The West Siberian Laika is a medium-sized, wolf-like dog with a dense double coat, erect ears, and a characteristic curled tail.

Medium-sized, with males typically larger than females.

Males

40-65 pounds (18-30 kg).

Double coat with a harsh, straight outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat.

Variety of colors, including wolf gray, red, white, and piebald (white with patches of another color).

Wedge-shaped, with a moderately pointed muzzle.

Erect, triangular, and relatively small.

Dark, almond-shaped, and set obliquely.

Carried curled over the back or carried sickle.

The West Siberian Laika is an intelligent, independent, and energetic breed with a strong hunting instinct and a territorial nature.

Possesses a strong sense of self-reliance and can be stubborn.

Naturally watchful and makes an excellent watchdog.

Forms strong bonds with their family but can be reserved with strangers.

Requires significant physical and mental stimulation.

Possesses an extremely high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with small pets.

Naturally protective of their home and family.

Prone to barking, especially when alerting to perceived threats or when excited.

The West Siberian Laika is best suited for experienced dog owners who are active, live in a rural or semi-rural environment, and understand the needs of a primitive hunting breed.

Relatively low-maintenance grooming.

Can be reserved with strangers.

The ideal owner for a West Siberian Laika is an experienced, active individual or family who can provide ample exercise, consistent training, and a secure environment. They should appreciate the breed's independent spirit and be prepared to manage their strong hunting instincts.

Grooming is relatively straightforward with regular brushing, their diet needs to be high-quality, and they thrive in environments where they have space to roam.

Brush several times a week, especially during shedding seasons (spring and fall), to remove loose hair and prevent matting.

Bathe only as needed, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

Ideally suited to homes with large, securely fenced yards. They can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient exercise, but it's not ideal.

Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.

Brush teeth regularly to maintain dental health.

Training a West Siberian Laika requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature, and they need a significant amount of daily exercise.

West Siberian Laikas are intelligent but can be challenging to train due to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training are crucial. They respond best to experienced owners who understand their primitive instincts and can provide firm, fair leadership. Training should focus on channeling their natural hunting instincts and establishing clear boundaries.

This breed has high energy levels and requires extensive daily exercise. Long walks, runs, hikes, and opportunities to explore in secure areas are essential. Mental stimulation is equally important; puzzle toys, scent work, and engaging games can help keep them satisfied. Without sufficient exercise, they can become bored, destructive, and excessively vocal.

Expose your WSL puppy to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Use treats, praise, and positive methods; avoid harsh punishment.

Maintain consistent rules and boundaries to avoid confusion.

A secure, high fence is essential due to their hunting instincts and potential to roam.

Essential for safety, given their strong prey drive.

Provide puzzle toys and activities to prevent boredom.

The West Siberian Laika is generally a healthy and hardy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A developmental condition affecting the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness.

A degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness.

A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.

The West Siberian Laika (WSL) is an ancient breed, developed by indigenous peoples of the Ural Mountains and Western Siberia, primarily the Khanty and Mansi people. For centuries, these dogs were essential for survival, used for hunting a wide variety of game, from squirrels and sable to bears and moose. They were also used for herding reindeer and pulling sleds. Unlike many modern breeds, the WSL developed largely through natural selection, with minimal human intervention, resulting in a hardy and naturally skilled hunter. Formal breed standardization began in the early 20th century in Russia. While recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the WSL is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC), although efforts are underway. The breed remains relatively rare outside of Russia.

They can be good with children they are raised with, but supervision is always recommended due to their strong prey drive and potential for rough play. Early socialization is key.

Yes, they have a double coat and shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall.

They need a significant amount of exercise, at least 1-2 hours per day, including brisk walks, runs, or other vigorous activities.

They are intelligent but can be independent and stubborn, making training challenging. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training is essential.

While they can adapt, it's not ideal. They thrive in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they have space to roam.

They can be, but early socialization is crucial. They may be dominant or territorial with other dogs, especially of the same sex.

Their average lifespan is 12-15 years.

Yes, they are known to be vocal and will bark to alert their owners to anything unusual or when they are excited.

Due to their rarity outside of Russia, finding a reputable breeder may be challenging. Contact breed-specific clubs or organizations for referrals. Be prepared for a potential waiting list.

Yes, their alert and territorial nature, combined with their tendency to bark at strangers, makes them excellent guard dogs.