West Siberian Laika

Size: Medium

Weight: 40 - 50 lbs.

Height: 21" - 24"

Life Span: 10 - 12 years

Health Problems: Excellent health record. No known hereditary conditions.

Origin: Russia (1800s)

Also Known As: Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka

Group: Hunting

Category: Companion Dog, Hunting

Exercise Needs

Because this is a working breed, the West Siberian Laika will get adequate exercise during daily tasks and will likely not need supplemental activities.

Temperament

The West Siberian Laika is calm and even-tempered. Slightly smaller than the East Siberian Laika, this breed is an excellent hunting companion that finds game, traps it, and barks until the hunter arrives. It is also adept at sledding. Makes a good companion for homes without children. The West Siberian Laika is more tolerable of other pets than its Eastern counterpart; it will live peacefully with other dogs and can learn to tolerate cats and other small pets (if raised with them from a young age).

Compatibility with Kids

Good with children.

History

The most numerous of the Russia Laika-type dogs, the West Siberian Laika descends from dogs used by Arctic tribes in the Ural Mountain region of Russia.

Pet Facts

Russians have historically used Laikas in medical research and space travel. The first dog to travel around the earth in a space capsule was named "Laika," although it is thought the dog was probably a Samoyed.