Russo-european Laika Dog Breed

The Russo-European Laika is for specific people. They are definitely not for first-time dog owners, homes with other non-canine pets or apartments. They are also not recommended for people with merely moderate dog experience or homes with other dog breeds. These are hunting dogs whose strength, versatility and fearlessness make them very challenging dogs to live with. They are primarily hunters, but they can perform a great number of roles, among them herding, watch/guard dogs, and protection.

Here are a few things you should know about Russo-European Laikas:

PROS

• Very strong
• Resourceful
• Highly agile
• Amazingly sharp
• Very protective
• Top-notch hunter
• Remarkably versatile
• Wonderful family companion
• Works well with other Laikas
• Extremely devoted to the master
• Bonds closely with the first trainer
• Can hunt and kill bears, boars, and other large game
• Highly tolerant of children they've been socialized with

CONS

• Stubborn
• Difficult to train
• Very aloof toward strangers
• Tends to attack non-canine animals
• May not hesitate to dominate other dogs
• Requires lots of outdoor space to run and hunt freely
• If given to a new owner after 8 months, may be difficult
• Absolutely must be socialized no later than four weeks old

The Russo-European Laika is one of several breeds native to Northern Russia that originated from the Spitz-type Laika landrace dog (adapted to changes in its environment rater than by formal breeding). The breed, said to be a descendant of the now-extinct Karelian Bear Laika, weighs in at 40-50 pounds and stands 19-24 inches at the shoulder. As many breed's populations were dropping drastically as a result of the World Wars, in 1944 E.I. Shereshevsky with the help of the All-Union Research Institute for the Hunting Industry began reviving the breed as a working and hunting dog.

Training- Although they need little training to perform their natural hunting, pulling and watchdog duties, training them in basic commands and obedience may take more than a little effort. They are smart but need a master (alpha) that can firmly and consistently train them from puppyhood. This is the person to whom they will be most loyal. Socialization is especially important if you have other dogs and additional training may be necessary to curb excess barking.

Kids, Strangers, Pets- This breed is notoriously playful and tolerant of children and makes an excellent family watchdog. They will likely be reserved, suspicious and watchful around strangers and may be aggressive if not properly socialized. A natural hunter, they don't typically do well in homes with small, non canine pets but can do well with other dogs if socialized with them as early as possible.

Exercise- These dogs are not for apartment dwellers or even city dwellers, really. A large property (or at least a fenced yard) is ideal. They are natural hunting companions for both big and small game. At least an hour of daily outdoor activity is needed for this breed.

Russo-European Laikas are very healthy dogs that live 10-12 years, on average. They are not superdogs, however, and are susceptible to a few issues such as umbilical hernias and monorchism (one testicle). Keeping them in shape with a job to do and frequent exercise is the best way to keep them healthy, along with not skipping any scheduled veterinary visits.