Page 110 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ–TYPE DOGS

West Siberian Laika East Siberian Laika

HEIGHT 20–24in (51–62cm) Variety of colors HEIGHT 21–25in (53–64cm) White
WEIGHT 40–49lb (18–22kg) WEIGHT 40–51lb (18–23kg) Karamis
LIFE SPAN 10–12 years LIFE SPAN 10–12 years Piebald

Bred for hunting in the forests of Siberia, this handsome The popularity of this Russian hunting dog is widespread in its
dog is very popular in its native country. The breed is strong own country and also reaches into Scandinavia. Bred for work, the
and confident and eager to follow game, either large or small. East Siberian Laika is tough, active, and confident. Although it has
Although the West Siberian Laika has a steady temperament, a strong instinct for following big game, it is controllable,
its readiness to hunt makes it unsuitable as steady-tempered, and
a house dog for most families. friendly with people.
Straight coat with
Coat on neck and lighter woolly
Tail carried shoulders forms underlayer
in tight curl longer collar
over back
Erect ears
High-set ears thickly lined
held erect with hair
Sable
Sandy Broad head

Long, muscular Sable White
upper forelegs black legs with
Feet with hair darker
between toes speckles

Russian-European Laika Finnish Spitz

HEIGHT 19–23in (48–58cm) White HEIGHT 15–20in (39–50cm)
WEIGHT 44–51lb (20–23kg) Black WEIGHT 31–35lb (14–16kg)
LIFE SPAN 10–12 years LIFE SPAN 12–15 years

This Laika was only acknowledged as a distinct breed in Finland’s national dog was bred for hunting small game and is still
the early 1940s. Strong but lean-limbed, the Russian-European used for sports in Scandinavia. With its pert, foxlike appearance,
Laika has been used mainly for hunting in Russia’s northern luxuriant coat, and enthusiasm for play, the Finnish Spitz makes
forests. A steady worker, this dog is excellent when Black an appealing family pet. The breed has a tendency Small,
used for its traditional purpose but does not adapt nose to bark a great deal; this should be discouraged pointed
well to a domestic lifestyle. at an early age. ears
Coat has sparsely
Tail carried distributed black hair Square,
over back strong body
Hair on hind
legs forms Bushy tail
breeches
Narrow, Foxlike
triangular head with
head narrow muzzle
Black
Reddish
brown
Harsh-textured
Muscled, coat with white Lightly
slender legs markings colored
underparts

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