At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, harsh and straight
A lean, wolf-like spitz with a hard, straight outer coat over thick soft underwool. The hair lengthens into a ruff around the neck and cheeks, and tufts grow between the toes for snow and rough ground.132
Personality what they are like
A balanced, confident hunting dog with a strong nose and a real passion for work. It is loving and loyal at home, watchful with strangers, and quick to learn.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. It needs plenty of exercise and something to think about, such as hunting, long hikes or scent work; it does not thrive shut away in a kennel.2
Company who they like around
Forms a close bond with its owner and family and likes to be part of daily life.23
The story where it all began
The breed grew out of the hunting dogs kept by Khanty and Mansi people in the Urals and western Siberia. Russian enthusiasts began standardising Laika types in the 1930s and 1940s, and a standard for this breed followed in 1952. It is now the most widespread hunting breed in Russia.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It finds game and then barks to hold it in place until the hunter arrives.3
- 2
In Karuizawa, Japan, trained Laikas helped cut bear incidents from 255 in 2006 to four in 2017.2
- 3
It is the most common Laika breed and the most widespread hunting breed in Russia.1
- 4
Females usually come into season only once a year, like many primitive breeds.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 306, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic hunting dogs; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
- UKC
- Northern Breed Group; recognised 1 January 1996.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a West Siberian Laika. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 306 West Siberian Laika fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: West Siberian Laika en.wikipedia.orgused for history, care needs, fun facts (secondary)
- UKC: West Siberian Laika ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, hunting style
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.