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Russo-European Laika Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Russo-European Laika so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank497
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Russo-European Laika dog profile picture
OriginRussia flagRussia
Other Names
What other names does the Russo-European Laika have?
LaikaRussko-Evropeiskaya Laika
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Russo-European Laika Size and Weight

Size
Is a Russo-European Laika small, medium or large dog?

How big do Russo-European Laika get?

What is the average size of a Russo-European Laika?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Russo-European Laika weigh? How much should a Russo-European Laika weight? What is the normal weight of a Russo-European Laika? How much does a full-grown Russo-European Laika weight?
Male: 15-35 pounds (7-16 kg), Female: 13-33 pounds (6-15 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Russo-European Laika?
Male: 25 pounds (11.5 kg), Female: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Russo-European Laika? Russo-European Laika height:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Russo-European Laika?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Russo-European Laika Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Russo-European Laika puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Russo-European Laika in the United States? How much money is a Russo-European Laika?

Where to buy a Russo-European Laika with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Russo-European Laika. If you have a Russo-European Laika for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Russo-European Laika gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Russo-European Laika? How many Russo-European Laika are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Russo-European Laika Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Russo-European Laika? Is the Russo-European Laika breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Russo-European Laika is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Russo-European Laika is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Russo-European Laika dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Russo-European Laika?
Russo-European Laika dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Russo-European Laika good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Russo-European Laika dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Russo-European Laika dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Russo-European Laika dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Russo-European Laika dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Russo-European Laika can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Russo-European Laika will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Russo-European Laika Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Russo-European Laika have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
StubbornIndependentAgileAlertIntelligentAffectionateTerritorialBoldCheerfulResourceful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Russo-European Laika sensitivity:
Russo-European Laika dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Russo-European Laika a good family dog?
Average to High: Russo-European Laika dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Laika need? Russo-European Laika social needs:
Russo-European Laika dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Russo-European Laika to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Russo-European Laika roam?
Russo-European Laika dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Russo-European Laika have high prey drive?
Russo-European Laika dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Russo-European Laika dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Russo-European Laika Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Russo-European Laika is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Russo-European Laika dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Laika bark?
A lot: Russo-European Laika is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Russo-European Laika good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Russo-European Laika in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Russo-European Laika breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Russo-European Laika indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Russo-European Laika Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Russo-European Laika dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Russo-European Laika be left alone? How long can you leave a Russo-European Laika alone?
Russo-European Laika dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Russo-European Laika Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Russo-European Laika has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Russo-European Laika? How much bite force does a Russo-European Laika have? How strong is a Russo-European Laika bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Russo-European Laika bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Russo-European Laika measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Russo-European Laika is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Russo-European Laika bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Russo-European Laika bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Russo-European Laika puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Russo-European Laika, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Russo-European Laika bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Russo-European Laika can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Russo-European Laika bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Laika? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Russo-European Laika? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Russo-European Laika has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Russo-European Laika do?
Russo-European Laika dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Russo-European Laika dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Russo-European Laika Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Russo-European Laika dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Russo-European Laika rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Russo-European Laika breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Russo-European Laika see the vet?
Rare
The Russo-European Laika should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Russo-European Laika dogs live? How old can a Russo-European Laika be? What is the age limit of the Russo-European Laika? How many years can the oldest Russo-European Laika live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Russo-European Laika?

How long is the lifespan of a Russo-European Laika?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Russo-European Laika: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Russo-European Laika can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Russo-European Laika Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Russo-European Laika have? What is the activity level of the Russo-European Laika?
Russo-European Laika dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Russo-European Laika need? How much exercise do Russo-European Laika dogs require per day?

Do Russo-European Laika dogs need a lot of exercises?

Russo-European Laika dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Russo-European Laika breed need?
Russo-European Laika dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Russo-European Laika Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Russo-European Laika need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Russo-European Laika breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Russo-European Laika? How much food should I feed my Russo-European Laika?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Russo-European Laika risk for obesity:
Average: The Russo-European Laika has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Russo-European Laika weight regularly.

Russo-European Laika Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Russo-European Laika have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseThickDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Russo-European Laika coats?
Black White Grey Pepper SaltDark & White Patches
Grooming
How to groom the Russo-European Laika and how often? How often should I take my Russo-European Laika to the groomer?
Average: The Russo-European Laika requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Russo-European Laika, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Russo-European Laika dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Laika? Do Russo-European Laika dogs shed a lot?
Russo-European Laika dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Russo-European Laika need a bath? How often should you give a Russo-European Laika a bath? Can I bathe my Russo-European Laika every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Russo-European Laika breed hypoallergenic?
No
Russo-European Laika dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Russo-European Laika has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Russo-European Laika drool?
The Russo-European Laika is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Russo-European Laika Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Russo-European Laika dogs get along with other pets? Are Russo-European Laika dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Russo-European Laika dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Russo-European Laika temperament with other people:
Russo-European Laika dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Russo-European Laika dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Russo-European Laika temperament with children:
Russo-European Laika dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. This breed is not recommended for families with children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Russo-European Laika dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Russo-European Laika breed live with a cat?
Russo-European Laika dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Russo-European Laika good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Russo-European Laika dogs get along with other dogs?
Russo-European Laika dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Russo-European Laika is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Russo-European Laika breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Russo-European Laika breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Russo-European Laika dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Russo-European Laika dogs good office canines? Do Russo-European Laika dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Russo-European Laika is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Russo-European Laika dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Laika temperament with senior people? Are Russo-European Laika dogs good for elderly owners?
Russo-European Laikas are not recommended for elderly people.

Russo-European Laika As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Russo-European Laika is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Russo-European Laika be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Russo-European Laika is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Russo-European Laika is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Russo-European Laika is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a boat dog?

Not really

Russo-European Laika breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Russo-European Laika be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Russo-European Laika is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Russo-European Laika dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Russo-European Laika Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Russo-European Laika pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Russo-European Laika breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Russo-European Laika: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Russo-European Laika have in a litter? How many puppies can the Russo-European Laika breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Russo-European Laika have? How many puppies can a Russo-European Laika give birth to?
3-6 puppies

Russo-European Laika Recognition

AKC Group
Is Russo-European Laika recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Russo-European Laika recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.

Russo-European Laika Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Russo-European Laika is an excellent dog breed.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Russo-European Laika dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Russo-European Laika dogs handle alone time quite well.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Russo-European Laika dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Russo-European Laika dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Russo-European Laika breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Russo-European Laika dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Child Friendly: Russo-European Laika dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Russo-European Laika dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Russo-European Laika dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Russo-European Laika is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Russo-European Laikas are not recommended for elderly people.

Russo-European Laika History

The Russo-European Laika (Russko-Evropeĭskaya Láĭka) is a hunting breed developed in the mountains of Finland and the northern regions of Russia in the 1900s. The breed is one of the several breeds created from landrace Laika dogs of Spitz type from a breeding program that began in 1944 by E.I. Shereshevsky of the All-Union Research Institute for the Hunting Industry, in Kalinin Province. Early Laikas were not well-suited to the agricultural lifestyle and the uncontrolled breeding led to problems with the native population. Although, for more than 10,000 years, the ancestors of the Russo-European Laika, who are considered to closely resemble the modern-day Laika dog, have been existing in Europe. It is often believed that these are the dogs most closely related to the wild wolf and indeed the DNAs are showing remarkable resemblance to confirm this theory.

The Russo-European Laika was initially developed and traditionally used to hunt squirrels, yet they can also be used for hunting a variety of large and small game, including rabbits, bears, and raccoons. Because of the modernization of the agricultural industry, and the change in people’s preferences, the main hunting purpose of the Russo-European Laika had become less necessary. The breed fell out of the spotlight in recent years and there was an influx of new working breeds, such as sighthounds and shepherding dogs, that were more suited to the farmers’ demands. The Russo-European Laika would commonly mate with these new breeds, rendering the breed ‘impure’ and jeopardizing their existence.

By the 1930s, it was relatively rare to find a purebred Russo-European Laika. Local hunters were aware of the dogs’ fragile situation and made conscious decisions and efforts in order to prevent the breed from extinction and to re-establish the purebred Russo-European Laika. By the early 1930s, few specimens remained which prompted the development of the breeding program by the All-Union Research Institute for the Hunting Industry in Kalinin, Russia. The few remaining dogs were bred with other similar Laika breeds, adding genetic variety, thus improving the general health of the Russo-European Laika. While the breeding program was off to a great start and success, the population suffered a second blow during the Second World War. Starving survivors were forced to consume their pets to stay alive. Once again, the remaining Russo-European Laika dogs were cross-bred with other local dogs in a bid to ensure their survival. At this time, the modern black and white coat gained more attention and became the more popular option, rather than the historic red or grey coat. Not only was appearance important, but breeders would ensure that animals were field-tested before mating in order to guarantee that they were talented, adequate hunters.

The most successful breeding program is considered to have been officially set up in 1944 by Mr. Shereshevsky. Thanks to these breeding efforts, today the Russo-European Laika is recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in 1980, and the breed is also has been recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club) in 1996. Yet it is not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

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