West Siberian Laika

This is a naturally treeing breed. Every puppy starts finding its own squirrels and barking under the tree at the age between 4 and 10 months. Teaching how to tree is not needed, but the puppy should be regularly taken in woods, where squirrels are.

Beautiful dog. How are they different from Karelian bear dogs? Aren't the two breeds related? Someone told me that laikas have a harder temperament with people, is that true?

What do you mean "harder"? There are four hunting breeds in Russia: the Russo-European Laika, which is identical to the Karelian Bear Dog, the West Siberian Laika and the East Siberian Laika and the Karelo-Finnihs Laika, whcih is very related to the Finnish Spitz. The hunting style of the Karelain Bear Dog is similar to the four Russian hunitng Laika breeds. One difference may be important. The hunting Laikas have been bred mainly, if not exclusively by hunters and for the hunting. The Karelian Bear dog became popular among European show fancy public and somewhat changed as a result. There are a few genetic health problems among them. All Laikas are naturally hunting treeing dogs. They have an independent character and would not make happy anyone, who likes to teach his dog different tricks and obedience. To a squirrel, raccoon, moose or a bear hunter, this is the right dog.

This is a Russo-European Laika male from Yaroslavl, Russia.

The West Siberian Laika (WSL) is slightly bigger; its coat color is wolf gray of all shades, from almost white to almost black, with reddish shade, or without it; pale red (cream), pure white and any color listed above with white spots in any proportions. WSL is less barky and has a less excitable character. Typically, it is not aggressive to humans, but it is aloof with strangers, will bark and some dogs may be protective. There are many individuals, which wag tail to anyone, but will not come up to an unfamiliar person. This may depend on how did you raise your puppy.