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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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OriginRussia flagRussia
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Russo-European Laika known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
LaikaRussko-Evropeiskaya Laika
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Russo-European Laika? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Russo-European Laika Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Russo-European Laika? Learn how big the Russo-European Laika breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Russo-European Laika weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Russo-European Laika breed.
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 Range
How much does a Russo-European Laika puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Russo-European Laika costs.
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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Russo-European Laika? Discover the Russo-European Laika's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Russo-European Laika? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Russo-European Laika as a watchdog? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Russo-European Laika protective of its territory? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Russo-European Laika have? Learn about characteristic Russo-European Laika temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Russo-European Laika bark a lot? Learn about typical Russo-European Laika vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Russo-European Laika? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Russo-European Laika breed.
The Russo-European Laika is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Russo-European Laika live in an apartment? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Russo-European Laika to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Russo-European Laika dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Russo-European Laika be left alone? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's tolerance to solitude.
Russo-European Laika dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Russo-European Laika Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Russo-European Laika biting potential? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Russo-European Laika mouthy? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Russo-European Laika bite? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Russo-European Laika Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Russo-European Laika live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Russo-European Laika breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Russo-European Laika: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Russo-European Laika handle different weather? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Russo-European Laika? Discover typical conditions affecting the Russo-European Laika breed.
Very healthy dog breed. The Russo-European Laika rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Russo-European Laika need vet visits? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's veterinary care requirements.
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.

Russo-European Laika Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Russo-European Laika? Understand daily activity needs of the Russo-European Laika breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Russo-European Laika prone to weight gain? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Russo-European Laika need daily? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's feeding requirements.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Russo-European Laika Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Russo-European Laika hypoallergenic? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Russo-European Laika come in? Discover all possible Russo-European Laika color variations.
Black White Grey Pepper SaltDark & White Patches
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Russo-European Laika need? Learn about Russo-European Laika coat maintenance requirements.
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.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Russo-European Laika drool a lot? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Russo-European Laika smell bad? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Russo-European Laika have? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's fur characteristics.
DenseThickDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Russo-European Laika need baths? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Russo-European Laika Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Russo-European Laika good with children? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's behavior around kids of different ages.
Russo-European Laika dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. This breed is not recommended for families with children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Russo-European Laika get along with other pets? Discover the Russo-European Laika's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Russo-European Laika be a service dog? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Russo-European Laika good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Russo-European Laika good at detection work? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Russo-European Laika do search and rescue? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Russo-European Laika good on boats? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Russo-European Laika pull carts? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Russo-European Laika used in military service? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's military history.

Not really

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

Russo-European Laika Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Russo-European Laika usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Russo-European Laika pregnant? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Russo-European Laika have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Russo-European Laika Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Russo-European Laika in? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Russo-European Laika in? Learn about the Russo-European Laika's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.

Russo-European Laika Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Very smart: Russo-European Laika is an excellent dog breed.
  • Health Concerns: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Russo-European Laika dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: 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
  • Allergy Friendliness: Russo-European Laika dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: 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 Compatibility: 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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