Siberian Laika

West Siberian Laika
COUNTRY: Russia
WEIGHT: 40-50 pounds
HEIGHT:
Males: 19 -20 inches
Females: 18 -19 inches
COAT: Short, stand-off
COLOR: Solid or piebald in white, gray, tan, red or black
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern

Temperament

Originally, West Siberian Laikas were pro dogs for pro hunters. They can work as versatility dogs, but their strength is in their ability to specialize on one type of game only. Professional hunters want their dog to be focused on the game with the most valuable fur. Laikas working on sable and pine marten were, and still are, the most valuable. Such selection is fully understandable. In the nineteenth century the money from one silver-black sable pelt supported a family of four for a year. Because of this, the dogs that worked on every kind of game were killed or kept out of breeding. West Siberians are the last breed of hunting Laikas that still preserve this pro ability in their genes. This is what really differentiates them from other Hunting Laikas and makes them so unique. They are capable of specializing on one game only and master hunting it to perfection.Today, careful training is paramount for a WSL to perform at its best. Depending on how it is trained, a West Siberian Laika can hunt squirrels, pine marten, or sable; or big game such as moose, bear, or wild boar. Some hunters prefer training their West Siberians for birds, such as Capercaillies, pheasants, or waterfowl. Properly raised and trained West Siberians make a tight bond with their masters and never loose contact with them in the forest or in the field. It is like a Symbiotic team created for successful hunting. West Siberians are poor guardians at home or for domestic stock. On the other hand during hunting big and dangerous game they are capable of protecting their human partners to the bitter end.Hot climate is a problem for West Siberians imported directly from North Eurasia. When a litter is born in the USA, the chances for adapting to local temperatures, even in Florida, are better.


East Siberian Laika
Country: Russia
Height:
Male 55-66 cm;
female 51-60 cm
WEIGHT: 40-50 pounds
Coat: Black and tan, with light patches (called karamis), grizzle, patched, ticked, white, grey, black, red and brown of all shades

Temperament
Highly aggressive towards large predators, they are calm and well-tempered with people, although they can be good watchdogs and if encouraged will be protective against human intruders. Generally they seem to be good companion dogs.

Russian Hound

COUNTRY: USSR
HEIGHT: 22-27 inches
COAT: Moderately short, very dense
COLOR: Yellow/red; may or may not have a black saddle and/or small white markings
OTHER NAMES: Kostroma Hound, Russian
Drab Yellow Hound, Gontchaja Russkaja
GROUP: Hound

Scent hounds have been used in Russia as far back as any European country, probably before the Middle Ages. In fact, the Russians feel that their indigenous Russian Hound was crossed with the laikas many years ago to obtain the smaller ears, oblique eyes, thick grayish undercoat and more wedge-shaped head. By the early 16th century, writings confirmed the presence of fine hounds with "loud and melodious baying" that were used for hunting hare.

Although the Russian Hound has changed gradually over its long history through the introduction of European hounds and selective breeding, it maintains many of its earlier qualities. It is the hound most suited to the Russian hunt, as well as the country's climate, and hunting with hounds is the Russian national sport.

In the early 20th century, the Russian Hound had many minor regional differences based on its locale or breeder, and was often named for these places or people. The first Soviet Cyno-logical Congress adopted a standard for the breed in 1925, based on the dogs bred in the Kostroma region. Soon regional distinctions were obliterated, and today the Russian Hound is one of the most populous breeds in the country, with many thousands registered. These dogs are slightly longer than tall and thick set, with a quiet, even temperament.

Although at one time hunted in packs, modern dogs are usually hunted singly. They are hounds with a keen nose and particularly great persistence and endurance in pursuing game (mainly hare, but occasionally fox). Their voices are rich and melodious and must carry across vast distances. Soviet hunters say they can recognize individual dogs from afar by their distinctive sound, either bass, baritone, tenor, alto or a high-pitched treble. As the Russian dog researcher Dmitri Dimov describes, the hound's voice is the symbol of the hunt, "singing to the glory of the joyous hunt in the autumn Russian forest. In these moments, a true hunter forgets about his gun. Tears come to his eyes, and emotions take his soul. . . . For such moments, do the true fanciers keep their hounds."

Russian Spaniel

COUNTRY: USSR
HEIGHT: 15-17 inches
COAT: Silky, with fringing ears, belly and back of legs
COLOR: Variety of colors allowed
GROUP: Gun Dog

Following WWII, urban Russian hunters sought a small hunting companion. To fill this demand, they created the Russian Spaniel, using a variety of European spaniel breeds. Their invention was recognized by Soviet dog authorities in 1951. In the 1970s, a few were exported to East Germany, where a following has ensued.

This dog is not well suited to areas poor in game or very dense or harsh conditions. He is small and can become exhausted. But, in areas with plentiful game, he has plenty of verve and ability to search, flush and retrieve feathered or small furred game. Although regions rich in waterfowl are dwindling in the USSR today, the Russian Spaniel can make a good duck dog as well. Hunters use his abilities in hunting quail, corncrake and sandpiper or in flushing hare and wild goats from the forests. This spaniel is also talented in trailing wounded game, often successfully following a track as old as 36 hours. When the dead game is found, he either bays or brings back the bringsel strap, indicating that he can lead the handler to game too large to retrieve.


His handsome appearance and agreeable nature make him a good companion, and most are kept at home. In general appearance, he is reminiscent of a robust and leggy Springer Spaniel. Easy to train, he is devoted to his master, never letting him out of sight. The Russian Spaniel is also amiable with children and serves as an alarm dog when the need arises.