Live Life Team
While the West Siberian Laika was officially recognized as a dog breed in Russia in 1947, they are descended from a very old dog breed. They originate from the Laika pure bred that spent its time in Russia. These dogs lived with the indigenous people in Russian areas such as West Siberia and the Northern Ural Mountains. Eventually, with the start of Communism, traditional Laika dogs became an endangered breed. Though some breeders tried to save the breed, they failed and pure bred Laikas went extinct. There were hybrid dogs carrying the Laika name that survived, however. These are the Hanti Laikas and the Mansi Laikas. Through more mating, they eventually were melded together into the current West Siberian Laika breed.
The West Siberian Laika makes a good hunting partner. They are treeing dogs, which mean they specialize in hunting animals that spend most of their time in trees, such as squirrels. They are also good at fighting raccoons and other like-sized animals. They can even hunt big gain and aren’t afraid to get into a fight. Since West Siberian Laika dogs are so loyal and loving to their master, they don’t stray far from the hunter while out in the field. At home, they make a fairly good pet, although West Siberian Laikas can’t be left with other dogs because they can become aggressive and will fight with them.
West Siberian Laika dogs are considered large compared to other breeds. They have an average height between 52 and 60 centimetres.
