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West Siberian Laika Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about West Siberian Laika so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank202
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West Siberian Laika dog profile picture
OriginRussia flagRussia
Other Names
What other names does the West Siberian Laika have?
Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

West Siberian Laika Size and Weight

Size
Is a West Siberian Laika small, medium or large dog?

How big do West Siberian Laika get?

What is the average size of a West Siberian Laika?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the West Siberian Laika weigh? How much should a West Siberian Laika weight? What is the normal weight of a West Siberian Laika? How much does a full-grown West Siberian Laika weight?
Male: 35-50 pounds (16-23 kg), Female: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a West Siberian Laika?
Male: 42.5 pounds (19.5 kg), Female: 37.5 pounds (17 kg)
Height
How tall is the West Siberian Laika? West Siberian Laika height:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a West Siberian Laika?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

West Siberian Laika Price and Availability

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

Where to buy a West Siberian Laika with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the West Siberian Laika, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a West Siberian Laika for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the West Siberian Laika gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a West Siberian Laika? How many West Siberian Laika are there in the world?
Average: The West Siberian Laika is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

West Siberian Laika Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the West Siberian Laika? Is the West Siberian Laika breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The West Siberian Laika ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

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

West Siberian Laika Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the West Siberian Laika have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ProtectiveTerritorialLivelyAggressiveBalanced
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? West Siberian Laika sensitivity:
Sensitive: West Siberian Laika dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a West Siberian Laika a good family dog?
High: West Siberian Laika dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika need? West Siberian Laika social needs:
West Siberian Laika dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the West Siberian Laika to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does West Siberian Laika roam?
West Siberian Laika dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does West Siberian Laika have high prey drive?
West Siberian Laika dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

West Siberian Laika Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: West Siberian Laikas, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do West Siberian Laika dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika bark?
Low to Average: The West Siberian Laika rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is West Siberian Laika good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a West Siberian Laika in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the West Siberian Laika breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the West Siberian Laika indoors by introducing daily routines.

West Siberian Laika Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
West Siberian Laika dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a West Siberian Laika be left alone? How long can you leave a West Siberian Laika alone?
West Siberian Laika dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

West Siberian Laika Bite Characteristics

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

West Siberian Laika bite force: Ordinary. Bite force West Siberian Laika measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a West Siberian Laika is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This West Siberian Laika bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika puppy not to bite from an early age.

The West Siberian 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 West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

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

Low 🔽

The West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika do?
West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

West Siberian Laika Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do West Siberian Laika dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
West Siberian Laikas tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the West Siberian Laika breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the West Siberian Laika see the vet?
Frequent
The West Siberian Laika should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do West Siberian Laika dogs live? How old can a West Siberian Laika be? What is the age limit of the West Siberian Laika? How many years can the oldest West Siberian Laika live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a West Siberian Laika?

How long is the lifespan of a West Siberian Laika?

14-16 years
The average lifespan of West Siberian Laika: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The West Siberian Laika can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

West Siberian Laika Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the West Siberian Laika have? What is the activity level of the West Siberian Laika?
West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika need? How much exercise do West Siberian Laika dogs require per day?

Do West Siberian Laika dogs need a lot of exercises?

West Siberian Laika dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the West Siberian Laika breed need?
West Siberian Laika dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

West Siberian Laika Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a West Siberian Laika need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a West Siberian Laika breed eat per day? What is good dog food for West Siberian Laika? How much food should I feed my West Siberian Laika?
1.5 to 2.5 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? West Siberian Laika risk for obesity:
Average: The West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika weight regularly.

West Siberian Laika Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the West Siberian Laika have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Soft
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper West Siberian Laika coats?
BlackGray White SablePepper Salt
Grooming
How to groom the West Siberian Laika and how often? How often should I take my West Siberian Laika to the groomer?
Average: The West Siberian 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 West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika? Do West Siberian Laika dogs shed a lot?
West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika need a bath? How often should you give a West Siberian Laika a bath? Can I bathe my West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika breed hypoallergenic?
No
West Siberian 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 West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika drool?
The West Siberian 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.

West Siberian Laika Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do West Siberian Laika dogs get along with other pets? Are West Siberian Laika dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
West Siberian Laika dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? West Siberian Laika temperament with other people:
West Siberian Laika dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are West Siberian Laika dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? West Siberian Laika temperament with children:
West Siberian Laika dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika breed live with a cat?
West Siberian Laika dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is West Siberian Laika good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do West Siberian Laika dogs get along with other dogs?
West Siberian Laika dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is West Siberian Laika breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is West Siberian Laika breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
West Siberian Laika dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are West Siberian Laika dogs good office canines? Do West Siberian Laika dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
West Siberian Laika is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do West Siberian Laika dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika temperament with senior people? Are West Siberian Laika dogs good for elderly owners?
West Siberian Laikas are usually recommended for elderly people.

West Siberian Laika As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can West Siberian 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).

West Siberian Laika is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can West Siberian Laika be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a West Siberian 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.

West Siberian Laika is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can West Siberian 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.

West Siberian Laika is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can West Siberian Laika be a boat dog?

Not really

West Siberian 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 West Siberian 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.

West Siberian Laika is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where West Siberian Laika dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

West Siberian Laika Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a West Siberian Laika pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the West Siberian Laika breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female West Siberian 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 West Siberian Laika have in a litter? How many puppies can the West Siberian Laika breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a West Siberian Laika have? How many puppies can a West Siberian Laika give birth to?
6-10 puppies

West Siberian Laika Recognition

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

West Siberian Laika Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: West Siberian Laika dogs are easy to train.
  • Watchdog Ability: West Siberian Laika dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: West Siberian Laika dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: West Siberian Laika dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: West Siberian Laikas are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: West Siberian Laika dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: West Siberian Laikas tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: West Siberian Laika dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the West Siberian Laika breed in the home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: West Siberian Laika dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: West Siberian Laika is not the best dog breed for office environment.

West Siberian Laika History

The West Siberian Laika has hunted with mankind going back to pre-history records. It is an aboriginal primitive hunting breed that shares many characteristics to its ancestor the wolf, however, being in the hands of mankind for countless generations it is a domestic breed of dog. There are four different types of Laikas, they are the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Russo-European Laika, the East Serbian Laika, and the West Siberian Laika.

Moreover, the West Siberian Laika was a part of the Hanty and Mansi cultures with the Ural Mountain and West Siberia regions of Russia. The breed is not the same Siberian dog that was used for pulling sleds. The West Siberian Laika was used as a large and small game hunter in the region below the tree-free tundra zone where the Northern Boreal Forest starts, and in the forested areas of the Ural mountains. The breed is a courageous highly versatile and intelligent working dog but can specialize in one type of game only. This specialization is the main reason that this breed has survived and remains one of the most popular hunting dogs in Russia to this day. In 19th century Russia, it was important for a hunting dog to have the ability to be trained to focus on the game with the most valuable fur. The money derived from the pelt of a single silver-black sable could support a family of four for a year. The breed was instrumental in the sable fur industry. However, when the sable nearly became extinct, the hunting of them ceased and the popularity of the breed sharply declined. In the early 1900s efforts were used to save the Laika and a more developed standard was incorporated around the 1930s. The First West Siberian Laika to be imported into the United States was by Dr. Vladimir Beregovoy who was an immigrant from Russia and a breed enthusiast. Many speculate that without Dr. Beregovoy’s influence, this breed may never have come to North America. He imported a female Shelma and a male named Alex which produced the first West Siberian Laika litters in the USA.

There have been about 21 Laikas imported into the USA from 1992 to 2014. He initially registered them with the Federation of International Canines (FCI), then finally with the United Kennel Club in 1996. Mr. Beregovoy reported that at present the total number of Laikas in the USA and Canada is about 100 dogs and the majority of them belong to hunters in Northern America, Alaska, and Canada.

Rate The West Siberian Laika Breed

West Siberian Laika Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Baxter

    May 29, 2021, 9:52:32 PM:

    We adopted a WSL thinking he was part collie since that is what the shelter told us. He did take a lot of training and NOT a dog for a beginner as they require a confident dog owner. He was turned out to be such a great dog, so much fun.