads.

OnThe territory of Siberia was inhabited by several peoples with different religions, cultures and characteristics. Some of them appreciated dogs with a red color, others preferred pure whites, others considered only spotted animals worthy. Such a selection led to the fact that unconsciously, but there was a selection of huskies: individuals with a certain color were bred.

Besides this, there were strong individuals with a good hunting instinct in the price. Therefore, such dogs were crossed only with their own kind. So from generation to generation this skill did not fade away, but, on the contrary, developed. This is how the modern East Siberian Laika breed was formed.

In the 19th century, in the North-Eastern part of Europe, 10 breeds of dogs were bred, similar to each other, but with their own characteristics. All of them are called likes. In Russia, in 1874, the first exhibition of hunting breeds was held, at which the Laika breed was also presented.

Interest in this breed - the East Siberian Laika - grew every year, especially among lovers of real Russian hunting. But among a large number of varieties, not everyone was destined to go into the ranks of hunting breeds. It was hunting with the East Siberian Laika that was held in high esteem by true hunters.

This breed was even mentioned by some famous personalities of the 19th century. In his literary work "Album of Northern Laika Dogs" in 1895, A. A. Shirinsky-Shakhmatov gave a complete description of these dogs at that time.

In 1981, in the Soviet Union, the East Siberian Laika breed was officiallyapproved and endowed with its own standards for further breeding. Currently, this breed group is fully researched, but at dog shows it is always represented by small numbers of breeds. Despite the small variety of types of huskies, people inexperienced in this matter often confuse them with each other. West Siberian is often confused with East Siberian.

Purpose of the breed

Based on historical information, the breed of the East Siberian Laika, or rather, its progenitors were intended for hunting. For this purpose they were bred.

So, huskies are excellent hunters, which are used not only for chasing game and furs, but also for baiting large wild animals.

People living in the north of Russia often use huskies in dog sleds to transport people, prey and other cargo. These animals are not only very hardy, but also good "navigators". They are hard to knock off the trail, unless the weather is raging.

Some people buy huskies as guards. But in this role they are not particularly effective, since their main purpose is hunting. Yes, and leashed dogs feel uncomfortable.

Very rare, but East Siberian Laikas are used as guide dogs for people with physical disabilities.

Appearance of the breed

Description of the East Siberian Laika should start with the fact that representatives of this breed are divided into 2 categories. Which of them a particular individual belongs to is indicated in the gene characteristicdogs:

1. Leningrad category. These are compact-sized animals with pointed profiles.
2. Irkutsk category. These are true hunters based on their appearance: the body size is large, and the whole appearance is more intimidating compared to the Leningrad category.

The progenitors of the Leningrad category were Tunguska Laikas. East Siberian Laika nurseries are actively breeding this category.

The appearance of the "Eastern" breed is distinguished by the following characteristics:

• Large, massive body with a rounded neck and developed withers. The growth of males is from 57 to 70 cm at the withers, females are 53-65 cm. Weight is from 20 to 40 kg.
• The back is wide, without pronounced curves.
• Abdominal area tightened.
• Chest area with elongation, wide and deep.
• The forelegs are high and straight, the hind legs are muscular, inconspicuously shorter than the front, the bend is at a right angle.
• The head is large, the cranial bones of the frontal part of the face are wide, the occiput is clearly visible on the back of the head.
• The tail is large and always curved in a ring or spiral.
• The coat is dense, thick and somewhat longer than other varieties of huskies. Especially thick scruff.
• The color of the East Siberian Laika is mainly this: black and tan, black and white, pure black or white, zonal, red, gray, fawn, spotted, except for the bright red color.
• The nose is always black. Brown nose or black withinclusions is considered a flaw.
• The hair on the paws and muzzle is short but dense.

The life expectancy of representatives of the East Siberian breed is 12-15 years. Despite the popularity of the breed and the desire of many to have such a dog in their apartment, the animal will still feel uncomfortable in such conditions. She needs a lot of space and a sense of will.

Character, behavior, habits

East Siberian Laikas are born hunters. They are fast, hardy (they can pursue prey for a long time), fearless: they rush even at large dangerous predators. In addition, dogs are well oriented in unfamiliar terrain, they only need a little time to adapt. They tolerate climate change well without compromising their own he alth.

In open areas, in forests and fields, dogs feel comfortable. Under these conditions, a real hunter wakes up in them. Despite the fact that the animals show a certain amount of aggression in relation to the pursued prey, they are more than friendly to their owners.

A man for the East Siberian Laika is the owner, so devotion is one of the main virtues of dogs. And despite the fact that aggression is practically not characteristic of likes, they nevertheless act as good watchmen: brave and courageous. A husky is capable of rushing at a person only if he poses a threat to her, her puppies and the owner.

Rules for the care and maintenance of dogs

Since purebred East Siberian Huskies are rare, it is better to purchasetheir several modified associates. The latter look the same as genetically pure individuals, but are less demanding in terms of care and maintenance.

You can keep East Siberian Laikas both in an ordinary apartment and in an aviary outside the city. But if the first option is assumed, then do not forget about the regular walking of the dog. It consists in a daily trip to the street in the morning and evening, the duration of one walk is 3 hours.

To bathe a dog is worth 1 time in 2-3 weeks, in the summer it is possible more often. Oriental Huskies love water, so you don’t have to persuade them to swim. You need to use only special shampoo for dogs and no other. In addition to bathing, husky hygiene includes brushing your teeth and combing your coat frequently, checking for parasites and mites, and periodic vaccinations.

The long and thick coat is prone to seasonal molting. Owners who keep a pet in an apartment should prepare for this. Those who keep a dog in an aviary should not ignore this process either. Care during the molting period consists in the constant combing of the coat with a special comb for dogs. This will allow the husky to get rid of the old cover faster and get a renewed, smoother and shinier one.

Weekly check the dog's ears and eyes. If necessary, these organs are cleaned and buried. Apartment likes are recommended to cut their claws with special tongs.

As for feeding, the pet is unpretentious in this matter. It will be enough to have two meals a day with special dryfeed or natural food (meat, vegetables, cereals, fish). Many hunters have developed such a feeding regime for huskies: a third of the daily portion is given in the morning, and the rest after a hunt or physical exertion.

Puppies are fed more often than adults of the East Siberian Laika. The weight of babies should be constantly added. Therefore, the number of feedings varies from 3 to 6 times per day, depending on the age of the growing offspring. The kids menu should include vegetables, meat and fish, milk.

During the winter cold, it is necessary to give the dog warm and preferably liquid food rich in fats. Such a diet will allow the animal to accumulate more subcutaneous fat and easily survive bad weather.

In addition, likes need s alt for active life. 10 grams per day will be enough.

Training

Experienced owners of such huskies unanimously agree that if not all, then very many can cope with the training of the East Siberian breed. The available ones include the execution of simple commands: "sit", "lie down", "fetch", etc. But only an experienced hunter should be engaged in training on the beast.

In training, it is impossible to show cruelty to an animal if it does not follow commands. It is necessary from the very beginning to let the husky understand who is the owner, then she will not show signs of leadership.

Difference from the West Siberian breed

East Siberian and West Siberian Huskies are different from each other. Even an inexperienced person in the matter of dog science can do this.see.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the color of the representatives of these two breeds. If you look at live or photos of East Siberian Laikas, the first thing that catches your eye is their rich black, even singed coat color. This color is inherent in the overwhelming number of individuals of the breed. For the West Siberian, this coloring of wool is completely uncharacteristic.

But dogs of both breeds also have individuals of brown, red colors. Therefore, in this case, you will have to pay attention to the following differences. The East Siberian representatives are physically larger, they are not only taller, but also slightly longer than the "Westerners". Their body constitution is somewhat rougher and more aggressive as it is "designed" for hunting.

Another difference is the shape of the ears: oriental huskies have more rounded ears at the ends, and the landing of this organ is located on the same line with the eyes. Western Huskies have pointed, almost crowned ears.

Experienced dog handlers and owners of huskies say that you can distinguish the eastern from the western by their look and character. The former look more faithfully and trustingly at their masters. In their habits, they are ready to obey and always follow the instructions of the owners. West Siberian representatives, on the contrary, are more sly in their eyes. They differ in the habits of the leader and do not always follow the lead of their masters.

Owner Reviews

Many avid hunters, and just city dwellers, prefer as their faithfula four-legged companion of an East Siberian Laika puppy who grows into a devoted friend.

All owners of such dogs speak well of their wards:

1. Hunting with the East Siberian Husky is always a success, because the hunting instincts make the animal fearless, strong and fast.
2. Dogs are also good watchdogs, although they are not meant to be.
3. Like are loyal friends and always follow their master.
4. Dogs are friendly and affectionate with children.
5. Even though the East Siberian Huskies are not designed for "indoor" existence, however, they get along well in an apartment and feel quite comfortable.

This breed is practically devoid of cons. Except for the considerable cost for a puppy of East Siberian Laika. But this factor also depends on some circumstances.

Buying dogs

To get a worthy assistant in the hunt, before buying, you should carefully study the dog's pedigree, as well as its description of the full characteristics. The Laika puppy must be the offspring of two working individuals with no trace of crosses with other Laika subtypes and certainly with other breeds.

If you plan to buy a puppy for further shows at exhibitions, then in this case you should carefully look at the color, since this is the factor that determines for such purposes. It is better to choose a teenage puppy whose coloring takes on its final shades without further changes.

Regardingage of puppies for purchase, then 1.5-2 months is considered ideal.

The cost of an East Siberian Laika puppy depends on the availability of the dog's pedigree. If available, the price for 1 puppy will be $ 300. In its absence - 150.

Puppies of the East Siberian Laika (photo)

In one reproductive process, a female is born from 3 to 5-6 puppies, so it will not be difficult to find a pet of this breed. When choosing a baby, do not give preference to the largest animals. The thing is that the size of a puppy is far from an indicator of the superiority of an individual over its brothers.

As they get older, height adjusts, and even small puppies can easily catch up with tall ones. Flattered by the size of a 2-month-old baby, you can not see a real hunter in him. Therefore, you should choose according to gender (males are suitable for hunting), color and the absence of external flaws.

Should I get myself this breed of dog?

Before buying any animal, including likes, it is worth weighing the pros and cons, so that in the future it will be comfortable for both the owner and the pet.

East Siberian Laika is objectively worthy of attention. The advantages of the breed include:

• mind;
• obedience;
• light training;
• endurance;
• excellent he alth;
• excellent hunting instincts;
• good watchman;
• excellent adaptability to different environments;
• benevolence;
• human contact;
• unpretentiousness.

Listedqualities are characteristic of all representatives of the breed. But that doesn't mean you can't get a dog with the following faults:

• wayward character;
• desire to be free, causing the dog to run away;
• tendency to dominate and fail to follow commands.

Conclusion

East Siberian Laika is a dog breed that needs decent care. It is worth buying it for avid hunters, as well as for people living in private homes. Despite the good adaptation of dogs to many conditions, the husky is still not suitable for apartment living.

Proper care and maintenance of East Siberian Huskies will provide their owner with he althy and active pets.