Laikas are popular Russian hunting and sledding dogs of the Spitz type. All the main breeds of this group - the West Siberian Laika (WSL), the East Siberian Laika (ESL), the Russian European Laika (REL), and Yakutian Laika - are working dogs, bred from their aboriginal ancestors of northern Russia and Siberia.
"Laika" in Russian means "barker". It is a Russian dog name, widely known as the name of the first dog in space.
West Siberian Laika (WSL)
The West Siberian Laika (WSL) is quite a large dog standing 18-20 inches at the shoulder and weighing 40-60 pounds. It has a strong and muscular body covered in a middle-size double coat of white, pepper, and salt, or red and gray colors.
While this Russian dog is losing its popularity in its native Russia where pro-hunting is a dying profession, it is disclosing its unique potential to professional Western hunters, especially in Alaska and Canada. The Russian name of this dog is Zapadno-Sibirskaya Laika
Say it in Russian:
(dog standard).
East Siberian Laika (ESL)
The East Siberian Laika is the largest of the Russian Laika dogs (males stand 22-26 inches, females 20-24 inches), weighing 40-60 pounds. It was bred in the forest zone of Eastern Siberia
Compared to other Laikas, ESL is better tempered and quiet. It can be a good family dog and a reliable watchdog. Its Russian name is Vostochno-Sibirskaya Laika
Say it in Russian:
(dog standard).
Russo European Laika (REL)
Like other Laikas, the Russo European Laika was originally developed to hunt various kinds of games. Having a very strong hunting instinct, it successfully hunts bear, elk, boar, and pheasant, and never loses contact with its master in the forest. In Russia, they call it Russko-Evropeiskaya Laika.
Say it in Russian:
(dog standard).
Owning Laikas
The Laika dogs are usually intelligent, easily trained, and very obedient. They are very devoted and always look to their owners for guidance and leadership. Aggressive towards large predators, Laikas can be very affectionate and get along well with children and home pets. They are also known as fierce protectors ready to fight till the end to save their owners from any threat.
These Russian dog breeds are rustic and resistant, and usually, do not have serious health problems.
Owning a Laika dog is a good choice not only for hunters but for all active people, especially farmers living in northern regions. All kinds of Laikas are energetic, dynamic and hard working. They are not very well suited for full-time indoor living and need a lot of outside exercise.
Laika Breeds Names:
West Siberian Laika, WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaya Laika (Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka), Russian: Западносибирская лайка
East Siberian Laika, ESL, Vostochno-Sibirskaya Laika (Vostotchno-Sibirskaïa Laïka), Russian: Восточносибирская лайка
Russo European Laika, Russian European Laika, REL, Russko-Evropeiskaya Laika, Russko-Evropeïakaïa Laïka, Russian: Русско-европейская лайка
Find a Russian dog name for your Laika dog puppy! Learn some Russian dog commands!
Linda says
I have a Karelian Bear Dog, my second one, and was curious how closely related they are to the Eastern Laikas. His name is Alexander, I call him Sasha, so everyone (here in the US) thinks he’s a female.
RussianDog says
The Finnish Karelian Bear dog belongs to the same group of Northern Laikas. It is a close relative of the Russo European Laika that has almost a similar appearance (breed standard). As a second time owner of a Karelian Bear Dog, you know that they are wonderful dogs but they need early socialization to make them tolerant to other small animals.
In Russia, Sasha is both male (Alexander) and female (Alexandra) name. It’s a very nice name for a home pet too. Congratulations on your dog!
Aaron says
Are there any East Siberian laika breeders in US?
brian says
I have RELs…and puppies. What is your contact info?
Charlie Lane says
I’m looking for REL puppies.
Magan says
I am from the U.S. and I am looking for a russo european laika breeder in the U.S. Any help??
Dean King says
where do i find a REL pup,i live in new zealand and looking for a Laika to hunt pigs
admin says
Try to look for one in Australia.
Dean King says
thanks will do
Dog Cushing's D says
The Laika is one of the spitz family. There are three ranges. The Russo-European Laika is descended tires hunting Laikas and originated in northerly Russia. This variety is now common in the central region of the nation. The Western Siberian Laika originated inside the northern Urals and is caused by crossing Laikas and hunting dogs. The Eastern Siberian Laika originated from the large forests in the eastern. It is the result of crosses men's Laikas. This variety is used available in hunting large northern game. This breed is famous because a Laika had become the "first living ambassador from Earth" at age hurtled into space aboard Sputnik II readily available for November 3, 1957.
Amber says
Hello,
Is there a way I can find out if my dog is a West Siberian Laika she looks exactly like one of them we do not know exactly what she is she just show up at our house.
Marie says
Is there any breeders of these dowgs in the US?
admin says
Sure. Just Google it.
sahdo says
greeting
I am from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I want to get a male puppy west Siberian lajk because I've already managed to get a female … I would like to become a breeder of this breed in their country and to extend this race unjustly neglected dogs, and would also use them to hunt …
how do I get a male puppy?
Thanks in advance
admin says
Try to visit the Laika group on Facebook