Russo-European Laika

The Russo-European Laika is a hunting dog from the forested regions of north-eastern Europe. It is one of several breeds developed from the laikas, the local spitz-type hunting dogs of the north.

History

The breed as it is known today dates from a breeding program begun in 1944 by E. I. Shereshevsky of the All-Union Research Institute for the Hunting Industry, in Kalinin Province, now Tver. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises it among the Nordic hunting dogs in its spitz and primitive types group, alongside two other Russian breeds, the East Siberian Laika and the West Siberian Laika.

Appearance

This is a medium-sized dog. Males stand about 54 to 60 cm (21 to 24 in) at the withers and females about 52 to 58 cm (20 to 23 in). It has prick ears and a sickle-shaped tail carried over the back. Black, gray, white, pepper and salt, dark with white patches and white with dark patches are all acceptable; red, and ticking on the legs, are not wanted.

Temperament

The Russo-European Laika is a lively dog that is happiest outdoors in wild country. It is a natural hunter that drives game up trees, typically squirrels or raccoons, and then barks to tell the hunter where it is. It is also a good duck-hunting dog. The same instinct makes it easily excited, and it may bark freely in the house.

It is very fond of people and makes a good family dog. It should not be aggressive, and it is extremely tolerant of children, though not of unfamiliar dogs or other animals. Once it has bonded with someone it becomes quite territorial and is an excellent guard dog. It is energetic and willing to please, and needs training from a young age, along with socialization and obedience work or a job to do.

Care and health

The breed needs plenty of exercise, ideally running free and hunting. Without enough to do it becomes bored and may turn destructive.

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