East or West Siberian Laika vs Siberian Husky?

Wolf Femme: Question regarding East and West Siberian Laikas vs. Siberian Huskies?
I currently own an East Siberian Laika b*tch. I got her believing she was a Siberian Husky coming from working lines, only to find out her temperament was nothing like a Sibe, and instead exactly like an East Siberian Laika; and yes, from working lines (not hunting but mushing).
So whenever anyone new comes over, they automatically assume it's a Sibe and I'm already getting annoyed by it.
Today, I've got into a huge argument over whether or not she was a Sibe or a Laika; and it ended in my saying that it was my dog and that I knew her better than anyone.

East Siberian Laika standing in the snow

My Laika was bred from primarily East Siberian Laikas, but also Northeasterly Hauling Dogs.
The breeder had got her parents from a breeder in Russia who owned a working team; and the only way we even know what she is, is because we got in touch with her.

East/West Siberian Laikas aren't rare. The two breeds themselves are used for hunting. "Laika" in Russian is "barker" or "barking dog". They're called "Laikas" (all six of them) Because four of them are bark-pointers (East/West/Russo-European/Karelo-Finnish).

Answers and Views:

Answer by Stanislav
Siberian Husky is a separate breed, and Laika is a common name for the breeds of hunting dogs in the northern zone of Europe and Asia. First of all, they look quite different. There are similarities but these are the similarities of all northern dogs. Husky's coat is fluffy, East Siberian Laika's coat is straight, harsh, and coarse, whereas West Siberian Laika's coat is rather soft. East Siberian Laika is normally heavier (50 pounds on average) and taller (up to 26 inches) than Husky. Also, the tail of Husky is feathery and Husky always holds it without putting it on its back.

Answer by Kent
Husky is a breed of sled dogs that are harnessed into sleds and ridden across vast areas of snow. Yes, Laikas are also used as sled dogs but they are completely inferior to the Husky's characteristics, they cannot withstand long journeys and do not develop such speed.

Laikas are bred as hunting dogs. They hunt wild boars, fur animals (squirrels, sables, martens), hoofed animals (elks, etc.), forest and waterfowl game. With Husky, hunting is problematic. Huskies can help with hunting, but it is practically impossible to teach them to bring the prey. If Husky catches a hare it will leave only scraps to the hunter. They hunt especially well in a pack like wolves.

Huskies have great endurance and nature has given them a strong immunity. They don't smell like other dogs. Laikas bark a lot. Husky, though they can bark, almost don't bark, they either howl or sing, very similar to wolves. Also, Husky and Laikas have different characters - Husky is more gentle and friendly while Laikas are more protective and can be aggressive. They are much better watchdogs than Husky.

Answer by Natalie Sipe
I thought there were seven breeds of Laika.

East Siberian Laika
Karelo Finnish Laika
Nenets Herding Laika
Northeasterly Hauling Laika
Russo European Laika
West Siberian Laika
Yakutian Laika

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Answer by Ruby
Personally I think it's kind of a petty thing to argue about.

To be honest, it doesn't really matter if your dog is a Laika or a Husky. And unless someone around you breeds them or they're common in your area... she probably isn't one. Huskies can vary in temperament and personality. Unless she came to you with papers, there really isn't any proof that she's some rare exotic breed from mushing lines. If you are strong in your belief that she's this breed, then just be polite about it. Why fight about something so stupid?

Enjoy your dog, that is all that matters.

Answer by Morgane
Siberian Husky is recognized by AKC but East and West Siberian Laikas are not. There's also Yakutian Laika that is recognized.
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