Russian-european laika

Overall description of the breed

The Russo-European Laika, much like its Laika counterparts, originates from Russia, primarily from the Northwest of the country. It is the result of a crossbreeding between several distinct breeds, including the Cheremis and Zyrianskiy Laikas. In 1947, Russia launched an extensive program for the reconstruction of Laikas.

The Russian government made the decision to preserve all variations of this breed, including the West Siberian Laika, East Siberian Laika, and Karelo-Finnish Laika. For the Russo-European Laika, all related breeds from the European region, such as the Karelian Laika, Komi Laika, Zyria Laika, Votyak Laika, and Archangelsk Laika, were crossed to create a single breed.

The International Cynological Federation definitively recognized the Russo-European Laika on June 3, 1980, followed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the United States in 1996, thanks to the efforts of Vladimir Beregovoy. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) expressed some reservations, and to this day, the Russo-European Laika has not yet been recognized by these two major global organizations. Its presence is limited, even in Russia, and it is virtually nonexistent in Western Europe.

The Russo-European Laika is a medium to large-sized dog with a robust and dry build, as well as a body structure that is both heavy and sleek. It is muscular, powerful, and enduring, capable of withstanding prolonged efforts in challenging weather conditions. Designed to cover long distances, it is a high-level athlete. Its silhouette is slightly elongated compared to its height, forming a rectangle.

It has broad shoulders, a wide and deep chest, resting on a solid bone structure while remaining agile. Its back is straight, with a well-marked withers compared to its close relatives. Its neck is dense and somewhat long, with a triangular head that is proportionate to the rest of its body. Its muzzle tapers to a point, slightly shorter than the skull, with a pronounced stop. Its ears are straight, erect on the top of the head in a V shape, with pointed tips. Its tail is sickle-shaped, falling either at the level of the kidneys or on the top of the thigh.

Its dense coat is composed of coarse hairs associated with a tight, soft, and abundant undercoat, providing excellent protection against the freezing Russian temperatures. Colors allowed by the breed standard are solid white or black, white with black markings, or black with white markings.

Like many Nordic dogs, the Russko Evropeïskaïa Laika is independent and requires an owner who can understand its needs and anticipate its behaviors. It is a pleasant family companion, close to its owner, even somewhat exclusive. It is not well-suited for urban living, preferring vast wilderness areas. Active and always alert, it needs to expend its energy regularly to avoid behavioral issues such as anxiety, destruction, or aggression towards humans or other dogs.

Intelligent and instinctive, it excels in hunting due to its sharp sense of smell, but strict positive reinforcement training is necessary to control its primitive instincts and sometimes stubborn nature. Socialization should begin early to facilitate harmonious coexistence with other dogs and animals.

The Russo-European Laika tends to form a strong bond with a particular person and takes time to establish lasting trust and overcome its cautious temperament. Once this bond is formed, it reveals itself as affectionate and functional, becoming a unique partner with its owner.

In terms of size, it weighs between 20 and 30 kg (44 to 66 lbs) and measures approximately 52 to 58 cm (20.5 to 23 inches) at the withers for males and 50 to 56 cm (20 to 22 inches) for females.