# West Siberian Laika

Also known as: Zapadno-Sibirskaya Laika, WSL, Mansi Laika, Khanty Laika
- **Group:** Spitz & Primitive (FCI group 5)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Russia
- **Height:** 51–61 cm
- **Weight:** 15–23 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Intelligent, Devoted, Alert, Territorial, Independent
- **FCI standard:** No. 306

The West Siberian Laika is a versatile spitz hunting dog from the Urals and western Siberia, prized for its bark-pointing and sharp mind. It is the most widespread of the Laika breeds.

## Overview

The West Siberian Laika is a wolf-like spitz that hunts by tracking game and barking to hold it in place. It is intelligent, emotional and deeply attached to its owner.

It is first and foremost a working hunter and does not suit idle kennel life. Active owners who offer plenty of activity and company will find a loyal partner.

## History

Hunters of the Mansi and Khanty peoples kept these dogs for centuries in the Urals and western Siberia. Written standards and registration only began around 1930, and systematic breeding resumed after the Second World War.

It was one of four Laika breeds formally established from many local types. Of those, it became the most numerous and has spread far beyond its homeland.

## Appearance

A medium to fairly large spitz of near-square build, males about 56 to 61 cm and females 51 to 58 cm. The head is wedge-shaped with pricked ears, almond-shaped dark eyes and a tail curled over the back.

The thick double coat forms a ruff around the neck and face.

## Temperament

Affectionate and devoted to its family, it is often aloof with strangers and will bark to announce visitors. It is protective, territorial and may challenge unfamiliar dogs of the same sex.

It is very intelligent, reads its owner's moods, and has strong prey drive towards wild animals. It copes poorly with being shut away and may bark or dig out of boredom.

## Care and exercise

Needs plenty of daily exercise and mental work, ideally hunting, tracking or long outdoor activity. A secure fence is essential.

Brush the coat weekly and more often during heavy seasonal moults. Early socialisation helps with strangers and other dogs.

## Health

It is generally a healthy, hardy breed. Hip dysplasia can occur, so responsible breeders check joints and keep working lines active.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 5
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 4
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 5
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/west-siberian-laika
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Siberian_Laika · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39435
Photo: Unknown author (Public domain), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Siberian_Laika.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.