West Siberian Laika

The West Siberian Laika is the most numerous of the Russian hunting laikas, and the most widely used hunting dog in Russia.

History

It descends from the dogs of the Khanty and Mansi peoples of western Siberia and was standardised in the Soviet period. It is worked on everything from squirrel and sable to elk and bear, and Russian hunting associations breed it strictly to field performance rather than appearance — which is why it remains an unusually functional dog.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, self-reliant and attached to one person, friendly enough at home and thoroughly focused in the forest. It gives tongue at game and can be vocal generally.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real hunting work; it does badly as a pet with nothing to do. Containment matters because it ranges widely. The dense coat sheds heavily.

Health

Generally very hardy; 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.