Russo-European Laika

The Russo-European Laika is the black-and-white hunting spitz of north-western Russia, assembled from the laikas of several northern regions.

History

It was created in the Soviet period from the hunting dogs of Karelia, Komi, Arkhangelsk and the surrounding regions, whose populations had been thinned and mixed. Soviet cynologists gathered the surviving types into one breed from the 1940s, selecting for the striking black-and-white coat along with working ability. It is used mainly on bear, boar and elk.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bold, energetic and territorial, closely attached to its handler and often sharp with other dogs — a serious hunting dog with a strong will.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and genuine work, secure containment and consistent handling. The dense double coat sheds heavily.

Health

Generally hardy from working selection; nothing is widely documented as breed-specific. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.